United States · United States Congress · 18 July 1979
Local Energy Management Act of 1979 - Title I: Findings, Declaration of Purpose, and Definitions - Declares that the purposes of this Act are: (1) to establish a demonstration grant program applicable to localities proposing energy conservation and renewable energy resource development plans; (2) to establish a documentation and distribution grants program; and (3) to establish a local energy reference center to disseminate information on such programs. Title II: Program Administration - Directs the Secretary of Energy to carry out the provisions of this Act and to report annually to the Congress on activities of the programs established under this Act. Requires the Secretary to consult and cooperate with appropriate Federal and other public and private agencies to provide a coordinated approach to the programs established under this Act. Title III: Demonstration Grants Program - Authorizes the Secretary to make nonrenewable grants to localities for the development of measures to promote energy conservation and the development of renewable resources. Sets forth application and other procedures for such grants program. Title IV: Documentation and Distribution Grants Program - Authorizes the Secretary to make renewable, one-year grants to localities to document and distribute practical information on programs to promote energy conservation or the development of renewable energy resources. Sets forth application and other procedures for such grants program. Title V: General Grant Guidelines - Sets forth general guidelines for awarding grants under title III and title IV of this Act. Title VI: Local Energy Reference Center - Directs the Secretary to establish a local energy reference center to serve as a data bank and information center for localities. Sets forth the responsibilities of the center. Title VII: Technical Assistance Panel - Directs the local energy reference center to establish a technical assistance panel to provide information to localities on energy conservation and development of renewable energy resources. Title VIII: Authorization of Appropriations - Authorizes the appropriation of $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1980, $20,000,000 for fiscal year 1981, and $20,000,000 for fiscal year 1982 to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1979
Amends the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 to stipulate that a "current connection" with the railroad industry for purposes of such Act shall not be deemed lost by reason of certain employment with the Department of Energy.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 1979
Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to provide that sums allotted to the States by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency for fiscal year 1978 and subsequent fiscal years shall remain available for the fiscal year authorized and for the succeeding 24 months.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1979
Directs the Joint Economic Committee to: (1) undertake an emergency study of the current state of the economy and of the problems relating thereto, with special reference to productivity; and (2) provide the Congress with specific recommendations for legislation to remedy the existing ills and improve the performance of the economy. Directs the joint committee to report its findings and recommendations to the Senate not later than December 31, 1980. Authorizes funds, not to exceed $150,000, to carry out the purpose of this resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1979
Gasohol Marketing Freedom Act of 1979 - Amends the Petroleum Marketing Practices Act to prohibit the termination of a gasoline dealer's franchise due to its selling, consigning, or distributing gasohol, and prohibits any reprisals or discrimination against retailers or distributors of gasohol because of such sale, consignment, or distribution.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1979
Energy Antimonopoly Act of 1979 - Amends the Clayton Act to prohibit any entity, or subsidiary thereof, which produced or had an interest in a total of 35,000,000 barrels of crude oil, condensate, and natural gas liquids in 1975 from acquiring control or a majority of the assets of any other entity whose assets exceed $100,000,000.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1979
State and Local Government Accounting and Financial Reporting Standards Act of 1979 - Amends the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 to authorize the establishment of an Institute for State and Local Government Accounting and Financial Reporting Standards as a nonprofit, nongovernmental instrumentality. Requires that the Institute consist of 11 members representing Federal, State, and local governments, the public accounting and financial analysts professions, and the public. Declares that the function of the Institute shall be to promulgate accounting and financial reporting standards applicable to State and local governments. Establishes a State and Local Government Accounting and Financial Reporting Standards Council composed of the Secretary of the Treasury, the Comptroller General, and the Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission to review the bylaws of the Institute and appoint its members. Requires the Institute and Council to submit annual reports to the Congress. Authorizes appropriations to implement the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1979
