United States · United States Congress · 14 October 1978
Authorizes Senator Charles H. Percy, Senator Clifford P. Case, David L. Evans, and Harry W. Gurkin to appeal and testify before the United States District Court for the District of Columbia with respect to information secured in the performance of their official duties.
United States · United States Congress · 10 October 1978
Commends the Administration for its initiative in urging the United Nations Security Council to bring about a ceasefire in Lebanon. Urges all Lebanese factions to support reconciliation efforts and to exercise full restraint in the use of arms. Expresses the sense of the Senate that the United Nations should consider the placing of a peacekeeping force in Lebanon.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1978
Waives certain requirements of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 with respect to the consideration of S. 3309 (Resettlement of Indochinese refugees).
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 1978
Amends the National Housing Act to extend specified Federal Housing Administration insurance programs for 30 days. Amends the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1970 to extend for 30 days the authority for financial assistance to community development programs. Extends for 30 days the authority for the purchase of mortgages under the Emergency Home Purchase Assistance Act of 1974. Amends the National Flood Insurance Act to extend the authority: (1) to enter into new flood insurance contracts; and (2) to provide subsidized flood insurance in emergencies. Extends the authority for rural housing programs under the Housing Act of 1949. Amends the National Housing Act to extend the Federal riot reinsurance program and the Federal crime insurance program for 30 days.
United States · United States Congress · 24 August 1978
Waives certain requirements of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 with respect to the consideration of S. 3161 (National Commission on the International Year of the Child).
United States · United States Congress · 16 August 1978
Congressional Award Program Act - Establishes the Congressional Award Program in the United States and its territories to recognize and promote youth leadership and excellence in the areas of expedition fitness, personal creative development, and public service. Creates a Congressional Award Board with a Director to supervise such program. Authorizes the appointment of State award directors under this Act. Creates three Congressional Award Medals to be awarded under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1978
Directs the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to study and report to Congress on the feasibility of measures to prevent streambank erosion along the Tensaw River in order to protect Blakeley, Alabama, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1978
Permits the distribution to charities of the interest, profits, or other amounts derived from the advance refunding, before September 24, 1976, of the obligations of a State, territory, possession, or local government without causing the refunding obligations to be treated as arbitrage bonds and without incurring a penalty to the issuer under the Internal Revenue Code, or any regulation, news release, or ruling. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to repay the amount of any refund profit paid to the United States directly or by the purchase of United States obligations which bear an interest rate lower than the highest rate of interest borne by public debt securities of the United States then available for purchase.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 1978
Interstate Compact - Grants the consent of Congress to the Historic Chattahoochee Compact between Alabama and Georgia, for the purpose of promoting the cooperative development of the Chattahoochee Valley's potential for historic preservation and tourism, and to establish a joint Historic Chattahoochee Commission to assist in such efforts.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 1978
Expresses the sense of the Congress that (1) the trials of Antoly Shcharansky, Viktoras Petkus, and Aleksandr Ilyich Ginzburg are matters of deep concern to the American people that adversely affect Soviet-American relations; and (2) the U.S.S.R. Supreme Soviet should seek a humanitarian resolution to these cases and work toward improving such relations.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1978
Authorizes certain Members of Congress and Senate employees to testify in the cases of U.S. v. Robert Berrellez and U.S. v. Edward J. Gerrity, Jr. with respect to information secured in the performance of their official duties. Authorizes the production of certain congressional materials for use in such cases.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1978
International Year of the Child Act - Directs the President to establish a National Commission on the International Year of the Child to promote (1) the effective and significant observance in the United States of 1979 as the international year of the child with particular attention to the various aspects of the needs of children, and (2) cooperation by the United States with the United Nations Children's Fund and other international organizations and nations to achieve the objectives of the Year. Authorizes the Commission to conduct studies and establish subcommittees necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act. Grants certain powers to the Commission. Terminates the Commission 30 days after the submission of its final report to the President, or April 30, 1980, whichever occurs earliest. Authorizes the appropriation of $1,360,000 to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1978
Directs the President of the Senate to appoint a committee to attend the funeral of the Honorable James B. Allen, the late Senator from the State of Alabama.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1978
Reaffirms that the North Atlantic Alliance is a vital commitment of the United States. Recognizes the success of the Alliance. Declares Congressional support for strengthening the defensive capabilities of the Alliance and for lessening tensions with the Warsaw Pact countries through arms control agreements.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1978
Amends the Tennessee Valley Authority Act to allow credits against required power investment return payments for expenditures for certified pollution control facilities. Requires that pollution control facilities be certified by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency as being in compliance with applicable air and water quality standards.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1978
Waives certain requirements of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 with respect to the consideration of s.3076 (Department of State, International Communication Agency, and Board for International Broadcasting finding.)
