United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1979
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the President shall call as soon as possible an Energy Summit Conference to bring together representatives of the oil industry, consumer representatives knowledgeable on energy matters, officials of the executive branch and other levels of government, and such other persons as the President deems necessary to review any data submitted and report to the President on current and expected energy shortages, a prognosis for the future, and recommendations for public and private action to meet those shortages. Directs the Conference to consider the establishment of a national energy council. Directs the President to report to the American people the results of the Conference along with his recommendations for a national energy policy.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1979
Industrial Equipment Efficiency Act of 1979 - Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to direct the Secretary of Energy to prescribe standards, labeling rules, or guidelines for each standard classification of industrial equipment, as determined by the Secretary, where such standards, rules, or guidelines would result in: (1) improvements in energy efficiency which are technologically feasible and economically justified with respect to such class; and (2) significant energy savings. Sets forth the factors the Secretary must consider in determining what is economically justified, including: (1) the economic impact of such standards on the manufacturers and purchasers of the equipment subject to such standard; (2) the savings in operating costs over the life of the equipment; (3) the lessening of the utility or the performance of the equipment likely to result; (4) the impact on competition; and (5) the need of the Nation to conserve energy. Requires manufacturers of industrial equipment to submit to the Secretary any information or reports considered necessary to assist in establishing test procedures, labeling rules, or energy efficiency standards. Directs the Secretary to prescribe testing procedures and a labeling rule within nine months of completing the industrial equipment classification. Directs the Secretary to prescribe energy efficiency standards for certain classes of industrial equipment at varying times after the promulgation of test procedures and labeling rules for such classes. Sets forth the procedures the Secretary must follow in promulgating such standards, including notice requirements and the opportunity for public comment. Directs the Secretary to submit to the Congress, within two years of the enactment of the National Energy Conservation Act of 1978, a report on improvements in energy efficiency of industrial equipment. Establishes civil monetary penalties for violations of rules promulgated pursuant to this Act. Vests jurisdiction for such violations in the appropriate United States district court. Exempts industrial equipment manufactured, sold, held or intended for export from the labeling requirements and/or standards prescribed by this Act. Prohibits the import of industrial equipment not in compliance with such requirements, except as the Secretary of Treasury may authorize. Establishes an appeals process for those persons adversely affected by such requirements. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1980, 1981, and 1982 to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1979
National Aquaculture Organic Act of 1979 - Establishes a National Aquaculture Council consisting of the Secretaries of Agriculture, Commerce, and the Interior, or the designee of any such Secretary. Directs the Council to: (1) establish and maintain an information service for the collection, analysis, and dissemination of scientific, technical, legal, and economic information relating to aquaculture; (2) conduct surveys, in coordination with other Federal departments and agencies, of public and private aquacultural activities; (3) arrange with foreign nations for the exchange of information relating to aquaculture; (4) conduct a continuing study to determine whether existing capture fisheries could be adversely affected by competition from products produced by commercial aquacultural enterprises; and (5) report such findings to Congress. Requires the Council to prepare and submit to Congress a biennial report on the status of aquaculture in the United States. Directs the Council to establish a National Aquaculture Development Plan. Requires that such plan identify each aquatic species which can be cultured on a commercial or other basis, and contain a program of aquaculture development for such species. Stipulates that each such program shall be implemented either individually, jointly, or collectively by the Secretaries of Commerce, Agriculture and the Interior according to responsibilities vested in the respective Secretaries by law, or on the basis of departmental expertise and resources. Directs the Council, and any Federal or State agency which has significant functions which relate to aquaculture, to make annual reviews of: (1) each aquatic species not identified as a priority aquatic species; and (2) the success of aquaculture development programs. Requires the Council to revise and amend the plan as necessary. Directs the Council to make a continuing assessment of aquaculture in the United States and to complete an initial assessment within six months after the enactment this Act. Requires the Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of the Interior, or the Secretary of Agriculture, in implementing the aquaculture development programs, to: (1) provide advisory, educational, or technical assistance to interested persons; (2) consult and cooperate with persons, agencies, and regional commissions; (3) encourage the implementation of aquacultural technology; (4) prescribe such regulations as necessary to carry out such a program; and (5) produce and sell, at cost, seed stock for the priority aquatic species when privately produced seed stock is unavailable, unreliable, or not sufficient to meet production. Establishes the Interagency Committee on Aquaculture to insure that there is a continuing exchange of information relating to the aquaculture programs and projects of the various agencies and to review on a continuing basis the relevant programs and projects of all Federal agencies. Authorizes the Secretaries of Commerce, Agriculture, and the Interior, according to their powers under this Act, to carry out their functions through grants or contracts. Limits the amount of any such grant to one-half of the estimated cost of the project. Allows the Secretaries of Commerce, Agriculture, and the Interior to provide financial assistance for aquacultural demonstration projects in the form of grants in an amount not to exceed 50 percent of the estimated cost. Authorizes the Secretaries of Commerce and Agriculture to guarantee obligations issued for the financing of any aquaculture facility within the United States. Stipulates that the aggregate unpaid principal amount of all such guaranteed obligations shall not exceed $100,000,000. Authorizes the Secretary to collect a fee for guaranteed obligations not to exceed one-half of one percent per annum of the outstanding principal balance of the obligation. Sets forth the allowable interest rate, maturity date, and default procedures relating to such loans. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce or the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a program to provide essential stock or liability insurance to owners of aquaculture facilities at reasonable rates upon a determination that the issuance of such insurance is necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act. Establishes a Federal Aquaculture Assistance Fund to enable the Secretaries of Commerce and Agriculture to guarantee obligations, make disaster loans, and implement the insurance program established under this Act. Authorizes the Secretaries of Commerce and Agriculture to issue notes or obligations to the Secretary of the Treasury if the monies in the loan fund are insufficient to pay such a loan in the event of default.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1979
Stipulates that if the percentage of motor vehicles exceeding 55 miles per hour in a State exceeds 25 percent that State's Federal-aid highway apportionment shall be reduced by 20 percent (previously if the percentage of vehicles exceeding such limit was greater than 60 percent the State's apportionment would be reduced by five percent).
