Skip to content
PoliticalRepoPoliticalRepo

Person

Official portrait of Sen. Stafford, Robert T. [R-VT]

Sen. Stafford, Robert T. [R-VT]

United States · Official source

Records

1,874 records where Sen. Stafford, Robert T. [R-VT] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years

Bill· SS. 2435 (96th)referred

A bill to rescind certain appropriations provided for the purchase of furniture by Federal departments, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1980

Rescinds $229,000,000 in appropriations provided for the purchase of furniture by Federal agencies and departments in fiscal year 1980. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to allocate such rescission among the agencies and departments and to report to the Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Senate concerning the allocation. Rescinds $15,000,000 in appropriations made to the Federal Buildings Fund for the rental of space in fiscal year 1980.

Law· SS. 2412 (96th)open

An act to amend the Solid Waste Disposal Act to further encourage the use of recycled oil.

United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1980

Amends the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act to add a new subtitle concerning recovery and reuse of used oil. Vests the authority to prescribe labeling, packaging, marketing, or other requirements related to the sale or distribution of used, waste, or recycled oil in the Environmental Protection Agency. Voids regulations promulgated prior to the date of enactment of this subtitle by the Federal Trade Commission relating to the labeling of such oil. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to issue regulations: (1) assuring purchasers of the quality and fitness of recycled or re-refined oil; (2) providing for the recycling and re-refining of used oil; and (3) assuring, to the extent not covered by regulations issued under such Act, that waste oil and used oil are handled safely and in such a way as to minimize potentially adverse effects on public health or the environment. Requires that virgin oil containers be prominently labeled so as to make purchasers or users aware of the necessity of recycling used oil. Prohibits the making of contracts or agreements to discourage the use of recycled oil if such use is consistent with the required labeling for such recycled oil. Authorizes the award of treble damages to any party injured or aggrieved by such agreements or contracts. Directs the Secretaries of Commerce and Defense, the Administrators of the Environmental Protection Agency and the General Services Administration, and the personnel of the Office of Procurement Policy, to accord the highest priority to the development of standards, markets, and regulations relating to recycled and re-refined oil in implementing specified provisions of such Act. Provides for the development of State plans and programs relating to such oil and authorizes the Administrator to delegate the authorities under this Act to any State with an approved program on such oil. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this Act.

Resolution· SRESS.Res. 380 (96th)passed

A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that the first concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 1981 reported by the Committee on the Budget shall limit total budget outlays to 21 percent of the gross national product.

United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1980

Expresses the sense of the Senate that the first concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 1981 reported by the Committee on the Budget shall limit budget outlays to 21 per cent of the gross national product.

Bill· SS. 2337 (96th)passed

Legal Services Corporation Act Amendments of 1980

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1980

Legal Services Corporation Act Amendments of 1980 - Authorizes appropriations for the Legal Services Corporation for fiscal years 1981, 1982, and 1983.

Resolution· SRESS.Res. 377 (96th)passed

A resolution to express the sense of the Senate that it offer its congratulations to Americans that participated in the XIII Winter Olympic Games in Lake Placid, New York.

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1980

Congratulates the members of the 1980 U.S. Winter Olympic team, its coaches and officials for a job well done. Recognizes the International Olympic Committee, the U.S. Olympic Committee, the Lake Placid Olympic Organizing Committee and the people of the Lake Placid area for their successful efforts in organizing and producing the XIII Winter Olympic Games.

Bill· SS. 2306 (96th)referred

International Education Programs Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1980

International Education Programs Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to establish a new title VI of such Act: "International Education Programs." Establishes International and Foreign Studies Programs under HEA. Authorizes the Secretary of Education to make grants to or contracts with institutions of higher education for establishing, strengthening, and operating graduate and undergraduate centers for modern foreign language studies, foreign area studies, international studies, and the international aspects of professional and other fields of study. Authorizes grants to such centers to maintain important library collections. Authorizes stipends to individuals undergoing advanced training at such centers. Authorizes grants for advanced international studies centers and for undergraduate international studies and foreign language programs to institutions of higher education, combinations of such institutions, and private nonprofit agencies and organizations. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct research and studies to contribute to such programs and the International Understanding programs established by this Act under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA). Directs the Secretary to publish an annual report on such matters. Directs the Secretary to make excellence the criterion of such grants and, consistent with such criterion, to seek an equitable distribution of such funds throughout the Nation. Directs the Secretary to convene meetings of an advisory board on the conduct of such HEA programs and the ESEA International Understanding programs. Authorizes appropriations to carry out such HEA International and Foreign Language programs for fiscal years 1981 through 1985. Establishes Business and International Education Programs under HEA. Directs the Secretary to make grants to and contracts with institutions of higher education to pay the Federal share of the cost of programs designed to promote linkages between such institutions and the American business community engaged in international economic activities. Limits the Federal share to 50 percent of the cost of such program for each fiscal year. Directs the Secretary to: (1) convene meetings of an advisory board on the conduct of such programs; and (2) publish an annual report on such matters. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the HEA Business and International Education Programs for fiscal years 1981 through 1985. Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to establish International Understanding programs under an "International Understanding Act." Authorizes the Secretary to stimulate, by grant or contract, educational programs to increase the understanding of students and the public in the U.S. about the cultures and actions of other nations in order to better evaluate the international and domestic impact of major national policies. Allows such assistance to be made: (1) to any public or private agency or organization; (2) for inservice training and for compilation and dissemination of information and resources, but not for equipment acquisition or facility remodeling; (3) for programs at all levels, including community, adult, and continuing education; and (4) for critically important foreign language instruction by local educational agencies. Authorizes appropriations for the ESEA International Understanding programs for fiscal years 1981 through 1985. Repeals the foreign studies and language development program of the National Defense Education Act of 1958 and the grant programs for advanced and undergraduate international studies of the International Education Act of 1966.

Resolution· SRESS.Res. 318 (96th)passed

A resolution calling for immediate release of Americans held hostage in Iran.

United States · United States Congress · 20 December 1979

Expresses the Senate's support for efforts to win the freedom of the hostages in Iran. Calls upon all nations to join in cooperative efforts to restrict relations with Iran. Declares that: (1) any trial or public exploitation of the hostages would be viewed as added provocation; and (2) the American people will not be diverted from their determination that the hostages be freed.

Bill· SS. 2098 (96th)referred

A bill to amend section 431 of the Public Health Service Act to provide funds to the National Institute of Neurological and Communicative Disorders and Stroke for research in the area of regeneration of the spinal cord.

United States · United States Congress · 7 December 1979

Amends title IV of the Public Health Service Act (National Research Institutes) to stipulate that the institute currently authorized to conduct research on neurological diseases shall be named the "National Institute of Neurological and Communicative Disorders and Stroke." Requires at least $16,000,000 of the sums appropriated for such Institute to be obligated for research in the area of regeneration of the spinal cord.

