United States · United States Congress · 10 December 1979
Transfers to the Urban Mass Transportation Administrator for one year the authority of the Secretary of Transportation to make grants or loans to State and local public agencies to assist the financing of urban mass transportation systems.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1979
Industrial Adjustment Act of 1979 - Declares that the purpose of this Act is to enable the Federal Government to facilitate the movement of labor and capital into innovative, expanding, and employment-generating sectors of the economy in a manner which will contribute to the economic and social well-being of the United States. Empowers the President, during a threat of an economic emergency, to direct the Secretary of Commerce acting through the Economic Development Administration to carry out industrial adjustment assistance in accordance with the purpose of this Act. Authorizes such assistance in the form of direct grants to workers for relocation, retraining, rent and mortgage payments, and for other purposes. Authorizes assistance to businesses in the form of guaranteed loans, direct loans, and interest subsidies. Limits the amount of assistance any one business may receive to $500,000,000. Makes such assistance available to workers and businesses without regard to specified limitations on the Secretary's authority provided by law. Authorizes up to $1,500,000,000 in loan guarantees of principal in fiscal year 1980 subject to limitations in appropriations Acts.
United States · United States Congress · 8 November 1979
Authorizes the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, Incorporated, to erect a memorial on public grounds in West Potomac Park in the District of Columbia in honor and recognition of the men and women of the armed forces who served in the Vietnam war.
United States · United States Congress · 24 October 1979
Handgun Crime Control Act of 1979 - Title I: Amendments to Chapter 44, Title 18, United States Code, Gun Control - Amends the Gun Control Act of 1968 to revise and add definitions used in the Act. Defines "handgun" to include handgun parts. Defines "Department" to mean the Department of Justice (current law is under the authority of the Secretary of the Treasury). Prohibits non-licensees from engaging in the business of repairing firearms or ammunition. Stipulates that certain otherwise lawful activities, such as the returning of a firearm by a licensee to the person from whom it was received and the mailing of a firearm to a licensee for the purpose of repair, shall be unlawful with respect to "easily concealable handguns" (that is, those handguns not approved by the Attorney General under this Act). Prohibits the loan or rental of an easily concealable handgun to another person for temporary use for lawful sporting purposes. Prohibits a licensee from selling a handgun to a person who does not appear in person at the licensee's business premises. Prohibits a licensee from selling or delivering a firearm or ammunition to any person if such sale or delivery violates a public ordinance at the place of residence of the purchaser. Revises the statement which must be submitted to a licensee by a purchaser not appearing at such licensee's business premises to provide that such purchaser be 18 years of age with respect to all firearms (current law requires a purchaser of any firearm other than a shotgun or rifle to be 21 years of age). Prohibits a licensee from manufacturing, assembling, selling, or transferring any handgun, other than a curio or relic, which has not been approved by the Attorney General. Prohibits any person from transferring such a handgun unless such person has reasonable cause to believe that the handgun has been approved. Excepts the mailing of handguns to comply with approved standards under certain circumstances. Prohibits the modification of an approved handgun resulting in the failure of such handgun to meet the approved standards. Revises the current prohibition against certain classes of individuals transporting a firearm or ammunition in interstate commerce to: (1) extend such prohibition to possession or receipt of any firearm or ammunition; and (2) include as additional categories illegal aliens, persons dishonorably discharged from the Armed Forces, and persons who have renounced their United States citizenship. Includes such categories in the current prohibition against selling a firearm or ammunition to certain classes of individuals. Prohibits any person from transporting a firearm or ammunition in interstate or foreign commerce in violation of a State law in a place to or through which the firearm was transported. Prohibits a licensee from transferring three or more handguns to the same non-licensee within a period of one year, without prior approval of the Attorney General. Prohibits a non-licensee from receiving three or more handguns within one year without such approval. Prohibits any person who has knowledge of the loss, theft, or disappearance of a handgun in his control or possession to fail to report such incident to a law enforcement officer and the Attorney General. Specifies the circumstances under which a person in lawful possession of a license or permit to: (1) carry handguns issued under a State licensing or permit granting program approved by the Attorney General, may purchase or receive a handgun in any State from a licensed dealer or non-licensee; and (2) purchase handguns issued under an approved program, may purchase or receive a handgun in the State issuing the license or permit. Directs the Attorney General to review State laws providing for licenses or permits to carry or purchase handguns and to certify as approved those satisfying specified requirements. Specifies the circumstances under which (except as provided by other sections of the Act) a licensed dealer or non-licensee may transfer a handgun to another non-licensee. Sets new annual licensing fees of $5,000 for a manufacturer or importer of handguns, $500 for a dealer in handguns, $100 for a dealer in ammunition for handguns that is not also used in rifles, and $100 for a dealer who is a gunsmith. Prohibits a pawnbroker from being licensed as a dealer in handguns or handgun ammunition and such dealers from conducting business from the premises of a pawnbroker. Imposes additional requirements for the approval of a license application by the Attorney General. Increases from 45 to 90 days the period in which an application must be approved or denied. Authorizes the Attorney General, after notice and opportunity for hearing, to suspend or revoke a license, or subject a licensee who violates any provision of the Act to a civil penalty of up to $10,000 per violation. Sets forth new recordkeeping requirements for licensed importers, manufacturers, and dealers in handguns. Provides for the transfer of records where a licensee loses his license, transfers the business to another person, or in any way ceases doing business. Directs the Attorney General to appoint a 15-member Handgun Criteria Commission to develop criteria for the evaluation of handgun models according to frame size and other appropriate factors for determining whether such models are easily concealable, have potential for criminal use, or are particularly suitable for sporting purposes. Requires the Commission to submit a report containing such criteria within one year of enactment and to evaluate biannually the effectiveness of existing criteria. Directs the Attorney General to revise the criteria upon a determination by the Commission that handguns satisfying existing criteria are significantly involved in handgun crime. Requires final criteria to be transmitted to Congress, which may disapprove by resolution the criteria within 60 days of continuous session. Directs the Attorney General to approve for manufacture, importation, or transfer any handgun model which satisfies the established criteria after representative samples of such model are evaluated and tested. Authorizes exceptions with respect to handguns which are particularly appropriate for law enforcement purposes. Directs the Attorney General, prior to the time that criteria have been established, to evaluate samples of all handgun models and approve for manufacture, importation, or transfer handgun models which meet specified requirements. Sets forth procedures for the administrative review of a finding that a sample submitted has failed to meet the approved standards. Requires a list of handgun models which have been tested and the test results. Deems approved any handgun model not in manufacture on or after October 21, 1968, and which has not been tested. Revises the penalties under such Act. Disallows, with respect to a person who uses or carries a firearm during the commission of any felony and receives an additional sentence, the suspension of such sentence, the giving of probation, or the concurrent running of a term of imprisonment (under current law such prohibitions apply only to a second or subsequent offense). Sets forth a mandatory period of parole ineligibility for such offense, unless the court finds specified mitigating circumstances. Makes any person (including a licensee) who negligently sells