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1979
Residential Energy Audit Act of 1979 - Amends the National Energy Conservation Policy Act to require a residential building owner offering his building for sale to make a copy of the energy unit audit report on such building available to the purchaser, if the building is served by a utility offering a residential energy conservation program, and is financed by any institution the deposits of which are insured by a Federal agency. Prohibits any such financial institution from providing financing for the purchase of a residential building served by such a utility unless such institution has received a current energy audit report on the building.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1979
Residential Furnace Improvement and Cost Savings Act of 1979 - Amends the National Energy Conservation Policy Act to require the Secretary of Energy to publish in the Federal Register a list of energy conservation retrofit devices found to improve energy efficiency of home heating and cooling devices and which can qualify for the residential energy credit provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. Requires manufacturers of home heating devices to issue procedures for the modification of home heating devices to permit the utilization of energy conservation retrofit devices. Directs the Secretary to invite State governors to submit plans for the certification of contractors qualified to install such devices, and sets forth criteria for such certification plans. Prohibits, after January 1, 1981, the financing of the sale of any residential building by any financial institution whose deposits are insured by any agency of the Federal Government without: (1) State or Federal certification that the home heating devices contained in such building (a) has been modified by the installation of an energy conservation retrofit device, or (b) meets minimum efficiency standards established by the Department of Energy; and (2) evidence of a contract to retrofit a home heating device in such a building. Imposes a fine of not less than $2,500 for the failure of the new owner of a residential building to make such modifications to the building's heating device. Directs the Secretary to make grants to each State having an approved contractor certification plan for the costs of administration of such plan. Directs the Secretary to establish a Federal program to carry out the provisions of this Act in States which do not have approved certification plans. Directs the Secretary, in coordination with other relevant agencies, to establish a program of assistance for low-income residential building owners to assist them in obtaining the energy conservation retrofit devices required under this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of funds necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1979
Industrial Equipment Efficiency Act of 1979 - Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to direct the Administrator of the Federal Energy Administration to prescribe standard, labeling rules, or guidelines for each standard classification of industrial equipment, as determined by the Secretary of Energy, where such standards, rules, or guidelines would result in: (1) improvements in energy efficiency which are technologically feasible and economically justified with respect to such class; and (2) significant energy savings. Sets forth the factors the Administrator must consider in determining what is economically justified, including: (1) the economic impact of such standards on the manufacturers and purchasers of the equipment subject to such standard; (2) the savings in operating costs over the life of the equipment; (3) the lessening of the utility or the performance of the equipment likely to result; (4) the impact on competition; and (5) the need of the Nation to conserve energy. Requires manufacturers of industrial equipment to submit to the Administrator any information or reports considered necessary to assist in establishing test procedures, labeling rules, or energy efficiency standards. Directs the Administrator to prescribe test procedures for each standard classification before promulgating any rule requiring energy efficiency labeling or establishing energy efficiency standards. Authorizes the Administrator to promulgate labeling guidelines for the use of manufacturers of a class of industrial equipment wherever it is determined that mandatory labeling rules are not likely to be necessary to encourage the availability of information concerning energy efficiency. Stipulates that either mandatory labeling rules or guidelines, where appropriate, be promulgated within three years of the enactment of the Energy Conservation Act of 1979. Directs the Administrator to prescribe energy efficiency standards for certain classes of industrial equipment at varying times after the promulgation of test procedures and labeling rules for such classes. Sets forth the procedures the Administrator must follow in promulgating such standards, including notice requirements and the opportunity for public comment. Directs the Administrator to submit to the Congress, within two years of the enactment of the Energy Conservation Act of 1979, a report on improvements in energy efficiency of industrial equipment. Establishes civil monetary penalties for violations of rules promulgated pursuant to this Act. Vests jurisdiction for such violations in the appropriate United States district court. Exempts industrial equipment manufactured, sold, held or intended for export from the labeling requirements and/or standards prescribed by this Act. Prohibits the import of industrial equipment not in compliance with such requirements, except as the Secretary of Treasury may authorize. Establishes an appeals process for those persons adversely affected by such requirements. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1980, 1981, and 1982 to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1979
Energy Supply Act - Title I: Findings and Purposes - Declares that the purpose of this Act is to increase domestic energy supplies and to improve the management of the nation's available energy resources. Title II: Priority Energy Project Act - Priority Energy Project Act of 1979 - Centralizes responsibilities for a coordinated process for expediting Federal approval of non-nuclear energy facilities determined to be of national interest. Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to designate any proposed non-nuclear energy facility as a priority energy project. Authorizes any person planning or proposing such a facility to apply for such a designation. Establishes procedures and criteria for making such designations. Exempts such designations from the National Environmental Policy Act. Directs Federal agencies involved in the approval of such projects to submit to the Secretary: (1) a compilation of all significant actions required by such agency before rendering a decision on such projects; (2) a compilation of all actions required of the applicant; (3) a tentative schedule for completing agency and applicant action; and (4) all necessary application forms required for such approval. Directs the Secretary to publish a Project Decision Schedule setting deadlines for all such actions. Authorizes the President to act in lieu of any Federal agency failing to meet its deadline. Authorizes the Secretary 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 without impinging on the substantive and procedural requirements of State and local law, but directs the Secretary to recommend to a 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. Exempts from judicial review the actions of Federal officers or agencies pursuant to this Act, except as provided for therein. Sets time limits for filing claims arising out of action pursuant to this Act, 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 Act, 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 Act except in conjunction with a final judgment on a claim filed under this Act. Establishes an Office for Priority Energy Projects within the Department of Energy to assist the Secretary. Terminates the Secretary's authority to designate priority energy projects seven years after enactment of this Act. Title III: Demonstration of Near-Term Energy Technologies - Directs the Secretary to solicit proposals for commercial demonstration of any of the energy technologies covered by the Federal Non-nuclear Energy Research and Development Act of 1974, including solar, geothermal, synthetic fuels and conservation technologies. Requires that such proposals be reviewed within 90 days and transmitted to the Congress with recommendations. Title IV: Department of Energy Project Authorizations - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1980 and subsequent years for a variety of energy development, demonstration, and commercialization projects for solvent refined coal, high and low Btu gasification, geothermal energy, oil shale, fuel cells, fluidized bed combustion, and urban and industrial waste. Increases the number of small hydroelectric power plants eligible for Federal assistance. Title V: Oil Shale - Establishes a program to determine the commercial viability of oil shale retorting technologies. Directs the Secretary to solicit proposals for the design, construction, and initial operation of Federal oil-shale commercial demonstration projects. Sets forth criteria for selecting, locating, and evaluating such projects with respect to their economic viability and their social, environmental, and economic impacts on local communities. Establishes a Social and Environmental Impact Advisory Panel to advise the Secretary on matters relating to the oil shale program, including impacts on State and local governments, environmental, health, and safety effects of the test facilities, and measures for preventing or mitigating such impacts. Authorizes the Secretary to guarantee and make commitments to guarantee the payment of interest on obligations for financing essential community development and planning resulting from this title. Sets the maximum amount of obligations to be guaranteed under this title at $20,000,000 for fiscal years 1980 and 1981. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to State and local governments for studying and planning for mitigation of the potential economic, environmental, and social impacts of projects authorized by this title and for establishing related management expertise. Authorizes the appropriation of $200,000 for such grants for fiscal year 1980. Establishes in the Department of the Treasury the Oil Shale Commercialization Test Special Fund for the purpose of providing funds for impact assistance as prescribed by this title. Directs the Secretary, in consultation with the heads of specified agencies and departments, to prepare and submit to Congress a comprehensive plan for the acquisition of information and evaluation of the impacts of the oil shale program. Specifies components of such plan. Requires that the Secretary prepare and submit to Congress an annual report on activities conducted under this Act. Makes the information collected by the Secretary pursuant to this title available to the public. Authorizes the appropriation of $1,000,000 for fiscal year 1980 to carry out the provisions of this Act. Title VI: Study of World Oil Supply and Production Opportunities - Directs the Secretary to prepare and submit to Congress a study of world oil supply and production opportunities in non-OPEC countries, including an evaluation of alternative policies for increasing exploration and production, and an assessment of present United States initiatives and potential for new oil discoveries. Title VII: Oil and Gas Leasing - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish a five-year program to lease on-shore Federal lands for oil and gas exploration, development, and production. Requires expedited decisions on leasing applications and expanded use of competitive bidding. Requires leases to describe exploration activities in an exploration plan, and to describe development and production activities in a development and production plan, prior to obtaining the Secretary's approval of such activities. Makes provision for assuring the protection of non-energy resources on such lands as are leased under this title. Limits judicial review and relief from the Secretary's actions or determinations to those cases where any such action on determination is found to be arbitrary or capricious. Title VIII: Gasohol - Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a program promoting the use of alcohol blended fuels. Directs the Secretary, in consultation with appropriate agencies, to conduct a study to determine the most suitable raw materials for the production of alcohol motor fuel and the nature of the alcohol motor fuel distribution system and production processes. Directs the Secretary to set mandatory annual production levels for alcohol fuels for the period of 1981 through 1990. Stipulates that the alcohol content of gasoline shall be increased from one percent to ten percent over the ten-year period. Imposes civil penalties upon refiners violating such production requirements. Requires any facility built for alcohol distillation pursuant to this title to give priority to the use of renewable energy resources as its operating fuel. Authorizes the appropriation of $1,000,000 for fiscal year 1979 to carry out the purposes of this title. Title IX: Short-Term Initiatives - Authorizes the Secretary of Energy, in cooperation with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), to implement a two-year program to require any petroleum-fueled commercial, industrial, or utility facility having a natural gas or coal capability to switch to the alternative fuel to replace the oil being used therein. Directs the FERC to order the installation of natural gas transportation facilities by pipeline owners to accommodate the fuel switching requirements of this subtitle. Directs the Secretary, in consultation with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to determine whether, a proposal to switch to coal requires a waiver of any State air pollution control standard or limitation in effect pursuant to the Clean Air Act. Exempts facilities required to switch to natural gas which are subject to the requirements of the Powerplant and Industrial Fuel Use Act of 1979 from such requirements for two years. Authorizes the Secretary or the FERC to seek injunctive relief for anticipated or actual violations of this subtitle. Imposes a civil penalty not to exceed $5,000 for knowing violations of this subtitle, and criminal penalties up to $50,000 and imprisonment for willful violations. Terminates such fuel switching program two years after the date of enactment. Authorizes the Secretary to order utilities to generate, transfer, wheel, or purchase electric power upon a determination that such action would reduce oil consumption by electric utilities. Limits the duration of such orders to 30 days. Directs the FERC to set rates for generating and transmitting power pursuant to such orders from the Secretary. Provides for enforcement mechanisms for violations of such electric power transfer requirements. Sets forth an expedited judicial review process for persons aggrieved by any order issued by the Secretary under this title. Title X: Renewable Energy Resources - Establishes a national goal of 20 quadrillion Btu's of energy to be supplied by the year 2000 from renewable energy resources such as solar energy, wind energy, and urban waste systems. Establishes the Solar Heating and Cooling Information Center to provide information on renewable energy resources. Requires the inclusion of cost-effective solar systems in new Federal buildings, the construction of renewable energy generating facilities by the Federal power administrations, and the making of federally-subsidized low-interest loans for the purchase and installation of solar energy systems by owners or builders of commercial and residential structures. Directs the heads of each Federal agency operating a fueling station for civilian gasoline motor vehicles to require that such stations only dispense ten percent alcohol-blended gasoline. Directs the head of each Federal agency operating a retail gasoline supply outlet to require that such outlets offer for retail sale ten percent alcohol-blended gasoline. Establishes within the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Conservation and Solar Programs a Solar Energy Loan Program to administer the low-interest loan program. Authorizes the appropriation of $100,000,000 for fiscal year 1980 for such loan program. Establishes as wind energy program objectives to reach by fiscal year 1986, a total megawatt capacity in the United States from wind energy systems of 500 megawatts and a reduction of the average cost of wind generated electricity to a level competitive with conventional energy sources. Directs the Secretary to establish research, development, and demonstration programs to promote the use of wind energy systems by means of Federal financial assistance, subsidies, and contract awards. Establishes a wind energy commercialization program for the accelerated procurement and installation of wind energy systems in Federal facilities. Establishes an advisory committee to assist the Secretary in performing his duties relating to the wind energy program. Authorizes the appropriation of $200,000,000 for fiscal year 1980 to carry out this Act, of which $100,000,000 shall be used for the wind energy program.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1979
Child Health Assurance Act of 1979 - Title I: Child Health Assurance Program; Medicaid Eligibility of Poor Children - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require a State's Medicaid program to provide medical assistance to any individual under the age of 18 whose resources do not exceed specified levels. Requires a State plan for medical assistance under title XIX to provide for a child health assurance program (CHAP). Requires each such program to: (1) assure the availability to each eligible child of child health assessments which may only be performed by a health care provider who has entered into a specified written agreement with a State; (2) provide, with respect to certain medical services, for the continuing care of eligible children; (3) assure that all eligible children are informed of the need for and availability of dental services, and are referred to providers of such care and services on a timely and periodic basis; and (4) provide for "outreach" to children eligible for assessments. Requires a State's Medicaid program to provide the following services for individuals under the age of 18: (1) inpatient hospital services; (2) outpatient hospital services; (3) rural health clinic services; (4) certain laboratory and X-ray services; (5) child health assessment services and the continuing care services of a CHAP; (6) immunizations; (7) prescribed drugs and insulin; (8) diagnosis and treatment of vision and hearing problems, including eyeglasses and hearing aids; (9) certain ambulatory mental health services; (10) routine dental care services; and (11) physicians' services furnished by a physician. Exempts the individuals eligible for such services from any enrollment fee, premium, deductible, cost sharing, or similar charges with respect to any such services. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to promulgate regulations establishing a formula for measuring the effectiveness of a State's CHAP. Directs the Secretary to publish a formula to determine a State's Federal medical assistance percentage for an ambulatory care and services for children based on the effectiveness of its program. Directs the Secretary to evaluate at least biannually the effectiveness of each State's program based on specified standards. Requires States under part A (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) of title IV of the Social Security Act to inform all families receiving AFDC benefits of the availability of child health assurance services under title XIX. Title II: Medicaid Eligibility of Pregnant Women - Requires a State plan for medical assistance under title XIX to make medical assistance available for care and services provided during pregnancy aid and for 60 days following the termination of pregnancy to women whose resources do not exceed specified levels. Title III: Effective Dates; Regulations - Sets forth the effective date of this Act.