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1978
International Security Assistance Act - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize the appropriation of up to $2,500,000 to the President for fiscal year 1979 for the emergency assistance contingency fund. Prohibits any agent or employee of the United States Government, as part of narcotics control efforts, from interrogating or being present during the interrogation of a United States person arrested abroad, unless the person arrested has consented in writing. Authorizes the appropriation for fiscal year 1979 of a specified sum for the international narcotics control program. Prohibits the use of any funds so appropriated for the purchase of weapons or ammunition. Bans security assistance, unless the President certifies that exceptional circumstances warrant the contrary, for the domestic intelligence or other law enforcement forces of a country engaging in a consistent pattern of gross violations of internationally recognized human rights. Sets forth a similar prohibition with regard to assistance under the international military education and training program. Authorizes the appropriation of certain sums for fiscal year 1979 for military assistance, such assistance to be given in specified amounts to Portugal, Spain, Jordan, and the Philippines. Allows continued military assistance supply operations to Greece, Indonesia, and Thailand pursuant to existing obligations. Sets the limit on fiscal year 1979 additions to weapon stockpiles in non-Nato countries at $90,000,000. Requires sufficient justification by the executive branch that continuation of each military advisory group with more than six U.S. military personnel assigned to a country is essential to U.S. foreign policy or national security interest. Authorizes 14 such military assistance advisory groups for fiscal year 1979. Reduces the overseas personnel ceiling from 865 to 775 for fiscal year international security assistance programs. Directs the President to continue to instruct United States diplomatic and military personnel in United States missions abroad that their actions should not be intended to encourage, promote or influence foreign countries to purchase United States-made military equipment, unless such personnel or specifically instructed to do so by appropriate authorities of the executive branch. Replaces the present chapter of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 concerning security supporting assistance with provisions authorizing and implementing an economic support fund (ESF). Declares that under special economic, political, or security conditions the national interests of the United States may require economic support for countries or in amounts that could not be justified under the development assistance account. Designates the Secretary of State as being responsible for policy decisions and program justifications for the ESF. Authorizes the appropriation of specified sums for the ESF for fiscal year 1979. Provides authority for an ESF program in the Middle East. Earmarks a minimum of the following amounts for the following countries: Israel, $785,000,000; Egypt, $750,000,000; and Jordan, $93,000,000. Requests the President to provide at least $65,000,000 of the funds authorized for Egypt for the development and encouragement of private enterprise in Egypt. Directs that not less than $25,000,000 of the funds authorized for the Middle East be used to fund regional programs which stress development or scientific and technical cooperation between Israel and neighboring Arab countries, or programs which could be used for Arab-Israeli cooperation once normalization of relations occurs. Conditions expenditure of funds for a potash facility or an irrigation project in Jordan upon a determination by the President that Jordan has obtained firm commitments for the remainder of the financing. Sets aside $110,000,000 of ESF monies for the countries of southern Africa to address problems caused by the economic dislocation resulting from regional conflict and for education and job training assistance. States that such funds may be used to provide humanitarian assistance to African refugees and displaced persons, to improve transportation links disrupted or jeopardized by regional conflicts, and to provide economic support to the countries in the region. Allots not less than $50,000,000 from the ESF for assistance to Turkey, and not less than $15,000,000 for refugee relief and reconstruction on Cyprus. Repeals part VI (Middle East Assistance) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. Authorizes the appropriation of $31,800,000 in fiscal year 1979 for the international military education and training program (IMET). Prohibits the use of any of the IMET funds for Nicargua and Paraguay. Includes among the purposes of the IMET program to increase the awareness of nationals of foreign countries participating in such activities of basic issues involving internationally recognized human rights. Authorizes the appropriation of funds for fiscal year 1979 for: (1) United Nations peacekeeping forces in Cyprus and the Sinai Support Mission; (2) Assistance to Spain in connection with the 1976 Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation; and (3) the Middle East special requirements fund. Authorizes the transfer, on a grant basis, of certain U.S.-owned military equipment currently located in Korea to the Republic of Korea. Authorizes the nonreimbursable furnishing of defense services related to the equipemnt transfers. Extends the partial arms embargo on Turkey. Amends the Arms Export Control Act to delineate ten nonbinding arms sales principles. Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the President maintain adherence of the United States to a policy of restraint in arms exports; (2) the President increase particpation in multilateral efforts to gain the cooperation of such other suppliers; and (3) the results of multilateral efforts to restrain arms exports should be taken into account in periodic evaluations of United States arms export policy. Exempts defense procurement contracts from the provisions of the Renegotiation Act of 1951. Requires the President to transmit to Congress, as part of the presentation materials for security assistance programs proposed for countries other than NATO members, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand, a report for each fiscal year estimating the value and amount of weapons to be transferred and setting forth the justification for such assistance. States that it is U.S. policy that the results of military surveys conducted by the United States in no way represent a commitment by the United States to provide military equipment to a foreign country. Establishes reporting requirements with respect to ongoing surveys and makes such surveys available to the Congress. Provides, under