or transfers a handgun in violation of this Act civilly liable for the death or injury suffered by an individual as a result of the use of the handgun by the transferee in the commission of an offense that causes death or personal injury to that individual. Stipulates that certain exceptions to the provisions of the Act shall only apply with respect to handguns which have been approved by the Attorney General in accordance with the Act. Allows a mental incompetent to be relieved from the disabilities of the Act with respect to the possession, acquisition, or transfer of firearms upon specific findings by a court. Authorizes the Attorney General to permit the importation of approved handguns. Directs the Attorney General to make annual grants for each fiscal year and supplemental grants at his discretion for compensation of victims of handgun crime to qualifying State programs for the compensation of victims of handgun crime. Specifies eligibility criteria for such programs and the amount of authorized payments. Requires the Attorney General to submit annual reports to the congressional judiciary committees concerning such programs. Establishes a nine-member Advisory Committee on Victims of Handgun Crime to advise the Attorney General on the administration of the programs and policies relating to the compensation of victims of handgun crimes. Title II: Gun Control Functions Transferred to Attorney General - Transfers to the Attorney General all functions of the Secretary of the Treasury under the Gun Control Act of 1968. Authorizes the President to transfer additional functions of other agencies to the Department which relate to the functions transferred by this Act. Establishes within the Department of Justice the Firearms Safety and Abuse Control Administration to administer the functions of the Attorney General under the Gun Control Act of 1968. Directs the Attorney General to transmit to Congress as part of the annual report of the Department of Justice a report on the activities of the Administration. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Amends the Federal criminal code to increase from 45 to 90 days the period in which an application for a user permit or a license to import, manufacture, or deal in explosive materials must be approved or denied. Authorizes the Attorney General, after notice and opportunity for hearing, to suspend or revoke a license, or subject a licensee who violates any statutory requirement to a civil penalty of up to $10,000 per violation. Directs the Postal Service to promulgate regulations for the conveyance of handguns in the mails. Directs the Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations established by the Act of September 24, 1959, in consultation with the United States Conference of Mayors, the National League of Cities, and representatives of Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies, to report within six months of enactment on: (1) intergovernmental problems in controlling illicit handgun traffic; and (2) the effectiveness of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 and the Gun Control Act of 1968. Repeals title VII of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act (relating to the receipt, possession, or transportation of firearms by felons, veterans dishonorably discharged, mental incompetents, illegal aliens, and persons renouncing their United States citizenship). Makes this Act effective 120 days after enactment, with specified exceptions.
United States · United States Congress · 3 October 1979
Expresses the opinion and judgment of the Senate that Senator Herman E. Talmadge did abuse certain financial rules of the Senate. Denounces the conduct of Senator Talmadge. Requires such Senator to reimburse to the Senate the sum of $12,894.57 plus interest on overreimbursements in the aggregate amount of $43,435.83 at such rates and for such periods as are determined by the Secretary of the Treasury.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1979
Weather Modification Management Act of 1979 - Establishes, within the Department of Commerce, a National Weather Modification Management Program for the purpose of understanding, developing, improving, and managing weather modification technologies. Requires such program to include: (1) basic and applied research to understand the atmospheric processes related to weather modification; (2) research on unintentional weather modification that results from society's use of land, water, and energy; (3) experimental activities designed to test the findings of these research efforts and to demonstrate the feasibility of new operational methods; (4) technical and financial assistance; (5) investigation of the economic, environmental, legal, and societal effects from weather modification; (6) operating practices that will serve as standards for all Federal weather modification activities and as guidelines for private and other non-Federal weather modification activities; (7) a system for licensing all individuals having responsibility to design or perform any weather modification activity; (8) a procedure for reporting all weather modification activities; and (9) a five-year plan for the management of weather modification activities by the Federal Government. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish a Weather Modification Advisory Council to advise the Secretary and the Director of the Program with respect to: (1) planning, development, and implementation of the Program; (2) preparing the biennial report, as required by this Act; and (3) such other matters as the Council determines to be of importance. Requires any person who has the primary supervisory responsibility for designing and performing any weather modification activity in the United States to have a valid license, issued by the Secretary of Commerce, before conducting such activity. Requires the Secretary to develop standards and procedures governing the application, issuance, renewal, denial, suspension and revocation of such licenses. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to maintain a record of weather modification activities that take place in the United States and to publish annual summaries of such activities. Permits the Director to enter into contracts and make grants in order to carry out the purpose of this Act. Specifies that such contracts and grants may be: (1) up to 50 percent of the total annual cost of the project or activity to a State or local government; or (2) up to 100 percent of the total annual cost to any other entity.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1979
Export Trading Company Act of 1979 - Title I: Establishment of Export Trading Companies - Sets forth the procedure for the licensing of export trading companies. Prohibits licensing any such company if: (1) a foreign entity owns stock in such company; (2) any person owns more than 20 percent of the stock of such company and does not submit a divestiture plan; or (3) such company engages in manufacturing directly or indirectly as a member of a controlled group of corporations. Gives the Secretary of Commerce exclusive jurisdiction to determine whether such company meets the terms and conditions of its license. Sets forth the procedures to be followed and the remedies for violations. Makes licensed export trading companies eligible for loans and guarantees from the Export-Import Bank of the United States, the Small Business Administration, and the Economic Development Administration, to meet export-related operating expenses. Authorizes the Export-Import Bank to provide loan guarantees to such companies. Permits banks and bank holding companies to purchase a portion of the equity securities of licensed export trading companies. Exempts licensed export trading companies from the antitrust laws as long as specified conditions do not exist. Title II: Tax Treatment of Export Trading Companies and their Shareholders - Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to permit licensed export trading companies to elect not to be subject to taxes imposed by this title. Stipulates that distributions from such companies shall be included in gross income or applied to reduce the basis of the stock to the shareholder. Permits the investment tax credit of electing companies, to be allowed as a credit to the shareholders of such company according to a specified formula. Makes shareholders of such companies eligible for a foreign tax credit. Prohibits the allocation of income and deductions among taxpayers, when such taxpayers are an electing export trading company and a foreign subsidiary of such company. Stipulates that net operating losses of such companies shall be only carried over. Requires those companies electing to be subject to taxes imposed by this title to include specified information in their returns. Requires each such company to report annually to the Secretary of the Treasury summarizing its operations.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1979
Assigns responsibility for administering the reporting requirements under Title I (Legislative Personnel Financial Disclosure Requirements) of the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 to the Senate Select Committee on Ethics.