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 · 1 May 1979
Establishes a National Agricultural Cost of Production Board to review, and advise the Secretary of Agriculture concerning, the adequacy and accuracy of the cost-of-production formulas used by the Department of Agriculture in connection with the administration of its price support programs.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1979
Amends the International Development and Food Assistance Act of 1978 to repeal the prohibition against foreign assistance for Uganda. Amends the Foreign Assistance and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 1979, to repeal the prohibition against the use of foreign assistance appropriations for Uganda.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1979
Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to authorize the Small Business Administration to guarantee the timely payment of all principal and interest as scheduled on any debenture issued by any qualified State or local development company. Sets forth requirements which such debentures must meet in order to be so guaranteed including, but not limited to, the approval of each loan to be made from the proceeds of the debenture by the Administration. Defines the term "qualified State or local development company" to mean a development company which has a full-time professional staff, professional management ability, and an active board of directors or membership.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1979
Amends an Act amending the Bretton Woods Agreement Act to repeal: (1) the prohibition against Ugandan imports into the United States; (2) the support for international actions against Uganda; and (3) the prohibition of exports to Uganda.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1979
Authorizes and requests the President to designate the week of January 21 through January 27, 1979, as "Junior Achievement Week" in honor of the sixtieth anniversary of Junior Achievement, an organization dedicated to the American enterprise system and service to youth.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1979
Amends title V of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to define additional terms used in such Act. Makes conforming and technical amendments to such Act. Provides for the reimbursement of application costs to the Secretary of the Interior by applicants for crude oil transportation systems. Removes the requirement of Presidential notification and review of proposed crude oil transportation systems. Directs the Secretary to act upon such proposals. Directs the Secretary to transmit to each Governor a copy of any environmental impact statement prepared by the Department of the Interior concerning such systems. Removes the requirement of Presidential approval or disapproval of proposed systems. Provides that actions which relate to the construction and completion of approved pipeline systems and to applications filed in connection therewith shall be taken without further action and that the actions of Federal officers shall not be subject to judicial review.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1979
Small Business Development Center Act of 1979 - Amends the Small Business Act to implement a pilot program to establish small business development centers in order to provide management, technical, and technological assistance to small businesses. Authorizes the Small Business Administration to make grants to, or enter into contracts or cooperative agreements with, States, regional entities, State-chartered development credit or finance corporations, and any public or private institution of higher education to assist them in developing centers to provide small businesses with a broad range of advice, information, and assistance. Requires grant applicants to obtain matching funds on a 50-50 basis from non-Federal sources. Entitles such applicants to an amount of funds for programs in fiscal years 1980 through 1982 based on the percent of the population proposed to be served as compared to total population in the United States. Requires applicants to assist small businesses to solve their business problems in such areas as: operations, manufacturing, engineering, technology exchange and development, personnel administration, marketing, merchandising, finance, accounting, and business strategy development. Stipulates that a center must employ on a full time basis a director, business analysts, technology transfer agents, and information specialists. Requires that the services provided by a center should include, but not be limited to, counseling on a one-to-one basis and solutions for complying with environmental, energy, health, safety, and other Federal, State, and local regulations. Directs the National Science Foundation and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to cooperate with small business development centers participating in the program and to report annually to the Small Business Administration and the Congress and to make recommendations to the Small Business Administration on continued funding. Directs the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to appoint a Deputy Associate Administrator for Management Assistance to administer the small business development center program. Establishes a National Small Business Development Center Advisory Board composed of nine members appointed by the Administrator to advise and confer with the Deputy Associate Administrator for Management Assistance. Directs the Administration, with the advice of the Board, to establish an evaluation plan of the center program and to submit a report to the appropriate committees of Congress within three years. Prohibits the Administration from funding any small business development center program except as authorized by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1979
Requests the President to award the Congressional Medal of Honor posthumously to Private First Class William James Tsakanikas for his service during World War II during the Battle of the Bulge.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1979
Commission on Civilian Nuclear Power Act of 1979 - Establishes a Presidential Commission on the Future of Nuclear Power in the United States to examine the issues and status and make recommendations on various aspects of nuclear power, including: (1) public health, safety, and welfare; (2) costs and benefits; (3) financing; (4) licensing, regulation, and litigation procedures; (5) availability and costs of uranium; (6) availability and costs of liability insurance; and (7) adequacy of emergency planning. Directs the Commission to submit a report on its findings and recommendations to the President and the Congress by December 15, 1979. Authorizes the appropriation of $1,000,000 to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1979
Unemployment Insurance System Revitalization Act of 1979 - Title I: Unemployment Compensation Cost Equalization Program - Unemployment Compensation Cost Equalization Act of 1979 - Entitles, under the Social Security Act, any State, whose rates of insured unemployment is at least six percent to partial reimbursement on an ascending sliding scale of unemployment compensation costs incurred above a certain amount. Title II: Federal-State Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 1979 - Federal-State Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 1979 - Replaces the Federal-State Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 1970 with an extended unemployment benefit program which includes both regular extended benefits of up to 13 weeks and supplemental extended benefits of up to 13 additional weeks. Directs that benefits be made available when unemployment exceeds specified trigger levels which are similar to those used under present law. Revises the method for determining unemployment rates for the purpose of such triggers. Provides for 50 percent Federal funding of regular extended benefits and for full Federal funding of supplemental benefits. Title III: Financing Amendments for Unemployment Compensation Programs - Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to extend the payback period of a State having an outstanding balance of loans and to permit a State to pay as little as 20 percent of the outstanding balance in a year upon determining that the State is taking sufficient steps to restore the fiscal soundness of its trust fund. Waives any repayment requirement for States in which the insured unemployment rate exceeds a specified level. Restricts the penalty tax in a State which defaults to only insured employers and provides that the rate of such tax shall remain constant even if the outstanding balance owed is not entirely repaid.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1979
Eliminates restrictions and conditions on the appointment of female pages in the Senate that require Senators to be responsible for: (1) the safe transportation of the female page between the Senate and the page's place of local abode; and (2) the safety, well- being, and strict supervision of such page while she is in her place of local abode.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1979
Directs the Senate Select Committee on Ethics, after consultation with the Committees an Governmental Affairs and Rules and Administration, to report to the Senate concerning: (1) the desirability of repealing, repealing in part or modifying rule XLII of the Standing Rules of the Senate which requires the Senate and staff earning over $25,000 a year to file a report containing a full and complete financial statement for that year; and (2) a review of S. Res. 109 which simplifies financial disclosure requirements, limits the Senate Select Committee on Ethics to investigations of improper misconduct, and repeals the limitations on outside earned income.