the Arms Control Export Act, foreign military sales financing budget authority of $674,300,000 and program authority of $2,085,200,000 for fiscal year 1979. Requires quarterly reports of commercial exports of police equipment in excess of $100,000. Requires the Arms Control and Disarmament Agency to provide Congress with a detailed arms control evaluation of each potentially controversial sale. Directs the executive branch to prepare: (1) an estimate of projected delivery dates for each arms sale; (2) a description of the equipment needed to support each sale; and (3) an analysis of the relationship between each proposed sale and projected procurement of the same item. Permits an additional 30 calendar days for the Congress to consider a proposed commercial on governmental military arms sale by obtaining a two-thirds vote of either the Senate Foreign Relations Committee or the House International Relations Committee. Directs that all U.S. exports which could have significant political-military implementations for any region of the world be reviewed by the Department of Commerce only pursuant to validated license procedures. Requires that all such sales be referred to the Secretary of State for review prior to Department of Commerce approval for export.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1978
International Development Assistance Act - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to declare that a principal objective of U.S. foreign policy is the encouragement and sustained support of the development efforts of people in developing countries. States that U.S. development policy should emphasize four principal goals: (1) alleviation of poverty; (2) promotion of self-sustaining growth; (3) encouragement of societies in which individual civil and economic rights are respected; and (4) integration of developing countries into an open international economic system. Stipulates that pursuit of these goals requires that development concerns be fully reflected in U.S. foreign policy. Sets forth a development assistance policy which recognizes that developing countries have a long-term need for external assistance. Directs that provision of development resources be adapted to the needs and capabilities of specific developing countries with low per capita incomes and limited access to private external capital being made on concessional terms and that for other developing countries consisting of programs which facilitate access to private capital markets, investment and technical skills. Amends such Act to solidate the President's existing authorities to furnish assistance. Repeals certain conditions pertaining to development loans and provides that the President shall determine the terms and conditions of development loans. Requires the President to consider the economic circumstances of the borrowing country and other relevant factors. States as a Congressional finding that participation of the rural and urban poor in their countries' development can be facilitated through increased activities by private and voluntary organizations and cooperatives. Encourages a greater utilization of such organizations in planning projects and in carrying out and development activities using U.S. funds. Revises provisions of such Act authorizing use of development assistance funds to pay transportation charges from U.S. ports to foreign countries of relief and rehabilitation shipments made by certain U.S. voluntary nonprofit relief agencies. Repeals various provisions pertaining to: (1) the development loan fund; (2) the purposes of development assistance and self-help criteria; (3) technical cooperation and development grants; (4) loans to small farmers; (5) programs for peaceful communication; (6) assistance for reopening the Suez Canal; (7) assistance for the Alliance of Progress; and (8) Southeast Asia multilateral and regional programs. Authorizes the appropriation fo $665,231,000 for fiscal year 1979 to alleviate starvation, hunger and malnutrition and to provide basic services to poor people by increasing their capacity for self-help. States that infrastructure projects should be complemented by other measures to insure that the benefits of the infrastruture projects reach the poor. Directs increased emphasis on rural development and expanded food production in the poorest nations as a matter of social justice and principal element contributing to broadly based economic growth, as well as an important factor in alleviating inflation in the industrialized countries. Requires that, in allocating agricultural production in countries which have been designated as least developed by the United Nations General Assembly. Encourages the President to devise and carry out in partnership with developing nations a strategy for programs of nutrition and health improvement for mothers and children, including breast feeding, and to provide technical, financial and materials support to individuals or groups at the local level for such programs. Authorizes the appropriation of $224,745,000 for population planning, $4,500,000 of which is earmarked for the World Health Organization's (HHO) Special Program of Research, Development, and Research Training in Human Reproduction. Declares that poor health conditions and uncontrolled population growth are deterimental to development efforts and that effective population programs depend upon economic and social change as well as the delivery of contraceptive services. Authorizes the President to provide assistance for voluntary population planning programs, such programs to emphasize motivation for small families, be coordinated with other development programs, provide family planning information and services and include directly relevant demographic research. Authorizes the President to furnish assistance for health, health education, disease prevention, environmental sanitation, programs relating to primary health care, health technology, pharmaceutical preparations, dissemination of relevant health research and development of health care professionals appropriate to serve the poor majority in developing countries. Authorizes the appropriation for fiscal year 1979 of: (1) $98,162,000 for activities in the fields of education, human resources development and public administration; and (2) $126,244,000 for the Selected Development Problems Account. Directs that up to $10,000,000 be made available each fiscal year to encourage and promote the participation and integration of women as equal partners in the development process. Requires the President to take into consideration the environmental consequences of development actions in carrying out development assistance programs and to furnish assistance to increase the capacity of less developed countries to protect and manage their natural resources. Encourages the President to make development assistance available