United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1979
Amends part B (Professional Standards Review) of title XI of the Social Security Act to mandate participation of nurses, dentists, psychologists and other health care practitioners in the professionals standards review process. Establishes an advisory committee to the National Professional Standards Review Council.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1979
GI Bill Amendments Act of 1979 - Title I: GI Bill Program Adjustments - Amends the Veterans Readjustment Benefits Act of 1966 to require an eligible veteran seeking to extend the delimiting date for educational assistance because of a physical or mental disability (such extension was authorized by the GI Bill Improvement Act of 1977) to apply within one year of: (1) the removal of the disability; (2) the last date of the delimiting period; or (3) the date of enactment, whichever is later. Authorizes a two-year extension of the current ten-year delimiting period for educational assistance to allow eligible Vietnam-era veterans to pursue: (1) approved on-job training; or (2) vocational-technical or high school courses (provided that the veteran has not received a secondary school diploma and participates in counseling required by this Act). Authorizes the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to disapprove an application for educational benefits under this Act on the basis of the current general enrollment provisions relating to veterans' educational benefits administration. Revises the current test for approval of vocational courses for eligible veterans (which requires a showing that at least 50 percent of the persons completing the course over the preceding two years obtained employment in the course-related area) to: (1) include within such 50 percent persons discontinuing the course; (2) stipulate that the resultant employment must be the major source of income; and (3) exempt from the requirement any institution which has enrolled not more than 35 percent eligible veterans and has met such requirement for two consecutive reporting periods. Eliminates as a condition required for approval of the enrollment of a veteran in a course pursued by television or radio, that the major portion of the course requires conventional classroom or laboratory attendance. Revises the provision which prohibits approval of certain courses for eligible veterans upon a finding that more than 85 percent of the enrollees in the course are receiving assistance from the institution, the Veterans Administration (VA), or any Federal agency, to eliminate as a factor for such finding assistance from any Federal agency. Eliminates the current statutory standard for determining the unsatisfactory progress of a veteran receiving educational assistance. Permits receipt of educational benefits by veterans attending foreign institutions under certain circumstances. Adds as an exception to the current prohibition against "already qualified" veterans enrolling in educational programs, continuing education or training required by Federal, State, or local law to attain relicensure or retain employment in a particular profession or vocation. Sets forth the method of computing the educational assistance allowance of a veteran: (1) pursuing a course in part by open circuit television; and (2) who is incarcerated in a Federal, State, or local prison or jail. Title II: Survivors' and Dependents' Program Adjustments - Applies to the educational assistance program for survivors and dependents certain revisions provided for in title I of this Act with respect to veterans, including: (1) the procedure for extending the delimiting date for assistance because of a physical or mental disability; (2) the applicability of the general enrollment provisions to the survivors' and dependents' program; (3) the test for approval of vocational courses; (4) the requirements with respect to courses pursued by television or radio; (5) receipt of assistance at foreign institutions; (6) the statutory standard for determining unsatisfactory progress; and (7) the methods of computing certain allowances. Allows educational assistance to be paid to an "eligible person," instead of the "parent or guardian" of each eligible person, as currently provided. Stipulates that the educational assistance allowance shall be paid to survivors and dependents as provided with respect to veterans. Title III: Administrative Adjustments - Stipulates that educational assistance shall be paid only for the actual period of pursuit of a subject (instead of the period of enrollment as currently provided). Requires educational institutions to report facts which they know or should know which indicate that the course or institution does not meet any of the requirements of the educational assistance program. Provides that the amount of an overpayment to an eligible person or veteran shall constitute a liability of such individual. Revises the full-time measurement standard with respect to institutional undergraduate courses. Limits the current provision which reduces the number of clock hours of attendance required for payment of benefits for certain courses to courses accredited by nationally recognized accrediting agencies. Includes in the limitations on periods of educational assistance under two or more VA programs the post-Vietnam veterans' educational assistance program. Title IV: Repeal of Authority for Pursuit of Flight and Correspondence Training - Repeals provisions authorizing pursuit of flight training by veterans and pursuit of correspondence training by veterans and spouses. Title V: Repeal of Authority to Pursue Predischarge Education Training (PREP) Under Chapter 32 - Terminates the Predischarge Education Program (PREP), which provides educational assistance to service persons prior to their discharge or release from active duty with the Armed Forces. Title VI: Miscellaneous - Revises the provision specifying the circumstances under which claims for VA benefits are forfeited by a veteran who perpetrates a fraud under VA laws, to subject to the general forfeiture provision veterans who fraudulently obtain educational assistance benefits, even though they reside in the United States (such veterans currently are excepted from such provision). Title VII: Technical Amendments-Effective Date - Makes technical corrections and specifies the effective date of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1979
Regional Development Act of 1979 - Title I: Appalachian Regional Development Act Amendments of 1979 - Amends the Appalachian Regional Development Act of 1965 to include the provision of services and investments to people, emerging small cities, and remote areas in the Appalachian region within the purposes of such Act. Authorizes appropriations through September 30, 1983, for the administrative expenses of the Appalachian Regional Commission. Authorizes the Office of Personnel Management to offer retirement and other employee benefit programs to Commission employees, not otherwise covered. Authorizes the Commission to lease office space through September 30, 1983. Removes the limitation on coverage of the Commission's employees under Federal employee benefit programs which restricts eligibility to those employees who were previously employed by the Federal Government. Authorizes appropriations for the Appalachian development highway system through fiscal year 1986. Extends the total mileage authorized to be constructed for such system. Increases the Federal share that will be paid to States constructing a segment of such system beginning March 30, 1979. Authorizes the Commission to make grants to States for demonstration health projects in remote areas and areas impacted by energy development. Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to make grants of up to 25 percent for housing project site development costs, including land acquisition. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to acquire land pursuant to the Powerplant and Industrial Fuel Use Act for such housing projects. Directs the Commission to demonstrate programs to attract large scale housing developers to the central Appalachian region. Authorizes the Commission to make grants for: (1) business related technical assistance; (2) revolving funds for business, agricultural, and forestry enterprise development loans; (3) projects for the acquisition or rehabilitation of railroad property provided specified levels of non-Federal funding are maintained; and (4) energy related development projects. Extends the authority of the President to provide supplements to grant-in-aid programs authorized through fiscal year 1984. Extends the authorization of appropriations for the Appalachian Regional Development Act of 1965 through fiscal year 1983. Repeals the terminating date of such Act. Title II: Regional Commission Act of 1979 - Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to recognize development regions within the United States upon the written request of the Governors of the States in which such region will be wholly or partially located if the Secretary finds that there are common cultural, economic, geographic, natural resource, and social relationships among the areas within such region. Expresses the intention of the Congress that: (1) every area of the nation be included in a development region; and (2) every region consist of one or more States with the exception of Alaska. Directs the States to establish development commissions for such regions. Directs that such commissions: (1) prepare a multiyear development plan for their respective regions; (2) coordinate and establish priorities for Federal, regional, State, private and local investments; and (3) advise Federal agencies on their programs in the region. Provides for a Presidentially appointed Federal Cochairman for each regional commission to be responsible for the coordination and cooperation between the regional commission and Federal agencies. Requires each regional commission to employ an executive director as its chief administrative officer. Sets forth requirements to be met by the regional commissions when applying for Federal grants. Authorizes the Secretary to provide technical assistance and incentive grants to the regional commissions. Authorizes the regional commissions to provide financial assistance to development projects including, but not limited to, the following: (1) transportation; (2) energy conservation and development; (3) agriculture; (4) business and industrial development; (5) forestry; and (6) vocational, educational and training programs. Directs the regional commissions to transfer funds to Federal agencies whenever possible to finance development projects. Authorizes the regional commissions to make direct grants and to increase the Federal share in matching grant programs to finance such projects. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to coordinate and provide Federal policy guidance to the Federal Cochairman. Establishes the Regional Development Council, composed of the Federal Cochairmen, to serve as the mechanism for consultation about policy and administrative improvements. Establishes an Office of Regional Development in the Department of Commerce to provide support and minimum standards to the regional commissions. Provides for insurance and the bonding of designated employees of the regional commissions. Requires each regional commission to keep records showing the amount and disposition of appropriated funds. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the purposes of this Act (other than Title I) through fiscal year 1983. Establishes a basis for the apportionment of appropriations among the commissions and eligible projects. Title III: Regional Growth Policy Process Act - Directs the President to establish an interagency committee or utilize an existing committee, composed of a senior White House official as chairman and senior department and agency officials to coordinate and support the policies of the regional development commissions. Authorizes the regional commissions to require State members to prepare and submit development plans for their States in the region. Directs local planning be carried out by local development districts. Defines such district as the group of nonprofit entities certified to each regional development commission by the Governors of the States in which they are located. Requires each regional commission to prepare a multiyear development plan and an annual investment strategy for its region, including specified elements. Requires the Federal Cochairman and the Secretary of Commerce to review such plans or strategies to assure consistency with national policies and trends. Requires development plans to be based on the goals, priorities, and recommendations of the local development districts. Requires the regional commissions to submit to the Congress: (1) an annual report on their past and proposed activities; and (2) a biennial report consisting of economic and social data for their region. Directs the President to review the regional commissions within two and one half years and report the results of such review to the Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1979
Amends the Water Resources Planning Act of 1965 to establish a program of financial and program assistance to the States and to federally recognized Indian tribes for the development, implementation, and modification of State water management programs and the establishment and implementation of water conservation technical assistance programs. Authorizes appropriations to the Water Resources Council in the amount of $50,000,000 annually. Provides restrictions on the allocation of funds within such appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1979
Appalachian Regional Development Act Amendments of 1979 - Amends the Appalachian Regional Development Act of 1965 to include the provision of services and investments to people, distressed cities, and remote areas in Appalachia within the purposes of such Act. Authorizes necessary appropriations to carry out such Act. Authorizes the Appalachian Regional Commission to lease office space through September 30, 1983. Increases the total mileage authorized for the Appalachian development highway system. Authorizes appropriations for such system through fiscal year 1985. Increases the Federal share authorized to be paid to a State constructing a segment of a development highway. Authorizes the Commission to make grants to the States for demonstration projects designed to meet the human services needs of the region. Permits funding for reclaiming strip-mined areas to be used for economic development purposes. Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to make grants for the acquisition of housing project sites. Repeals the percentage limitation on such grants. Authorizes the Commission to make grants for: (1) aiding State and local governments in programs of business-related technical assistance; and (2) establishing non-Federal revolving funds to be used for business, agricultural, and forestry enterprise development loans. Provides for supplements to Federal grant-in-aid programs authorized by this Act on or before October 1, 1983. Exempts specified road construction programs from such supplemental grants. Permits the financing under this Act for industrial and commercial facilities, but exempts the financing of the costs to private for profit establishments for such purposes. Authorizes appropriations to carry this Act through September 30, 1983. Stipulates that this Act shall terminate October 1, 1983.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1979
Eliminates restrictions and conditions on the appointment of female pages in the Senate that require Senators to be responsible for: (1) the safe transportation of the female page between the Senate and the page's place of local abode; and (2) the safety, well- being, and strict supervision of such page while she is in her place of local abode.
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1979
Private Employer and Higher Education Incentive Act of 1979 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to permit institutions of higher education to use up to 20 percent of the funds provided to them for college work study programs under such Act for part-time work study jobs with private employers. Requires an institution of higher education wishing to participate in such private employer program to enter into a supplemental agreement with the Commissioner of Education which: (1) specifies the program's rationale; (2) sets forth the program's objectives and standards, and a plan for their implementation; (3) designates an official of such eligible institution to administer the program; and (4) as assures in writing that such part-time jobs will not (A) supplant existing jobs or fulfill an employer's current or planned vacancies, (B) fail to take into account any existing collective bargaining agreements, (C) pay less than minimum wage, and (D) require private employers to contribute at least 50 percent of the cost of each such job.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1979
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 make grants to schools of medicine and osteopathy for the establishment and operation of educational programs in geriatrics.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1979