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to provide that disability insurance benefits for an individual having a terminal illness shall begin with the first month during all of which such individual has such illness. Defines the term "terminal illness" to mean a medically determinable physical impairment which is expected to result in death within the next 12 months.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1979
Expresses the sense of the Senate: (1) against the summary executions without due process in Iran; and (2) that the United States will act to prevent criminal or terrorist actions against persons in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1979
Prohibits any amendment to a regulation promulgated by the President under the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act of 1973 which has the effect of increasing the price of any fuel from taking effect until January 1, 1980, or the enactment of an excess profits tax, whichever first occurs.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1979
Uniform Relocation Assistance Act Amendments of 1979 - Amends the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 to require that relocation benefits, including relocation assistance advisory services, be made available to all persons displaced by the commencement of a Federal or federally assisted project by the head of the Federal agency administering or financing such assistance. Increases the amount of payment for moving and dislocation allowances for displacement from dwellings, business, and farm operations. Stipulates that the additional housing payments for occupant-owned dwellings shall compensate such displaced person for any increased real property taxes which such person will incur during the life of the mortgage on the replacement dwelling. Increases the amount of replacement housing payments for tenants and certain other persons to enable such displaced persons to rent or lease a dwelling or to make a downpayment on the purchase of a dwelling. Stipulates that the assurances required of the relocation assistance advisory services that housing will be available shall: (1) be made prior to Federal approval of a project; (2) be based upon careful analysis of the housing needs of the persons to be displaced and the availability of housing; and (3) include plans for housing replacement by the Federal agency as last resort if comparable replacement sale or rental housing is not available. Authorizes the agency head to use funds authorized for the project to provide such housing. Directs the President to designate an agency which shall establish a single uniform set of regulations and procedures for use by Federal agencies and by States, State and local agencies, and other recipients of Federal financial assistance. Requires such agency to assure the uniform application and interpretation of such regulations and procedures. Makes provisions for aggrieved persons to petition such agency for a hearing. Requires such agency annually to make adjustments, beginning fiscal in year 1982, for inflation in housing costs. Authorizes the head of a Federal agency administering or financing a project to offer to acquire property from any person owning property affected by such project who is left with an uneconomic remnant in order to entitle the owner and occupant to full benefits under this Act. Makes this Act effective on October 1, 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1979
Congratulates the men and women of the Apollo program upon the tenth anniversary of the first manned landing on the Moon and requests the President to designate the period of July 16 through July 24, 1979, as "United States Space Observance" in honor of such event.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1979
Amends titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to include as "medical and other health services" for which coverage will be provided under Medicare, and as "medical assistance" for which coverage will be provided under Medicaid, health care services furnished by registered professional nurses which are within the scope of their practices as defined by State law.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1979
Amends the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act of 1973 to extend the effective period of ceiling prices established by the President and applicable to any first sale of crude oil produced in the United States. Extends the President's authority under such Act to December 31, 1982.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1979
Requests the President to award the Congressional Medal of Honor posthumously to Private First Class William James Tsakanikas for his service during World War II during the Battle of the Bulge.
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 · 29 March 1979
Amends the National Capital Transportation Act of 1969 to authorize the Secretary of Transportation to make additional financial contributions to the Washington Area Metropolitan Transit Authority to partially finance the cost of construction of the Adopted Regional System. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1982 through 1985 for such assistance. Directs the Transit Authority to establish a sinking fund for the accumulation of assets for payment of the principal on bonds issued by the Authority. Sets forth the percentage of contributions to be made by the Secretary and the local participating governments to such fund. Authorizes appropriations for the Federal share of the operating expenses of the rapid rail system of the Authority for fiscal years 1980 through 1987.