on a grant basis to the relatively least developed countries to the maximum extent that is consistent with United States development objectives. Authorizes the President to: (1) permit a relatively least developed country to place amounts due as principal and interest on official debts to the United States into local currency accounts to be used for development projects; (2) waive certain interest payments from such a country; and (3) exempt such a country from specified cost-sharing and maximum grant program duration requirements. Directs the Administrator of the Agency for International Development to improve the assessment and evaluation of development programs and projects carried out under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. Requires the President to report on actions taken by international financial institutions and the United Nations Development Program to improve the evaluation of projects and programs conducted by those institutions. Authorizes the appropriation of funds for the American Schools and Hospitals Abroad program for fiscal year 1979. Revises the general policy statement and authorizing language for the Housing Guarantee program. Establishes a single authorization for the worldwide housing guarantee program and a new list of the types of programs which should be emphasized: (1) improved home sites on which poor families can build shelters; (2) expandable core shelter units on serviced sites; (3) slum upgrading; (4) shelter projects for low income people designed for demonstration or institution building purposes; and (5) community facilities and services in support of such projects. Requires consideration of the use of solar energy in housing projects which are assisted by Housing Guarantees program. Extends authority for Agricultural and Productive Credit and Self-Help Community Development Programs to September 30, 1979. Authorizes appropriations of $290,150,000 for International Organizations and Program for fiscal year 1979, and authorizes the appropriation of $1,000,000 for a voluntary contribution to a World Assembly on Aging. Increases the amounts authorized to be made available to the United Nations Relief Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East on the condition that the organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries matches any increase. Makes $5,000,000 available without fiscal year limitation for a contribution to a Disaster Preparedness and Prevention Trust Fund to be administered by the United Nations Development Program. Authorizes the appropriation of $25,000,000 for international disaster assistance in fiscal year 1979. States that disaster assistance to Turkey may be used for the purchase of scientific equipment designed to minimize the effects of future disasters. Requires the Chairman of the Development Coordination Committee to transmit to the Congress not later than February 1, of each year a report on foreign assistance for the fiscal year ending the previous September 30 and a report on programs and estimates for the current succeeding fiscal years. Repeals certain existing reporting requirements. Establishes an Office of the Auditor General of the Agency for International Developments Authorizes appropriations of funds for: (1) stimulating reimbursable development programs; and (2) Agency for International Development operating expenses. Repeals various sections of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 which largely deal with budget authority for previous fiscal years, completed programs, and activities that are subsumed under revised programs established under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1978
Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 1979 - Title I: State Department - Authorizes appropriations to the Department of State for fiscal year 1979 to conduct the foreign affairs of the United States for functions relating to: (1) the administration of foreign affairs; (2) international organizations and conferences; (3) international commissions; (4) migration and refugee assistance; and (5) increases in in salary, pay, retirement, and employee benefits. Amends Federal law to authorize the Secretary of State to provide emergency medical assistance and dietary supplements to destitute Americans abroad. Authorizes the Secretary of State to acquire on behalf of the United States a memorial statue or bust of General George C. Marshall to be placed in an appropriate location within the Department of State. Establishes a Commission, whose members shall not be compensated, to select the sculptor for such statue or bust. Authorizes $500,000 to be set aside from the sums authorized for the Department of State under this Act for assistance for children in Thailand born of American fathers and Asian mothers. Sets forth provisions concerning: (1) compensatory time off at posts in foreign areas; (2) efficiency in travel; (3) per diem and subsistence allowances under the Foreign Service Act; and (4) assignments to public organizations under such Act. Directs the President not to designate as restricted for travel or for the use of the passport any country other than a country with which the United States is at war or any country other than where armed hostilities are in progress. Directs a certain number of Members of Congress to meet at least annually with representatives of the European Parliament for a discussion of common problems in the interest of sound relations. Sets forth provisions concerning: (1) visits to the United States by foreign citizens; (2) the authority and responsibility of United States Chief of Mission; (3) reducing unnecessary family separations for Foreign Service employees; and (4) language training for foreign dependents of Foreign Service officers. Sets aside authorizations: (1) for refugees settling in Isreal; and (2) to enable the International Joint Commission, United States and Canada, to promptly initiate investigations requested by the United States pursuant to the Treaty between the United States and Great Britain relating to boundary waters between the United States and Canada. Requires the Secretary of State to demonstrate solar energy and other renewable energy technologies by using such energy sources in Foreign Service buildings located abroad. Directs the Secretary to consult with the Secretary of Energy for assistance. Directs projects to be adaptable to local conditions. Requires the Secretary of State to insure that projects under this Act are demonstrated to, and are available for inspection by, officials and other citizens of the host country. Directs the Secretary to give priority to projects in less developed countries. Sets forth provisions concerning: (1) facilitating voluntary retirements of Foreign Service employees; (2) rest and recuperation travel of Foreign Service employees; (3) retirement for Binational Center