United States · United States Congress · 8 November 1979
Infant Formula Act of 1979 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to set forth requirements for infant formulas. States that formulas which do not conform to such requirements shall be deemed to adulterated. Requires each manufacturer of an infant formula to annually submit to the Secretary of Health and Human Services (formerly, the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare) reports or test results which show that the formula meets such requirements. Directs the Secretary to notify the manufacturer if such Secretary determines the formula is adulterated. Requires such manufacturer to give the Secretary satisfactory assurances of initiating a recall to all retail purchasers of such formula within 48 hours of receiving notification of the Secretary's determination. Directs the Secretary to initiate actions for the seizure of such formula should the manufacturer fail to make such assurances. Permits an inspector enforcing the provisions of this Act access to specified test records of the manufacturer at all times. Makes the failure to submit required reports and test results a prohibited act under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 October 1979
National Energy Conservation Incentives Act - Title I: Amendments to Utility Program - Amends the residential energy conservation title of the National Energy Conservation Policy Act to extend the definition of "residential building" to include: (1) any building used for residential occupancy which contains at least one dwelling unit; and (2) specified commercial buildings. Requires that each utility program under such title contain procedures authorizing utilities to reinspect buildings equipped with conservation measures to determine the extent to which such measures have been installed. Amends the requirements for approval of proposed residential energy conservation plans to require that contractors or suppliers of residential energy conservation measures seeking to be included on the list of approved contractors and suppliers provide one year warranties on materials and installation of such measures and express a willingness to defer receipt of payment for such measures sold or installed until the reinspection described above is completed. Requires that such list indicate such willingness on the part of such contractors and suppliers to allow such deferred payments. Requires that the list of lending institutions offering financial assistance for the purchase and installation of such conservation measures indicate the availability at each such institution of assistance provided under the Energy Conservation Bank Act. Amends the requirements under such title concerning accounting and payment of costs of operating a utility program under such Act. Authorizes public utilities to make loans or capital investment payments to residential building owner customers for the purchase and installation of residential energy conservation measures under specified conditions. Amends the accounting and payment of costs provisions of such title to provide for the financing of such loans and capital investment payments. Stipulates that neither the Attorney General, the Federal Trade Commission, nor any other agency shall be barred from challenging anticompetitive acts or practices related to activities conducted under this Act, nor shall any person be deemed to have immunities or defenses to actions under the antitrust laws as a result of the provisions of this Act. Establishes effective dates for the issuance of regulations implementing the provisions of this Act by the Secretary of Energy, Governors or State regulatory agencies, and nonregulated utilities. Directs the Secretary of Energy to provide assistance to States for the training of residential building inspectors undertaking inspections required by this Act and for the development of approved energy conservation methods and inspections. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1980 through 1982 to carry out this title. Title II: Financial Assistance Provided by the Energy Conservation Bank - Energy Conservation Bank Act - Establishes the Energy Conservation Bank in the Department of Housing and Urban Development to provide financial assistance with respect to loans made to owners of existing commercial and residential buildings for the purchase and installation of energy conserving improvements in such buildings. Authorizes the Bank to provide such assistance in the form of payments to financial institutions and public utilities providing financing pursuant to the National Energy Conservation Policy Act. Sets forth criteria for providing such assistance and terms, conditions, and maximum amounts thereof. Establishes as part of the Bank an Advisory Committee to provide advice to the Board of Directors of the Bank on matters concerning energy conservation assistance. Directs the Bank to promote the program established by this Act and to coordinate its efforts with the Department of Energy. Directs the Board to issue an annual report to the Congress and the President discussing the operations of the Bank identifying problems encountered in the energy conservation industry, the Federal Government, and financial institutions concerning energy conservation, and making recommendations for improvement in the Bank's operations. Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to permit the Bank to use personnel of such Department for the purpose of carrying out this Act. Establishes penalties for fraud and misrepresentation with respect to loans assisted under this Act. Authorizes the use of funds from the Energy Security Trust Fund to provide assistance under this title. Sets forth limitations on the amount of such funds available for each of the fiscal years 1980 through 1983. Title III: Secondary Financing - Requires that the Board direct the Bank to make commitments to purchase, to purchase and to service, sell, and otherwise deal in loans and advances of credit made under this Act and the National Energy Conservation Policy Act to residential building owners for the purchase of energy conserving improvements. Authorizes the Bank to issue obligations to enable the Bank to carry out its functions. Exempts transactions authorized under this Act from State or local usury or loan insurance laws. Repeals specified provisions of the National Housing Act which authorize the Government National Mortgage Association to purchase energy conserving improvement loans. Amends the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Act to authorize such Corporation to purchase, make commitments to purchase, and to hold, deal with, sell, and otherwise dispose of mortgages or interest therein held by any public utility acting under a utility program pursuant to the National Energy Conservation Policy Act, the original proceeds of which are applied for in order to finance energy conserving improvements. Amends the Federal National Mortgage Association Charter Act to authorize such association to exercise powers similar to those granted to the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation as described above. Title IV: Weatherization Program - Amends the Energy Conservation in Existing Buildings Act of 1976 to limit the amount of any grant made under such Act to be used for administrative purposes. Amends such Act to increase the amount of payment which may be made to pay volunteers and trainees and public employment workers under the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act of 1973 available to work on weatherization projects in the event there are insufficient participants under such program. Requires the coordination of activities related to rehabilitation, weatherization, and code enforcement conducted by local governments including activities undertaken pursuant to the Housing and Community Development Act and related to energy assistance programs for low- income families, including programs under the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964. Amends such Act to repeal the provisions granting priority in the allocation of weatherization assistance funds to community action agencies serving an area eligible for emergency energy conservation assistance under the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964. Directs the Secretary to establish standards and procedures for weatherization programs under such Act in a manner designed to accomplish uniform results among all the States in any particular similar climatic area. Directs the President to appoint an energy conservation coordinator to assure that the Secretaries of Energy, Housing and Urban Development, Agriculture, Health, Education and Welfare, Defense, the Administrator of the General Services Administration, and other heads of agencies responsible for developing energy conservation standards reach a consensus on establishing criteria for issuing such standards. Directs the President to make annual reports to the Congress on the activities relating to coordination of Federal energy conservation programs. Makes technical amendments to the Energy Conservation in Existing Buildings Act of 1976.