Bill· SS. 2080 (96th)open

Public Buildings Act of 1980

United States · United States Congress · 5 December 1979

Public Buildings Act of 1979 - Title I: General Authorities - Directs the Administrator of General Services (GSA), acting through the Public Buildings Service, to acquire, design, construct, lease, manage, maintain, repair, renovate, and assign space in public buildings. Establishes in GSA a Public Buildings Service to be headed by a Superintendent of Public Buildings. Creates the position of Supervising Architect to supervise all design activities of the Public Buildings Service. Permits the Administrator to delegate any of the aforementioned authorities after first explaining the scope and reasons for such delegation to specified congressional committees. Sets forth the duties and powers of the Administrator. Requires the Administrator to annually report to Congress concerning activities undertaken to meet the public buildings needs of Federal agencies. Specifies lists to be included in such report. Repeals the Public Buildings Act of 1959. Title II: Locations for Federal Agency Offices - Sets forth requirements for the location of Federal agency offices. Requires the headquarters offices of each Federal agency to be located in the Washington, D.C. area. Requires other Federal agency offices, designated as being located outside of Washington, D.C., to be evenly distributed throughout the country. Permits agency heads to appeal locations assigned by the Administrator. Title III: Design and Management of Public Buildings - Sets forth requirements for the design and maintenance of public buildings, including quality of architecture, longevity, conformity with existing buildings, furnishings, and parking facilities. Directs the Administrator to establish design and construction standards to make buildings fully accessible to handicapped persons. Requires the annual plan to Congress to include a schedule for making all existing public buildings fully accessible to handicapped persons. Title IV: Mixed Use and Adaptive Use in Public Buildings - Public Buildings Cooperative Use Act Amendments of 1979 - Amends the Public Buildings Cooperative Use Act of 1976 to direct the Administrator to design, construct, and lease out space for commercial, cultural, educational, and recreational activities. Sets forth conditions for space so leased. Repeals provisions requiring the Administrator to: (1) identify existing buildings of historic, architectural, or cultural significance suitable for meeting Federal public buildings needs; and (2) notify Congress of the use or nonuse of such buildings. Title V: Exhibitions and Works of Art - Federal Building Enhancement Act of 1979 - Directs the General Services Administrator to: (1) acquire works of art by living American artists to be exhibited in Federal buildings; (2) develop exhibitions for Federal buildings which reflect the heritage or development of the United States; and (3) commission works of art by American artists for Federal buildings. Sets forth standards such works of art and exhibitions shall meet. Authorizes the Administrator to use one-half of one percent of the sums available for the construction, repair, and acquisition of public buildings for such purposes. Title VI: Architectural Services - Directs the Superintendent of Public Buildings to employ architects, designers, and urban planners to prepare, under the supervision of the Supervising Architect, plans for at least 25 percent of the dollar value of public building projects each year. Requires those architectural designs not prepared in accordance with the above to be procured in accordance with the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 and a method to select the best qualified architectural firm. Directs the Administrator to provide competing firms the evaluation criteria and the reasons for the selection made. Title VII: Leasing - Permits the Administrator to lease space only in limited circumstances. Specifies that within the next ten years at least 80 percent of Federal employees shall have their principal offices in public buildings, with such percentage being maintained uniformly throughout the country. Prohibits leasing space for specified Federal functions. Exempts buildings leased pursuant to this Act from provisions requiring money consideration and limiting the amount of rent. Prohibits rental rates from exceeding 105 percent of average commercial rates for space of nearest comparable quality. Requires the Administrator to publicly solicit competitive bids to procure space by lease for the Government. Directs the Administrator to provide a copy of the lease agreement to the highest ranking official of each Federal agency in leased buildings. Sets forth information to be submitted to Congress concerning leased buildings and space. Title VIII: Congressional Authorization - Directs the Administrator to submit annually to Congress a program of necessary projects and actions for the coming fiscal year. Prohibits the obligation of any appropriation for a public building without congressional authorization. Authorizes the Administrator to: (1) carry out public building construction, renovation, and acquisition projects; (2) execute leases; and (3) issue obligations to the Treasury. Authorizes appropriations for such purposes and for alterations, maintenance, planning and designs, and administration of the Public Buildings Service. Authorizes the Administrator to increase expenditures or decrease the amount of space to be constructed, up to specified limits, if the project costs exceed the estimated maximum cost authorized. Requires approval by specified committees for any other action. Title IX: Public Building Financing - Amends the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 to require rates and charges for public buildings and buildings leased in behalf of the United States to be established annually at a level equal to the costs of providing space and services, but no more than commercial rates and charges. Requires all proceeds from the disposal of real property, parking fees, and dressing room fees to be deposited into the fund for real property management established in the Treasury. Authorizes the Administrator to issue obligations to the Secretary of the Treasury in order to finance the acquisition, construction, or renovation of any public building. Provides for payment of principal and interest on such obligations from the fund for real property management.

Bill· SS. 2074 (96th)referred

A bill to amend title 39 of the United States Code to provide for the postage-free mailing of absentee ballots and other materials pertaining to absentee ballots .

United States · United States Congress · 4 December 1979

Directs the United States Postal Service, in cooperation with election agencies: (1) to make available to the public envelopes within which requests for absentee ballots may be mailed free of postage to an election agency; and (2) to provide the election agencies with envelopes which may be used by persons requesting absentee ballots for the postage-free return of such ballots. States that this Act does not apply to mail transmitted under provisions of the Federal Voting Assistance Act of 1955 or the Overseas Citizens Voting Rights Act of 1975. Authorizes $3,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1980 and 1981 to carry out the provisions of this Act.

Resolution· SRESS.Res. 292 (96th)passed

A resolution relating to the immediate, safe and unconditional release of United States personnel in Iran.

United States · United States Congress · 28 November 1979

Expresses the sense of the Senate that the American people and their representatives are united in their determination and efforts to achieve the immediate, safe, and unconditional release of all U.S. personnel. Calls upon the U.N. Security Council to take all necessary measures to secure the release of all U.S. personnel held hostage in Iran.

Resolution· SRESS.Res. 277 (96th)passed

A resolution relating to the commitment to ease the human suffering in Cambodia.

United States · United States Congress · 8 November 1979

Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) all countries and all people be urged to respond generously to Cambodian relief efforts; (2) Cambodian authorities be encouraged to allow the use of all possible avenues for delivering food and medical supplies; and (3) the United States and the United Nations should express their expectation that the great power supporters of the factions in Cambodia share in international responsibility for averting famine.

Bill· SS. 1867 (96th)referred

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to provide that the amount of the charitable deduction allowable for expenses incurred in the operation of a motor vehicle will be determined in the same manner Government employees determine reimbursement for use of their vehicles on Government business.

United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1979

Amends the Internal Revenue Code with respect to the charitable deduction allowable for the expenses of operating a motor vehicle to require the amount of such deduction to be the same as the amount the taxpayer would have received if he were engaged on official business for the Government and reimbursed accordingly.

Bill· SS. 1843 (96th)passed

Domestic Violence Prevention and Services Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1979

Domestic Violence Prevention and Services Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to States, local public agencies, and nonprofit organizations for projects designed to prevent domestic violence and to provide immediate shelter and other assistance for victims and dependents of victims of domestic violence. Stipulates that such funds may not be used for direct payment to any victim of domestic violence or to a dependent of such victim, and that no income eligibility standard may be imposed for anyone seeking services under this Act. Requires each State receiving assistance to report annually to the Secretary on the implementation of programs and projects under this Act. Directs the Secretary to designate within the Office of the Secretary an administrative unit to serve as the National Center on Domestic Violence, to be responsible for: (1) the coordination (through the interagency council established by this Act) of all Federal programs relating to domestic violence; (2) the operation of a national clearinghouse to collect and disseminate information relating to domestic violence; (3) the development of a national media campaign to increase public awareness of the problems of domestic violence and the availability of services for its victims; and (4) keeping Congress informed with respect to the implementation of this Act. Requires the Secretary to report annually to Congress on the programs authorized by this Act. Requires that the records of any person subject to any program, project, or activity assisted under this Act be subject to the confidentiality provisions of the Drug Abuse Office and Treatment Act of 1972. Directs the Secretary to evaluate and report to Congress within two years of the first obligation of State grants on the effectiveness of the programs under this Act. Establishes an Interagency Domestic Violence Council to assist the Director of the National Center in coordinating all Federal programs regarding the prevention of domestic violence. Directs the Secretary to report within 90 days of the end of fiscal year 1981 and of each subsequent fiscal year to certain congressional committees specific information relating to applications for assistance for domestic violence research. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1983 to carry out this Act.

Bill· SS. 1833 (96th)referred

A bill to amend the International Claims Settlement Act of 1949 to allow recovery by United States nationals for losses incurred in Vietnam.

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1979

Amends the International Claims Settlement Act of 1949 to provide for the determination of claims against Vietnam arising out of the taking of U.S. property interests. Requires the Foreign Claims Settlement Commission of the United States to receive and determine the validity and amounts of claims by U.S. nationals against Vietnam. Specifies the type of claims that may be considered. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to establish the Claims Fund for the payment of unsatisfied claims against Vietnam upon certification by the Commission. Specifies the priority of payments on such claims. Requires the Commission to complete its duties under this Act within three years. Prohibits fees in excess of ten percent of the claim. Makes specified provisions of existing law relating to the jurisdiction of the Commission, payment of claims, administrative procedure, and employee organizations applicable to the Commission.