employees; (4) special computation of annuities for Foreign Service employees; and (5) assisting minority enterprise. Changes the position of Deputy Under Secretary of State to Under Secretary of State for Management. Authorizes the appropriation of $60,000,000 for fiscal year 1979 to the President to acquire tin metal to contribute to the buffer stock of the International Tin Council. Title II: International Communication Agency - Authorizes appropriations for the International Communication Agency for fiscal year 1979 to carry out international communication, educational, and cultural, and exchange programs. States that the mission of the Agency is to further the national interest by improving United States relations with other nations and peoples through the broadest possible sharing of ideas, information, and educational and cultural activities. Sets forth certain activities required by the Agency. Changes the name of the Agency to the Agency for Information and Cultural Exchange. Amends the Japan-United States Friendship Act to authorize the Japan-United States Friendship Commission to transmit its official mail as penalty mail under the same conditions as a Member of Congress. Title III: Board for International Broadcasting - Amends the Board for International Broadcasting Act of 1973 to authorize appropriations through fiscal year 1979 for the Board for International Broadcasting. Title IV: Policy Findings and Reporting Requirements - Makes Congressional findings and requires reports to be filed concerning the following: (1) expanding international cultural and educational activities; (2) international communications policy conservation of marine resources; (3) international journalistic freedom; (4) international food reserves and their use; (5) the consolidation of foreign relations law; (6) systematic information-sharing between branches of the United States Government; (7) United States-Soviet educational and cultural exchange; (8) assistance to United States citizens making arrangements following the death of another citizen abroad; (9) reviewing trade practices; (10) the maintenance of normal diplomatic relations with all nations; (11) the employment of family members of Foreign Service personnel assigned abroad; (12) nuclear-powered satellites; (13) the issuance of diplomatic and official passports; (14) a World Alternate Energy Conference; (15) atrocities in Cambodia and Uganda; and (16) Foreign Service personnel requirements and compensation. Declares it the sense of Congress that: (1) the United States should seek to triple, by 1983, the financial resources annually expended by the International Communication Agency for exchange-of-persons activities; (2) the Secretary of State should convey to the Government of Japan the concern of the U.S. Congress over conserving marine resources; (3) the President should advise foreign officials harassing news correspondents that such behavior could damage relations with the United States; (4) the President should sustain a major initiative directed towards an agreement establishing an international grain reserve; (5) the President should establish a fund, from the money with which the Soviet Union is repaying World War II debts to United States, which would support educational and cultural exchange between the two countries; (6) the painting "Guernica" should, in the near future, be returned to Spain; (7) the United States should take the initiative immediately in seeking a multilateral agreement governing the use of nuclear-powered satellites in space; (8) diplomatic or official United States passports should be issued only to a person who holds a United States Government diplomatic or official position; (9) the United States should encourage the United Nations to convene in 1980 a World Alternate Energy Conference; and (10) the Secretary of State should conduct a thorough review of the personnel needs of the Foreign Service and of the suitability of the current compensation system. Requires the Secretary of State: (1) to hire qualified Foreign Service family members at any Foreign Service post whenever possible; and (2) to establish compensation plans for alien employees of the Service and for Foreign Service family members employees. Declares it to be the general policy of the United States to impose restrictions on travel by a foreign citizen within the United States when the government of such foreign citizen imposes travel restrictions on United States citizens within such country. Requires the Secretary of State to: (1) convey this policy to foreign governments; and (2) seek to eliminate travel restrictions. Urges the President to seek to bring about a lessening of brutal and inhumane practices in Cambodia and Uganda. Title V: Executive-Legislative Relations - Requires the Secretary of State to transmit to the Congress the text of any international agreement, including the text of any oral agreement, which shall be reduced to writing. Directs that no international agreement shall be signed or concluded without prior approval of the Secretary of State or the President. Requires the Secretary of State to determine for and within the executive branch whether an agreement constitutes an international agreement. Treaty Powers Resolution - Declares it the purpose of this resolution to fulfill the intent of the Framers of the Constitution to ensure that no international agreement which in in the judgment of the Senate should be submitted as a treaty will be implemented by the Senate without its prior advice and consent to ratification of that agreement. Provides that where the Senate, by resolution, expresses its sense that any international agreement hereafter entered into which has not been submitted to the Senate for its advice and consent to ratification as a treaty, should be so submitted, it shall not thereafter be in order to consider any bill or joint resolution or any amendment thereto, or any report of a committee of conference, which authorizes or provides budget authority to implement such international agreement. Prohibits any directive from being issued verbally or in writing which is intended to inhibit any employee of the State Department, the International Communication Agency, the Arms Control and Disarmament Agency, the Agency for International Development, or the Board for International Broadcasting from communicating with any Member or employee of the Congress on any subject at any time, except that this shall not be construed as affecting established restrictions and procedures governing the disclosure and dissemination of classified or otherwise legally protectable information.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1978
Waives certain requirements of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 with respect to the consideration of S.3075 (Foreign Assistance Act and Arms Export Control Act amendments).