United States · United States Congress · 25 October 1979
Pay Continuity Act of 1979 - Appropriates the funds necessary to pay the salaries of employees of the executive branch of Government, Members of Congress, and members of the uniformed services during any period when such funds are not available because the legislation making appropriations to the Government entity responsible for paying such individuals has not been enacted.
United States · United States Congress · 25 October 1979
Amends the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, Incorporated, to erect a memorial on public grounds 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 · 19 October 1979
Title I: Findings, Purposes, and Definitions - Declares that the purpose of this Act is to provide for a coordinated, simplified, and prompt process for obtaining Federal, State, and local approval of nonnuclear energy facilities which are determined to be in the national interest. Title II: Priority Projects - Authorizes the President to establish an Energy Mobilization Board to be composed of members appointed by the President. Sets forth the general duties and powers of such Board, including the subpoena power. Directs the Board to keep the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources and the House Committees on Interior and Insular Affairs and on Interstate and Foreign Commerce fully and currently informed concerning its activities, including the submission of an annual report. Stipulates that projects related to the production of nuclear energy or approved under the Public Utility Regulatory Policies of 1978 be excluded from coverage under this Act. Directs the Board to designate Priority Energy Projects and to publish a Project Decision Schedule containing deadlines for all Federal actions relating to such projects. Directs the Board to provide the appropriate committees with a copy of such designation orders. Sets forth the criteria the Board must consider in making such designations, including: (1) the extent to which the energy project would reduce the Nation's dependence upon nonrenewable resources; (2) the magnitude of any economic and social impacts and costs associated with the project in relation to the impacts and costs of alternatives; (3) the extent to which the project would make use of renewable energy resources, or conserve energy; (4) the extent to which the project would contribute to the development of new production or conservation technologies and techniques; (5) adverse impacts on the environment and on competition; and other specified criteria. Directs the Board to notify the Governor of each State in which any portion of a project designated as a Priority Energy Project is proposed to be located. Permits such Governor to appoint a non-voting Member to the Board to participate in decisions concerning such project, including the Project Decision Schedule. Exempts priority energy project designations or refusals to make a designation, promulgation or revision of Project Decision Schedules, and Board actions relating to streamlining of procedures, from the impact statement requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA). Directs the Council on Environmental Quality to determine whether any Federal action relating to a Priority Energy Project, after it has been so designated and prior to establishing the Project Schedule, will be a "major Federal action" for purposes of compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Requires the Council to designate a lead agency to assure compliance with NEPA whenever a major Federal action is involved. Authorizes the Board to require that one environmental impact statement be prepared and that such statement be used by all Federal agencies to satisfy NEPA with respect to such projects. Authorizes the Board to extend the time for certain deadlines. Requires each agency having authority to make any agency decision with respect to any part of a project designated as a Priority Energy Project to transmit to the Board: (1) a compilation of all significant actions required to be taken by such agency and by the applicant before such decision can be made and a summary of procedural requirements applicable to such actions; (2) a tentative schedule for completing such actions and making such decisions; and (3) a statement of administrative requirements to take such actions. Directs the Board to publish a Project Decision Schedule within 45 days of the transmittal of agency information. Stipulates that such schedule: (1) identify the order in which decisions which must be made by each agency are to be made; (2) identify the deadlines applicable to such decisions; (3) be consistent with the tentative schedules transmitted to the Board, unless the Board determines a different schedule is essential to expedite and coordinate agency review; and (4) be binding on the agency and on all other persons to which the Schedule applies. Permits the Board to modify any schedule applicable to any agency's decision or action subject to the Project Decision Schedule upon petition of such agency where the agency determines such modification will facilitate agency compliance with the Schedule. Permits affected agencies to consolidate proceedings related to actions and decisions subject to the Project Decision Schedule, if such streamlined procedures provide for effective participation by interested parties in such decisionmaking. Directs the Board to monitor compliance with the Schedule by all affected agencies and persons. Permits the Board to take such actions as it deems appropriate to bring any person or agency responsible for a project delay into compliance with the Schedule. Directs the Board, when any person responsible for filing or taking any other action on behalf of a Project refuses to take such action, to either revise such Project Decision Schedule or revoke the Priority Energy Project designation. Stipulates that, unless otherwise provided for, the other statutory obligations and authority of any independent regulatory agency remain unaffected by this Act. Authorizes the Board to bring an expedited enforcement action against any agency failing to or reasonably likely to fail to comply with a Project Decision Schedule in the appropriate United States district court. Directs such court to issue specified orders requiring compliance with such Schedule and to take any necessary measures, including citation and punishment