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1979
Agricultural Land Protection Act - Title I: Federal Agency Compliance - Requires the interpretation and administration of the policies, regulations, and public laws of the United States in accordance with a recognition of the rights and responsibilities of private landholders in making land use decisions, and the rights and responsibilities of State and local governments in developing public policies regarding non-Federal land use. Directs Federal agencies to consider the retention of agricultural land for agricultural purposes when they make decisions which impact directly or indirectly on private, and State and local government public land, as well as on Federal land. Requires all such Federal agencies to review their administrative procedures, especially those regarding land acquisition and management, in order to bring them into conformity with the policies and purposes of this title. Title II: Farmland Review Study - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to study: (1) agricultural land in the United States; (2) the effects of industrial development, climate, and other factors on the productivity of such land; (3) the acquisition of such land by persons not engaged in agricultural activities; and (4) methods of protecting and improving such land, and of reducing the amount being converted to nonagricultural uses. Requires a final report of findings, conclusions, and recommendations to the President and to Congress within 42 months after the effective date of this Act. Title III: Research Program - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, during a three-year period, to provide financial and technical assistance to States and local governments for the development, demonstration, and testing of methods of reducing the quantity of agricultural land (including such land in and around urban areas) being converted from agricultural uses to nonagricultural uses. Limits such financial assistance to not more than 25 percent of the cost of preparing, establishing, demonstrating, conducting, and testing three such reduction projects. Title IV: Technical Assistance Program - Directs the Secretary, through the Soil Conservation Service, to provide State and local governments with: (1) technical assistance concerning methods of protecting agricultural land and reducing its conversion to nonagricultural uses; and (2) financial assistance (not to exceed 25 percent of costs) to enable such governments to develop plans to implement such methods. Title V: General Provisions - Authorizes specified appropriations for fiscal years 1980 through 1983.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1979
States that the total funds which the executive branch may obligate for the travel and transportation expenses of its officers and employees during fiscal year 1980 shall not exceed an amount which is $500,000,000 less than the amount proposed therefor in the Budget of the United States for such fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1979
Stipulates that the Senate shall not grant its advice and consent on the appointment of an Ambassador to Afghanistan until the President certifies to Congress that Afghanistan apologizes for the death of the former U.S. Ambassador and agrees to provide adequate protection for U.S. personnel in Afghanistan.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1979
Expresses the gratitude of the Senate upon the retirement of the Honorable Clarence M. Mitchell, Junior, as chief legislative spokesman for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, and for his contributions to the establishment of justice and equality in America.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1979
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 · 8 March 1979
Elderly and Handicapped Housing Act of 1979 - Amends the Housing Act of 1959 to increase the debt limitation to $5,760,000,000 by October 1, 1981, on obligations issued by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development in order to finance the loan program for housing and related facilities for the elderly and handicapped. Authorizes the Secretary to consider, in reviewing loan applications under such Act, the extent to which a project will: (1) stabilize or revitalize a community; (2) serve as relocation housing for displaced elderly and handicapped families; and (3) economically rehabilitate structures with architectural, historical, or cultural significance. Directs the Secretary to provide technical assistance to inexperienced applicants, particularly members of minorities, in order to enable them to more fully participate in the loan program. Requires the Secretary to adjust the amount of monthly assistance payments, authorized by the United States Housing Act of 1937, extended to a project receiving a loan, to reflect any change in the interest rate between the date such assistance was reserved and the date of settlement on permanent financing for the project. Requires the Secretary to transmit a report to the Congress on means to reduce the costs of the loan program without unduly burdening sponsors or reducing its effectiveness.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1979
Children and Youth Camp Safety Act - Establishes in the Office of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare an Office of Youth Camp Safety to be headed by a Director of Youth Camp Safety. Confers upon the Director the primary responsibility for the promulgation and enforcement of Federal and State youth camp safety regulations. Requires any State which desires to assume responsibility for the development and modification of youth camp safety standards to submit a State plan to the Director for approval. Allows a State whose plan has been rejected to obtain review of the decision in the United States court of appeals. Authorizes the Director to make grants to States for the development of youth camp safety plans, such grants not to exceed 80 percent of the cost of carrying out the State plan. Authorizes the Director to enter and inspect youth camps and their records. Charges the Director with establishing within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare a Federal Advisory Council on Youth Camp Safety and to submit to Congress at least once a year a report on his administration under this Act. Establishes judicial procedures to restrain any condition or practice which poses an imminent danger of serious injury at such camps. Prescribes penalties for violations by youth camp operators of the standards promulgated pursuant to this Act.