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 1979
Department of Commerce, Trade, and Technology Organization Act - Title I: Findings and Purposes - Enumerates the following functions of the Department of Commerce, Trade, and Technology: (1) the promotion of U.S. exports; (2) the analysis of information on commercial and technological trends; (3) the provision of trade opportunities for U.S. businesses; (4) the coordination of Government programs having impact on international trade and technological competition; (5) the administration of export controls; (6) the dissemination of information on imports; and (7) the assurance of adequate supplies of materials critical to national security or the nation's economy. Title II: Reorganization of International Trade Functions - Redesignates the Department of Commerce as the Department of Commerce, Trade, and Technology. Redesignates officials of the Department of Commerce accordingly. Provides for the appointment of a Deputy Secretary of Commerce, Trade, and Technology to act for the Secretary during the Secretary's absence. Directs the Secretary to: (1) oversee the collection and dissemination of information concerning technology and domestic and international trade; (2) conduct a joint study with specified Federal agencies regarding innovation, technology, and international trade and investment; and (3) consult and cooperate with State and local governments. Transfers to the Secretary specified functions of: (1) the Department of State; (2) the Department of the Treasury; (3) the Secretary of Labor; and (4) the Secretary of the Interior. Transfers to the Secretary all functions of the Office of the Special Representative for Trade Negotiations; and (2) the International Trade Commission. Transfers to and establishes within the Department: (1) the Export-Import Bank of the United States; and (2) the Overseas Private Investment Corporation. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Sets forth administrative provisions concerning the appointment and transfer of personnel and the reorganization of the Department. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to do that which is necessary to carry out this Act. Requires the Secretary to report annually to the President for submission to Congress concerning the Department's activities. Authorizes appropriations as necessary to carry out the functions of this Act
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1979
National Technology Innovation Act of 1979 - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish and maintain an Office of Industrial Technology to enhance technological innovation for the improvement of the economic, environmental and social well-being of the United States. Requires the Secretary to prepare and submit to the President and Congress, within three years after the date of enactment of this Act, a report on the progress, findings, recommendations, and conclusions of activities conducted. Requires the President, with the advice and consent of the Senate, to appoint a Director of the Office who shall provide assistance for the establishment of Centers of Industrial Technology, whose activities shall include: (1) research supportive of technology and industrial innovation including cooperative industry-university basic and applied research; (2) assistance in the evaluation and development of technological ideas supportive of industrial innovation and new business ventures; (3) technological assistance and advisory services to industry; and (4) curriculum development and instruction in invention, entrepreneurship, and industrial innovation. Declares that such centers shall be affiliated with a university or nonprofit institution, and authorizes the Director to make available nonrenewable planning grants to such universities or nonprofit institutions for the purpose of developing a plan for the management and evaluation of the activities proposed within the particular Center, including the consideration of means to place the Center on a self-sustaining basis. Declares that each Center has the option of acquiring title to any invention conceived under the auspices of the Center that was supported at least in part by Federal funds and that the Secretary shall obtain title to any invention for which such option is not exercised. Authorizes the Director to make grants and enter into cooperative agreements to assist any activity established under this Act. Prohibits any such grant or cooperative agreement from exceeding 75 percent of the total cost of the program or project involved. Sets forth the terms and conditions for such grants or cooperative agreements. Requires the Director to seek the advice and cooperation of departments and agencies whose missions contribute to or are affected by the programs established under this Act. Authorizes the Director to receive moneys from other departments and agencies to support activities of the Centers. Establishes an independent committee to be known as the Industrial Technology Review Panel which shall review annually the activities of the Office and advise the Secretary and the Director with respect to such activities. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the purposes of this Act through fiscal year 1984.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1979
Comprehensive Counterterrorism Act of 1979 - Title I: Presidential Coordination of Counterterrorism Programs; Emergency Measures; LEAA State Plans - Directs the President to perform specified functions to assure coordinated and effective use of Federal, State, and local programs relating to terrorism, including: (1) insuring adequate collection of information; (2) directing research efforts; and (3) preparing annual reports with respect to terrorist groups and the capabilities of Federal, State, and local governments and the private sector to counter terrorist threats. Authorizes the President to declare by proclamation that a state of terrorist emergency exists upon a determination that a terrorist incident, a series of terrorist incidents, or the threat or the consequences of a terrorist incident: (1) so hinders the execution of Federal or State law that any person in a State is deprived of a constitutional right which the authorities of such State are unable to protect; (2) obstructs the execution of Federal law or impedes the course of justice under those laws; or (3) impedes or obstructs interstate or foreign commerce. Directs the President to take necessary measures during any such period to resolve the terrorist incident and vindicate the constitutional rights. Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to require State plans to include contingency plans for dealing with terrorist activities and meeting the standards provided for in this Act. Title II: Interception of Wire or Oral Communications Relating to Terrorist Activities - Authorizes a Federal judge to grant an order approving the interception by the Federal Bureau of Investigation of wire or oral communications which provide information which is necessary to protect against terrorist activities. Requires the Attorney General to inform the congressional committees on the judiciary concerning each such interception. Stipulates that the procedure for such interception shall generally be the same as is required under title III of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (as amended by the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978), with respect to international terrorist activities.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1979
Title I: Policy - Declares the purpose of this Act to be: (1) to establish and maintain a Federal policy for the use and management of the results of federally-sponsored science and technology research and development programs; and (2) to monitor the impact of such programs on innovation and technology development. Title II: Implementation - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to coordinate, direct, and review the utilization and protection of rights in Government-owned inventions. Directs each Federal agency to develop and implement programs for the transfer of Government-owned innovative technology for application and use in industry, agriculture, medicine, transportation, and other critical sectors of the economy. Title III: Allocation of Rights - Government Contractors - Requires each Federal agency to acquire, on behalf of the United States, title to any invention made under Federal contract if the agency determines: (1) the contractor's services are for the operation of a Government-owned research or production facility; (2) the work performed is of a classified nature; (3) Government retention of title is necessary for protection of the public health, safety, or welfare; (4) a nonprofit organization under contract does not have a qualified technology transfer program; and (5) the contract's principal purpose is to develop products, processes, or methods for general public use. Authorizes an agency to waive all or any part of the right of the United States to an invention if it is in the interest of the Government and the general public. Reserves to the contractor the option of acquiring title to any invention in all other situations. Provides that if a contractor has acquired title to an invention the Federal agency may, in the interest of public safety or specified economic needs, require the contractor to grant a nonexclusive, partially exclusive, or exclusive license to a responsible applicant. Title IV: Allocation of Rights-Federal Employees - Directs the Government to obtain the entire right, title, and interest in and to any invention made by a Federal employee if the agency determines that the invention was conceived in the normal course of employment duties, unless the Government's interest in such invention is negligible. Provides for a review by the Secretary, if requested, for determination as to the right of title. Authorizes incentive awards to Federal employee-inventors for any inventions of significant value. Title V: Miscellaneous - Repeals certain existing statutory authorizations. Amends the National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958 to direct the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to establish an Inventions and Contributions Board to hear, and make findings and recommendations with respect to, every proposal for any waiver of patent rights held by the Administrator. Authorizes appropriations necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1979