of the responsible officials for contempt of court, for failure to meet any court-imposed deadlines. Authorizes the President to perform any action or make any decision required of an agency by court order in the event such agency fails to perform such action or make such decision. Authorizes the Board to order the temporary suspension of the application of any requirement of Federal, State, or local law enacted or promulgated after the commencement of construction of any facility which is part of a Priority Project where it is determined that such requirement could prevent timely completion or operation of such facility and that such temporary suspension would not create any significant public health or safety risks. Sets forth time limits on such suspension orders and exempts specified requirements from being suspended. Stipulates that nothing in this Act shall expand or confer on the United States any right to acquire water rights nor alter any provisions of State law or interstate compact governing water use. States that Board action granting or denying designation orders or suspending Federal, State, or local requirements of law shall be subject to judicial review only for failure to comply with this Act or for constitutional violations. Provides for judicial review of other Board actions as specified. Requires that any reviewing court expedite and consolidate such review to the maximum extent practicable. Requires that any party seeking Supreme Court review of any judgment or order of a circuit court of appeals pursuant to this Act must file a petition for a writ of certiorari within 60 days of the decision of the lower court or such appeal shall be barred. Sets a 60-day time limit for the promulgation of regulations for carrying out this Act. Terminates the Board's authority seven years after the date of enactment of this Act. Directs the Board to prepare and submit to the President and the Congress a comprehensive report of its activities during such period. Directs the Comptroller General of the United States to submit to the Congress a report evaluating the performance of the Board and setting forth findings and recommendations with respect to the program authorized under this Act. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1980 and succeeding fiscal years to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 October 1979
Expresses the sense of Congress that the Soviet Union should release Ida Nudel and allow her to emigrate to Israel. Urges the President to: (1) express U.S. opposition to the exile of Ida Nudel to Siberia; and (2) inform the Soviet Union that the United States will take into account the extent to which countries honor their commitments under international law, particularly concerning human rights.
United States · United States Congress · 18 October 1979
Federal Employee Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1979 - Applies specified standards of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 to the Federal workplace of employees of Executive agencies, the Postal Rate Commission and the United States Postal Service (but not the Office of Personnel Management). Requires each agency to: (1) furnish its employees employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards; and (2) comply with safety and health standards. Requires employees to comply with standards and with specified rules, regulations, and orders. Authorizes the Office of Personnel Management to conduct inspections, investigations, and recordkeeping relating to Federal employee occupational safety and health. Permits employees or their representatives to request such inspections in specified cases. Directs the Office to issue citations to the head of any agency in violation of any requirement, standard, order, rule, or regulation under this Act. Provides for an enforcement procedure, including, in specified cases, hearings before the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. Provides for review of any Commission order in a U.S. court of appeals upon request of the head of any agency or any employee adversely affected by such order. Permits the Office to obtain review or enforcement of any final order of the Commission in a U.S. court of appeals. Prohibits any agency from discharging or discriminating against any employee because such employee has: (1) filed any complaint or instituted or caused to be instituted any proceeding under or related to this Act; (2) testified or is about to testify in any such proceeding; or (3) exercised any right afforded by this Act on behalf of anyone. Permits employees who believe they have been so discharged or otherwise discriminated against to file complaints with the Special Counsel. Directs the Special Counsel to undertake an appropriate investigation and to file a complaint with the Merit Systems Protection Board if a violation has occurred. Authorizes the Board to restrain such violations for cause shown and to order all appropriate relief. Authorizes the Office to order any agency to restrain any conditions or practices constituting a danger immediately or before that danger can be eliminated through other enforcement procedures. Declares that any such orders which prohibit the employment or presence of any individual in locations in which imminent danger exists shall not apply to specified individuals, including those whose presence is necessary to maintain the capacity of a continuous process operation to resume normal operations without a complete cessation of operations. Directs inspectors, as soon as they conclude that such an imminent danger exists, to inform the affected employees and agency. Permits employees, or their representatives, to bring actions against the United States in district courts to compel the Office to issue such orders and for appropriate further relief. Authorizes attorneys designated by the Director of the Office of Personnel Management to represent the Office in civil litigation under this Act, subject to the direction and control of the Attorney General. Authorizes the Office to allow reasonable variations and exemptions from provisions of this Act to avoid serious impairment of the national defense. Provides for civil or criminal penalties for specified violations of this Act. Authorizes the Commission to assess all such civil penalties. Authorizes the Office to conduct short-term training of personnel in work related to responsibilities under this