Title I: Water Resources Development - Directs the Secretary of the Army, through the Chief of Engineers, to make the following studies and surveys: (1) flood control of certain Mississippi River tributaries, Mississippi; (2) flood control of Saint Francis Lake, Arkansas; (3) river regulation for the Halifax River, Florida; (4) bank stabilization of the Illinois River, Illinois; (5) erosion control of the Kuskokwim River, Alaska; (6) flood control of the Kinnickinnic River, Wisconsin; (7) siltation problems on the Mississippi River, Illinois; (8) water conservation development in the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands; (9) streambank erosion along the Tensaw River, Alabama; (10) water storage projects in northeast Texas; (11) navigation improvements to Buffalo Harbor, New York; (12) rehabilitating the hydroelectric potential at former industrial sites; (13) shoreline erosion damage caused by regulation of Lake Superior by the International Joint Commission-United States and Canada; and (14) river and harbor ice control. Directs the Secretary, through the Chief of Engineers, to begin the design memorandum stage of advanced engineering and design of the following: (1) navigation and design of the following: (1) navigation project at Grays Harbor, Washington; (2) flood control project for the Mamaroneck and Sheldrake River Basins, New York and the Byram River, Connecticut; (3) flood control project for Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; (4) water supply project for the New York metropolitan area; (5) navigation project for the Gulfport Harbor, Mississippi; (6) navigation project for Oakland Outer Harbor, California; (7) multiple purpose improvements on the Missouri River, South Dakota, Nebraska, North Dakota, and Montana; and (8) navigation improvement project at Brazos Island Harbor, Texas. Authorizes the Secretary to proceed with the engineering and design of such projects upon findings by the Chief of Engineers that such projects are without substantial controversy and in accordance with recommended conditions. Authorizes the Secretary, through the Chief of Engineers, to carry out the following: (1) navigation project for Kodiak Harbor, Alaska; (2) navigation project for Tacoma harbor, Washington; (3) flood control project on the Agana River, Guam; (4) navigation project on the Chetco River, Oregon; (5) flood control project for the Root River Basin, Minnesota; (6) erosion control and flood protection projects for the Panama City Beaches, Florida; (7) flood control project for the Des Moines River Basin, Iowa and Minnesota; (8) flood control project on the Cazenovia Creek, New York; (9) flood control project on the Little Wood River, Idaho; (10) navigation project for Greenville Harbor, Mississippi; (11) navigation project for the Great Lakes and Saint Lawrence Seaway; (12) flood control project for the Rahway River Basin New Jersey; (13) flood control project on the Chehalis River, Washington; (14) flood control for the Bushley Bayou area, Louisiana; (15) powerhouse project for the McNary Lock and Dam, Oregon and Washington; (16) flood protection project for Wears Creek, Missouri; (17) power generating facilities for the Libby Reregulating Dam, Montana; (18) light-draft investigation project for San Francisco Harbor, California; (19) flood control project for Logan and Nelsonville, Ohio; (20) beach erosion project for Coney Island, New York; (21) flood protection for Saint Johns Bayou, New Madrid, Missouri; (22) flood control on the Johns Creek Tributary, Tennessee (23) erosion control in the Nonconnah Creek Basin, Tennessee; (24) Cleveland Harbor improvements, Ohio, (25) beach erosion control at Jekyll Island, Georgia; (26) navigation project for Savannah Harbor, Georgia; and (27) strip mining reclamation project for Cabin Creek, West Virginia. Directs the Secretary, through the Chief of Engineers, to modify the following projects: (1) Galveston Bay, Texas, flood protection project to provide payments and benefits to certain property owners; (2) Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway navigation project, Virginia and North Carolina regarding certain bridges; (3) Sandridge Dam, New York, flood control project to authorize the construction of channel improvements along Ellicott Creek; (4) Obion Creek, Kentucky, project to authorize the acquisition of woodlands for wildlife management and recreation; (5) Barbers Point Harbor, Hawaii, navigation project to require non-Federal contribution to Federal construction costs; (6) Honolulu Harbor, Hawaii, project to delete the requirement for an initial cash contribution from local interests; (7) New London, Connecticut, flood control project to credit certain costs paid by the city against the requirement for non-Federal contributions; (8) Lynnhaven Inlet and Bay, Virginia, navigation project to provide for Federal payment for specified remedial work; (9) Lower Mississippi River flood control project to authorize such measures necessary to insure the stability of the Old River Control Complex, Louisiana; (10) Wenatchee, Washington, flood control project to authorize the acquisition of lands if local interest agree to reimburse the United States; (11) Houston Ship Channel (Greens Bayou), Texas navigation project to authorize necessary dredging operations; (12) Los Esteros Lake, Pecos River, New Mexico, project to authorize certain expenditures for the recovery of cultural resource data; (13) Lucky Peak Lake, Idaho, project to provide for an increase in the diameter of the additional dam outlet; (14) South Platte River Basin, Colorado, flood control project to authorize the reassignment of a portion of the storage space in the Chatfield Lake project for joint flood control and conservation purposes; and (15) Lake Pontchartrain, Louisiana, flood protection project to authorize the construction of necessary protective features to locally constructed pumping stations. Terminates the following: (1) Trexler Lake, Pennsylvania, flood control project,; (2) a portion of the project for the Nansemond River, Virginia; (3) Helm Reservoir, Illinois, flood control project; (4) Kickapoo River, Wisconsin, flood control project; and (5) any resolution for review of any water resource report if funds have not yet been expended for such purpose. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress concerning the desirability of such studies and on a means of deauthorizing such studies. Amends the Water Resources Development Act of 1976 to authorize appropriations through fiscal year 1982. Postpones the termination date for certain certification reports. Extends the Secretary's authority to provide periodic beach nourishment. Repeals the requirement that a specified water diversion structure not conflict with the Secretary's report. Amends the Water Resources Development Act of 1974 to increase the authorized appropriation for the streambank erosion prevention and control demonstration program. Authorizes the Secretary to provide to any person or agency, upon request technical assistance to retard streambank erosion. Extends the national shoreline erosion control development and demonstration program. Increases the authorization of appropriations for dam repair on the Big Sandy River, Kentucky and West Virginia. Authorizes the Secretary to maintain a clear channel on the Little Calumet River, Illinois, with non-Federal interests paying a portion of the costs of such maintenance. Provides for a modification of the agreement with Saint Bernard Parish, Louisiana, concerning installment payments on the Lake Pontchartrain hurricane-flood protection project. Increases the authorization of appropriations for streambank protection works for Boone County, Kentucky. Increases the authorization of appropriations for the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area in Kentucky and Tennessee. Amends the River and Harbor Act of 1970 to extend the time for submitting reports to Congress on the Great Lakes and Saint Lawrence Seaway navigation season extension. Increases the authorization of appropriations for such purposes. Requires non-Federal interests to contribute a portion of the costs of maintaining a clear channel on the North Branch of the Chicago River, Illinois. Amends the Flood Control Act of 1970 to delete the requirement for written agreements with non-Federal interests concerning reimbursement of costs. Permits States to repay the costs of water supply storage through revenues received by the State from the sale of such water. Amends the River and Harbor Act of 1960 to raise the ceiling on allotments for any single small river and harbor improvement project. Amends the River and Harbor Act of 1958 to increase the authorization of appropriations for the control of aquatic plant growths. Authorizes the replacement and expansion of the existing industrial canal lock and connecting channels in the vicinity of Meraux, Louisiana. Amends the Flood Control Act of 1954 to authorize the Secretary to provide technical assistance to States for removing obstructions and clearing channels. Increases the ceiling for allotments to any single shore protection project. Amends the Flood Control Act of 1946 to provide that the conservation storage capacity of the Belton Reservoir, Texas, be available for water supply as well as irrigation. Amends the Flood Control Act of 1941 to authorize the Secretary to use a flood emergency fund to control lava flow. Makes killing a civilian employee of the Corps of Engineers a Federal crime. Directs the Secretary to establish a Tennessee-Tombigbee Human Resource Center to monitor and assist minority employment on the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway project, Tennessee, Alabama, and Mississippi. Repeals the provision in the Water Resources Development Act of 1976 concerning minority hiring. Authorizes the Secretary as a part of water resource development projects to: (1) implement the plan for land replacement for the Trimble Wildlife Area, Missouri; (2) modify such projects for mitigation of damages to fish and wildlife; (3) preserve historic properties located on such projects; and (4) acquire real property to be used for public works and recreation purposes as a part of such projects. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to compile a list of bridges over the navigable waters of the United States constructed or removed. Directs the Secretary of the Army to compile laws relating to water resource development. Modifies: (1) the contract with Illinois concerning payments for use of storage space for water supply in Rend Lake and (2) financing of the sand bypassing facility authorized as part of the Santa Cruz Harbor, California, navigation project. Declares: (1) portions of the Trent River, North Carolina, to be nonnavigable and (2) the Port of Houston Authority bridge over Greens Bayou, to be a lawful bridge. Directs the Secretary to construct flood control measures on portions of the Big Sandy River, Kentucky, Virginia, and West Virginia, and the Cumberland River, Kentucky. Directs Federal agencies granting hydroelectric power licenses to simplify and expedite such applications. Directs the Secretary to: (1) plan and make recommendations to Congress concerning construction of water supply projects to meet existing future demand, (2) renovate Federal quarters at Dalecarlia Reservoir, Washington, D.C.; (3) construct a public recreation area on the Ohio River, Indiana; (4) take authority over and assure the structural integrity of Trilby Wash Detention Basin (McMicken Dam), Arizona; (5) relocate the water supply intake facility on the Missouri River, South Dakota; (6) reimburse local interests for certain improvements to the Galveston Harbor, and Channel Texas, navigation project; and (7) design a flood control project at Milton, Pennsylvania. Title II: Hydroelectric Power Development Fund - Hydroelectric Power Development Act of 1979 - Establishes, under the Water Resources Development Act of 1976, a Hydroelectric Power Development Fund for the development of hydroelectric power generating facilities. Title III: Dam Inspection and Safety Program - Amends the national dam inspection program to exempt States with an approved dam safety program from the Secretary of the Army's national inspection program. Directs the Secretary to provide assistance to States maintaining approved assistance to States maintaining approved dams safety programs. Provides for insurance guarantees to enable dam owners to obtain liability insurance at reasonable rates. Establishes a Federal Dam Safety Review Board. Sets forth the authority of the Secretary when inspecting dams. Exempts contractors from liability beyond the amount of any contract entered into pursuant to the Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1979
Veterans' Disability Compensation and Survivors' Benefits Act of 1979 - Title I: Veterans' Disability Compensation Benefits - Increases the rates of veterans' compensation for: (1) wartime disability compensation; (2) additional compensation for dependents; and (3) clothing allowances paid to certain disabled veterans. Title II: Survivors' Dependency and Indemnity Compensation Benefits - Increases the rates of veterans' dependency and indemnity compensation for: (1) a surviving spouse; (2) surviving children; and (3) supplemental children's benefits. Title III: Effective Date - States that the provisions of this Act shall take effect on October 1, 1979.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1979
Refugee Act of 1979 - Title I: Purpose - Declares the purpose of this Act to be to provide a permanent and systematic procedure for the admission to this country of refugees of special concern to the United States, and to provide comprehensive and uniform provisions for temporary and transitional assistance to those refugees who are admitted. Title II: Admission of Refugees - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to define "refugee" as any person who is outside his country of nationality (or in the case of a person having no nationality, is outside any country in which he last habitually resided), and who is unable or unwilling to return to such country because of persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. Provides for up to 50,000 annual refugee admissions, with allocations to groups of refugees as determined by the President to be of special concern to the United States. Directs the President to report annually to the Judiciary Committees of the House and Senate regarding the forseeable numbers of refugees in need of resettlement during the coming fiscal year, and the anticipated allocation of such refugee admissions. Authorizes the President to exceed such 50,000 admissions level if the President, at the beginning of a fiscal year and after consultation with such Committees, determines it to be in the national interest or for humanitarian purposes. Provides that allocation for such additional refugees shall be made in the same manner as for the first 50,000. Authorizes the Attorney General to admit such refugees as permanent residents without first being admitted conditionally. Exempts such admissions from meeting certain other immigrant requirements (labor certification, public charge, immigrant visa, literacy, and foreign physicians). Provides that up to 5,000 of such 50,000 refugee admission entries may be used to adjust the status of alien refugees present in the United States to permanent resident status provided such person: (1) applies for the adjustment; (2) has been physically present in the United States for at least two years prior to such application; and (3) is a refugee not firmly resettled in any other foreign country. Exempts such persons from meeting other immigrant requirements (labor certification, public charge, immigrant visa, literacy, and foreign physicians). Permits spouses and children of refugees so adjusted to also have their status adjusted to that of permanent resident without the two year U.S. residency requirement. Permits such adjusted status refugees, upon a satisfactory showing to the Attorney General, to have the date of their admission as a permanent resident operate retroactively (up to two years) to the date they become refugees in the United States. Permits such procedure for the spouse and children of such refugees. Authorizes the President, after consultation with the Judiciary Committees of the House and Senate, to admit additional refugees in unforeseen emergency situations. States that such additional emergency refugee admissions will be allocated among groups or classes of refugees of special concern to the United States in accordance with a determination made by the President. Provides that such emergency refugees will be admitted conditionally. Permits the spouse and children of a refugee admitted for permanent residence or admitted conditionally under this Act to qualify for the same admission status as such refugee if not so entitled in their own right. Provides that the spouse or children will be charged against the same refugee admissions limitation as such refugee. Provides permanent resident status for any conditionally admitted refugee: (1) who has been present in the United States at least two years; (2) who has not acquired permanent resident status; and (3) whose conditional entry has not been terminated by the Attorney General. Provides that such permanent resident status shall be conferred without regard to certain other immigrant requirements (labor certification, public charge, immigrant visa, literacy, and foreign physicians), and shall operate retroactively to the date of such alien's arrival in the United States. Provides for the exclusion of such conditionally admitted refugees who are found to be inadmissible as permanent residents. Permits any alien eligible for retroactive resident alien status under this Act who has already been granted such status under other provisions of such Act that do not provide for retroactivity, to have his or her admission for permanent resident status recorded as of the date of entry as a refugee into the United States. Title III: Temporary and Transitional Assistance to Refugees - Amends the Migration and Refugee Assistance Act of 1962 to authorize appropriations when necessary for: (1) public or private voluntary agencies to aid in the placement, resettlement, and care of refugees; (2) programs to aid adult refugees in securing employment; (3) State and local agencies for projects to provide special educational services to refugee children in elementary and secondary schools; (4) child welfare services for two years after the arrival of a refugee child, or in the case of a child who enters the United States accompanied by a parent or other close relative, until age 18; and (5) income maintenance and medical assistance during the first two years (except for Cuban refugees who entered the United States before October 1, 1978) following a refugee's arrival in the United States, except that if a refugee is eligible for Aid to Families with Dependent Children or Medicaid assistance, funds under this Act would only be used for the non-Federal share of such assistance. Increases the authorized level of the Emergency Refugee and Migration Assistance Fund from $25,000,000 to $50,000,000. Title IV: Effective Date - Provides that this Act shall take effect as of October 1, 1979.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1979
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the President should withdraw the standby gasoline rationing plan submitted to Congress on March 1, 1979, and resubmit an amended plan to remedy interstate inequities with regard to gasoline rationing coupon distribution.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1979