Youth Opportunity Wage Act of 1979 - Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to allow employers to employ youths between 16 and 20 years of age, without prior or special certification by the Secretary of Labor, at 85 percent of the minimum wage (or the applicable wage in Puerto Rico or the Virgin Islands) for 180 days, with the exception of youths employed by an employer at the minimum wage before the enactment of this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to insure against violations of such provisions. Prohibits employers from engaging in a pattern and practice of: (1) substituting younger workers employed at less than the minimum wage for older workers employed at or above the minimum wage; or (2) terminating the employment of some youths and employing other youths in order to gain continual advantage from the youth opportunity wage. Establishes rates of compensation and fines for such violations. Eliminates special subminimum wage provisions for full-time students.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1979
Congratulates the men and women of the Apollo program upon the tenth anniversary of the first manned landing on the Moon and requests the President to designate the period of July 16 through July 24, 1979, as "United States Space Observance" in honor of such event.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1979
Amends the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act of 1973 to extend the effective period of ceiling prices established by the President and applicable to any first sale of crude oil produced in the United States. Extends the President's authority under such Act to December 31, 1982.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1979
Designates the year 1979 as the "Food for Peace Year" to celebrate the twenty-fifth anniversary of the enactment of the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1979
Export Administration Act of 1979 - Authorizes the President to prohibit or curtail the export of goods and technology to the extent necessary. Stipulates that U.S. policy concerning the administration of export controls for national security purposes shall not be based exclusively on a country's Communist or non-Communist status, but shall take into account various factors. Directs the President to review annually U.S. policy towards individual countries and to report the results to Congress. Authorizes export controls on goods and technology which would make a significant contribution to the military potential of any nation threatening U.S. national security. Directs the Secretary of Commerce, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, to review such controls annually to insure that export controls are limited to militarily critical goods and technologies. Sets forth the factors to be taken into consideration by the President before imposing export controls. Requires the President to report to Congress concerning the imposition or extension of export controls. Prohibits export controls of goods and technology available outside the United States, unless the absence of such controls would be detrimental to U.S. foreign policy or national security. Directs the President to take steps to negotiate with the appropriate foreign countries to eliminate such availability. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to reorganize the Department of Commerce as necessary. Requires the Secretary to maintain and review a list of goods and technology subject to export controls. Requires the Secretary to establish an Office of Foreign Product and Technology Assessment to gather information on the foreign availability of such goods. Requires the Secretary to keep the public informed of export control policy and procedures. Directs the Secretary to establish validated, qualified general, and general licenses. Sets forth procedures for export license applications. Establishes an Export Administration Board and an Export Administration Review Council composed of the Secretaries of Commerce, Defense, and State and their designated representatives to review export license applications. Provides for review of proposed exports by the appropriate department or agency. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to monitor the export of goods which may contribute to an increase in domestic prices or a domestic shortage. Authorizes the President to impose export license fees in order to protect the domestic economy. Prohibits the exporting of domestically produced crude oil unless specified requirements are met. Prohibits controlling the exports of agricultural commodities without the approval of the Secretary of Agriculture. Directs the President to prohibit compliance with or support of any foreign boycott against a country which is friendly to the United States, with specified exceptions. Requires people receiving a request for compliance with such a boycott to report such request to the Secretary of Commerce. Permits domestic manufacturers or business operators to petition the Secretary of Commerce for an exemption from export controls to alleviate any unique hardship. Sets forth the procedure for such petitions. Directs departments and agencies making determinations as to export controls to consult and cooperate with other departments. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to appoint technical advisory committees to assist in evaluating certain goods and technology which are subject to export controls because of their significance to U.S. national security. Provides criminal and civil penalties for violations of this Act. Authorizes the head of any department or agency exercising any function under this Act or the Export Control Act of 1949 to make such investigations as are necessary. Prohibits the disclosure of confidential information. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to review and report to Congress concerning the simplification of rules and regulations issued under this Act. Exempts this Act from specified provisions concerning administrative procedure and judicial review. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to report annually to Congress concerning the administration of this Act. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1980. Stipulates that this Act shall become effective on the expiration of the Export Administration Act of 1969. Provides for the continuation of rules and other administrative action under such Act to remain effective.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1979
Campaign Contributions Act of 1979 - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to prohibit contributions by certain multicandidate political committees to candidates or their authorized political committees in elections for Federal office. Redefines "multicandidate political committee" as a political committee which has received contributions from more than 50 persons and is not an authorized political committee of a candidate for Federal office. Permits contributions totaling not more than $5,000 to candidates for election to the House of Representatives by the National Republican Congressional Committee or the Democratic National Congressional Committee, or the national committee of a political party.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1979
Earth Data and Information Service Act of 1979 - Establishes the Earth Data and Information Service within the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to collect, interpret, compile, and distribute data obtained by remote sensing satellites and other sources on the quality and quantity of the Earth's resources and environment. Directs the Service to: (1) provide rapid processing of, and ready access to, such data at a reasonable cost to both foreign and domestic users; (2) promote competition among suppliers of equipment and services to the Service; and (3) make available to all users remote sensing data and basis information products. Authorizes the Administrator of the NASA to plan, initiate, construct, acquire, own, manage, and operate an Earth Data and Information System to provide a reliable source of useful data and basic information products to users. Directs the Administrator to include in such system sensing satellites, ground equipment, data reception devices and other equipment designed to contribute to the understanding of the Earth's resources and environment. Authorizes the Administrator to establish communication networks to transmit such data and products to users on a timely basis and to consult with the National Telecommunications Information Agency of the Department of Commerce and the Federal Communications Commission in establishing such networks. Stipulates that the communication services needed for such networks, insofar as practicable, shall be procured from the private sector. Authorizes the Administrator, under the President's supervision, to participate in a program of international activities related to the functions of the Service. Directs the Administrator to establish a schedule of user charges for products and services provided under this Act. Sets forth penalties for unlawful reproduction for sale or distribution of any data or basic information products produced by the Service. Specifies procedures by which the President may transfer to the Service related functions of any other Federal department or agency. Requires the Administrator to present to the President, who shall transmit to Congress in January of each year, a report containing a description of the activities and accomplishments of the Service during the preceding year. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1979