Act. Directs the Office, in consultation with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, to: (1) provide for education of heads of agencies and employees in the recognition, avoidance, and prevention of unsafe or unhealthful working conditions; and (2) consult with and advise heads of agencies and employees, and their representative organizations, as to effective means of preventing occupational injuries and illnesses. Authorizes the head of each agency to establish a health service program for employees. Directs that the Secretary of Health and Human Services offer mandatory consultation before, and requested reviews after, such programs are established. Directs the Secretary of Labor, in consultation with the Director, Office of Personnel Management, to carry out a safety program covering specified maritime employees under the Longshoremen's and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. Authorizes the President to establish a safety council of labor organization representatives and employing agencies to advise the Secretary of Labor concerning such program. Directs the head of each agency with such employees to develop an organized safety promotion, to keep specified records, and make reports to the Secretary of Labor. Makes funds available for the purchase and maintenance of special protective clothing and equipment from appropriations for supplies, materials, or equipment procurement. Directs the Office, in consultation with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, to compile and analyze occupational safety and health statistics for Federal agencies. Authorizes the Office to make contracts and matching grants for such statistical research and to cooperate with States in such efforts. Directs the Office to make annual reports to Congress concerning Federal employee occupational safety and health. Requires the Director of the Office of Personnel Management to: (1) establish and maintain a comprehensive occupational safety and health program applicable to the Office consistent with specified standards of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970; (2) provide employment conditions consistent with such standards; (3) require the use of protective equipment; (4) keep records of occupational accidents and illnesses; and (5) consult with and report annually to the Secretary of Labor concerning such records and program. Directs the Secretary of Labor to transmit such annual report to the President. Directs the President to transmit an annual report of such activities of the Office. Authorizes the Office to prescribe regulations concerning Federal employee occupational safety and health. Repeals specified provisions of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 relating to programs of Federal agencies.
United States · United States Congress · 18 October 1979
Rural Cooperative Business Income Act of 1979 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that income received by a mutual or cooperative telephone or electric company for services to customers or rural telephone or electric companies, and income received from the rental or sale of communications or power facilities, shall not be subject to the tax on unrelated business income.
United States · United States Congress · 16 October 1979
Long-Term Care Residents' Rights Act - Declares as the policy of the United States that each resident in a long-term care facility has specified basic rights, such as the right to participate in decision-making regarding his or her medical treatment to the maximum extent possible, and the right to confidential treatment of personal and medical records. Requires that each long-term care facility which participates in a health care program, receives Federal assistance, or is certified for participation in a Federal or State health care financing program secure to each resident such basic rights by meeting specified obligations, including the following: (1) establishing written policies regarding residents' rights and procedures for implementing such policies; (2) informing residents of their rights and of any changes in the policies and procedures of the facility at least 30 days before any such change becomes effective; (3) informing residents of the services and charges of the facility; (4) giving 30-day notice to a resident who is to be involuntarily transferred or discharged from the facility; (5) assisting each resident to exercise his or her rights as a resident and citizen, including filing complaints and voicing grievances; (6) protecting each resident from mental and physical abuse; and (7) permitting residents who are husband and wife to share the same room if they so choose. Prohibits any such facility from: (1) denying admission to or terminating the stay of any resident because of the source of third-party payment; or (2) interfering with the right of any resident to receive primary health care services from sources other than the facility. Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to require the long-term care ombudsman program to investigate and resolve complaints made by or on behalf of a resident of a long-term care facility regarding alleged violations of rights secured by this Act. Grants to any individual whose rights under this Act have been violated a cause of action against the facility for damages and other relief in a United States district court without regard to the amount in controversy or exhaustion of remedies. Stipulates that the provisions of this Act shall not apply to any facility: (1) for the mentally ill; (2) owned and operated by the Federal Government or; (3) affiliated with a correctional institution.
United States · United States Congress · 16 October 1979
Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to prohibit the payment of benefits to any individual for any month in which such individual is confined in a penal institution. Stipulates that benefits withheld from such individuals shall be treated as having been paid to such individuals for purposes of determining the benefits to which other persons are entitled on the basis of the same wages and self-employment income.
United States · United States Congress · 16 October 1979
Amends rule XXI of the Rules of the House of Representatives to prohibit any provision in any appropriation bill or amendment to such bill which changes existing law or has the effect of imposing any limitation not contained in existing law.