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1978
Waives certain requirements of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 with respect to the consideration of H.R. 11877 (Peace Corps appropriations authorization).
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1978
Investment Incentive Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to restore part of the pre-1969 tax treatment of capital gains by repealing the capital gains item of tax preference for the minimum tax; lowering the corporate alternative tax to 25 percent of net capital gain; and lowering the alternative individual tax to 25 percent of net capital gain.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1978
Expresses Congressional disapproval of the sale of 50 F-5 aircraft to Egypt, 60 F-15 aircraft to Saudi Arabia, and 15 F-15 and 75 F-16 aircraft to Israel.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1978
Housing Opportunity Act - Amends the National Housing Act to authorize the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to direct the Federal National Mortgage Association to make, and to contract to make, mortgage credit assistance payments to lenders who agree to make mortgage loans to eligible middle-income families purchasing new and rehabilitated homes. Lists qualifications for mortgage credit assistance payments.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1978
Expresses the sorrow of the Senate for the death of Aldo Moro. Condemns the Red Brigade for this murder. Declares it the sense of the Senate that Italy deserves the praise of the United States for its efforts to prevent this murder. Declares it the sense of the Senate that the President should instruct the Ambassador to the United Nations to press for consideration of proposals to end terrorism.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1978
Amends the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 to redefine telephone service as any telecommunication service for the transmission of voice, data, sounds, signals, pictures, writing, or signs of all kinds by wire, radio, light, or other electromagnetic systems, including all lines, facilities, or systems used in the rendition of such service, including community antenna and cable television facilities; but not including message telegram service, or radio broadcasting services or facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1978
Union Station Improvement Act - Amends the National Visitor Center Facilities Act to direct the Secretary of the Interior, upon request, to transfer the lease and purchase option of the facilities of Union Station, Washington, D. C. to the Secretary of Transportation. Directs the Secretary of Transportation, after such assignment, to operate that portion of the premises not sublet to the Department of the Interior for operation of the National Visitor Center as a rail passenger terminal. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to acquire any property interest not held by the United States which may be necessary for the completion of Union Station. Directs the Secretary to complete the parking facility at Union Station. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to allow the Washington Terminal Company to cease further construction of the new railroad passenger station in the area beneath and adjacent to the parking facility. Authorizes the Company, at the request of the Secretary, to transfer all of its rights and obligations concerning Union Station to the Secretary. Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1978
Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to convey to the Alabama Space Science Exhibit Commission specified additional real property for use by such Commission as a part of the permanent site of the Alabama Space Science Exhibit.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1978
Declares it the sense of the Senate that (1) the President recognize the severity of the international monetary crisis; (2) the President undertake discussions with the other industrialized countries to develop a common approach to this crisis; and (3) the approach should focus on a long-term solution to the crisis caused by exclusive reliance on the dollar as the key international monetary reserve asset.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1978
Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to include specified textiles and textile products in the articles reserved from tariff reduction or elimination negotiations by the President.