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1979
Small Business Loan Reform Act of 1979 - Amends the Small Business Act to empower the Small Business Administration (SBA) to guarantee or insure loans to small business concerns directly through banks and other private financial institutions. Requires the SBA to certify a financial institution according to published criteria developed in cooperation with appropriate regulatory agencies. Allows a financial institution to be certified to participate in the loan program if its respective regulator verifies that the institution has the necessary expertise to make small business loans. Stipulates that qualified financial institutions shall be responsible for all loan administration functions, including size determination of the small business concern, credit analysis, loan monitoring, and loan collection and liquidation. Stipulates that such SBA loans shall not: (1) be extended if financial assistance is otherwise available on comparable terms from non-Federal sources; (2) be insured in excess of 90 percent of the balance of the loan outstanding at the time of disbursement; (3) be made for a period exceeding ten years, except that portion of a loan made for the purpose of acquiring real property; and (4) exceed $350,000 each. Requires that lending institutions pay to the SBA a guarantee fee or insurance premiums. Stipulates that the amount of such fee shall be determined actuarially to cover all anticipated future loan losses. Authorizes the SBA to reimburse a qualified financial institution which has made a good faith effort to recover all unpaid amounts if there is a default on an SBA loan. Requires regulators in their routine examination or audit of financial institutions to review an appropriate number of outstanding SBA loans made under authority of this Act. Directs the SBA to examine annually small business lending companies. Requires regulators to determine if commonly accepted lending practices have been followed by financial institutions qualifying to make loans under authority of this Act. Allows the SBA to decertify a financial institution if in the course of the routine examination an unsatisfactory report is made or losses rise above a certain fixed percentage as determined by the SBA. Requires that a qualified financial institution file only an abbreviated report with the SBA, retaining all other information needed for compliance for examination by the regulator during the routine audit. Allows the SBA to require that only a small business concern receiving a loan under authority of this Act be certified as a small business according to SBA size standards. Establishes within the Treasury a separate revolving fund for guarantees or insurance which shall be available to the SBA without fiscal year limitation.
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1979
Energy Stamp Act of 1979 - Authorizes the Community Services Administrator to establish an energy stamp program to assist eligible households in meeting heating costs. Authorizes the Director of the Community Services Administration to establish eligibility criteria. Requires the printing of energy stamps. Authorizes the Director to establish standards with respect to the allotment of energy stamps. Sets forth procedures for redemption of such coupons, and administration and financing of the energy stamp program through local agencies. Establishes penalties for the unauthorized use, transfer, or alteration of such coupons. Stipulates that the benefits received pursuant to this program shall not be considered as income for internal revenue purposes or for determination of eligibility for other federally-related benefits programs.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the individual income tax credit for the elderly and to increase the adjusted gross income limitation on such credit.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1979
Establishes a Select Committee on Presidential Financial Transactions to conduct an investigation and study of possible illegal, improper, or unethical activities in the conduct of the Carter family businesses and activities, including: (1) bank loans and credit extension to such businesses; (2) personal bank loans to the President prior to the 1976 Presidential election; and (3) whether investigations and audits of such loans by specified Federal agencies were conducted to the fullest extent possible under law. Permits the select committee to exercise powers conferred upon committees of the Senate regulating the granting of immunity to witnesses. Requires submission of a final report on the results of such investigation to the Senate no later than November 30, 1979. Authorizes the expenditure of $500,000 by such committee through November 30, 1979.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1979
Ethics in Government Act Amendments of 1979 - Amends title I of the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 (Legislative Personnel Financial Disclosure Requirements) to direct any individual who is required to file a financial disclosure report under rule XLII of the Standing Rules of the Senate to include in the report required by such title the same information which is required by such Rule.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1979
Official Conduct Amendments of 1979 - Transfers to the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration complaints of: (1) improper conduct which may reflect upon the Senate and violations of law; (2) violations of the Senate Code of Official Conduct; and (3) violations of rules and regulations of the Senate relating to the conduct of individuals in the performance of duties as Members of the Senate or as officers or employees of the Senate. Directs the committee to investigate such complaints and to forward any nonfrivolous complaint to the Select Committee on Ethics, along which any accompanying evidence. Directs the Senate Select Committee on Ethics to investigate only complaints of improper misconduct transferred to it by the Committee on Rules and Administration. Directs the Select Committee to investigate such allegations promptly and of a duration and scope necessary to determine if there is substantial, credible evidence which provides substantial cause to conclude that a violation has occurred. Directs the Select Committee to report to the Senate its recommendations for disciplinary action by report or resolution by a majority vote of the full committee. Amends rule XLII of the Standing Rules of the Senate to simplify financial disclosure requirements by requiring an individual to include in the report copies of all tax return statements prepared in compliance with the income tax provisions of the Internal Revenue Code and by limiting the detail and scope of the report. Requires such report to contain: (1) the identity and fair market value of each asset in excess of $1,000; held during the calendar year; (2) the identity and amount of each liability in excess of $1,000; (3) each gift or aggregate of gifts from one source which exceeds $100; (4) an itemized listing of all honoraria received; and (5) the identity of all positions held at any time during the calendar year. Repeals, effective January 1, 1980, rule XLIII (restrictions on gifts) of the Standing Rules of the Senate. Repeals, effective January 1, 1980, rule XLIV (restrictions on outside earned income) of the Standing Rules of the Senate. Amends rule XLV of the Standing Rules of the Senate to prohibit a Member, who upon leaving office becomes a lobbyist, from lobbying Members, officers, or employees of the Senate for a period of one year. Prohibits an employee on a Member's staff, who upon leaving that position becomes a lobbyist, from lobbying the Member for which such individual worked for a period of one year. Amends rule XLVI of the Standing Rules of the Senate to allow a Member to defray office expenses from contributions to: (1) the Member's principal campaign committee; (2) the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee and (3) the National Republican Senatorial Committee; and the national committee of a political party and the State committee of a political party with which a Member is affiliated.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1979