United States · United States Congress · 11 October 1979
Authorizes the President, on behalf of the Congress, to present a gold medal of appropriate design to Simon Wiesenthal in recognition of his contribution to international justice through the documentation and location of war criminals from World War II. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to strike bronze duplicates of such medal for sale to the public.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1979
Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians Act - Establishes the Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians to: (1) determine whether a wrong was committed against American citizens and permanent resident aliens who were subjected to relocation or internment as a result of Executive Order Numbered 9066 and other associated Government acts; and (2) recommend appropriate remedies. Directs the Commission: (1) to hold public hearings in specified cities; and (2) within 18 months after enactment of this Act, to submit a final report of its findings and recommendations to Congress and the President. Terminates the Commission six months after such report is submitted.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1979
Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to change from December 31, 1977, to December 31, 1978, the date on which the calendar quarter ends during which a State must show to the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare its effective control over the utilization of certain inpatient care received in a hospital, skilled nursing facility, or intermediate care facility for the calendar quarters ending after January 1, 1977, and before October 1, 1977, in order to prevent a reduction in the Federal medical assistance percentage to the State.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 1979
Congressional Pay Raise Deferral Act - Amends the Federal Salary Act of 1967 and the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 to provide that any adjustment in the rate of pay for Members of Congress proposed during any Congress shall not take effect earlier than the beginning of the next Congress. States that any such pay adjustment proposed in an even-numbered year of any Congress after the congressional elections and before the beginning of the following Congress, shall be considered as occurring during the first session of the following Congress for the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 September 1979
Department of Energy Reorganization Act of 1979 - Amends the Department of Energy Organization Act to establish in the Department of Energy the position of Assistant Secretary for Renewable Energy Resources in order to consolidate all energy conservation, solar energy, and energy research, development, demonstration, and commercialization activities currently under the jurisdiction of different Assistant Secretaries of Energy.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1979
Radial Tire Excise Tax Repeal Act of 1979 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt radial tires and the recapping and retreading of such tires from the excise tax on tires and tubes.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1979
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Congress should promptly enact the President's April 5, 1979, proposal providing for solar energy tax credits and that such enactment should take effect retroactively to such date.
United States · United States Congress · 30 July 1979
Veterans' Administration Administrative Procedure and Judicial Review Act - Repeals provisions permitting the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to determine and pay fees to agents or attorneys representing veterans' claims under laws administered by the Veterans' Administration (VA). Provides for judicial review of certain administrative decisions made by the Administrator. Applies the provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act to all VA rules, regulations, and determinations.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 1979
Consumer Checking Account Equity Act of 1979 - Amends the Federal Reserve Act and the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to authorize member banks in the Federal Reserve System and federally insured nonmember banks to make automatic funds transfers from a savings deposit to a demand deposit pursuant to the written authorization of the depositor to make such transfers in connection with checks or drafts drawn upon the bank. Authorizes federally insured banks and savings and loan associations, State banks and savings and loan associations, savings banks, and mutual savings banks to offer interest-bearing deposits or accounts upon which the depositor may make withdrawals by negotiable instrument for the purpose of making transfers to third parties (NOW accounts). Stipulates that such deposits or accounts may only be held by individuals or nonprofit organizations. Amends the Home Owners' Loan Act of 1933 to permit Federal savings and loan associations and Federal mutual savings banks to establish remote service units pursuant to regulations of the Federal Home Loan Bank Board. Authorizes such associations to extend loans directly related to negotiable order of withdrawal accounts. Amends the Federal Home Loan Bank Act to require any institution which has subscribed for the stock of a Federal Home Loan Bank to maintain reserves against its negotiable order of withdrawal accounts pursuant to regulations prescribed by the Board after consultation with the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. Prescribes the required form of such balances. Amends the Federal Credit Union Act to permit insured credit unions to offer share draft deposits to individuals and nonprofit organizations in accordance with regulations prescribed by the National Credit Union Administration Board. Requires each Federal credit union to maintain reserves against such deposits in amounts and forms prescribed by the Board after consultation with the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 1979
Social Security Payroll Credit Act of 1979 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers, employees, and self-employed individuals an income tax credit equal to 20 percent of the amount of social security taxes paid by such individuals in 1980 and 1981.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 1979
Campaign Contribution Reform Act of 1979 - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to prohibit any multicandidate political committee (other than a multicandidate committee of a political party) from making contributions to a candidate for the office of Representative in, or Delegate or Resident Commissioner to, the Congress and his or her authorized committees which in any calendar year exceeds: (1) $5,000 with respect to any general or special election and a primary election relating to such election; or (2) $7,500 (but not more than $5,000 for one election) with respect to a general or special election and both a primary and runoff election relating to such election. Prohibits a candidate for the office of Representative in, or Delegate or Resident Commissioner to, the Congress or any authorized political committee from accepting contributions from political committees, other than committees of a political party, aggregating more than $50,000 in any calendar year, except in the case of a candidate who is a candidate in a general election and a special election, such candidate may accept such contributions aggregating: (1) $50,000 with respect to such general and any primary election relating to such general election; and (2) $50,000 with respect to such special election and any primary election relating to such special election. Specifies that any contribution made in a year, other than the calendar year in which the election is held, is considered to be made in the calendar year in which such election is held, and any contribution made after the date of such election shall be considered a contribution with respect to such election only if such contribution is used to pay obligations incurred with respect to such election. Specifies that any extension of credit for goods or services relating to advertising on broadcasting stations, in newspapers or magazines, by direct mail or other similar types of general public political advertising shall be considered a contribution, if such extension of credit is: (1) in an amount of more than $1,000; and (2) for a period of more than 30 days.