United States · United States Congress · 12 April 1978
Directs the Secretary of the Interior to develop and carry out a plan for the completion of the Natchez Trace Parkway from Natchez, Mississippi, to Nashville, Tennessee, within five years after the enactment of this Act. Authorizes appropriations not to exceed $180,000,000 for such construction project.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1978
Solar Power Satellite Research, Development, and Demonstration Program Act - Directs the Secretary of Energy and the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to initiate a Solar Power Satellite Research, Development, and Demonstration Program to study technical problems regarding the viability of the solar power satellite concept. Requires the Secretary to cooperate with the Administrator in the submission to Congress, by September 30, 1978, of a comprehensive plan to implement the Program.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1978
International Security Assistance Act - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 1979 for the emergency contingency fund of the President and for international narcotics control. Amends such Act to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 1979 for military assistance. Limits the amount of such assistance to Portugal, Spain, Jordan, and the Philippines, authorizing the President to exceed such limits by ten percent if such increase is deemed necessary. Revises the termination of authority of the President to furnish military assistance to extend the period of authority in order to carry out obligations to Greece, Indonesia, and Thailand. Decreases the value of additions to the stockpiles of defense articles in foreign countries which may be added in fiscal year 1979. Permits the President, pursuant to the overseas management of military assistance and sales programs, to assign members of the armed forces to South Korea, Panama, Morocco, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Greece, Turkey, Indonesia, and Thailand. Removes Brazil from the above list. Revises restrictions upon the number of defense attaches which may perform such management in an individual country. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 1979 for security supporting assistance, and for international military education and training. Amends the Arms Export Control Act to exempt contracts for procurement of defense articles for cash sales from the Renegotiation Act of 1951 relating to the renegotiation of defense contracts. Amends the Arms Export Control Act to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 1979 to carry out such Act. Decreases the aggregate total of credits and loans for military exports in 1979. Authorizes the continuation of furnishing military exports to Israel on a long term repayment rather than a credit basis. Increases the limitation on the aggregate acquisition cost to the United States of excess defense articles for delivery to foreign countries. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1979 to carry out international agreements relating to defense cooperation with Greece and Turkey, limiting expenditure of such funds. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to continue through fiscal year 1979 limitations on military assistance to Turkey. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary for fiscal year 1980 for programs and activities for which appropriations are authorized by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1978
Small Business Simplification Reform Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit a taxpayer, in calculating depreciation allowances of property, to apply a 36-month useful life computed under the straight-line method for up to $100,000 of basis of property.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1978
Interstate Land Sales Full Disclosure Amendments - Exempts the following transactions from the terms of the Interstate Land Sales Full Disclosure Act: (1) sale or lease of any improved land on which there is a condominium; (2) sale or lease of real estate by a developer who is engaged in a sales operation which is predominantly intrastate in nature; and (3) the sale or lease of real estate by a developer who has fulfilled specified conditions to the resident of another State when the principal residence of the purchaser is within a radius of 100 miles from the property. Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to conduct all actions brought under the Interstate Land Sales Full Disclosure Act in accordance with the Administrative Procedures Act.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1978
Declares it the sense of Congress that the President should (1) assist reconciliation in Rhodesia, (2) oppose efforts to undermine the objectives of the Rhodesian agreement on majority rule and minority rights, and (3) instruct the Ambassador to the United Nations to lend his efforts to insuring United Nations consideration of the agreement. Declares it the sense of Congress (1) that the agreement should be considered by the United States and other governments, and (2) that the role of the United States should be to join with like-minded parties to bring about a peaceful solution.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1978
Congregate Housing Services Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to enter into contracts with public housing agencies for the establishment of congregate housing projects which are supplemented by supportive services for frail and physically impaired residents. Requires assisted public housing authorities to maintain any financial effort they were making in furtherance of congregate services prior to contract authority approval, unless the Secretary waives such requirement. Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to permit the provision of congregate services in existing public housing. Makes provisions for the administration of services and requires assisted public housing agencies to employ elderly and physically disabled residents to the maximum extent practicable. Sets forth application procedures, requirements for eligibility for services, and rules for the setting of fees for congregate services. Directs assisted public housing agencies to review this program with eligible residents and with the professional assessment committee within the 12 month period prior to the submission of an application for renewed funding.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1978
Title I: Lending and Investment Powers - Amends the Home Owners' Loan Act of 1933 to authorize federal savings and loan associations to invest in cooperative housing. Removes the limitation on the percentage of its assets which a savings and loan association may invest in the following: (1) commercial real estate loans; (2) loans for home improvement and mobile homes; and (3) State and local government bonds to raise revenue for the rehabilitation, financing, or construction of residential real estate.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1978
Small Business Reduction and Stimulation Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide graduated income tax rates for corporations with a maximum rate of 46 percent on income in excess of $150,000 and a minimum rate of 15 percent on income not in excess of $25,000.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1978