Urges (1) the International Whaling Commission to adopt a moratorium on the commercial killing of whales and (2) various countries to voluntarily comply with such moratorium.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to limit the recognition of gain from the sale of small business stock to the amount by which the gain from such sale exceeds the cost of small business stock purchased by the taxpayer within 18 months after the date of the sale. Defines "small business stock" as common or preferred stock of a domestic corporation which does not have passive income (e.g., rents, royalties, interest, etc.) for a taxable year in excess of 20 percent of its gross receipts, and which has equity capital not in excess of $25,000,000. Limits nonrecognition treatment to stock held by the taxpayer for more than 12 months. Provides for the reduction of the basis of the small business stock purchased by the taxpayer by the amount of gain which is not recognized due to the application of this Act. Provides for a three year statute of limitations for the assessment of tax deficiencies with respect to the gain from the sale of small business stock.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a taxpayer an income tax credit equal to ten percent of his investment in incentive stock for a taxable year. Limits the dollar amount of such credit to $750 for a taxable year ($1,500 in the case of a joint return). Defines "incentive stock" as common or preferred stock which is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and which is part of an issue the sale price of which does not exceed $25,000,000. Requires the issuing corporation to be a domestic corporation and to have an equity capital not in excess of $25,000,000. Disqualifies, for purposes of the credit, incentive stock which: (1) is acquired more than 180 days after its issuance; (2) is acquired by a stock broker; (3) is redeemed by the issuing corporation; (4) is investment company stock; (5) is disposed of less than 12 months after its acquisition; and (6) is held by a trust or estate.
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
Soft Drink Interbrand Competition Act - Declares that exclusive territorial arrangements made as a part of a licensing agreement for the manufacture, distribution, or sale of a trademarked soft drink product are lawful under the antitrust law provided such product is in substantial and effective competition with other products for the same general class in the relevant market or markets. Prohibits recovery in private actions under the Clayton Act based on territorial provisions in a trademark licensing agreement prior to a final determination that such provisions are unlawful.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1979
Children and Youth Camp Safety Act - Establishes in the Office of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare an Office of Youth Camp Safety to be headed by a Director of Youth Camp Safety. Confers upon the Director the primary responsibility for the promulgation and enforcement of Federal and State youth camp safety regulations. Requires any State which desires to assume responsibility for the development and modification of youth camp safety standards to submit a State plan to the Director for approval. Allows a State whose plan has been rejected to obtain review of the decision in the United States court of appeals. Authorizes the Director to make grants to States for the development of youth camp safety plans, such grants not to exceed 80 percent of the cost of carrying out the State plan. Authorizes the Director to enter and inspect youth camps and their records. Charges the Director with establishing within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare a Federal Advisory Council on Youth Camp Safety and to submit to Congress at least once a year a report on his administration under this Act. Establishes judicial procedures to restrain any condition or practice which poses an imminent danger of serious injury at such camps. Prescribes penalties for violations by youth camp operators of the standards promulgated pursuant to this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1979
Commercial Fisheries Development Act - Title I: Commercial Fisheries Development Fund - Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to guarantee the payment of obligations for certain commercial fisheries facilities and fishing vessels. Permits the Secretary to charge a fee for any obligation guaranteed under this Act. Sets forth default procedures. Authorizes the Secretary to make long-term, low interest loans, to citizens of the United States to provide capital (1) for fisheries facilities and fishing vessels used for harvesting underutilized species, and (2) for fishing vessels and equipment used for experimental fishing. Authorizes the Secretary to make loans, including non-interest-bearing loans, to commercial fishermen to alleviate forced economic distress. Amends the Merchant Marine Act of 1936 to extend the capital construction fund to fisheries facilities. Establishes within the Treasury of the United States a Commercial Fisheries Development Fund to be available to the Secretary to carry out the purposes of this Act. States that there shall be in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration an Office of Commercial Fisheries Development headed by a Director to administer this Act and other laws relating to commercial fisheries designated by the Secretary. Amends the Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956 to abolish the loan program for commercial fishing vessels and gear. Transfers the existing Fishing Vessel Capital Construction Fund program from the National Marine Fisheries Service to the Office of Commercial Fisheries Development. Title II: Fisheries Research and Development Program - Directs the Secretary to establish a fisheries research and development program for commercial fisheries for the purpose of increasing markets for and yields of fish and fish products, and to encourage the marketing and processing of underutilized species. Directs the Secretary to establish a Fisheries Development Board composed of commercial fishermen and producers, handlers, and processors of fisheries products to assist the Secretary in carrying out the fisheries research and development program. Requires the Secretary to establish a long-range plan for the domestic development of underutilized fisheries resources. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study regarding the adequacy of existing Federal and State training programs designed to train individuals in the commercial fisheries industry. Amends the Saltonstall-Kennedy Act to direct that 75 percent of the duties collected on fishery products be appropriated and made available for carrying out the fisheries research and development program created under this Act. Directs the Secretary to submit to the President and the Congress within one year from enactment of this Act a plan to establish a national health and sanitary seafood program. Title III: Fisheries Cooperative Service Assistance - Requires the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Agriculture, to establish a pilot program of comprehensive service to assist fishing interests in forming cooperative organizations. Directs the Secretary to provide assistance and advice to fisheries cooperatives.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1979
Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1979 - Amends Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (the Fair Housing Act) to exempt only the renting of space within a single family dwelling unit by the occupant of such unit to any other person from the prohibitions against discrimination in the sale or rental of housing. Prohibits insurers against hazards from discriminating in housing insurance contracts. Includes the handicapped within the groups that may not be discriminated against in housing. Prohibits discrimination in housing finance because of the national origins of people residing in the vicinity of the dwelling involved. Prohibits discrimination in the buying of debts secured by real property. Includes Federal agencies having regulatory authority over financial institutions within the administrative authority of the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. Revises the procedures for enforcing the fair housing antidiscrimination provisions of the Act. Permits the Secretary of enforce the provisions upon receiving a charge filed by an aggrieved party within one year after the alleged discrimination occurred or upon the Secretary's initiative. Permits the Secretary to refer charges to certified State or local agencies for action. Directs the Secretary and other Federal agencies to cooperate and avoid duplication of their efforts. Authorizes the Secretary to order preliminary relief in certain circumstances. Sets forth the procedures to be followed when the Secretary has an administrative hearing on a complaint. Permits aggrieved individuals to commence civil actions within three years of the alleged discriminatory practice. Prohibits proceedings by both the Secretary and the aggrieved individual. Authorizes the Attorney General (1) to intervene in an aggrieved individual's civil action and (2) to commence a civil action (A) against a person engaged in a pattern or practice of resistance to these provisions or (B) to enforce the Secretary's findings or orders. Permits the aggrieved individual to intervene in an action commenced by the Attorney General. Allows prevailing parties reasonable attorney fees. Grants exclusive jurisdiction to the court of appeals to determine the validity of the Secretary's final orders under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1979