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 1979
Limousine Limitation Act of 1979 - Prohibits the purchase, hiring, or operation by the Government of a motor vehicle of a type not generally available on the date of the enactment of this Act in motorpools of the Federal Government. Prohibits the employment of chauffeurs and the use of Government motor vehicles for transporting any Government official between his dwellings and his place of employment. Exempts from the provisions of this Act: (1) medical officers on outpatient medical service; (2) an employee engaged in fieldwork; (3) the President and Vice President; (4) the head of each executive department; (5) the Chief Justice of the United States; (6) specified officers of Congress; and (7) the U.S. Representative of the United Nations. Prohibits the issuance of a Government motor vehicle for the exclusive use of any official or employee not mentioned in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 1979
Competition Review Act - Establishes the Competition Review Commission as an independent instrumentality in the executive branch to study Federal laws and practices which have a significant impact on competition in specified industries including the antitrust laws, the patent laws, the internal revenue laws and regulations, the National Labor Relations Act, regulatory policies, and contracting and bidding practices. Establishes the membership of such Commission which includes representatives from the legislative and executive branches of the Federal Government and the private sector. Directs the Commission to appoint an Executive Director at Level V of the Executive Schedule. Empowers the Commission to subpoena witnesses and evidence and to have such process enforced in the United States district courts. Grants the Commission power to issue civil investigative demands and general or specific orders for information identical to the authority conferred upon the Federal Trade Commission and the Attorney General under the Federal Trade Commission Act and the Antitrust Civil Process Act. Requires all actions challenging this Act or the authority of the Commission to be filed in the United States District Court or the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. Requires these Courts to give precedence to such actions over all other actions on their calendars. Directs the Commission to prepare an initial plan for its investigations, a comprehensive bibliography on antitrust policies and competition, a timetable and outline for its studies, any interim reports it deems advisable, and a final report on the state of competition in the American economy. Requires the Commission to submit such reports, at specified intervals, to the President, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the President pro tempore of the Senate culminating in the submission of its final report within five years of the enactment of this Act. Prohibits the disclosure of any information obtained by the Commission except to the Commission staff while engaged in the performance of its duties. Requires all such information to be held under seal by the Administrator of General Services for at least five years following the termination of the Commission. Terminates the Commission 90 days after the submission of its final report. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 1979
Social Security Payroll Credit Act of 1979 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers, employees, and self-employed individuals an income tax credit equal to 20 percent of the amount of social security taxes paid by such individuals in 1980 and 1981.
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 1979
Authorizes any State or local government election agency to send free of postage: (1) absentee ballots; (2) voting instructions pertaining to such ballots; and (3) envelopes for returning ballots. Permits any person casting an absentee ballot to return it to the agency postage-free. Stipulates that this Act shall not apply to mail transmitted under the Federal Voting Assistance Act of 1955 or the Overseas Citizens Voting Rights Act of 1975.
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a refundable income tax credit for amounts paid or incurred for television subtitle equipment for use by hearing-impaired individuals.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 1979
Declares that the Soviet authorities should: (1) release a copy of the judgment against Anatoly Shcharansky; and (2) free Shcharansky and other Prisoners of Conscience and permit their emigration to Israel.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 1979
Declares it the sense of Congress that the Postmaster General and the Citizens Stamp Advisory Committee should give favorable consideration to the issuance of a commemorative postage stamp in honor of Americans of Italian descent and the 250th anniversary of the birth of Philip Mazzei on December 25, 1980, or as soon as possible thereafter. States that the Postmaster General and the Committee should honor other foreign-born contributors to the revolutionary cause, from countries which have not yet been commemorated, prior to the conclusion of the American Bicentennial celebration in 1983.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1979
Utility Lifeline Act of 1979 - Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to require State regulatory authorities and nonregulated utilities to establish uniform minimum amounts of electric energy and natural gas necessary to supply the essential needs of residential consumers, schools, and hospitals during any billing period. Stipulates that no utility's rate schedule for such amounts shall exceed the lowest rate charged by such utility for any equivalent amount of electric energy or natural gas sold during such period for use by any other customer or class or category of customers. Permits utilities to establish higher rates for that portion of electric energy or natural gas which exceeds the minimum amounts established under this Act. Prohibits electric and natural gas utilities from imposing rates or charges for electric energy or natural gas sold to retail consumers other than those for which minimum amounts of electric energy or natural gas are established which rates or charges exceed by more than 12 percent the charges which would be applicable to such sales if such charges were based on the cost of providing such service, with exceptions. Directs the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to issue an order establishing the amounts of electric energy or gas specified by this Act for essential needs in the event a utility fails to establish such amounts, and requires such utility to establish rates or charges for such amounts which meet the requirements of this Act. Authorizes judicial review of the Commission's action in setting minimum amounts of electric energy or gas for essential needs, but prohibits courts conducting such reviews from a State regulatory authority's rate determination relating to such amounts, except as necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act. Stipulates that in the case of provisions of this Act applicable to electric utilities, nothing under such provisions shall be construed to prohibit the adoption of time-of-day and seasonal rates to the extent that such rates are consistent with this Act. Makes conforming amends to the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1979