International Development Assistance Act - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to restate United States development assistance policy. Authorizes the President to furnish grant and loan assistance to carry out this Act. Revises the criteria for making development loans. Repeals certain exemptions from the three percent minimum interest on such loans. Repeals the prohibitions against: (1) transferring such loan funds to other accounts; and (2) utilizing the special assistance authority of the President to waive the limitations on development loan assistance. Authorizes a specified amount of such Fund to furnish assistance to research and development institutions within the United States to strengthen their capacity to carry out economic and social development programs in less developed countries. Authorizes the President to use development assistance funds to pay transportation costs on relief, rehabilitation, and development shipments by certain United States voluntary foreign aid agencies. Abolishes the Development Loan Fund. Repeals certain limitations on making development loans with respect to the efficient use of the loan by the recipient country. Repeals the authority of the President to enter into agreements obligating development loan funds. Repeals the statement of the purposes of development assistance. Repeals the authority of the President to make technical cooperation and development grants. Deauthorizes assistance programs for: (1) small farmers; (2) use of used equipment; (3) demonstration of protein concentrates; (4) media communication of development information; (5) reopening the Suez Canal; (6) development research; and (7) regional and multilateral development programs for Southeast Asia. Abolishes the President's authority to appoint a committee to review the economic development program of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1979 for: (1) food, nutrition, and rural development assistance; (2) education and human resources development; (3) technical assistance, energy, research, reconstruction; and selected development programs; (4) Americans schools and hospitals abroad; (5) international organizations and programs; (6) international disaster assistance; and (7) operating expenses to furnish foreign assistance. Requires the Agency for International Development to emphasize technology for small farms and businesses in furnishing technological assistance. Requires the President to take the environmental consequences of development activities into account in carrying out development programs. Revises American policy with respect to furnishing housing guarantees. Revises Presidential authority to grant housing and other credit guarantees. Sets forth the priorities for the type of projects for which such guarantees may be issued. Repeals the authority for such guarantees limited to Latin America. Extends for one year the authority to furnish agricultural and productive credit and self-help community development assistance to five unspecified Latin American countries. Extends for one year the authority to furnish housing and other credit guarantees. Requires the President to make annual reports to Congress with respect to the types and amounts of foreign assistance furnished by the United States. Repeals the requirement that the annual report accompanying the request for foreign assistance appropriations contain information regarding military sales and assistance to South Vietnam, Thailand and Loas. Repeals other reporting requirements with respect to: (1) food production targets; (2) management of foreign assistance programs; (3) enumeration of countries and organizations receiving assistance; and (4) military assistance and sales. Repeals certain limitations upon furnishing foreign military assistance under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. Revises the amount which may be spent on the purchase or hire of motor vehicles pursuant to such Act. Increases the amount which may be used for reimbursable development programs. Repeals the request that the President explore improved arrangements for standby forces for United Nations peacekeeping purposes. Repeals the authority of the President to conclude agreements with less developed countries for the establishment of Joint Commissions on Rural Development. Repeals the exemption from the limitations of part I of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 for the use of settlement receipts under the Agreement Between the United States and Japan Regarding the Settlement of Postwar Economic Assistance to Japan. Repeals the requirement that assistance under such Act be furnished to the maximum extent possible through multilateral organizations. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to carry out foreign assistance programs for fiscal year 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1978
Amends the Board for International Broadcasting Act of 1973 to make the Chairman of the Board of Directors of RFE/RL (Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty), Inc., an ex officio member of the Board for International Broadcasting. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1979 and 1980 to carry out such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1978
Peace Corps Act Amendments - Amends the Peace Corps Act to authorize appropriations for fiscal years 1978, 1979, and 1980, to carry out such Act, and such sums as may be necessary for employee benefits authorized by law for fiscal years 1979 and 1980. Directs the Peace Corps Act to be administered so as to encourage the economic integration of women in developing countries. Repeals the requirement that only one Peace Corps volunteer who is a parent of a minor child may receive a readjustment allowance, even though both parents are volunteers eligible for such allowances. Makes the malpractice protection provisions of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 1977, applicable to the Peace Corps. Eliminates instruction in the philosophy and menace of Communism from required Peace Corps training. Authorizes the President to furnish hospitalization and medical treatment to Foreign Service local employees who are in the United States for training, under certain conditions.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1978
International Communication Agency Authorization Act - Authorizes appropriations for the International Communication Agency for fiscal years 1979 and 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1978
Amends the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 1978, to authorize additional appropriations for the Board for International Broadcasting for fiscal year 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1978
Expresses Congressional disapproval of the Presidential denial of import relief to the producers of nuts, bolts, and large screws, under the Trade Act of 1974, transmitted to the Congress on February 10, 1978.
![Official portrait of Sen. Sparkman, John J. [D-AL]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/s000701_200.jpg)