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 · 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 · 25 January 1979
Title I: Improvements in Adjustment Assistance for Workers - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to require the Secretary of Labor to reconsider any denial of adjustment assistance for workers separated from employment up to 18 months before a petition for such assistance was granted. Authorizes workers separated from employment between October 3, 1974, and November 1, 1977, who previously did not file a petition for certification of eligibility for adjustment assistance, to file such a petition for consideration by the Secretary. Authorizes the Secretary to file such petitions on behalf of any group of workers, as well as by a group of workers or their representative. Requires the Secretary to certify a group of workers as eligible to apply for adjustment assistance if: (1) sales or production at their place of employment decrease or threaten to decrease due to increased imports; or (2) (A) at least 25 percent of the total sales or production of their firm consists of providing articles or services to an import-impacted firm, and (B) a significant number of workers have been or may be separated due to a decrease or threatened decrease of sales or production of articles or services for such an import-impacted firm. Directs the Secretary of Labor to provide information to the Secretary of Commerce regarding petitions for adjustment assistance filed by workers when the workers' firm has also filed for such assistance. Stipulates that no adjustment assistance shall be provided a worker until sales or production at the worker's firm have decreased absolutely. Provides for trade readjustment allowances to be made to workers who: (1) had been employed at least 26 weeks in the year prior to separation or 40 weeks in the two years prior to separation and (2) were part of a group certified as eligible for such assistance. Extends the time during which certain workers can continue to receive readjustment allowances. Directs the Secretary to establish experimental training programs for workers displaced by import competition. Requires the Secretary to report with recommendations to Congress by March 1, 1982, concerning the effectiveness of such training programs. Authorizes appropriations for such programs through fiscal year 1981. Increases the job search allowances and relocation allowances provided adversely affected workers. Revises the conditions for such allowances. Title II: Improvements in Adjustment Assistance to Firms - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to authorize the Secretary of Commerce to certify firms, whose sales or production decrease or threaten to decrease due to increased imports, as eligible for adjustment assistance. Authorizes the Secretary to certify as eligible for such assistance those firms where at least 25 percent of their sales go to an import-impacted firm and significant numbers of workers have been or may be separated due to a decrease or threatened decrease of sales or production of articles or services for such an import-impacted firm. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to share information provided by firms petitioning for certification with the Secretary of Labor. Prohibits any assistance to firms until sales or production have decreased absolutely. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to provide technical assistance to firms preparing proposals for adjustment assistance. Increases the proportion of the cost the Secretary will bear for technical assistance furnished to firms through private individuals, firms, or institutions. Authorizes the Secretary to contract to pay to, or on behalf of, a borrower an amount to reduce the interest such borrower must pay on financial assistance loans guaranteed pursuant to this Act. Revises the conditions for financial assistance to adversely affected firms. Title III: General Provisions - Establishes a Commerce-Labor Adjustment Action Committee to coordinate the economic adjustment responsibilities of the Departments of Commerce and Labor and other Federal agencies. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to make grants to unions and employee organizations concerning the design of an effective program of trade adjustment assistance for workers. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to: (1) make grants for industry-wide programs designed to improve economic efficiency; and (2) study those industries threatened by import competition.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1979
International Trade Laws Reform Act of 1979 - Title I: Antidumping Act Amendments - Amends the Antidumping Act of 1921 to require the Secretary of the Treasury to conduct a preliminary investigation within 45 days of receiving information that foreign goods are being, or are likely to be, sold in the United States at less than fair value. Directs the Secretary to make public any determination and, if an affirmative determination is made, forward preliminary indications of possible sales at less than fair value to the International Trade Commission. Requires the Commission to investigate whether U.S. industry is being or is likely to be injured due to imports at less than fair value within 45 days after receiving a petition containing such information or after receiving notification that the Secretary is conducting a preliminary investigation. Requires the Secretary to initiate a full-scale investigation if both the Secretary and the Commission publish affirmative determinations that foreign goods are being sold at less