Elderly Homeowner's Relief Act - Amends the Home Owner's Loan Act of 1933 to permit Federal savings and loan associations to offer reverse annuity mortgages on the security of first liens upon residential real property in accordance with regulations promulgated by the Federal Home Loan Bank Board. Requires the regulations issued by the Board to include provisions which: (1) entitle applicants to withdraw without penalty from the mortgage agreement within 17 days of its consummation; (2) assure notice to consumers of all contingencies under the terms of the mortgage in the event of default; (3) provide all applicants an opportunity for refinancing at the end of the mortgage term; (4) allow prepayment at any one time without penalty; (5) require all associations to purchase annuities from an insurance company licensed by the State of their incorporation; (6) prohibit any variable interest rate on the mortgage loan; and (7) require applicants to receive a written notice of the terms of the mortgage loan containing specified provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 1979
Amends the Powerplant and Industrial Fuel Use Act of 1978 to permit local distribution companies to provide natural gas service to residential customers for use in outdoor lighting fixtures installed before the enactment of such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 1979
Education for Exporting Act - Establishes the Federal Export Education Foundation. Directs such Foundation to enter into agreements with institutions of higher education, educational agencies, and business organizations to provide assistance in: (1) increasing awareness of international commerce in the United States; or (2) enhancing the ability of U.S. industry to engage in international commerce. Specifies various programs to be conducted by such Foundation, including: (1) work internships abroad; (2) cooperative activities to provide low-cost translation services and market research studies; (3) development of guides to commercial laws; (4) development of language and area studies courses; and (5) information regarding career opportunities for individuals with language, area studies, and international business backgrounds. Requires the accounts of such Foundation be audited annually and the results reported to the President and Congress. Establishes an Export Education Trust Fund in the U.S. Treasury consisting of appropriated sums and sums received as reimbursement for services provided under the Foundation's educational programs.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1979
Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to direct the Commissioner of Education to enter into agreements with credit bureau organizations providing for the exchange of information concerning defaulting student borrowers. States that such agreements: (1) shall provide for disclosure by the Commissioner to such credit organizations; and (2) may provide for the disclosure, by such credit organizations to the Commissioner, of information concerning the defaulting borrower's address and other relevant information. Directs the Commissioner, within 90 days of enactment of this Act, to establish a system for the prompt notification to a defaulting borrower of any disclosure made under this Act. Includes notice of such system of disclosure to credit organizations among the terms of the written agreement evidencing: (1) a federally-guaranteed student loan made more than 180 days after enactment of this Act; (2) subsidy payments for such loans to State and nonprofit private institutions made more than 180 days after enactment of this Act; (3) Federal contributions to an institution for direct student loans; and (4) a direct student loan to an eligible student from his or her institution made more than 180 days after enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1979
Calls upon the President to urge: (1) the International Whaling Commission to adopt an indefinite moratorium on the commercial killing of whales; and (2) various countries to voluntarily comply with such moratorium.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1979
Amends the Saccharin Study and Labeling Act to extend until June 30, 1981, the period during which the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare may not take specified actions to restrict the continued use of saccharin or of any food, drug, or cosmetic containing saccharin.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1979
Amends title IV of the Public Health Service Act (National Research Institutes) to stipulate that the institute currently authorized to conduct research on neurological diseases shall be named the "National Institute of Neurological and Communicative Disorders and Stroke." Requires at least $16,000,000 of the sums appropriated for such Institute to be obligated for research in the area of regeneration of the spinal cord.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 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 · 31 May 1979
Emergency Gasoline and Diesel Fuel Conservation Act of 1979 - Amends the National Energy Conservation Policy Act to establish an emergency gasoline and diesel oil conservation program. Defines "fuel" as gasoline and diesel oil. Imposes a $5 minimum fuel purchase requirement upon all fuel consumers. Stipulates that such purchase requirement shall apply in every State where: (1) the Governor of such State submits a request to the Secretary of Energy to have such requirements applicable therein; and (2) the Governor of such State lacks the authority to invoke comparable requirements but the State could administer and enforce the Federal requirements under a delegation of authority pursuant to Federal law; or (3) the President has found that nationwide implementation of such purchase requirements would be appropriate. Exempts from such minimum purchase requirements motorcycles, motorpowered bicycles, or comparable vehicles, as determined by the Secretary's regulations. Authorizes the Secretary to adjust the minimum purchase level in certain circumstances. Imposes a fine of up to $100 for violation of such requirements. Stipulates that compliance with such requirements shall not be considered a violation of the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act of 1973 or any Federal or State law requiring labeling or disclosure of the maximum price per gallon of fuel. Directs the President to establish emergency fuel conservation targets for the Nation generally and for such State. Bases such targets on a uniform percentage reduction in fuel usage as compared to fuel usage during a uniform base period considered appropriate by the President, taking into consideration past and projected fuel supply and demand nationally and in each State, international commitments, and other appropriate factors. Authorizes the President to adjust such targets where considered appropriate. Directs the Secretary to determine and publish monthly in the Federal Register national and State fuel consumption levels and success with meeting the targets. Directs the Governor of each State to submit to the Secretary a State emergency fuel