Deep Seabed Mineral Resources Act - Title I: Regulation of Exploration and Commercial Recovery by United States Citizens - Disclaims extraterritorial sovereignty by the United States over deep seabeds. Prohibits any United States citizen from engaging in exploration of or commercial recovery from, the deep seabed unless authorized: (1) under a license issued pursuant to this Act; (2) under a license issued by a reciprocating state; or (3) pursuant to an international agreement. Permits the continuation of existing exploration upon timely application for such license. Prohibits interference with the activities of a licensee under this Act. Stipulates activities which are exempted from this Act. Sets forth procedures for the issuance of, and limitations upon, licenses for exploration and commercial recovery under this Act. Declares any United States citizen eligible for a license for exploration. Establishes a formula for the determination of priority of right for issuance. Sets forth findings which must be made prior to issuance of a license of exploration or commercial recovery. Permits modifications or suspension of operations upon order of the Secretary of the Interior. Provides for an antitrust review by the Attorney General and the Federal Trade Commission of any such license application. Stipulates procedures and effects of denial, suspension, modification, or revocation of a license. Requires the preparation of environmental impact statements with respect to the areas likely to be developed by United States citizens. Specifies criteria for the size of areas of exploration or commercial recovery. Requires the Secretary to impose performance requirements upon licensees. Permits relinquishment or surrender of such licenses. Permits license restrictions pertaining to the conservation of natural resources. Requires certain record keeping, environmental impact statements, navigational safety procedures and disclosure by licensees. Prohibits licensees from interfering with reasonable uses of the seas. Permits the Secretary to monitor exploration or commercial recovery operations. Permits the Secretary to designate "reciprocating states" as defined by this Act. Title II: Transition to an International Agreement - Declares the intent of Congress regarding any international seabed agreements to which the United States may become a party to be: (1) to provide reasonable access to the deep seabed mineral resources for United States citizens; and (2) to recognize certain continuing seabed mining rights of United States citizens who have begun such mining operations prior to any such international agreement. Sets forth the effect upon specified provisions of this Act resulting from subsequent international agreements. Title III: Enforcement Authority - Makes unlawful any violations of this Act. Establishes civil and criminal penalties for such violations. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to enforce this Act. Directs the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to have exclusive responsibility for enforcement measures carried out at sea which affect the operation of vessels under a license or permit. Makes vessels in violation of this Act liable in rem for such violation and subject to civil forfeiture. Title IV: Miscellaneous Provisions - Directs the Secretary to issue regulations for the implementation of this Act and to submit to the Congress an annual report on the implementation of this Act. Title V: Taxation of Removal of Deep Seabed Hard Minerals - Deep Seabed Hard Mineral Removal Tax Act of 1979 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to impose an excise tax on the removal of hard mineral resources from the deep seabed. Establishes in the United States Treasury a Deep Seabed Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1979
Diabetes Research and Training Amendments and National Diabetes Advisory Board Extension Act of 1979 - Amends title IV of the Public Health Service Act (National Research Institutes) to redesignate the National Institute of Arthritis, Metabolism, and Digestive Diseases and the Advisory Council to such Institute as the National Institute of Arthritis, Metabolism, Diabetes, and Digestive Diseases and the National Arthritis, Metabolism, Diabetes, and Digestive Diseases Advisory Council. Establishes within the Advisory Council separate subcommittees on diabetes, arthritis, digestive diseases, and kidney diseases. Directs these subcommittees to: (1) review applications made to the Director of the Institute for research projects relating to such diseases and make recommendations to the Advisory Council; and (2) review and evaluate programs directed at such diseases. Establishes within the Institute the position of Associate Director for Diabetes. Sets forth the duties of the Associate Director, including: (1) having primary responsibility for all diabetes-mellitus-related activities supported or conducted by the National Institutes of Health; (2) providing information to public and private agencies with respect to such activities; and (3) reporting and making recommendations to the Director of the National Institutes of Health with respect to other enumerated functions. Extends the authorization of appropriations for diabetes research and training centers in the following amounts: $14,000,000 for fiscal year 1981, $17,000,000 for fiscal year 1982, and $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1983 through 1985. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to provide from such amounts up to ten training stipends through each center in any fiscal year. Eliminates as an ex officio member of the National Diabetes Advisory Board the Secretary of Defense or his designee; and adds as such a member the Director of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development or his designee. Revises the terms of appointed members of the Board. Directs the Board to amend the Diabetes Plan (formulated by the National Commission on Diabetes under the National Diabetes Mellitus Research and Education Act) as is necessary to insure its continuing relevance. Extends the current level of authorizations for the purposes of the Board ($300,000 per fiscal year) through fiscal year 1985. Extends the expiration date of the Board from September 30, 1980, to September 30. 1985.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1979
Equal Employment Opportunity for the Handicapped Act of 1979 - Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to include discrimination of the handicapped as an unlawful employment practice. Permits such discrimination pursuant to a bona fide seniority or merit system or as a bona fide occupational qualification. Authorizes courts to order the hiring or reinstatement or paying of back pay to anyone discriminated against on the basis of their handicap. Prohibits discrimination in Federal employment of the handicapped. Authorizes civil actions for such discrimination.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1979
Exempts the price of natural gas imported from Mexico from regulation under the Natural Gas Policy Act, the Natural Gas Act, or any other provision of Federal or State law.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1979
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the President should immediately: (1) initiate measures to increase energy supplies and reduce demands, and (2) present plans to Congress for maintaining the balance of supply and demand and for rationing gasoline in the event of protracted energy supply problems.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1979
Declares it the public policy of the United States to prohibit the manufacture, sale, interstate shipment, and use of leg-hold and steel-jaw traps in the United States. Prohibits the shipment into interstate or foreign commerce of fur or leather products which come from animals trapped in any State or foreign country which has not banned such traps. Requires the Secretary of State to: (1) ban all fur and leather products from, animals from foreign countries which have not banned such traps; and (2) publish a list of such countries. Sets forth penalties for violations of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1979