Bill· SS. 1806 (96th)referred

Energy Mobilization Board Act of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 24 September 1979

Energy Mobilization Board Act of 1979 - Establishes the Energy Mobilization Board to administer jointly with the Department of Energy a priority energy project program. Authorizes the Board to decide and administer all matters within the jurisdiction of the Board under this Act, and to take final action on any such matters, except as otherwise stated. Sets forth the power and authority of the Board, and stipulates that the Board shall not interfere with labor-management relations or take any actions which conflict with the terms of existing labor- management contracts. Directs the Board to periodically review its activities under this Act and report to the Congress on the functioning of the selection and designation process for priority energy projects, and other matters. Authorizes any person planning or proposing an energy project to apply to the Secretary of Energy for the selection of such project as a candidate priority energy project. Requires that such application identify all Federal, State, and local licensing or permitting actions necessary for approval and development of such project and to contain detailed information of the project's design, economics, and environmental impacts. Directs the Secretary to select from all pending applications for priority designation between eight and twenty-four candidate priority energy projects which are to be forwarded to the Board for further examination under the provisions of this Act. Sets forth criteria for the Secretary's use in selecting such projects. Requires the Secretary to adopt procedures necessary to assure applicants, affected agencies and interested members of the public of the opportunity to participate in the Selection process. Authorizes the Board to make the final designation of priority energy projects based on the stated criteria. Allows the Board to extend the deadlines for receiving public comments on such designation and the time for ruling on an application for designation if more time is required for the comment period or the application is incomplete. Exempts the determinations made by the Secretary and the Board in designating such projects and the promulgation or revision of Project Decision Schedules from the environmental impact provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA). Requires the appropriate Federal agency to determine whether any Federal action relating to a designated project will be a major Federal action within the meaning of NEPA. Authorizes any person aggrieved by such determination to commence a civil action seeking judicial review of that determination under the provisions of this Act. Authorizes the Board, in consultation with the Council on Environmental Quality and appropriate State and local agencies, to require the preparation of a single environmental impact statement to reflect the actions of any or all Federal agencies to satisfy their obligations under NEPA. Stipulates that such statement may substitute for any similar requirement of State or local law if required by the Board, so long as such statement includes all information required under such laws. Provides for the appointment of a lead agency to supervise the preparation of such statement and sets forth the duties of such agency. Requires the Secretary to encourage applicants for priority energy project designation to file applications as soon as possible in order to expedite any eventual action or decision. Requires specified Federal agencies to submit certain information to the Board critical to their consideration of such projects. Requires that the Board notify the Governor and other appropriate local officials or agencies of any State which would be significantly affected by the completion of such projects and request them to supply compilations of significant actions required by State and local governments and by the applicant before the project can be completed and a tentative schedule for completing such actions. Directs the Board to establish a Project Decision Schedule containing deadlines for all Federal, State, and local actions relating to a priority energy project. Requires that final agency action be completed no later than one year after the applicant's application for such actions is complete, unless otherwise required by existing statutory obligations. Provides that upon petition of any agency with authority governed by a Project Decision Schedule, or of the applicant or any other interested party, the Board may make a modification of such schedule. Authorizes the Board to make such modifications only upon the determination that continued adherence to the schedule would be impractical or not in the public interest, that such modification is consistent with other provisions in this Act, and that the agency or applicant, as the case may be, has exercised due diligence in attempting to comply with the schedule. Authorizes the Board to certify that agency review has been completed and all approvals on the schedule have been granted, performed, or are not found to be necessary, and that further judicial review is barred pursuant to this Act. Provides mechanisms for the enforcement of Project Decision Schedules by appropriate action in the specified Federal or State court. Requires the Board to monitor compliance by the applicant and the agencies to the Project Decision Schedule. Authorizes the Board to terminate the priority designation of a project if certain evidence of noncompliance exists. Exempts the granting or denying of a public comment period extension from judicial review except as may be required by the U.S. Constitution. Authorizes judicial review of the designation or termination of a priority energy project designation in accordance with the provisions of this Act. Prohibits a court from staying or enjoining such actions pending appeal or trial de novo. Sets time limits for filing appeals or petitions for review of actions taken pursuant to this Act and bars any challenges to such actions which are not in conformance with these provisions, except as otherwise provided for. Directs such courts to expedite and consolidate such review to the greatest extent practicable. Grants exclusive jurisdiction to the Supreme Court to review any judgment or order of the lower court pursuant to this Act and directs the Supreme Court to expedite such review to the greatest extent practicable. Prohibits trial de novo by the reviewing court of any action pursuant to this Act. Directs the Board to revise a project decision schedule as necessary in the event a decision is rendered remanding any case or controversy to an agency. Terminates the authority of the Board on September 30, 1985.

Bill· SS. 1791 (96th)referred

Federal Buildings Enhancement Act of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 21 September 1979

Federal Buildings Enhancement Act of 1979 - Amends the Public Buildings Act of 1959 to direct the General Services Administrator to: (1) acquire works of art by living American artists to be exhibited in Federal buildings; (2) develop exhibitions for Federal buildings which reflect the heritage or development of the United States; and (3) commission works of art by American artists for Federal buildings. Sets forth standards such works of art and exhibitions shall meet. Authorizes the Administrator to use one-half of one percent of the sums available for the construction, repair, and acquisition of public buildings for such purposes.

Bill· SS. 1724 (96th)open

Home Energy Assistance Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 September 1979

Home Energy Assistance Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to States to assist eligible low-income households to meet increasing home energy costs. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1980 through 1984 to carry out this Act. Sets forth allotments from such appropriations for such grants to States and specified American territories and possessions for energy crisis related activities under the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964, and for emergency energy disaster assistance to States. Stipulates that such grants may be used for making payments to home energy suppliers on behalf of eligible households and directly to such households in specified cases. Sets forth application procedures and requirements for such grants. Authorizes States receiving such grants to make grants to eligible households for meeting excessive cooling costs where such cooling is medically necessary under standards established by the Secretary. Requires States to comply with the uniform data collection standards established by the Secretary concerning home energy consumption, cost and type of fuels used, use by which income groups, and other information determined to be necessary to carry out this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to withhold payments under this Act for failure to comply with approved application provisions. Sets forth provisions for the administration of this Act. Stipulates that payments received by members of participating households are not to be considered income for determining eligibility for other Federal assistance programs.

Bill· SS. 1725 (96th)passed

Economic Opportunity Amendments of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 7 September 1979