conservation plan designed to meet or exceed targets established for such State. Authorizes the Secretary to extend for good cause the 45 day period for submission of such plans. Sets forth criteria for State emergency fuel conservation plans to reduce public and private use of fuel, and criteria for the Secretary's approval of such plans. Delegates administrative and enforcement authority for approved State plans to the Governor of a State and other State and local officers and employees designated by the Governor. Imposes a fine of up to $100 for violation of State plan provisions. Directs the Governor of each State to submit to the Secretary reports and information on that State's plan, as necessary. Prohibits the obligation or expenditure of funds or other assistance under the program of Federal assistance to States for development, implementation, or modification of State energy conservation plans under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act for failure to submit a plan. Directs the Secretary to establish a standby emergency fuel conservation sticker plan to restrict operation of automobiles on specified days, with exceptions for emergency uses, off-highway agricultural uses, national defense uses, taxicab or similar common carrier uses, rental automobile use, United States Postal Service uses, regulated commercial uses, and other uses determined by the Secretary to require an exemption. Directs the President to implement such sticker plan in any State for which the Secretary finds that fuel conservation targets have not been met. Directs the President to implement such plan nationally upon a finding that: (1) implementing such plan is required by a severe energy supply interruption or in order to fulfill international energy program obligations, pursuant to the Energy Policy and Conservation Act; or (2) fuel conservation targets established by this Act have not been met, and upon transmission of such finding to the Congress with a statement of the effective date of such measure. Authorizes the States to administer and enforce such plan. Sets forth the Secretary's responsibilities in establishing such plan, including preparation and distribution of stickers and collection of fees. Imposes a fine of up to $100 for violation of such plan. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study and report to the Congress on the commercial and industrial storage of gasoline and middle distillates in specified storage facilities. Sets forth the components of such report. Delegates to the Governor of any State, and other State and local officers and employees designated by the Governor, the authority to administer and enforce this Act. Revokes such delegation upon written request for waiver of authority signed by the Governor or upon the President's determination that such delegation be revoked. Authorizes States to retain fees and penalties collected pursuant to this Act to cover administrative and enforcement costs. Directs the Secretary to use the authority provided under the Energy Supply and Environmental Coordination Act of 1974 to secure any information necessary to carry out this Act. Directs the Secretary to issue interim and final regulations necessary to carry out this Act. Requires the Secretary to review actions taken under this Act and to submit to each House of Congress a report thereon, with any appropriate recommendations. Terminates this Act and any actions taken thereunder 18 months after the date of enactment, with specified exceptions. Makes technical amendments to the National Energy Conservation Policy Act. Provides that, for the purposes of funding the provisions of this Act for fiscal years 1979 and 1980, this Act shall be treated as a contingency plan under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act.
United States · United States Congress · 30 May 1979
Fair Employment Relations Resolution - Title I: Fair Employment Relations Board - Establishes as an office of the House of Representatives the House Fair Employment Relations Board to: (1) establish and publish policies and guidelines for the implementation and enforcement of clause 9 of rule XLIII and clause 6(a) (3) (A) of rule XI of the Rules of the House of Representatives; (2) supervise the actions of the Director and the operations of the House Fair Employment Relations Office; and (3) hear and determine complaints. Title II: House Fair Employment Relations Office - Establishes as an office of the House of Representatives the House Fair Employment Relations Office to develop procedures to implement the policies of the Board, gather information relating to House employment practices, and review procedures for the hearing and setting of complaints. Title III: Complaints of Violations of Equal Employment Opportunities - Provides for counseling and assistance through the Office to any individual who believes that he or she has been discriminated against in violation of rule XI or rule XLIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives. Sets forth the procedures for filing informal complaints based on employment discrimination, and for the informal settlement of such claims. Sets forth the procedure for filing formal complaints, and for conducting hearings on such claims. Provides for an appeal to the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct from an adverse decision or order of the Board. Sets forth remedies available to individuals who have experienced discrimination.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a refundable income tax credit equal to 75 percent of the amounts paid by blind, deaf, or speech-impaired individuals for use of toll telephone service by means of teletypewriters. Allows an income tax deduction for 50 percent of the expenses of purchasing or installing a teletypewriter which are incurred by blind, deaf, or speech-impaired individuals. Limits the amount of such deduction to $200 for each teletypewriter.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1979
Relieves a named corporation of the obligation to pay social security taxes (or interest and penalties thereon) on specified wages paid to individuals during specified periods, if such corporation furnishes specified evidence to the Secretary of the Treasury. Permits such individuals to enter into arrangements with the Secretary to pay amounts equal to such taxes for social security entitlement purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1979
State and Local Government Cost Estimate Act of 1979 - Amends the Congressional Budget Act to require the Congressional Budget Office, for every bill or resolution reported in the House or Senate, to prepare and submit (along with its regular estimate of the Federal cost involved) an estimate of the costs which would be incurred by State and local governments in carrying out or complying with such bill or resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1979
Stipulates that the payment of retired or retainer pay which would otherwise be made to a member of the armed forces shall be paid by the Secretary concerned to another person to the extent provided for in the terms of any court decree of divorce, annulment, or legal separation.
![Official portrait of Sen. Wirth, Timothy [D-CO]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/w000647_200.jpg)