Amends title II of the Mental Retardation Facilities and Community Mental Health Centers Construction Act of 1963 (Community Mental Health Centers) to direct the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, acting through the National Center for the Prevention and Control of Rape, to provide financial and technical assistance to State and local government agencies and nonprofit organizations for rape prevention and treatment services, including training programs in counseling techniques, direct treatment, community education, transportation costs, self-help programs, telephone systems, emergency shelter programs, and demonstration projects.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1979
Voting Rights for the Elderly and the Handicapped Act - Directs the Attorney General, in consultation with the Secretary for Health, Education, and Welfare, to prescribe standards for polling and registration facilities which will insure ready access by the physically handicapped and elderly individuals. Permits designation of facilities for Federal elections which do not comply with such standards only where conforming facilities are unavailable. Requires election officials to report to the Attorney General on the designation of such polling and registration locations. Requires States to provide alternative registration and voting methods for physically handicapped and elderly persons assigned to inaccessible registration facilities or polling places. Requires each State to provide braille ballots, permit voting assistants, or employ other appropriate voting methods to persons unable to operate a voting machine or use a paper ballot.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1979
Soft Drink Interbrand Competition Act - Declares that exclusive territorial arrangements made as a part of a licensing agreement for the manufacture, distribution, or sale of a trademarked soft drink product are lawful under the antitrust law provided such product is in substantial and effective competition with other products for the same general class in the relevant market or markets. Prohibits recovery in private actions under the Clayton Act based on territorial provisions in a trademark licensing agreement prior to a final determination that such provisions are unlawful.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1979
Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act of 1979 - Amends title III of the Public Health Service Act (General Powers and Duties of Public Health Service) to direct the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish a system for the licensing of all clinical laboratories subject to national standards provided for under this Act. Prohibits a clinical laboratory subject to such standards from performing any tests or providing any services without a valid license. Sets forth circumstances under which the Secretary may suspend or revoke a laboratory's license. Directs the Secretary to promulgate national standards for clinical laboratories, designed to assure consistent performance of accurate and reliable tests and other procedures and services. Stipulates that such standards shall: (1) require clinical laboratories subject to the standards to maintain appropriate quality control programs; (2) require such laboratories to maintain records, equipment, and facilities necessary for effective operation; (3) include requirements for periodic proficiency testing of laboratories; (4) prescribe qualifications for directors, supervisors, and technical personnel employed in laboratories; and (5) include adequate provisions for the inspection of laboratories and the enforcement of standards. Provides that the standards may vary on the basis of the type of laboratory services provided or the purposes for which the services are performed. Directs the Secretary to develop: (1) job-related proficiency and practical examinations for clinical laboratory personnel; (2) mechanisms to assure the continued competence of such personnel; and (3) standards for the proficiency testing of clinical laboratories. Provides that the standards provisions relating to personnel qualifications shall not apply for a two-year period to certain clinical laboratories located in rural areas. Authorizes the Secretary to exempt from the national standards clinical laboratories which: (1) are operated by a licensed physician, dentist, or podiatrist, or a group of not more than five such practitioners, or in a rural health clinic, and in which only routine tests or procedures are performed, or in which more than routine tests or procedures are performed, if the laboratory successfully participates in an approved proficiency-testing program; (2) perform tests or procedures primarily for biomedical or behavioral research; or (3) perform tests or procedures only to assist insurers with respect to insurance contracts. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into agreements with: (1) qualified private nonprofit organizations to administer tests and make inspections as provided for under this Act; and (2) States to administer the licensure program provided in this Act under the Medicare program. Subjects Federal clinical laboratories under the jurisdiction of the Secretary to the national standards, with certain exceptions. Prohibits: (1) the solicitation or acceptance of specimens for laboratory tests or procedures by a clinical laboratory which is required to be licensed and which either does not have such a license or is not permitted under such license to perform the planned test or procedure; (2) misrepresentation with respect to the license application or conversion of an application to an unauthorized use; and (3) the solicitation or receipt, or the offer or payment, of any remuneration (including any kickback, bribe, or rebate) with respect to laboratory services. Authorizes the Secretary to enjoin the continuation of any activity by a clinical laboratory required to be licensed under this Act which constitutes a substantial risk to the public health. Prohibits an employer from taking action against an employee who has assisted or participated in an investigation of such employer pursuant to this Act. Establishes a procedure for investigating and correcting employers' retaliatory actions against employees. Requires the Secretary to designate a Director of Clinical Laboratories who shall be responsible for establishing a uniform regulatory policy with respect to laboratory provisions under this Act, the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, and Medicare and Medicaid. Directs the Secretary to provide technical assistance to: (1) States to assist their laboratory enforcement capability; and (2) laboratories, including a training program for employees where deficiencies have been documented. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants and enter into contracts with public and nonprofit private entities for projects and studies on laboratory methodology and utilization. Authorizes appropriations of $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1981 through 1983 for these purposes. Directs the Secretary to report annually to Congress with respect to the accuracy and costs of laboratory tests and procedures during the previous fiscal year. Directs the Secretary to conduct studies of: (1) existing voluntary certification standards and State licensure laws for laboratory personnel; (2) qualifications of entities that certify such personnel; (3) existing and proposed public and private mechanisms to determine the continued competence of such personnel; (4) existing laboratory proficiency testing methods; and (5) the relationship of requirements for such personnel and of clinical laboratory proficiency testing requirements with clinical laboratory performance. Specifies analyses to be included in such studies, and directs the Secretary to report to Congress on the results of the studies. Requires the Secretary to reimburse to the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund any amount expended from such funds with respect to the licensing of non-Medicare laboratories. Repeals the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act of 1967. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress with respect to the exemption of laboratories from the standards under this Act. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require all clinical laboratories to be licensed under this Act as a condition for Medicare certification. Sets forth requirements with respect to payment for laboratory tests under Medicare. Stipulates that pathology services shall be considered "physicians' services" to patients for purposes of reimbursement under Medicare only where the physician personally performs or directs such services. Revises the term "medical and other health services" with respect to certain services furnished to inpatients of a provider of services. Disallows charges for physicians' services which are related to a hospital's income or receipts to the extent that they exceed a reasonable salary or fee paid for the service actually performed plus costs. Disallows reimbursement to a hospital for the reasonable costs of services furnished by a physician under an arrangement with the hospital or medical school to the extent that the payment exceeds an amount equal to the salary which would reasonably have been paid for the services if the physician had performed such services in an employment relationship with such hospital.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1979