Expresses the gratitude of the Senate upon the retirement of the Honorable Clarence M. Mitchell, Junior, as chief legislative spokesman for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, and for his contributions to the establishment of justice and equality in America.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1979
Energy Bank of America Act of 1979 - Title I: Findings and Purposes - States that the purposes of this Act are: (1) to assure capital funds for projects important to energy development, production, distribution, and conservation; (2) to provide financial assistance for activities assuring adequate energy supplies and energy conservation; (3) to hasten commercialization of new energy technologies; (4) to develop energy sources in an environmentally sound manner; (5) to supplement and encourage private capital investment in energy; (6) to establish an energy policy and coordination priority mechanism. Title II: Corporate Status, General Powers, and Tax Status - Establishes as an agency of the United States Government an Energy Bank of America. Sets forth the general powers of the Bank in carrying out the purposes of this Act. Exempts the Bank from all taxation by the United States, any territory, dependency, or possession, and any State, county, municipal or local taxing authority, with specified exceptions. Title III: Financial Assistance - Authorizes the Bank to provide financial assistance to any entity engaged in specified energy-related projects. Sets forth eligibility conditions for such projects. Limits the aggregate amount of outstanding financial assistance of the Bank to $20,000,000,000, and the aggregate amount of outstanding guarantees to $16,000,000,000. Authorizes the Bank to guarantee any lender against loss for financial assistance provided to substantially contribute to the accomplishment of the purposes of this Act. Requires the Bank to submit to Congress a detailed statement of any loan, guarantee, or other financial assistance in any amount exceeding $60,000,000, and authorizes the Congress to disapprove any such commitment by concurrent resolution. Authorizes the Bank to charge reasonable fees for issuing guarantees and for making commitments to provide other forms of financial assistance pursuant to this title. Authorizes the Bank to sell all or any securities acquired pursuant to this title. Requires every applicant for financial assistance to consent to examinations as the Bank may require of reports or examinations of the applicant by constituted authorities. Authorizes the Bank to prescribe recordkeeping procedures of its applicants for assistance, and to have access thereto at all reasonable times to insure compliance with the terms and conditions upon which financial assistance was provided. Title IV: Capitalization and Finance - Sets at $1,000,000,000 the capital stock of the Bank subscribed by the United States of America. Authorizes the appropriation of $1,000,000,000 to the Secretary of the Treasury for such purpose. Authorizes the Bank to declare dividends on its outstanding stock. Authorizes the Bank to issue notes, debentures, bonds, and other obligations, subject to the concurrence of the Secretary. Excludes from the budget of the United States the receipts and disbursements of the Secretary of the Treasury made in connection with the purchase or redemption of, and income from, capital stock of the Bank. Title V: Management - Sets forth provisions relating to the Board of Directors, officers, and employees of the Bank, conflicts of interest, delegation of duties, fiscal year, reviews and audits, and reports. Title VI: Comprehensive Energy Plan - Directs the Secretary of Energy to develop and report to the President a comprehensive energy plan setting priorities for Federal Government financing of energy-related activities. Sets forth criteria in establishing such priorities. Requires congressional approval of such plan by concurrent resolution, and provides, in the event that the Congress fails to adopt such resolution, for presidential revision of such plan and its adoption unless disapproved by a concurrent resolution of the Congress. Requires that all financial assistance commitments by the Bank, and all proposals by the Export Import Bank to provide financial assistance for energy-related activities, shall be submitted to the Secretary of Energy for approval and comment. Title VII: Unlawful Acts and Penalties - Imposes fines and/or imprisonment for: (1) making false statements; (2) forgery; (3) misappropriation of funds and unauthorized activities; (4) infringement on the name "Energy Bank of America"; and (5) unlawful contracts, all done in connection with the provisions of this Act. Provides that all suits brought against the Bank for engaging in actions, practices, or policies inconsistent with, or in violation of, this Act shall be brought by the Attorney General or his delegate, except in specified circumstances. Title VIII: General Provisions - States that the provision of financial assistance pursuant to this Act shall be deemed to be a "major federal action significantly affecting the quality of the human environment" for the purposes of the National Environmental Policy Act, and requires compliance with such Act, including the preparation of an environmental impact statement, unless another Federal agency is required to prepare such statement. Exempts the Bank, with specified exceptions, from the provisions of the U.S. Code relating to public contracts and public buildings, and from the securities laws of the United States. Provides that nothing in this Act shall be deemed to change the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920, the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, nor any other law governing Federal Minerals or lands ownership, management, and disposition. Reserves the right to amend, alter, or repeal this Act except that no obligation of any contract made by the Bank shall be imparied as a result thereof.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1979
Energy Company of America Act - Amends the Department of Energy Organization Act to establish a government corporation to be known as the Energy Company of America. Sets forth the composition of the Board of Directors of such Company. Authorizes the Company to: (1) explore for oil, natural gas, coal, and uranium on any Federal lands; (2) develop, produce, import, purchase, refine or enrich, store, transport, and sell fuel technology resources; (3) engage in research and development for improved methods of fuel resource technology; (4) obtain necessary equipment and facilities; (5) explore for, develop, produce, import, purchase, store, transport, and sell fuel resources in or from non-domestic sources; (6) sue and be sued in its corporate name, use a corporate seal, and adopt, amend, and repeal bylaws governing the operation of the Board; (7) determine employee qualifications, duties, and compensation; (8) enter into agreements necessary to conduct authorized activities; and (9) consult and cooperate with representatives of private and governmental activities. Sets forth the duties of the Company. Provides for production from standby reserves upon a finding that such production is necessary to alleviate domestic shortages. Provides for the establishment of standby reserves. Sets forth Federal lands conveyance procedures. Sets forth procedures to ensure environmental protection relevant to the construction of Company facilities. Prohibits the Company from proceeding with any such proposed activity except as provided by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency unless, upon judicial review, the court sets aside an adverse determination of the administrator. Sets forth the principle and standards by which the Company shall exercise its duty to act as the exclusive bargaining agent of the United States. Directs the Company to sell fuel resources in such a manner as to: (1) encourage domestic competition; (2) allocate available supplies equitably on a geographical basis; and (3) insure the maximum utilization of domestic energy resource facilities. Prohibits the sale of domestic energy resources to any foreign person or entity unless such person or entity is a qualified buyer who intends to refine it for transportation and sale to the United States at a later date. Exempts the Company from Federal taxation. Permits comparable State and local taxation of the Company. Prohibits the Company from selling at prices below actual adjusted costs. Directs excess revenues to be covered into the miscellaneous receipts fund of the Treasury of the United States. Directs the Company to transmit an annual report to the Congress and the President. Excludes the receipts and disbursements of the Company from totals of the budget of the United States and exempts them from any annual expenditure and net lending limitations imposed on a budget of the United State Government. Declares that Congress shall exercise continuing oversight of the activities of the Company. Establishes within the Company a Citizens Advisory Commission. Sets forth the composition, compensation, and duties of the Commission. Empowers the Company to incur debt for capital and operating purposes through any form of securities, agreements, or obligations. Directs the Secretary of Energy to transfer to the Company all right, title, and interest in any uranium enrichment facilities owned by the Department of Energy. Provides for the expiration of any existing authority to control or regulate the price of petroleum products upon a Presidential finding and declaration that the Company has become sufficiently established to perform effectively as a competitive entity in the energy industry. Makes conforming and technical amendments to such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1979