Economic Opportunity Amendments of 1979 - Amends the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 to add a new title, Title XI "Comprehensive Energy Conservation Service," which may be cited as the Comprehensive Energy Conservation Services Act of 1979. Establishes a comprehensive energy conservation service program to enable low-income and near-poor individuals and families, particularly the elderly, to participate in energy assistance programs designed to reduce energy consumption and the impact of high energy costs. Directs the Director of the Office of Economic Opportunity to establish a weatherization program to improve the thermal efficiency of the dwellings of low-income and near-poor individuals and families and to provide access to low-cost, dispersed alternative energy sources. Authorizes the Director to make grants to States and to Indian tribal organizations for such purposes. Directs the Director to issue regulations to carry out such program, and sets forth the nature of such regulations. Authorizes appropriations to carry out such program for fiscal years 1980 through 1989 and establishes allotments of such funds to be followed by the Director. Sets forth limitations on the amount of such grants made for the purchase of weatherization materials, for labor costs, and for program support. Requires States and approved area applicants to submit a weatherization plan in order to receive weatherization assistance. Describes required components of such plans, and directs the Director to establish procedures for the approval of such plan. Requires States seeking such assistance to establish a State weatherization policy council to be appointed by the chief executive officer of the State. Sets forth the duties of such council, including the reviewing of the operation of weatherization programs conducted by each local project and the preparing of the weatherization plans required by this Act. Authorizes a State, after having been approved for financial assistance, to designate community action agencies or political subdivisions as local weatherization projects and to provide financial assistance to such projects. Sets forth requirements for obtaining such designation. States that individuals or families having incomes equal to or less than 85 percent of the lower living standard income level, as defined in this Act, shall be eligible for participation in weatherization programs. Sets forth administrative provisions for such programs. Requires the Director to prescribe procedures for appeals, notice, and hearings in the event applications for financial assistance are rejected or not acted upon within the specified period of time. Authorizes the Director to provide technical assistance to States, areas, and local projects for conducting such programs and to provide training for personnel needed in connection with such programs. Requires the Director to provide for continuous evaluation and monitoring of programs established under this Act, and to publish the results of such evaluations. Directs the Director to submit such publications to the appropriate congressional committees. Directs the Director to prepare an annual report on the weatherization assistance program for submission to Congress and the President. Directs the Director to establish an energy assistance payments program and a crisis intervention program. Authorizes the Director to make grants to States to help low- income and near-poor individuals pay for increased home energy costs, and to provide short-term assistance and counseling to such individuals and their families when threatened with hardship or danger to health or life from lack of fuel, utility shutoff, or other energy-related crises. Authorizes appropriations to carry out such programs for fiscal years 1981 through 1983 and establishes allotments of such funds. Sets forth limitations on the amount of such grants made for energy assistance payments and for crisis intervention. Requires States and approved area applicants to submit an energy assistance and crisis intervention plan in order to receive financial assistance under this Act. Describes required components of such plans, and requires the Director to establish procedures for the approval of such plans. States that individuals or families having income equal to or less than 85 percent of the lower living standards income level, as defined in this Act, shall be eligible for energy assistance payments and for crisis intervention assistance. Authorizes payments under such programs to be made to residential energy suppliers, eligible individuals and families, or to some combination thereof. Requires a State to establish benefit levels, and sets forth criteria for setting such benefit levels. Requires eligible States or areas to designate agencies to administer such programs. Sets forth administrative provisions for such program. Requires the Director to prescribe procedures for appeals, notice, and hearings in the event applications for financial assistance are rejected or not acted upon within the specified period of time. Authorizes the Director to provide technical assistance to States, areas, and local projects for conducting such programs and to provide training for personnel needed in connection with such programs. Requires the Director to provide for continuous evaluation and monitoring of such programs, and to publish the results of such evaluations. Directs the Director to submit such publications to the appropriate congressional committees. Directs the Director to prepare an annual report on such programs for submission to Congress and the President. Authorizes the Director to provide financial assistance to projects and activities designed to educate and counsel low-income and near-poor energy consumers in energy-conservation practices and sound residential energy management, self-help activities in energy conservation and alternative energy applications, and maintenance of weatherization and alternative energy improvements. Directs the President to establish procedures assuring the coordination of all Federal energy assistance programs affecting low-income and near-poor individuals and families. Directs the Director to conduct outreach activities to inform and enroll such individuals and families in such programs. Authorizes the Director to provide financial assistance for research, demonstration, or pilot projects designed to assist in developing new approaches to enable low-income and near-poor individuals and families to participate in energy conservation programs for reducing the impact of high energy costs and reducing energy consumption. Directs the Director to make a public announcement of the award of such grants or contracts and of the results or recommendations made as a result of such activities. Directs the Director to prepare summaries of the result of such activities for submission to the appropriate congressional committees. Stipulates that any assistance provided under this Act shall not be considered income or resources for any purposes, including the determination of eligibility for participation under any Federal, State, or local programs. Repeals provisions under the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 requiring the establishment of an "Emergency Energy Conservation Services" program.

Bill· SS. 1700 (96th)referred

Campaign Contribution Reform Act of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1979

Campaign Contribution Reform Act of 1979 - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to prohibit any multicandidate political committee (other than a multicandidate committee of a political party) from making contributions to a candidate for the office of Senator in the Congress and his or her authorized committees which in any calendar year exceeds: (1) $5,000 with respect to any general or special election and a primary election relating to such election; or (2) $7,500 (but not more than $5,500 for one election) with respect to a general or special election and both a primary and runoff election relating to such election. Specifies that any contribution made in a year, other than the calendar year in which the election is held, is considered to be made in the calendar year in which such election is held, and any contribution made after the date of such election shall be considered a contribution with respect to such election only if such contribution is used to pay obligations incurred with respect to such election. Specifies that any extension of credit for goods or services relating to advertising on broadcasting stations, in newspapers or magazines, by direct mail or other similar types of general public political advertising shall be considered a contribution, if such extension of credit is: (1) in an amount of more than $1,000; and (2) for a period of more than 30 days.

Law· SS. 1658 (96th)open

Asbestos School Hazard Detection and Control Act of 1980

United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1979

Asbestos School Hazard Detection and Control Act of 1979 - States the purposes of this Act to be to: (1) establish a Federal task force to ascertain the extent of the danger from asbestos materials in schools to children or employees; (2) require States to establish programs for asbestos inspection in schools; (3) provide scientific and technical assistance to States and local school boards; (4) provide loans for the mitigation of serious asbestos hazards in schools; and (5) assure that no disciplinary action be taken against employees for calling attention to such hazards. Establishes the Asbestos Hazards School Safety Task Force. States that such Task Force's duties shall include: (1) compiling and disseminating medical, scientific, and technical materials to State and local entities; (2) reviewing and approving State applications for grants and loans; and (3) assisting in formulating standards and safety procedures. Requires State educational agencies which seek administrative funds to submit to the Secretary a plan which: (1) describes the manner such State shall disseminate information on the health hazards of asbestos fibers; (2) describes the content of such information; and (3) describes the procedures to be used by the State in maintaining records on asbestos. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to local educational agencies for the Federal share of the costs of carrying out an asbestos detection program meeting the standards of this Act. Prohibits the making of such grants unless an application has been submitted to and approved by the Secretary after consultation with the task force. Authorizes the Secretary to allocate up to 20 percent of such asbestos detection funds for use in education and technical assistance programs. Requires recipients of such asbestos detection funds to file a report with the Secretary describing detection and testing activities undertaken, the results, and the plan for correcting any discovered asbestos hazards. Establishes an Asbestos Hazards Control Loan Program in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. Stipulates that loans from such program shall be: (1) available only to correct imminent asbestos hazards in schools to school children or school employees; (2) limited to projects covering more than 2,500 square feet; (3) for a period not exceeding 20 years; and (4) interest free. Requires applications for such loans to describe: (1) the nature of the asbestos problem; (2) the results of preliminary testing; and (3) the methods to be used to correct such problem. Requires the Secretary to report annually to the appropriate House and Senate committees regarding such loan program. Directs the Secretary to promulgate and distribute to the States safety standards and procedures for testing the level of asbestos in schools, for determining the likelihood of the leakage of asbestos into the school environment, and for determining which contractors are qualified to carry out testing and evaluation procedures. Stipulates that no employer receiving funds under this Act shall discharge or discriminate against any worker who focuses public attention on an asbestos problem in his or her school district. Stipulates that nothing in this Act shall restrict any other legal rights in connection with the purchase or installation of asbestos materials in schools, or with any claim of disability or death from exposure to asbestos in a school setting. Grants the United States a right of recovery for claims under this Act.

Bill· SS. 1597 (96th)referred

Savings and Investment Encouragement Act of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1979

Savings and Investment Encouragement Act of 1979 - Title I: Incentives for Individual Saving - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income up to $100 of the interest earned on a savings account. Permits an exclusion of up to $500 for interest which is reinvested in a savings account. Excludes from gross income up to $500 of dividends received which are reinvested in the stock of domestic corporations. Requires that the sum of the adjusted basis of stock in domestic corporations held by the taxpayer plus the amount held in a savings account (investment base) on the last day of a taxable year exceed the investment base of the taxpayer as of the first day of such taxable year, plus the amount of dividends and interest excludible for such taxable year. Title II: Incentives for New Plant and Equipment - Revises the method for determining useful lives of business assets for purposes of computing allowable depreciation deductions. Replaces the asset depreciation range (ADR) method with a schedule of capital cost recovery periods for three classes of business property. Establishes capital cost recovery periods for the following classes of business property: (1) buildings and their structural components, ten years; (2) tangible property, five years; and (3) automobiles, taxis, and light-duty trucks (up to $100,000), three years. Allows a ten percent investment tax credit for buildings and tangible property, and a six percent credit for automobiles, taxis, and light-duty trucks. Requires the recapture of depreciation amounts and investment tax credit amounts applicable to assets which are sold or otherwise disposed of prior to the expiration of the cost recovery period. Permits taxpayer to deduct less than the full allowance for capital cost recovery in any taxable year. Permits a carryover to succeeding taxable years of any unused depreciation amounts. Disqualifies capital cost recovery property from the allowance for first year depreciation. Treats amounts claimed as the capital cost recovery of noncorporate lessors as an item of tax preference for purposes of the minimum tax. Adopts as an accounting practice the "half year convention" under which investments eligible for capital cost recovery treatment or the investment tax credit which are made at any time during the taxable year are deemed to be made in the middle of such year. Title III: Incentives for Research and Development - Qualifies research and development expenditures related to a trade or business for the investment tax credit.