Amends the Act providing for a national dam inspection program to repeal the provision limiting the coverage of such Act to dams of a specified size. Exempts dams located in States with an approved dam safety program from the Secretary of the Army's national inspection program. Authorizes appropriations to carry out such Act through fiscal year 1982. Sets forth the formula for distributing such funds among the States. Directs the Secretary to provide assistance to States maintaining approved dam safety programs. Specifies the standards such program must meet. Directs the Secretary to provide guarantees to insurers in order to enable dam owners, in States with approved dam safety programs, to obtain liability insurance at reasonable rates. Requires the Secretary, with the Secretary of the Treasury, to report to Congress with any recommendations for a more comprehensive dam safety insurance program. Authorizes appropriations for a revolving fund to be used for loans to dam owners making dam repairs or other safety improvements. Authorizes the establishment of a Federal Dam Safety Review Board to be responsible for reviewing dam safety procedures and monitoring State implementation of this Act. Directs the Secretary: (1) to provide training for State dam safety inspectors; and (2) to develop improved dam inspection techniques.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1979
Emergency Medical Services Systems Amendments of 1979 - Amends title VII (Health Research and Teaching Facilities and Training of Professional Health Personnel) and title XII (Emergency Medical Services Systems) of the Public Health Service Act to extend authorization of appropriations for assistance for: (1) emergency medical service systems (including grants for planning, initial operation, and expansion and improvement) in the following amounts: $40,000,000 for fiscal year 1980, $43,000,000 for fiscal year 1981, and $46,000,000 for fiscal year 1982; (2) research in emergency medical services in the following amounts: $3,200,000 for fiscal year 1980, $3,500,000 for fiscal year 1981, and $3,800,000 for fiscal year 1982; (3) programs relating to burn injuries in the amount of $3,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1980 through 1982; and (4) training in emergency medical services in the amount of $10,000,000 (the current level) for each of fiscal years 1980 through 1982.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1979
Amends the Water Resources Planning Act of 1965 to authorize appropriations through fiscal year 1981 for the Water Resources Council. Repeals specified limitations on the use of such funds.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1979
Medicare Home Health Amendments of 1979 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to remove the 100 visit limitation presently applicable to home health services under such title. Includes occupational therapy as a home health service. Permits a physician's assistant or nurse practitioner, who is supervised by a physician, to establish a plan of care for a home health patient living in a rural area. Eliminates prior hospitalization as a condition for receiving home health services. Requires home health aides to complete a training program developed by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare. Requires each home health agency to submit a bimonthly bill which lists all services provided each individual receiving services from such agency. Directs the Secretary to: (1) designate regional agencies to monitor home health agency costs; (2) establish guidelines to be used in determining the reasonable cost of home health services; (3) monitor the costs of home health services; (4) report to Congress on the frequency of use of home health services by individuals eligible for Medicare benefits; and (5) establish demonstration projects to test the effectiveness of agency or multiagency utilization review committees in ensuring the medical necessity, cost efficiency, and appropriate use of home health services.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1979
Consumer-Patient Radiation Health and Safety Act of 1979 - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to promulgate: (1) Federal radiation guidance with respect to consumer-patient radiation matters directly or indirectly affecting public health; (2) guidelines regarding medical and dental exposure to consumer-patients; and (3) criteria and guidelines with respect to: (A) the application of diagnostic X-rays to consumer-patients; and (B) the therapeutic application of radiation to consumer-patients; and (C) the application of radiation to consumer-patients in the treatment of disease. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to promulgate voluntary minimum standards for: (1) the accreditation of educational institutions conducting education programs in radiologic services; and (2) the licensure of radiologic technologists. Directs the Secretary to provide assistance to States in establishing programs to achieve the purposes of this Act. Stipulates that such assistance shall include model laws and may include educational curriculum and teaching aids. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to educational programs accredited under this Act, States, professional organizations, and State radiation protection agencies to carry out the purposes of this Act. Provides for Federal agency compliance with standards promulgated under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1979
Public Buildings Amendments of 1979 - Amends the Public Buildings Act of 1959 to require the General Services Administrator to take certain factors into consideration before acquiring, assigning, or utilizing public buildings. Requires approval by the appropriate congressional committees before constructing, acquiring, leasing, altering, or acquiring by exchange public buildings if the costs exceed $500,000. Requires the Administrator to transmit to Congress a prospectus of the proposed facility. Requires approval by the appropriate congressional committees before the Administrator may: (1) increase expenditures by more than ten percent or (2) decrease the number of gross square feet to be constructed by more than ten percent. Directs the Administrator to submit annual reports to the appropriate congressional committees concerning: (1) long-range plans for the acquisition, modernization, and use of space; and (2) an inventory of real property owned by, and leased to, the United States. Provides for the financing of the acquisition or construction of public buildings through the issuance of public debt obligations. Amends the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 to authorize the use of funds deposited in a Treasury account for real property management for payment of such debt obligations. Amends the Public Buildings Act of 1949 to authorize the Administrator to name public buildings not already designated by statute. Prohibits designating any public building after any individual.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1979
Diabetes Research and Training Amendments and National Diabetes Advisory Board Extension Act of 1979 - Amends title IV of the Public Health Service Act (National Research Institutes) to redesignate the National Institute of Arthritis, Metabolism, and Digestive Diseases and the Advisory Council to such Institute as the National Institute of Arthritis, Metabolism, Diabetes, and Digestive Diseases and the National Arthritis, Metabolism, Diabetes, and Digestive Diseases Advisory Council. Establishes within the Advisory Council separate subcommittees on diabetes, arthritis, digestive diseases, and kidney diseases. Directs these subcommittees to: (1) review applications made to the Director of the Institute for research projects relating to such diseases and make recommendations to the Advisory Council; and (2) review and evaluate programs directed at such diseases. Establishes within the Institute the position of Associate Director for Diabetes. Sets forth the duties of the Associate Director, including: (1) having primary responsibility for all diabetes-mellitus-related activities supported or conducted by the National Institutes of Health; (2) providing information to public and private agencies with respect to such activities; and (3) reporting and making recommendations to the Director of the National Institutes of Health with respect to other enumerated functions. Extends the authorization of appropriations for diabetes research and training centers in the following amounts: $14,000,000 for fiscal year 1981, $17,000,000 for fiscal year 1982, and $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1983 through 1985. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to provide from such amounts up to ten training stipends through each center in any fiscal year. Eliminates as an ex officio member of the National Diabetes Advisory Board the Secretary of Defense or his designee; and adds as such a member the Director of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development or his designee. Revises the terms of appointed members of the Board. Directs the Board to amend the Diabetes Plan (formulated by the National Commission on Diabetes under the National Diabetes Mellitus Research and Education Act) as is necessary to insure its continuing relevance. Extends the current level of authorizations for the purposes of the Board ($300,000 per fiscal year) through fiscal year 1985. Extends the expiration date of the Board from September 30, 1980, to September 30. 1985.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1979