Nuclear Waste Transportation Safety Act of 1979 - Declares it the policy of Congress that the Department of Transportation, in consultation with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), has principal responsibility for the transportation of nuclear waste and radioactive commercial spent fuel. Amends the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act to define the terms used in such Act. Designates commercial spent fuel and transuranic waste in quantities greater than one kilogram as hazardous material. Sets forth the responsibilities of the Secretary of Transportation concerning nuclear materials transportation. Directs the Secretary, in consultation with the NRC, to formulate and send to Congress a national emergency response plan to deal with emergency situations that may occur during the shipment of radioactive material. Authorizes the Secretary to provide grants to any State to assist it in conducting a review of the safety and logistics of shipment associated with any proposal to develop a long-term storage or disposal facility which would result in nuclear waste or commercial spent fuel being shipped within the State. Limits grants to $50,000. Sets forth notification procedures for the acceptance of nuclear waste or commercial spent fuel from any non-domestic source. Requires the annual report on the transportation of hazardous materials to include the following items relating to radioactive materials: (1) a review of shipment safety requirements; (2) a compilation of data to aid in risk assessment; (3) recommendations for Federal routing guidelines or requirements; and (4) an assessment of the Nation's inventory of containers, packages, and vehicles suitable for the shipment of nuclear waste or commercial spent fuel.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1979
Foundation for International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Act - Establishes as a Federal agency and corporation, the Foundation for International Scientific and Technological Cooperation to: (1) assist developing countries in strengthening their scientific and technological capabilities; (2) foster cooperation in research and development between developed and developing countries; and (3) coordinate its activities with other international development agencies. Sets forth the powers of such Foundation. Directs the Board to establish a Council of scientific, technology, and international affairs specialists to consult with the Foundation. Requires the Foundation to report annually to the Office of Science and Technology Policy and biennially to Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1979
Amends the Federal District Court Organization Act to 1978 to add the following provisions with respect to Federal district judges in Illinois: (1) the senior district judge for the Eastern District shall be a district judge for the Southern District; (2) the remaining district judge for the Eastern District as of the date of enactment and the district judges for the Southern District as it existed prior to this Act shall be district judges for the Central District; and (3) the President shall appoint a second district judge for the Southern District. Stipulates that such assignments shall not affect the tenures of office of the United States attorneys and marshals for the Eastern District and the Southern District (as it existed prior to this Act), who shall on the date of enactment assume such positions for the Southern District and the Central District, respectively. Stipulates that the grand juries impaneled by the district courts for the Central and Southern Districts after the date of enactment may exercise their powers with respect to crimes committed within their respective districts before or after the date of enactment. Makes the effective date of the transfer of Kankakee County from the Northern District to the Central District of Illinois March 31, 1979, instead of May 1, 1979.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1979
Inflation Review Board Act of 1979 - Amends the Council on Wage and Price Stability Act to replace the Council with an Inflation Review Board. Establishes such Board as an independent agency in the executive branch consisting of a Chairman, Vice-Chairman, and three members appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. Directs that the members serve four year terms, with specified exceptions. Authorizes the Board to require that it receive notification within 30 days of: (1) a proposed price increase by any person having gross sales or revenues over $250,000,000 in the most recent fiscal year; (2) a pending wage increase by an employer or employee's representative involving over 5,000 employees; or (3) a proposed wage or price increase by any person designated by regulation of the Board without regard to sales, revenues, or number of employees. Empowers the Board to delay such increases for 45 days By order or regulation. Authorizes judicial enforcement of any requirement imposed under this Act in actions brought by the Attorney General. Authorizes the Board to recommend counter-inflationary measures to the President, including voluntary wage and price guidelines. Requires the Board to make a semiannual report to the Congress. Terminates the authority granted by this Act on September 30, 1984.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1979
Amends the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945 to increase from $50,000,000 to $100,000,000 the amount of a proposed loan to a Communist nation that must be reviewed by the President. Prohibits the Export-Import Bank from having more than $2,000,000,000 in outstanding loans or guarantees to Communist nations. Repeals the provision requiring the Board of Directors of the Bank to approve loans or guarantees in excess of $25,000,000 to the Soviet Union for energy related exports. Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to require the President to determine whether a foreign nation seeking most-favored-nation treatment is permitting its citizens the right or opportunity to emigrate. Authorizes the President to recommend to the Congress a five year extension (presently one year extension) of the waiver of provisions prohibiting most-favored-nation status, credits, and commercial agreements to countries denying freedom of emigration. Repeals the limitation on credit to the Soviet Union.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1979
Directs the President to inform Congress of any dangers to Taiwan. Declares the policy of the United States to safeguard its interests and meet any dangers to Taiwan.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1979
Space Policy Act of 1979 - Establishes a national space policy to enable the United States to maintain leadership in space science and technology. Declares such policy, including that the United States: (1) is committed to space exploration for peaceful purposes and the benefit of mankind; (2) rejects claims of sovereignty over outer space and celestial bodies; and (3) will continue to participate in cooperative international space activities. Directs the President to assure that the space program proceed toward enumerated goals in space and terrestrial application and in space science. Details the goals to be achieved within ten years, including: (1) design of prototype electric power generation transmission systems; (2) design of space technologies determining the feasibility of space-based manufacturing; (3) establishment of remote-sensing and communications structures; and (4) the pursuit of planetary and lunar science and exploration. Requires the President to submit to Congress a five-year schedule, within annual revisions, identifying missions, projects, and programs to achieve the objectives of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1979
Congressional Award Program Act - Establishes the Congressional Award Program in the United States and its territories to recognize and promote youth leadership and excellence in the areas of expedition fitness, personal creative development, and public service. Creates a Congressional Award Board with a Director to supervise such program. Authorizes the appointment of State award directors under this Act. Exempts the Board, its property, and its income from present and future Federal, State, and local taxation, with specified exceptions. Creates three Congressional Award Medals to the awarded under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1979
Constitutional Amendment - Provides that the people of the several States, and the District constituting the seat of Government of the United States shall elect the President and Vice President. Requires each elector to cast a single vote for two persons who shall have consented to the joining of their names as candidates for the offices of President and Vice President. Requires the electors of President and Vice President in each State to have the qualifications requisite for electors of the most numerous branch of the State legislature, except that for electors of President and Vice President, the legislature of any State may prescribe less restrictive residence qualifications and for electors of President and Vice President the Congress may establish uniform residence qualifications. Provides that the pair of persons having the greatest number of votes for President and Vice President shall be elected, if such number is at least 40 percent of the whole number of votes cast. Provides that if no pair of persons has such number, a runoff election shall be held in which the choice of President and Vice President shall be made from the two pairs of persons who received the highest numbers of votes. Requires the days for such elections to be determined by Congress and to be uniform throughout the United States. Requires Congress to prescribe by law the time, place, and manner in which the results for such elections shall be ascertained and declared. Allows Congress to provide for the case of the death, inability, or withdrawal of any candidate for President or Vice President before a President and Vice President have been elected, and for the case of the death of both the President-elect and Vice President-elect.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1979
Amends the Disaster Relief Act of 1974 to provide that a declaration of a state of emergency is effective as of the date on which the emergency or major disaster commenced.