Bill· SS. 1563 (96th)referred

Department of Energy Sunset Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 July 1979

Department of Energy Sunset Act - Amends the Department of Energy Organization Act to terminate the Department of Energy as of June 1, 1981.

Bill· SS. 1530 (96th)referred

Health Maintenance Organizations Medicare Reimbursement Amendments of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 17 July 1979

Health Maintenance Organizations Medicare Reimbursement Amendments of 1979 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to revise provisions relating to payments to and contractual arrangements with health maintenance organizations (HMO) on behalf of individuals eligible for Medicare. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to determine annually a per capita rate of payment for each class of individuals entitled to benefits under such title who are enrolled pursuant to this Act with a HMO. Directs the Secretary to define classes of members based on such factors as age, sex, institutional status, disability status and place of residence. Provides a rate for each class equal to 95 percent of the adjusted average per capita cost for that class. Defines the term "adjusted average per capita cost" to mean the average per capita amount that the Secretary estimates would be payable for services furnished under the Medicare program, if the services were to be furnished by other than an HMO. Provides that every individual entitled to benefits under parts A (Hospital Insurance) and B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII or part B only shall be eligible to enroll with an HMO with which the Secretary has contracted to provide services. Sets limits on an HMO's premium rate and the actuarial value of its other charges for individuals enrolled under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to contract with any HMO that can provide the benefits required by this Act.

Bill· SS. 1523 (96th)referred

Veteran Senior Citizen Health Care Act of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 16 July 1979

Veteran Senior Citizen Health Care Act of 1979 - States the purposes of this Act to be: (1) to provide for the increasing demand for geriatric and extended health care and medical services being placed on the Veterans' Administration (VA) hospital system; and (2) to make the VA hospital system foremost in the area of geriatric health care and the repository of gerontology medical knowledge. Directs that within the Office of the Chief Medical Director of the VA one Assistant Chief Medical Director shall be doctor of geriatrics, and shall be responsible for the VA's geriatric services. Directs the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to designate 15 VA hospitals as demonstration centers of geriatric research, education, and clinical operations. Stipulates that such centers shall operate until September 30, 1983. Directs the Administrator to provide that: (1) each hospital operating as a geriatric center on the date of enactment of this Act be designated as the location for a demonstration center; and (2) such designated hospitals be geographically dispersed across the United States. Directs the Administrator to establish a Geriatrics and Extended Care Task Force within the VA's Special Medical Advisory Group. Stipulates that such Task Force shall assess: (1) the VA's capability to provide geriatric services on a sustained and growing basis to eligible veterans; and (2) the current and projected needs for geriatric and extended health services among eligible veterans. Requires such Task Force to submit a report to the Administrator and the Special Medical Advisory Group within 18 months after the effective date of this Act. Directs the Administrator to transmit such report, (within 90 days of receipt) along with any comments, to the Senate and House Veterans' Affairs Committees. Requires a final report to be submitted by such Task Force within four years of the effective date of this Act. Authorizes appropriations of: (1) $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1980; (2) $20,000,000 for fiscal year 1981; (3) $25,000,000 for fiscal year 1982; and (4) $25,000,000 for fiscal year 1983.

Bill· SS. 1508 (96th)referred

Federal Energy Authority Act of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 13 July 1979

Federal Energy Authority Act of 1979 - Title I: Federal Energy Authority - Establishes a nonprofit government corporation to be known as the Federal Energy Authority which shall be responsible for the construction and operation of facilities for the production of synthetic oil and gas from oil shale and coal. Sets forth provisions relating to the board of directors, to be appointed by the President, officers and employees, the general authority of the corporation, and reporting, recordkeeping and audits. Establishes in the United States Treasury the Federal Energy Authority Fund and authorizes the appropriation of $6,000,000,000 to carry out the purposes of this Act. Title II: Synthetic Fuels Production - Directs the Authority to establish at least three demonstration synthetic fuel production facilities for shale oil, coal oil, and coal gasification, each capable of producing a minimum of 100,000 barrels per day of synthetic fuel or equivalent. Authorizes the sale of such fuels and directs the Authority to establish competitive prices for such fuels. Requires that all proceeds from such sales be deposited in the Fund.