Equal Employment Opportunity for the Handicapped Act of 1979 - Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to include discrimination of the handicapped as an unlawful employment practice. Permits such discrimination pursuant to a bona fide seniority or merit system or as a bona fide occupational qualification. Authorizes courts to order the hiring or reinstatement or paying of back pay to anyone discriminated against on the basis of their handicap. Prohibits discrimination in Federal employment of the handicapped. Authorizes civil actions for such discrimination.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1979
Amends the Tennessee Valley Authority Act to increase the amount of debt which may be incurred by the Tennessee Valley Authority from $15,000,000,000 to $30,000,000,000.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1979
Department of Defense Appropriation Authorization Act, 1980 - Title I: Procurement - Authorizes appropriations in specified amounts for fiscal year 1980 for use by the armed forces for the procurement of aircraft, missiles, naval vessels, tracked combat vehicles, torpedoes, and other weapons. Title II: Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation - Authorizes appropriations in specified amounts for fiscal year 1980 in specified amounts for fiscal year 1980 for use by the armed forces and defense agencies for research, development, test, and evaluation purposes. Title III: Active Forces - Sets forth the authorized and strength level for active duty personnel for each of the armed forces for fiscal year 1980. Title IV: Reserve Forces - Sets forth the minimum average strength levels for each of the reserve components of the armed forces for fiscal year 1980. Title V: Civilian Personnel - Sets forth the authorized end strength for civilian personnel within the Department of Defense for fiscal year 1980. Stipulates that such personnel shall be apportioned among the various military departments in such numbers as the Secretary of Defense may prescribe. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress regarding such allocation. Authorizes the Secretary to increase such prescribed strength level for civilian personnel by one and one quarter percent where such action is necessary in the national interest. Requires the Secretary to notify the Congress of any such increase. Title VI: Military Training Student Loads - Sets forth authorized military training student load for each component of the armed forces for fiscal year 1980. Title VII: General Provisions - Amends the Department of Defense Appropriation Authorization Act, 1976, to direct the Secretary of Defense to submit to Congress quarterly written acquisition reports for those major defense systems which are estimated to require a total cumulative financing for research, development, test, and evaluation in excess of $75,000,000 or a cumulative production investment in excess of $300,000,000. Amends the Department of Defense Appropriation Authorization Act, 1978, to repeal the provision in such Act which places a ceiling on the numbers of commissioned officers on active duty above a specified rank and which reduces Department of Defense Civilian personnel in specified grade levels. Authorizes appropriations in specified amounts for fiscal year 1980 for the purpose of providing assistance for the 1980 Olympic winter games as authorized by the Department of Defense Appropriation Authorization Act, 1979. Places limitations on the use of such funds.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1979
Amends the Federal Alcohol Administration Act to make it unlawful to sell, ship, deliver for sale or shipment, or otherwise introduce in interstate or foreign commerce any bottle containing a beverage of more than 24 percent alcohol unless the label of such bottle contains a specified warning with respect to the health hazards of alcoholic beverages.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1979
Medicare Supplemental Health Insurance Information Disclosure and Protection Act of 1979 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to subject to fine or imprisonment or both any individual who, for the purpose of selling or attempting to sell insurance, misrepresents in any way that he or she is acting under the authority of, or in association with, the health insurance program of title XVIII. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to develop model legislation and regulations concerning proposed minimum requirements for the sale of Medicare supplemental insurance to Medicare eligible individuals. Directs the Secretary to study the feasibility of a program of Federal certification of Medicare supplemental insurance. Directs the Federal Trade Commission to study deceptive practices in the sale of Medicare supplemental insurance.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1979
Voting Rights for the Elderly and the Handicapped Act - Directs the Attorney General, in consultation with the Secretary for Health, Education, and Welfare, to prescribe standards for polling and registration facilities which will insure ready access by the physically handicapped and elderly individuals. Permits designation of facilities for Federal elections which do not comply with such standards only where conforming facilities are unavailable. Requires election officials to report to the Attorney General on the designation of such polling and registration locations. Requires States to provide alternative registration and voting methods for physically handicapped and elderly persons assigned to inaccessible registration facilities or polling places. Requires that: (1) a paper ballot be made available or a voting assistant be permitted to a person unable to operate a voting machine; and (2) written instructions on how and where to vote or register be posted for deaf individuals.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1979
Robert A. Taft Institute of Government Trust Fund Act - Establishes in the United States Treasury the Robert A. Taft Institute Trust Fund. Authorizes the Commissioner of Education to make grants from such fund to develop the Robert A. Taft Institute of Government, New York, New York. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to invest portions of the Fund not required to meet current withdrawals. Appropriates $15,000,000 to the Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1979
Schools of Education Assistance Act - Directs the Commissioner of Education to make grants to schools of education for fiscal years 1981-1985 for the diversification and redirecting of teacher education programs, including: (1) retraining faculty; (2) establishing new programs to prepare elementary and secondary teachers to work in other settings, such as business, industry, private schools or related social services; and (3) establishing model projects. Directs the Commissioner to reserve a part of the funds appropriated for projects under this Act for related educational research and program evaluation.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1979
Omnibus Antiterrorism Act of 1979 - States Congressional findings relative to the purpose of this Act and defines terms. Title I: Reorganization of Executive Office of the President - Establishes a Council to Combat Terrorism in the Executive Office of the President. Includes among the council's functions: (1) assisting the President to implement this Act; (2) assisting in the preparation of lists of countries aiding terrorist enterprises; and (3) coordinating Federal efforts to combat terrorism. Directs the President to report annually to Congress regarding acts of international terrorism and submit lists of countries supporting international terrorism. Specifies the sanctions to be imposed against such countries. Directs the President to report to Congress every two years concerning Federal and International Capabilities to Combat Terrorism. Title II: Reorganization of the Department of Transportation - Establishes an Office for Combating Terrorism in the Department of Transportation. Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to require the Secretary of Transportation to assess the effectiveness of security measures maintained at foreign airports and report such assessments to Congress. Authorizes the Secretary to restrict operations at those foreign airports failing to bring their security measures to the specified level of effectiveness. Authorizes the Secretary to provide technical aviation security assistance to foreign governments. Authorizes appropriations for such assistance. Title III: Reorganization of the Department of Justice - Establishes an Office for Combating Terrorism in the Department of Justice. Amends provisions relating to the manufacture of explosive materials to require such manufacturers to add an identification taggant and a detective taggant to the explosive materials. Prohibits the distribution, importation, or sale of explosive materials without such taggants. Specifies penalties for those manufacturers found violating such provisions. Exempts manufacturers of small arms ammunition and small quantities of black powder from such provisions. Requires the President to insure the full implementation of the Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts Against the Safety of Civil Aviation. Amends provisions of title 18 of the U.S. Code that specify prohibited acts regarding the destruction of aircraft or aircraft facilities to, among other revisions, set forth penalties for committing violence against a passenger which is likely to endanger an aircraft in service, and for communicating false information which result in endangering the safety of an aircraft in flight. Sets forth penalties for a person found in the United States who has committed against or abroad a foreign aircraft an offense in violation of the Convention for the Supression of Unlawful Acts Against the Safety of Civil Aviation. Authorizes civil penalties for carrying an accessible weapon aboard an aircraft and for imparting or conveying information known to be false regarding specified crimes aboard an aircraft. Specifies criminal penalties for threatening to commit air privacy or any other of certain crimes aboard an aircraft. Title IV: Reorganization of the Department of State - Establishes an office for Combating International Terrorism in the Department of State. Urges the President to seek international agreements to assure cooperation in combating terrorism. Lists provisions which should be given priority in negotiating such agreements.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow certain married individuals, who do not file a single joint return with their spouses, to elect the same tax rates currently applicable to unmarried individuals (other than surviving spouses and heads of households), without regard to any community property laws. Entitles any married individual making such an election to claim the income tax credit for dependent care services paid for under specified circumstances, even though such individual did not contribute over half of the support of the dependent concerned.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1979
Directs the President to inform Congress of any dangers to Taiwan. Declares the policy of the United States to safeguard its interests and meet any dangers to Taiwan.
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
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
Soft Drink Bottlers' Protection Act of 1979 - Declares that exclusive territorial arrangements made as a part of a licensing agreement for the manufacture, distribution, or sale of a trademarked soft drink product are lawful under the antitrust laws provided: (1) such product is in substantial and effective competition with other products of the same general class; (2) the licensee is in substantial and effective competition with vendors of other products of the same general class; and (3) the licensor retains control over the nature and quality of such product pursuant to the Trademark Act of 1946.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1979
Trade Procedures Reform Act - Amends the Antidumping Act of 1921 to require the payment of an estimated special dumping duty on those foreign goods where it has been determined that such goods are likely to be sold in the United States at less than fair value. Requires the importer to furnish such information as the Secretary of the Treasury deems necessary for ascertaining any special dumping duty to be imposed. Provides for the refund of any excess estimated special dumping duty paid by the importer. Permits the Secretary to use data developed while investigating whether foreign goods are being sold at less than fair value in determining the special dumping duty. Directs the Secretary to notify the International Trade Commission and to determine whether to initiate an investigation whenever the Secretary receives information that foreign goods are being, or are likely to be, sold in the United States or elsewhere at less than fair value which may hurt U.S. industries. Directs (1) the Commission to determine whether U.S. industry may be harmed and (2) the Secretary to determine whether such goods are being, or are likely to be, sold at less than fair value. Requires the Secretary to make public any determinations within five months of the initiation of the investigation. Requires the Secretary to report annually to Congress concerning dumping investigations and any special dumping duties collected. Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to permit the President to reduce or terminate any import relief unless Congress disapproves of such action. Directs the Special Representative for Trade Negotiations, upon receiving information that a foreign country or instrumentality is engaged in an unfair trade practice with respect to certain goods, to inquire into such practice. Directs the Special Representative to investigate such practice after conducting the inquiry into whether such investigation is warranted. Requires the Special Representative to make public any determinations within five months after publishing notice of the investigation. Requires the Special Representative to provide for appropriate public hearings and to make public any final recommendation within 30 days of such hearings concerning the need for action against unfair trade practices. Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to require the Secretary to investigate whether any bounty or grant is being paid or bestowed upon exports into the United States within 30 days after a petion is filed or information is received concerning such bounty or grant. Directs the Commission to investigate unfair methods of competition by imported goods within 30 days after receiving a complaint.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1979
Authorizes additional expenditures by the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works for inquiries and investigations from March 1, 1979, through February 29, 1980, not to exceed $1,429,200.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1979
Title I: Authorizes continued relations with the people of Taiwan, despite the lack of diplomatic recognition of the government of Taiwan. Provides for relations between the United States and Taiwan to be conducted by or through the American Institute in Taiwan and an instrumentality established by the people on Taiwan. Title II: Authorizes U.S. departments and agencies to furnish and accept service to and from the Institute. Stipulates that alien employees of U.S. departments and agencies be transferred to the Institute. Authorizes U.S. departments and agencies to allow Federal officers and employees to separate from Federal service and accept employment with the Institute. Provides for the reinstatement of such employees with their former department or agency with no loss of rights and benefits. Stipulates that the Institute shall be treated as a tax-exempt organization and shall not be an agency or instrumentality of the United States. Stipulates that employees of the Institute shall not be Federal employees. Exempts Institute employees from the conflict of interest provision of Federal law (18 U.S.C. 207). Treats the salaries and allowance paid to Institute employees the same, for income tax purposes, as salaries and allowance paid to Federal employees. Title III: Authorizes the appropriation of funds necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act. Authorizes the Secretary of State to use such funds to maintain commercial, cultural, and other relations with Taiwan.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1979
National Institute of Justice Act - Establishes as an independent agency the National Institute of Justice, consisting of a Board of Trustees, a Director, and a Council. Authorizes and directs the Institute through grants, contracts and its own activities to: (1) evaluate the quality of justice and the administration of law; and (2) conduct research, experimental programs, training and educational programs, and information services with respect to such areas. Directs the Institute to give particular attention to the opportunities of individual citizens to secure prompt and effective enforcement of their constitutional rights, legal rights, and privileges and obligations, and to securing to them equal access to legal redress without regard to wealth, social position, race, sex, age, religion, or national origin.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1979
Authorizes the appointment of an Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans' Employment to head the Department of Labor's, Veterans' Employment Service in place of the existing Deputy Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans' Employment.
![Official portrait of Sen. Randolph, Jennings [D-WV]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/r000046_200.jpg)