than fair value and are likely to hurt U.S. industry. Stipulates that a final determination should be made within seven months. Directs the Commission to make a final determination concerning harm to U.S. industry within three months of the Secretary's final affirmative determination. Provides for a public hearing, if requested, before any determination is made. Sets forth the procedure by which an foreign exporter or domestic importer may petition: (1) the Secretary to terminate a final determination of sales at less than full value; and (2) the Commission to terminate its determination that U.S. industry is likely to be harmed by such sales. Imposes a special dumping duty on foreign goods when a finding has been made that such goods are being sold at less than full value. Requires customs officers to collect an estimated dumping duty based upon the margins of dumping included in the final determination of the Secretary. Requires the Secretary to periodically revise the applicable margin of dumping and apply such margins of dumping retroactively to the imported goods. Requires the importer to furnish such information as the Secretary deems necessary for ascertaining any special dumping duty to be imposed. Stipulates that all information developed in connection with the assessment and liquidation process shall be available upon request to interested parties. Title II: 1930 Tariff Act Amendments - 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 45 days after a petition is filed or information is received concerning such bounty or grant, and forward an affirmative determination to the Commission. Directs the Commission to investigate whether U.S. industry is likely to be injured due to such export bounties or grants within 45 days after a petition is filed or information is received concerning such harm to U.S. industry. Provides for a full-scale investigation upon publication of the Secretary's and the Commission's affirmative determinations of the import practices, with a final determination within seven months. Directs the Secretary to keep the Commission informed as to such imports and the amount of bounties or grants. Directs the Secretary to publish a Countervailing Duty Order, following final affirmative determinations by the Secretary and the Commission, providing for the collection of countervailing duties in the amount of the bounty or grant. Requires customs officers to collect estimated countervailing duties on or before entry of the affected goods. Provides for periodic revisions of bounties or grants to be applied retroactively to imported goods. Stipulates that all information should be available to interested parties. Sets forth the procedure by which a foreign exporter or domestic importer may petition the Secretary and the Commission to terminate the final determinations of export bounties or grants. Provides for a public hearing before any determination is made at the request of an interested party. Directs the Secretary to require a certified invoice with imported goods which includes a statement of the prices at which such goods are sold in the exporting country (home consumption prices). Directs the Secretaries of the Treasury and Commerce and the Commission Chairman to publish quarterly a statistical enumeration of the purchase prices and home consumption prices. Requires a verified statement from foreign manufacturers whose goods supply ten percent or more of the U.S. market showing the home market value and the purchase price. Authorizes the Commission to suspend its investigation of unfair methods of competition by imports. Stipulates that the Commission need not determine if there has been a violation if other authorized action determines the controversy. Sets forth the penalties for violating a final order of the Commission. Permits adversely affected foreign manufacturers or exporters or domestic importers to contest in the U.S. Customs Court any finding or order relating to dumping or amount of bounties or grants. Permits domestic manufacturers or labor organizations to contest in the U.S. Customs Court any determination that goods are not being sold at less than fair value, that bounties or grants are not being paid, or that U.S. industry is not being injured by such activities. Title III: Amendments to Customs Court Procedure Laws - Amends the provisions setting forth Customs Court procedure to permit actions contesting: (1) the termination of findings that imported goods are being sold at less than fair value; (2) the termination of Countervailing Duty Orders; or (3) determinations that U.S. industry is not being harmed by sales of imported goods at less than fair value or export bounties or grants. Title IV: Study of Transferring Treasury Investigative Responsibilities to International Trade Commission - Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress the need for and feasibility of transferring the duties of the Secretary to the Commission or independent section of a department of international trade. Title V: Amendments to the Revenue Act of September 8, 1916 - Amends a provision of federal law which makes it unlawful to import or sell articles in the United States at less than market value to give the burden of rebutting the prima facie case, by showing justification, to the person charged with the violation. Permits any person injured by a violation to sue for treble damages. Requires such suit to be commenced within four years after the cause of action accrued. Stipulates that the Commissioner of Customs shall be the agent upon whom all lawful process may be served in any action or proceeding against foreign manufacturers or exporters.