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Constitutional Amendment - Provides that the people of the several States, and the District constituting the seat of Government of the United States shall elect the President and Vice President. Requires each elector to cast a single vote for two persons who shall have consented to the joining of their names as candidates for the offices of President and Vice President. Requires the electors of President and Vice President in each State to have the qualifications requisite for electors of the most numerous branch of the State legislature, except that for electors of President and Vice President, the legislature of any State may prescribe less restrictive residence qualifications and for electors of President and Vice President the Congress may establish uniform residence qualifications. Provides that the pair of persons having the greatest number of votes for President and Vice President shall be elected, if such number is at least 40 percent of the whole number of votes cast. Provides that if no pair of persons has such number, a runoff election shall be held in which the choice of President and Vice President shall be made from the two pairs of persons who received the highest numbers of votes. Requires the days for such elections to be determined by Congress and to be uniform throughout the United States. Requires Congress to prescribe by law the time, place, and manner in which the results for such elections shall be ascertained and declared. Allows Congress to provide for the case of the death, inability, or withdrawal of any candidate for President or Vice President before a President and Vice President have been elected, and for the case of the death of both the President-elect and Vice President-elect.
United States · United States Congress · 14 October 1978
National Energy Corporation Act - Amends the Department of Energy Organization Act to establish an independent instrumentality of the United States to be known as the National Energy Corporation, which shall be a wholly owned government corporation. Authorizes the Corporation to: (1) explore for oil, natural gas, coal, and uranium on Federal lands and on lands under the ownership or control of Federal agencies, and to inventory the production capability of such lands for such energy resources; (2) develop, import, purchase, store, transfer, and sell such energy resources; (3) engage in research, development, and demonstration of improved methods of discovering and utilizing such energy resources; and (4) engage in other specified activities relating to energy resources and development, using the most advanced environmentally sound methods and technologies. Directs the Corporation to establish priorities among its activities so as to alleviate actual or anticipated shortages of oil, natural gas, coal, or uranium, and their derivatives; to maximize competition among energy industries; to maintain the best export prices of United States coal and uranium; to give preference to the purchase of energy resources from international entities willing to sell at prices lower than the world market price; and to submit specified reports. Establishes standby reserves to provide the Nation with readily available sources of additional oil, natural gas, coal and uranium in times of actual or anticipated shortage. Authorizes the President to designate as a standby reserve any Federal lands not offered for sale or lease for energy resource development. Authorizes the President with the approval of Congress, or the Congress by concurrent resolution, to issue a directive to the Corporation to construct energy production facilities at such reserves in times of shortages. Authorizes the Corporation to identify and select up to 30 percent of any public offering of Federal lands for sale or lease for energy resource development upon notice to the offering authority, and to obtain by conveyance from such authority, without consideration, such acreage after completion of the bidding process. Authorizes the Corporation to transfer its interest in such acreage to the highest bidder, in accordance with the terms of the bid, and to have the amount of such bid accrue to the Corporation. Specifies procedures for the development of energy resources on such land. Directs the Corporation to notify the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency of its determinations to construct energy resource facilities, and to obtain the Administrator's approval of such proposals. Requires the Corporation to utilize the highest and best commercially available methods to protect environmental quality. Sets forth principles and standards for the Corporation acting under the authority of this Act as the exclusive bargaining agent for the United States in purchases and sales of energy resources. Exempts the Corporation from Federal taxation. Directs the Corporation to prepare and submit annual reports of its activities. Establishes a Citizens Advisory Commission within the Corporation to monitor, review, evaluate, investigate, and make recommendations concerning the activities of the Corporation. Authorizes the appropriation of up to $1,500,000 to such Commission for each fiscal year. Authorizes the Corporation to issue bonds not to exceed an aggregate of $1,000,000,000 outstanding at any one time. Authorizes the appropriation of $100,000,000 for each of the ten fiscal years commencing with fiscal year 1980 to carry out the purposes of this Act. Directs the Secretary of Energy to transfer all rights in any uranium enrichment facilities owned by the Department of Energy to the Corporation.