University and Small Business Patent Procedures Act - States that it is the objective of this Act to amend existing patent procedures in order to promote the marketing of inventions developed under federally supported research and development projects by nonprofit organizations and small business firms. Permits any such organization or firm to elect, within a reasonable amount of time, to retain title to such inventions. Permits Federal agencies which have supported such projects to retain title to inventions through their funding agreements in specified circumstances. Requires review of agency determinations that such circumstances exist by the Comptroller General and the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business Administration. Directs the Comptroller General to report to Congress on the implementation of this Act by Federal agencies. Enumerates provisions which must be included in funding agreements between a Federal agency and a small business firm or nonprofit organization including provisions: (1) to insure the rights of the Federal Government under this Act; (2) to provide that the agency shall have a nonexclusive, nontransferable, irrevocable and paid-up license to use the invention; (3) to prohibit a nonprofit organization from assigning rights to the invention without the approval of the Federal agency; (4) to prohibit such an organization from granting exclusive rights from the earlier of five years from the first commercial use of the invention or eight years from the date of invention; and (5) to require such organizations to use their royalties and earnings to support scientific research or education. Authorizes a Federal agency to transfer or assign its rights, acquired from an agency employee as coinventor, to an inventor electing to acquire title to an invention. Empowers any Federal agency to require inventors or their assigns to grant licenses in order to: (1) achieve practical application of the invention in its field of uses; (2) alleviate health or safety needs; (3) meet requirements for public use specified by Federal regulations; or (4) achieve participation by United States industry in the manufacture of an invention. Entitles the government to collect up to 50 percent of all net income above specified amounts received by a patent holder until government research funds have been repaid. Restricts the assignment and licensing of rights by patent holders to foreign owned or controlled firms unless such persons agree that any products embodying the subject invention or produced through the use of the subject invention will be manufactured substantially in the United States. Authorizes Federal agencies to withhold information on inventions from public disclosure. Specifies the authority of Federal agencies with respect to obtaining patents, promoting licensing of inventions, granting licenses, conducting market surveys, transferring custody of patents, and receiving funds. Authorizes the Administrator of General Services to promulgate regulations specifying the terms upon which any federally-owned invention may be licensed. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to coordinate a program for assisting Federal agencies in protecting and licensing federally-owned inventions. Sets forth the procedure whereby Federal agencies may grant exclusive or partially exclusive licenses in any invention covered by a federally-owned domestic patent or patent application. Prohibits licensing which lessens competition. Directs that small business firms be given preference in exclusive or partially exclusive licensing. Enumerates provisions which must be contained in any grant of a license by a Federal agency. Declares that this Act shall take precedence over any other Act in the disposition of inventions.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1979
Small Business Employee Ownership Act - Amends the Small Business Act to make employee-owned firms eligible for financial assistance under the business loan program. States that in the case of small business concerns using an employee stock ownership plan, as defined in the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, all financial assistance shall be made to the trust created for employee ownership of stock (ESOT). Predicates such assistance on: (1) a guarantee by the company seeking assistance that it will repay all obligations incurred by the ESOT; (2) the written assurance of the trustee of the ESOT that all guaranteed loans will be used solely for the purchase of company stock; (3) a distribution arrangement which vests ownership of all stock with the employees no later than the expiration date of any assistance made available to acquire such stock; and (4) a certified plan, meeting specified conditions, for the allocation of company stock among the employees. Authorizes the extension of loan guarantees to employee organizations, including those using an ESOT, to finance the acquisition of the employee's workplace if it is a small business or a subsidiary which, if independently owned, would be a small business. States that such guarantees may be extended only if the small business or subsidiary would otherwise close, liquidate, relocate or sell out to a large business or if the owner agrees to the purchase by the employees. Requires an employee organization to compile a feasibility study and plan containing specified provisions in order to be eligible for such guarantees. Limits the principal amount of any loan guaranteed under this Act to $1,000,000. Authorizes $10,000 loans to conduct feasibility studies which will be considered grants if the loan application is denied. Directs the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to report periodically to the Congress on the programs established by this Act. Authorizes the Small Business Administration to extend loan guarantees directly to an owner of a business who is selling the business to employees under an installment contract provided specified conditions are met in the event of default. Makes a company with 51 percent of its stock allocated through an ESOT to one or more socially and economically disadvantaged individuals eligible for the minority enterprise contract assistance program.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1979
Robert A. Taft Institute of Government Trust Fund Act - Establishes in the United States Treasury the Robert A. Taft Institute Trust Fund. Authorizes the Commissioner of Education to make grants from such fund to develop the Robert A. Taft Institute of Government, New York, New York. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to invest portions of the Fund not required to meet current withdrawals. Appropriates $15,000,000 to the Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1979
Physical Handicap Antidiscrimination in Employment Act of 1979 - Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to include discrimination of the physically handicapped as an unlawful employment practice. Permits such discrimination pursuant to a bona fide seniority of merit system or as a bona fide occupational qualification. Authorizes courts to order the hiring or reinstatement or paying of back pay to anyone discriminated against on the basis of their physical handicap. Prohibits discrimination in Federal employment of the physically handicapped. Authorizes civil actions for such discrimination.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow certain married individuals, who do not file a single joint return with their spouses, to elect the same tax rates currently applicable to unmarried individuals (other than surviving spouses and heads of households), without regard to any community property laws. Entitles any married individual making such an election to claim the income tax credit for dependent care services paid for under specified circumstances, even though such individual did not contribute over half of the support of the dependent concerned.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1979
Marine Artificial Reef Development Act of 1979 - Declares that it is the purpose of this Act to: (1) establish artificial reefs in waters under United States jurisdiction; (2) develop accessible fishing grounds; (3) provide financial assistance to States for the implementation of this program; (4) use Federal surplus properties as artificial reef materials; and (5) promote cooperative agreements between salvage companies and the Federal Government in transporting materials to reef sites. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce, through the National Marine Fisheries Service, to make grants to certain States enumerated in the Fishery Conservation and Management Act of 1976 to develop marine artificial reefs in the territorial waters of such States and to develop such habitats in the fishery conservation zone off the coasts of such States. Requires each fishery management council established under the Fishery Conservation and Management Act of 1976 to establish a fishery management plan for each habitat established under this Act in the Councils' region.
![Official portrait of Sen. Weicker, Lowell P., Jr. [R-CT]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/w000253_200.jpg)