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
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 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
Directs the Secretary of the Interior to permit Chief Turkey Tayac of the Piscataway Indian Tribe to be buried in the ossuary at Piscataway Park, Oxon Hill, Maryland.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1979
Victims of Crime Act of 1979 - Establishes a nine-member, part-time Advisory Committee on Victims of Crime to advise the Attorney General with respect to the administration of this Act and the compensation of victims of crime. Directs the Attorney General to make grants to qualified State programs for the compensation of victims of crime. States that such grants shall total: (1) 25 percent of the allowable compensation paid to victims and dependent survivors of victims of State crimes designated by the State as appropriate for compensation under this program; and (2) 100 percent of the allowable compensation paid to victims and survivors of victims of crimes which would constitute designated State crimes except for the fact that the crime is subject to exclusive Federal jurisdiction. Specifies criteria for a State plan to qualify under this Act, including that such plan: (1) offers compensation for personal injuries suffered as a result of certain State and Federal crimes; (2) offers compensation to surviving dependents of any person whose death resulted from being victim to such a crime; (3) grants claimants the right to a hearing; (4) requires cooperation with law enforcement agencies as a condition for recovery; (5) does not have a financial means test; (6) subrogates the State to any claim the victim or dependent has against the perpetrator to the extent of the amount compensated by the State; (7) does not require claimants to seek welfare benefits; (8) denies or reduces any claim where the victim or claimant contributed to the death or injury; (9) may require the criminal by State law or rule to make restitution to the victim; and (10) does not require that any person be apprehended or convicted of the crime giving rise to the claim. Permits States with programs not in compliance with this Act to remain eligible for grants under this Act until the day after the close of the first regular State legislative session that begins after the effective date of this Act. Sets forth specified expenses that may not be included in the State program's cost of paying compensation when determining the amount of the grant for which such program is eligible. Directs the Attorney General to submit annual reports to the House and Senate Judiciary Committees with respect to each qualifying State program, and the activities of the Attorney General in carrying out this Act. Requires the Attorney General to report to Congress on the appropriateness of requiring State laws which prevent criminal wrongdoers from enjoying profits made from publicity surrounding their wrongdoing.
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 · 15 October 1978
Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to report to the Congress every six months the total value, distribution, source, and obligor of loans extended by domestic banks to governments, government agencies, and government-controlled corporations in countries designated by the Secretary of State. Directs the Secretary of State to designate those countries which meet the criteria for denial of assistance for violations of human rights under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. Specifies those banks to be included in such reports as those which have: (1) at least one foreign branch; (2) at least $20,000,000 in claims of foreign residents; and (3) deposits insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
United States · United States Congress · 13 October 1978
Expresses the sorrow of the Senate on the death of Representative Goodloe E. Byron, of the State of Maryland. Appoints a committee of two Senators to attend the funeral along with Members of the House of Representatives. Declares that the Senate recesses as a mark of respect for the late Mr. Byron.
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 1978
Urban Park and Recreation Recovery Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to establish an urban park and recreation recovery program to provide financial assistance to local governments for rehabilitation of recreation areas and facilities and for development of improved recreation programs. Directs the Secretary to establish: (1) criteria for determining eligibility for assistance under this program; and (2) funding priority criteria for project selection and approval. Requires the Secretary to coordinate this program with the total urban recovery effort and to cooperate with other State and Federal departments and agencies which administer urban programs and policies. Authorizes the appropriation of $170,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 1979 through 1980 to carry out the purposes of this Act, such sums to remain available until expended. Prohibits the use of such funds for the acquisition of land or interests in land.
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.
![Official portrait of Sen. Sarbanes, Paul S. [D-MD]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/s000064_200.jpg)