United States · United States Congress · 14 October 1978
Federal Energy Bank Act - Title I: Findings and Purposes - Declares the purpose of this Act to be to provide financing for: (1) energy conservation; (2) the development of adequate energy supplies consistent with the protection of the environment; and (3) the coordination of Federal expenditures in accordance with a comprehensive energy plan. Title II: Corporate Status, General Powers, and Tax States - Establishes a Federal Energy Bank as an agency of the United States with its principal office located in the District of Columbia. Enumerates the corporate powers of the Bank. Exempts the Bank from all Federal, State and local taxes except: (1) real property taxes; and (2) taxes on any entity acquired or activity undertaken by the Bank which engages directly in the production or trade of energy-related commodities or facilities. Title III: Financial Assistance - Authorizes the Bank to provide any form of advance, extension of credit, investment, or guarantee, excluding grants-in-aid, to any public or private entity for: (1) the purchase, construction, or expansion of productive facilities; (2) the acquisition of capital assets, land and mineral rights; and (3) the purpose of providing working capital. Enumerates factors to be considered by the Board of Directors of the Bank in granting such financial assistance. Makes eligible for such assistance those projects which: (1) would not otherwise receive sufficient financing; (2) foster the development, production, or conservation of energy; and (3) are consistent with the comprehensive energy plan. Limits the total amount of financial assistance outstanding at any time to $20,000,000,000, including not less than 25 percent of any outstanding guarantees. Limits the total of such guarantees at any time to $16,000,000,000. Prohibits the extension of a loan or guarantee greater than $60,000,000 unless approved by concurrent resolution of the Congress. Title IV: Capitalization and Finance - Establishes the capital stock of the Bank at $1,000,000,000 subscribed by the United States. Sets forth provisions governing the payment and deferral of dividends. Authorizes the Bank to issue obligations carrying interest and other terms and conditions determined by the Secretary of the Treasury. Authorizes the Secretary to purchase the obligations of the Bank through the sale of securities issued under the Second Liberty Bond Act. Title V: Management - Vests management of the Bank in five directors appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. Stipulates that such directors hold office at the pleasure of the President. Directs the President to designate one of the directors as Chairman. Stipulates that the Chairman shall hold no other salaried position. Sets forth provisions governing the terms and condition on the employment of officers and employees of the Bank. Requires annual financial review of the Bank by the Director of the Office of Management and Budget. Authorizes the General Accounting Office to conduct audits of the Bank's accounts. Requires the Bank to submit quarterly and annual reports to the Congress and the President. Sets forth the information to be included in such reports. Title VI: Comprehensive Energy Plan - Directs the Secretary of Energy to develop and report to the President a comprehensive energy plan setting priorities for Federal financing of energy-related programs. Makes such plan effective upon approval of the President and the Congress. Empowers the Secretary of Energy to review and reject as inconsistent with the comprehensive plan any commitment of financial assistance by the Bank or the Export- Import Bank which would alter the supply or demand for energy in the United States. Title VII: Unlawful Acts and Penalties - Establishes criminal penalties and liability to the Bank for lost profits for: (1) the making of false statements to the Bank; (2) forgery; (3) the misappropriation of funds by employees; (4) infringement on the name of the Bank; and (5) the making of unlawful contracts with the Bank. Limits standing to sue the Bank to the Attorney General or his delegate except in actions based on tort or breach of contract. Title VIII: General Provisions - Requires the Bank to submit an environmental impact statement (EIS) under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 only if no other Federal agency is required to prepare an EIS with respect to the project receiving financial assistance from the Bank. Exempts the Bank from the provisions of: (1) laws relating to public contracts, buildings and works except the Davis-Bacon Act; and (2) the securities laws. Defines any securities issued or guaranteed as to both interest and principal by the Bank as exempted securities within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934.
United States · United States Congress · 12 October 1978
Earth Data and Information Service Act - Establishes the Earth Data and Information Service within the National Aeronautics and Space Administration which shall be responsible for collecting data primarily obtained by remote sensing satellites and for improving cooperation between the Government and private sectors and other Nations. Directs the Service to: (1) provide rapid processing of, and ready access to, the data and information collected at a reasonable cost to users; (2) promote competition among suppliers of equipment and services for the Earth Data and Information System and maximum use of remote sensing data and basic information products; and (3) make such products available to all users, both domestic and foreign, according to a schedule of charges to be established by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Directs the Administrator to establish in the Service an Earth Data and Information System which includes sensing satellites, ground equipment, data reception and other devices designed to contribute to the understanding of the Earth's resources and environment. Requires the Administrator to consult with the National Telecommunications Information Agency of the Department of Commerce, and the Federal Communications Commission in establishing communications networks to transmit information and data. Stipulates that the communications services needed to establish such networks, insofar as practicable, shall be procured from the private sector. Sets forth civil penalties for the unlawful reproduction for sale or distribution of any data or basic information product produced by the Service. Specifies procedures by which the President may transfer to the Service related functions of any other department or agency. Requires the Administrator to present to the President, who shall transmit to Congress in January of each year, a report containing a description of the activities and accomplishments of the Service during the preceding year. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 October 1978
Expresses the sorrow of the Senate upon the death of the Honorable Ralph H. Metcalfe, a Representative from the State of Illinois. Appoints a committee of the Senate to join a committee of the House to attend the funeral of the deceased Representative.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 1978
Space Policy Act - Establishes a national space policy and program to enable the United States to maintain leadership in space science and technology. Declares such policy, including that the United States: (1) is committed to space exploration for peaceful purposes and the benefit of mankind; (2) rejects claims of sovereignty over outer space and celestial bodies; and (3) will continue to participate in cooperative international space activities. Directs the President to assure the space program proceeds toward enumerated goals in space and terrestrial application and in space science. Details the goals to be achieved within ten years, including: (1) design of prototype electric power generation transmission systems; (2) design of space technologies determining the feasibility of space-based manufacturing; (3) establishment of a remote-sensing system of earth's resources; and (4) the pursuit of planetary and lunar science and exploration. Requires the President to submit to Congress a five-year schedule, with annual revisions, identifying missions, projects, and programs to achieve the objectives of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 1978
Inflation Review Board Act - Amends the Council on Wage and Price Stability Act to replace the Council with an Inflation Review Board. Establishes such Board as an independent agency in the executive branch consisting of the Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisors, and a Chairman, Vice-Chairman, and member appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. Directs that the members serve four year terms. Authorizes the Board to require that it receive notification within 30 days of: (1) a proposed price increase by any person having gross revenues over $250,000,000 in the most recent fiscal year; (2) a pending wage increase by an employer or employee's representative involving over 5,000 employees; or (3) a proposed wage or price increase by any person designated by regulation of the Board without regard to gross revenues or number of employees. Empowers the Board to delay such increases for 45 days by order or regulation. Authorizes judicial enforcement of any requirement imposed under this Act in actions brought by the Attorney General. Authorizes the Board to recommend counter-inflationary measures to the President, including voluntary wage and price guidelines. Requires the Board to make a semiannual report to the Congress. Terminates the authority granted by this Act on September 30, 1984.
United States · United States Congress · 25 August 1978
Authorizes the printing, for the use of the Senate Select Committee on Ethics, 5,000 additional copies of its final report to the Senate, and 2,000 additional copies of volume II of its executive session hearings, on the Korean influence inquiry.
United States · United States Congress · 17 August 1978
Authorizes the Select Committee on Ethics to participate in judicial proceedings to obtain evidence relating to its investigation of alleged improprieties concerning Senator Herman E. Talmadge or Senator Edward Brooke.
![Official portrait of Sen. Stevenson, Adlai E., III [D-IL]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/s000890_200.jpg)