Bill· SS. 1480 (96th)passed

Hazardous Substance Response Revenue Act of 1980

United States · United States Congress · 11 July 1979

Environmental Emergency Response Act - Defines containment as the onsite actions taken in the event of a discharge or release or significant threat of discharge or release of a hazardous substance from a hazardous substance disposal site to prevent or minimize such discharge or release. Defines hazardous substance as: (1) any hazardous substance so designated by the Clean Water Act; (2) any hazardous waste having the characteristics identified under or listed pursuant to the Solid Waste Disposal Act; (3) any toxic pollutant listed under the Clean Water Act; (4) any hazardous air pollutant listed under the Clean Air Act; (5) any imminently hazardous chemical substance or mixture as defined by the Toxic Substances Control Act; (6) any substance or mixture designated as a hazardous substance by the President pursuant to this Act; or (7) any element, substance, compound, or mixture which after release into the environment and upon exposure, ingestion, inhalation or assimilation into any organism, directly or indirectly, will or may reasonably be anticipated to cause death, physical or behavioral malfunction or disease. Directs the President to promulgate and revise regulations designating as hazardous substances, in addition to those defined above, such elements and compounds which, if released in a determined quantity into the environment, may present substantial danger to the public health or environment. Prohibits the discharge of any hazardous substance in violation of the Clean Water Act or the release or disposal of such substances which may affect the natural resources belonging to, appertaining to, or under the exclusive management authority of the United States. Directs any person in charge of any vessel or onshore or offshore facility which is discharging, releasing, or disposing of a hazardous substance to immediately notify the appropriate agency of the United States Government of such discharge, release, or disposal. Establishes criminal penalties for failing to provide such notice. Requires any person subject to liability for a noncomplying waste disposal site to notify the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) within a specified period of: (1) the existence of such site; (2) the amount and type of hazardous substances to be found at such site; and (3) the likelihood of discharge or release of such substances from such site. Establishes criminal penalties for failing to provide such notice. Precludes such persons from any limitation or defense of liability to which they would otherwise be entitled. Prohibits such persons from knowingly rendering unavailable or unreadable any record relating to the to the site or any hazardous substances contained or deposited therein. Authorizes the Administrator to establish and enforce such control or removal requirements as are deemed appropriate to protect the public health and environment from any hazardous substance disposal site not in compliance. Authorizes the President to take any emergency response measure including removal or containment, necessary to protect the public health or the environment whenever a hazardous substance is discharged or released into the environment, unless it is determined that the owner or operator of the source of the release will properly remove such substance. Directs the President, within a specified period, to revise and republish the National Contingency Plan for the removal of oil and hazardous substances to reflect and effectuate the responsibilities and powers created by this Act. Specifies that such revision include a National Hazardous Substance Disposal Site Response Plan, such plan to include: (1) methods for discovering and investigating such sites; (2) methods for evaluating and containing any actual or threatened discharges or releases from such sites which pose a substantial danger to the public health or the environment; (3) methods and criteria for determining the appropriate extent of emergency response, containment, and other measures authorized by this Act; (4) appropriate roles and responsbilities for various governmental and nongovernmental entities in effectuating the Plan; (5) provision for response equipment and supplies; and (6) provision for reporting the existence of and any releases of hazardous substances from sites which may be located on federally-owned or controlled properties. Authorizes the Administrator to require any person involved in activities which may present a danger to public health or the environment related to the handling, storage, treatment, transportation, or disposal of any hazardous substance to take any necessary actions to ascertain the nature and extent of such danger, or to bring suit in the appropriate United States district court to require any such person to take such actions. Makes the owner or operator of a vessel or an onshore or offshore facility from which a hazardous substance is discharged jointly and severally liable for specified damages resulting from such discharge, with specified exceptions. Authorizes the President or the authorized representative of a State to act on behalf of the public as trustee of any natural resources damaged or lost as a result of such discharge and to recover for such damages. Stipulates that each department, agency, or instrumentality of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of the Federal Government shall be subject to and comply with this Act. Imposes liability upon any generator or transporter of any hazardous substance for such discharge by the facility which was the source of the discharge if such generator or transporter could have reasonably anticipated such discharge. Imposes punitive damages upon the owner or operator of a hazardous substance disposal site for failure to properly provide emergency response or containment upon request of the President. Establishes in the United States Treasury a Hazardous Substance Response Fund to be constituted from specified fees, and all moneys recovered on behalf of the Fund or recovered or collected under the Clean Water Act. Requires manufacturers, importers, and generators of hazardous substances to pay fees on each unit of hazardous substance produced, manufactured, or imported into the United States and each unit of hazardous waste generated. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to promulgate rules and regulations relating to the collection of such fees, and sets forth civil and criminal penalties for violation of such regulations. Authorizes the Secretary to invest any excess of the Fund in interest-bearing special obligations of the United States. Directs the President to issue notes or other obligations to the Secretary in the event the moneys available in the fund are inadequate to meet the obligations of the fund. Directs the Administrator of EPA, the Commandant of the Coast Guard, and the Comptroller General to conduct a study of possible incentives to safer operation of vessels and facilities to reduce the potential of discharges or releases of hazardous substances, and of measures to prevent or avoid the occurrence of such discharges. Sets forth the purposes for which Fund moneys may be used. Authorizes the President to delegate his duties under this Act to the heads of appropriate Federal agencies, departments, and instrumentalities. Directs the President to establish a national priority system for responding to releases of hazardous substances and a system whereby States affected by such discharges may act to provide emergency response and be reimbursed for reasonable costs incurred thereof. Directs the President to notify an owner, operator, or guarantor of a vessel or an offshore or onshore facility of any allegation as to costs incurred for removal or damages resulting from the discharge of a hazardous substance for which such person would be liable under this Act. Sets forth procedures for the disposition of claims resulting from such discharges. Establishes a six year statute of limitation for claims presented or actions commenced under this Act. Subrogates to the United States Government all rights of a claimant to recover the costs of removal or damages from the person responsible for a hazardous substance discharge prior to payment of any claim by the Fund. Subrogates any person, including the Fund, who pays compensation pursuant to this Act to any claimant for damages or removal costs, to all rights, claims, and causes of action for such damages and removal costs of such claimant. Directs the Attorney General, upon request of the President, to commence on action on behalf of the Fund to recover any compensation paid by the Fund to any claimant pursuant to this Act. Directs the President, acting through the Administrators of the EPA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Director of the Fish and Wildlife Service, to issue regulations for the assessment of damages for injury to or loss of natural resources resulting from a discharge of hazardous substances. Directs the Comptroller General to provide for auditing of all payments and other uses of the Fund. Requires owners and operators of vessels carrying hazardous substances and of onshore and offshore facilities to establish and maintain evidence of financial responsibility in an amount consistent with the risks associated with the transportation, treatment, storage, or disposal of hazardous substances. Imposes civil penalties on such persons for failure to comply with such requirements. Authorizes judicial review of any regulation issued under this Act only in the United States Circuit Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia. Grants jurisdiction to the United States district courts over all controversies arising under this Act. Makes conforming amendments to the Clean Water Act. Transfers to the Fund one-half of any sums appropriated under the oil and hazardous substances liability provisions of such Act and all of the sums appropriated under the emergency powers provisions of this Act. Terminates the authority to establish and collect fees under this Act on October 1, 1986.

Bill· SS. 1478 (96th)referred

Home Heating Oil Supply Protection Act of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 10 July 1979

Home Heating Oil Supply Protection Act of 1979 - Declares the policy of the Congress that refined petroleum products, including home heating oil, should be produced, distributed, and marketed in the manner most beneficial to consumers. Prohibits petroleum refiners and distributors from terminating or failing to renew any marketing relationship with retailers or other distributors and prohibits such refiners and distributors from reducing the allocated supply of such refined petroleum products in the relevant geographic market area except in accordance with specified provisions which require prior notification of such termination, nonrenewal, or reduction in supply. Authorizes retailers or distributors to maintain civil actions in the appropriate United States district court against refiners or distributors engaging in such conduct. States that nothing in this Act shall be deemed to create immunity from civil or criminal liability or defenses to actions under the antitrust laws for any individual, corporation, or other business organization.

Bill· SS. 1422 (96th)referred

Petroleum Products Marketing Practices Act of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1979

Petroleum Products Marketing Practices Act of 1979 - Declares the policy of the Congress that refined petroleum products, including home heating oil, should be produced, distributed, and marketed in the manner most beneficial to consumers. Prohibits petroleum refiners and distributors from terminating or failing to renew any marketing relationship with retailers or other distributors and prohibits such refiners and distributors from reducing the allocated supply of refined petroleum products in the relevant geographic market area, except in accordance with specified provisions which require prior notification of such termination, nonrenewal, or reduction in supply. Authorizes retailers or distributors to maintain civil actions in the appropriate United States district court against refiners or distributors engaging in such prohibited conduct. States that nothing in this Act shall be deemed to create immunity from civil or criminal liability or defenses to actions under the antitrust laws for any individual, corporation, or other business organization.

Bill· SS. 1377 (96th)referred

Synthetic Fuels Production Act of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 19 June 1979

Synthetic Fuels Production Act of 1979 - Title I: Findings and Purposes - Declares that the purpose of this Act is to establish a synthetic fuels and alternate fuels production plan for the Nation. Title II: Corporate Status, General Powers, Subsidiaries, and Tax Status - Establishes the Syn-Fuels and Alternate Fuels Authority which shall be responsible for directing the production of synthetic fuels. Sets forth the general powers of such Authority, including the power to create subsidiary corporations to carry out one or more of the functions of the Authority. Exempts the Authority from all State and Federal taxation except real property taxes and taxes imposed on any entity acquired or established by the Authority which engages in energy-related enterprises. Title III: Financial Assistance - Authorizes the Authority to provide financial assistance to any business concern engaged or which proposes to engage in synthetic and other alternate fuel projects. Sets forth criteria for granting such assistance and specifies application procedures, interest rates, and other conditions for obtaining such assistance. Authorizes the Authority to make loan guaranties to any lender for loans made to any business concern where such funds would contribute to accomplishment of the purposes of this Act. Limits the total amount of financial assistance to be provided by the Authority to the sum of the amount authorized as capital of the Authority and the amount the Authority is authorized to borrow under this Act. Authorizes the Authority to make high-risk loans or direct investments or to provide other direct financial assistance which the Board of Directors of the Authority determines will further the purposes of this Act. Authorizes the Authority to sell equity securities. Authorizes the President to appoint an advisory panel to study and report on the effects of issuance of obligations and provision of financial assistance by the Authority on the functioning of the Nation's capital markets. Title IV: Capitalization and Finance - Authorizes capital stock of the Authority in the amount of $25,000,000,000 and authorizes the appropriation of $25,000,000,000 for this purpose. Authorizes the Authority to issue and to have outstanding at any one time notes, debentures, bonds, or other obligations in the aggregate principal amount of $50,000,000,000. Exempts the receipts and disbursements of the Secretary of the Treasury in connection with the purchase or redemption of, and income from, capital stock of the Authority from inclusion in the totals of the budget of the United States. Title V: Management - Vests the power of the Authority to act in the Board of Directors, except as specified. Provides for the appointment of a Chairman of the Board and other directors and sets forth the duties of the Chairman. Sets forth provisions relating to officers and employees, conflicts of interest, delegation of authority, fiscal year reviews and audits, and reports and recordkeeping. Title VI: Priority Energy Project Act - Priority Energy Project Act of 1979 - Declares that the purpose of this title is to provide for a coordinated, simplified, and expeditious, process for Federal approval of energy facilities that are determined to be in the national interest. Directs the Secretary of Energy to designate priority energy projects based on specified criteria. Directs the Authority to publish a Project Decision Schedule containing deadlines for all Federal actions relating to such projects. Directs the President to make any decisions or perform any actions in the event that an agency or department fails to meet its deadline, provided that there has been notice and an opportunity for public comment on such decision. Limits environmental and judicial reviews to those of absolute necessity. Authorizes the Authority to establish deadlines for Federal agency action which are shorter than the minimum period required under existing legislation in cases of exceptional national need. Provides for coordination of the actions of Federal State and local governments. Directs the Authority to recommend to any State Governor and to the Congress actions to alleviate or prevent any delays in a priority energy project created or threatened by any State or local government. Sets time limits for filing claims arising out of actions pursuant to this title and bars any claims filed thereafter. Stipulates that such claims shall be brought in the United States court of appeals for the circuit where the project would be located and grants exclusive original jurisdiction to such court in such matters. Directs such court to give precedence to such matters over all other matters on the court's docket, to the greatest extent practicable. Authorizes the Supreme Court, exclusively, to review interlocutory judgments or orders of the court of appeals pursuant to this title and directs the Supreme Court to give precedence to such matters to the greatest extent practicable. Prohibits the granting of injunctive relief against the issuance of any right-of-way, permit, lease, or other authorization pursuant to this title except in conjunction with a final judgment on a claim filed pursuant to this title. Establishes an Office for Priority Energy Projects within the Department of Energy to assist the Secretary with his duties under this title. Title VII: Production Goals of the Authority - Directs the Authority to establish a set of goals for the commercial production by the year 1990 of synthetic fuels such as oil shale, coal gas and liquids, and such processes as urban waste reuse, geothermal power, solar power, biomass conversion, and other such resources. Authorizes the Authority to supervise the construction, management, operation, and production of fuels from an Authority-owned synthetic fuels facility to meet part of the fuel needs of the Department of Defense if certain specified conditions obtain. Directs the Authority to establish timetables for the production by the year 1990 of at least 1.5 million barrels of oil equivalent a day from the three technologies of oil shale, coal gas, and coal liquids, and a timetable to reach certain other commercial goals of production for other syn-fuels processes and other alternate fuels processes. Requires the Authority to report to Congress periodically on the progress toward meeting the 1990 goals and to submit its books to periodic audits. Title VIII: Unlawful Acts and Penalties - Imposes fines and/or imprisonment under this Act for the following acts: forgery; false statements; misappropriation of funds; infringement on name; and unlawful contracts. Title IX: General Provisions - Makes provisions for coordination of Authority activities with other entities, severability, termination and liquidation of the Authority, relationship to other laws, and the reservation of right to amend or repeal this Act. Stipulates that the provision of financial assistance under this Act shall be deemed to be a "major Federal action" for the purposes of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 when: (1) no other Federal agency is required to prepare an environmental impact statement; and (2) such financial assistance is in fact a major action significantly affecting the quality of the human environment.

Resolution· SRESS.Res. 188 (96th)passed

A resolution stating transitional rules for tax exempt mortgage bonds.

United States · United States Congress · 19 June 1979

Expresses the sense of the Senate with respect to the adoption of transitional rules for the elimination of the tax exclusion of interest from Government bonds issued to finance mortgages on owner-occupied and multifamily residences. Provides that interest from Government bonds issued after April 25, 1979, shall be excludable from gross income if official actions had been taken by such date indicating an intent to issue such bonds. Permits the rollover of bonds outstanding on April 24, 1979, where the maturity date of such bonds is no longer than the life of the initial mortgages on the property. Permits the use of the tax-exempt bonds for the financing of projects which had reached specified stages of development prior to April 25, 1979.

Bill· SS. 1341 (96th)referred

Oil, Hazardous Substances, and Hazardous Waste Response, Liability, and Compensation Act of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1979

Oil, Hazardous Substances, and Hazardous Waste Response, Liability, and Compensation Act of 1979 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to grant subpoena power to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency and the Attorney General for purposes of administering or enforcing the hazardous waste management provisions of such Act. Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to add a new title VI, "Oil, Hazardous Substances, and Hazardous Response, Liability, Compensation, and Fund." Directs the Administrator to revise and promulgate regulations which designate certain substances as hazardous. Directs the Administrator to determine the quantities of oil and any hazardous substance which would be harmful to the public health or safety, or the environment if released. Prohibits the release of such substances in such quantities except: (1) where permitted under the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution of the Sea by Oil or other international agreements; or (2) where permitted by regulation. Requires any person in charge of a vessel or facility who has knowledge of any release of oil or hazardous substance from such vessel or facility to notify the United States Government immediately. Establishes criminal penalties for failure to provide notice of a release of such substances. Requires any person who may be subject to liability for an uncontrolled hazardous waste disposal site to notify the Administrator of the location and risk of release of hazardous substances from such site within a specified time period. Eliminates the limitation of liability otherwise provided in this title for persons who fail to provide such notice. Empowers the Administrator, in the event of a release, to deduct reasonable costs from the liability of any person who acts to remove, mitigate, or lessen the likelihood of a release. Prohibits the destruction or concealment by anyone subject to the notification provisions of this Act of any records relating to an uncontrolled hazardous waste disposal site. Subjects owners or operators of onshore or offshore facilities and vessels to civil penalties in the event of any release of hazardous substances from such facility or vessel. Sets forth procedures and considerations involved in the imposition of such penalties, including the good faith effort of the owner or operator in preventing the release and in mitigating its effects. Stipulates that any costs of removal incurred in connection with such a release shall be recoverable from the owner or operator of the source of the release, and deposited in the Oil and Hazardous Substances Liability Fund. Authorizes the Executive (defined as the head of any Federal agency or department delegated or assigned duties by the President pursuant to this Act) to remove or arrange for the removal of any substances released which may present an imminent and substantial danger to the public health or welfare unless it is determined that the removal will be properly done by the owner or operator of the source of the release. Directs the Administrator to terminate such removal action if it is determined that the source of the release is an uncontrolled hazardous waste disposal site. Authorizes the Administrator to supply emergency assistance and containment whenever any hazardous substance is or appears about to be released, provided the State in which the site is located first provides for or assures: (1) the maintenance of containment and the payment of containment costs within one year of containment, continuing for the life of the containment or 19 years, whichever is less; and (2) the availability of an acceptable hazardous waste disposal facility for any necessary offsite storage, destruction, treatment, or redisposal of the hazardous substances. Limits Federal emergency assistance for containment when: (1) costs are projects at over $200,000 unless the Administrator determines that it is the least costly method; and (2) the uncontrolled hazardous waste disposal site is owned by a State or a political subdivision of a State. Sets forth the percentage of costs of containment the Administrator must pay under specified circumstances and the matching funds the State or political subdivision must provide. States that the State or political subdivision must bear the cost of any remedial measures it chooses to take instead of the least cost containment, as determined by the Administrator. Authorizes the Administrator to reimburse the State for containment costs up to the amount of the Federal share in lieu of providing for or arranging containment directly. Authorizes the Administrator to provide for complete or partial waste transport, storage, destruction, or treatment and redisposal if he determines that such actions are the least costly means of containment. Authorizes the Administrator to conduct activities for two or more uncontrolled hazardous waste sites at a centralized location, unless the costs are prohibitive. Empowers the Administrator to enforce the terms of a containment contract in any court or to recover from the State or political subdivision the costs of maintaining such containment and the State and local matching shares of the costs of containment at that site. Authorizes the Administrator to provide technical and legal assistance in connection with the administration or enforcement of any contract concerning emergency assistance or containment where a State or political subdivision is acting on behalf of the Administrator. Directs the Executive to revise and republish the National Contingency Plan for the removal of oil and hazardous substances to reflect changes made by this title. Directs the Executive to hold public hearings on the National Uncontrolled Hazardous Waste Disposal Site Response Plan, such plan to include: (1) methods of discovering and investigating such sites; (2) methods for evaluating and containing releases and threats of releases from such sites which pose substantial danger to public health or the environment; (3) methods and criteria for determining the appropriate extent of emergency assistance, containment, and other measures authorized by this title; (4) appropriate roles and responsibilities for Federal, State, and local governments in effectuating the Plan; (5) provision for identification, procurement, maintenance, and storage of response equipment and supplies; and (6) a method for and assignment of responsibility for reporting the existence on federally-owned or-controlled properties and any releases of hazardous substances from such sites. Makes the revised National Contingency Plan the standard for the removal of oil and hazardous substances and for minimizing the damage from such substances. Authorizes the Executive to issue regulations, consistent with the Plan, maritime safety, marine and navigation laws: (1) establishing methods and procedures for removal of released oil and hazardous substances; (2) establishing criteria for the development and implementation of local and regional oil and hazardous substance removal contingency plans; (3) establishing procedures, methods, and equipment to prevent release of oil and hazardous substances from vessels or facilities, and to contain such releases; and (4) governing the inspection of vessels carrying cargoes of oil or hazardous substances to reduce the likelihood of release. Establishes civil penalties for the violation of such regulations, with specified exemptions. Sets forth procedures and criteria for determining the amount of such penalties. Authorizes the United States, in the event of a marine disaster creating a substantial threat of pollution and endangering the public health or welfare to: (1) coordinate and direct all public and private efforts directed at the removal or elimination of such threat; and (2) summarily remove, and if necessary, destroy such vessel. Provides compensation for expenses incurred. Authorizes the Attorney General, at the request of the Executive, to seek relief in U.S. district court whenever the Executive determines there may be an actual or threatened release of oil or a hazardous substance from a facility or an uncontrolled hazardous waste disposal site. Makes the owner and operator of a private vessel or of a facility which is the source or threatened source of pollution jointly and severally liable for all damages resulting from the pollution or the threat of pollution. Sets forth monetary limitations on such persons' liability except when the pollution or threat thereof is caused in whole or in part by: (1) willful misconduct or gross negligence within the privity or knowledge of such owner or operator; or (2) violation of applicable regulations of the Federal Government and health and safety standards. Excepts owners or operators who fail to furnish the notice of a hazardous substance release as required by this Act or who fail or refuse to provide reasonable cooperation and assistance as requested in furtherance of cleanup and removal from such limitations. Makes the owner or operator of an uncontrolled hazardous waste disposal site, or any other person who caused or contributed to the release of a hazardous substance from such site, jointly and severally liable for all costs of emergency assistance and containment, with specified exceptions. Requires all owners and operators of vessels carrying oil or hazardous substances and owners and operators of facilities used for oil transportation, production, processing or storage to furnish evidence of financial responsibility in an amount sufficient to satisfy applicable liability limits. Imposes civil penalties on such owners and operators for failure to comply with such requirements. Directs the Executive to conduct a study to determine the availability of private insurance protection for such vessel and facility owners and operators at competitive rates. Establishes in the Treasury of the United States an Oil and Hazardous Substances Liability Fund for the purpose of paying for removal and containment of hazardous substances, emergency assistance, compensation of claims, and administrative and personnel costs of the Federal Government incident to the administration of this title. Enumerates the sources of the moneys to be deposited in such Fund, including fees on owners of facilities receiving oil, and on suppliers of petrochemical feedstocks, and specified inorganic elements and compounds. Authorizes the appropriation to such Fund of up to $50,000,000 in fiscal year 1981, $75,000,000 in fiscal year 1982, and $100,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1983 and 1984. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of Transportation, to invest up to $50,000,000 of the Fund in public debt securities. Lists the types of injuries which may be compensated under this Act and the potential claimants who have standing to assert claims involving such damages. Directs the Administrator to establish a priority system for responding to releases or threats of release from uncontrolled hazardous waste disposal sites. Specifies procedures whereby the Executive shall designate and advertise pollution sources. Sets forth procedures for the disposition and appeal of claims submitted to the Fund. Stipulates that final orders of the Executive on claims shall not be subject to judicial review. Authorizes the Fund to intervene in any claims action as a cause of right. Subrogates any person or government entity, including the Fund, which pays compensation for damages, to all rights, claims, and causes of action of a claimant. Specifies procedures for and the measure of recovery in actions brought by the Fund against owners or guarantors of alleged pollution sources. Grants jurisdiction to the United States district courts over all controversies arising under this Act. Authorizes judicial review of any regulation issued under this Act only in the United States Circuit Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia. Excludes from such jurisdictional provisions controversies or other matters involving the assessment or collection of fees or regulations issued under the Internal Revenue Code of 1954. Declares that the rights and remedies under this Act shall be exclusive with respect to economic loss resulting from oil or hazardous substance pollution, except that States shall not be precluded from establishing liability funds or liability limits, setting financial responsibility requirements, or imposing any taxes or fees for losses or costs not compensated by this Act. Authorizes the President to delegate and assign duties or powers imposed upon him by the Executive and to promulgate necessary regulations. Sets forth reporting requirements and effective dates, and makes conforming amendments to the Trans-Alaska Pipeline Authorization Act, the Intervention on the High Seas Act, the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, and the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act.

Bill· SS. 1350 (96th)referred

Education Amendments of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1979

Education Amendments of 1979 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to extend authorizations of appropriations to fiscal year 1980 for: (1) community services and continuing education programs; (2) special programs for the elderly; (3) college library programs, including research libraries; (4) developing institutions; (5) basic educational opportunity grants; (6) supplemental educational opportunity grants; (7) grants to States for student incentives; (8) special programs for students from low-income families; (9) Educational Information Centers; (10) veterans' cost-of-instruction payments to institutions of higher education; (11) direct student loans; (12) financial aid for administrators training; (13) teacher corps and teacher training programs; (14) acquisition of television and other equipment for improving classroom instruction; (15) grants and loans for construction and renovation of undergraduate academic facilities, and grants for graduate facilities; (16) annual interest subsidy grants for such construction and renovation; (17) graduate programs and fellowships; (18) community colleges; (19) law school clinical programs; and (20) State postsecondary education commissions. Amends the General Education Provisions Act to extend authorizations of appropriations to fiscal year 1980 for: (1) the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education; and (2) the National Institute of Education. Amends the National Defense Education Act of 1958 to extend authorizations of appropriations to fiscal year 1980 for foreign studies and language programs. Amends the Middle Income Student Assistance Act to make such Act effective with respect to student enrollment on or after July 1, 1979 (presently August 1, 1979). Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to provide that Federal allotments to States for strengthening local educational agencies shall be equal to those granted in fiscal year 1973. Stipulates that excess funds shall be awarded to States on a discretionary basis by the Commissioner of Education. Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to: (1) provide that any excess basic educational opportunity grant funds for the academic year 1978-1979 shall remain available for such purpose through September 30, 1981, rather than used for other educational purposes; (2) provide that all eligible lenders shall be considered approved for purposes of Federal interest subsidies unless the Commissioner promulgates required regulations by September 30, 1979; (3) remove limitations on special allowance payments; (4) authorize the Commissioner to collect defaulting direct student loans; and (5) include vocational schools within the definition of "institution of higher education."

Bill· SS. 1346 (96th)referred

Elderly and Disabled Food Stamp Amendments of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1979

Elderly and Disabled Food Stamp Amendments of 1979 - Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to allow for households containing a member who is 60 years of age or over or who receives supplemental security benefits under title XVI of the Social Security Act: (1) an excess medical deduction for that portion of the actual cost of allowable medical, dental, and other specified health care costs in excess of $35 a month, adjustable semi-annually to reflect changes in the Consumer Price Index; (2) an additional dependent care deduction; and (3) an additional excess shelter expense deduction, without the $75 ceiling.

Bill· SS. 1328 (96th)referred

A bill to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to provide an additional allotment of funds to certain States, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1979

Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to grant an additional allotment of funds for the construction of publicly owned waste treatment works to any State which has obligated 90 percent or more of the funds previously allotted to it for such purpose by March 31 of any fiscal year. Makes such additional funds available for the fiscal year for which such funds were authorized, and for the succeeding 12 months. Provides that any funds unobligated at the end of such period be allotted equally among the other States. Makes adjustments in the amount of additional funds allocated for a State where funds previously authorized proved inadequate. Authorizes appropriations for such additional funds. Sets the amount of funds authorized to be reserved each fiscal year to two percent of the amount authorized to be appropriated for allotments to States under this program. Makes funds allotted to the States for fiscal years 1978 and 1979 available for the next succeeding 24 months. Provides for the reallotment of funds not obligated at the end of such period to all States except those which failed to obligate any of the funds being realloted. Stipulates that such realloted funds be in addition to those otherwise allotted to such State for grants under this program.