An act to authorize supplemental international security assistance for the fiscal year 1979 in support of the peace treaty between Egypt and Israel, and for other purposes.
Public Law 96-35 · S. 1007 · 96th Congress · began in the Senate
Signed by Jimmy Carter (D) on Jul 20, 1979 · International Affairs
Sponsor: Sen. Frank Church (D-ID)
Cosponsors: None
Passage votes
- HouseMethod not stated
- SenateMethod not stated
Data notes
The final version of the law, as each chamber passed it. A chamber that passed it by voice vote or unanimous consent has no count. “Method not stated” means the record does not say how the chamber voted. Where the record has a member-by-member vote, the “Who voted for it” section shows who voted yea.
Summary
The Congressional Research Service’s plain-language summary of what the law does.
(Senate agreed to House amendment with an amendment)
Special International Security Assistance Act of 1979 - Stipulates that: (1) the authorization of appropriations for arms sales guaranties to Egypt and Israel does not constitute congressional approval of the sale of any particular weapons system; and (2) the implementing authority in this Act does not signify congressional approval of any other executive agreement.
Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize the President: (1) to construct air bases in Israel; and (2) to furnish defense articles and services to Israel. Authorizes appropriations for such purposes. Provides for partial financing by Israel. Prohibits funding more than 60 persons contracted for personal services abroad for purposes of this chapter.
Expresses the sense of Congress that the legitimate defense interests of Israel and Egypt require a one-time extraordinary assistance package.
Authorizes additional appropriations for fiscal year 1979 under the Arms Export Control Act to be used for arms sales guaranties to Egypt and Israel. Increases the principal amount of such guaranteed loans. Directs the President to report to Congress concerning economic conditions in Egypt and Israel which may affect their ability to repay their obligations.
Authorizes additional appropriations for fiscal year 1979 for Egypt through the Economic Support Fund. Authorizes the President to transfer to Egypt the facilities and property of the U.S. Sinai Field Mission.
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) other countries provide financial assistance to support peace in the Middle East; (2) the President should consult with other countries to encourage investments in those countries joining in the Middle East peace; (3) the President should promote an agreement for the establishment of a peace development fund to underwrite the costs of implementing a Middle East peace; and (4) the United States should be prepared to participate in trilateral scientific and technological projects with Egypt and Israel. Directs the President to report to Congress concerning: (1) such efforts; (2) the impact of Arab sanctions on Egypt; and (3) the costs of implementing the Egyptian-Israeli peace treaty.
Encourages all nations, including Israel and Egypt, who are not a party to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, to become parties to that Treaty.
Committees
The committees the bill was sent to, and what each did with it.
Data notes
A committee links to its page only where it exists in the current Congress; older and renamed committees are named without a link.
Timeline
From introduction to signing, newest first: the committees, the floor and the president. 14 actions.
- Jul 20, 1979Became lawBecame law · Signed by President.
- PresidentPresident · Public Law 96-35.
- Jul 9, 1979PresidentPresident · Measure presented to President.
- PresidentPresident · Measure enrolled in Senate.
- PresidentPresident · Measure enrolled in House.
- Jun 28, 1979Resolving differencesResolving differences · House agreed to Senate amendment.
- Jun 21, 1979Resolving differencesResolving differences · Senate agreed to House amendment with an amendment.
- May 30, 1979Resolving differencesResolving differences · Conference scheduled in House.
- FloorFloor · Measure passed House, amended, in lieu of H.R. 4035.
- May 14, 1979FloorFloor · Measure passed Senate, amended, roll call #90 (73-11).Senate roll call 90
- FloorFloor · Measure called up by unanimous consent in Senate.
- May 2, 1979CommitteeCommittee · Reported by Senate Foreign Relations Committee
- Apr 25, 1979CommitteeCommittee · Referred to Senate Foreign Relations Committee
- IntroducedIntroduced · Introduced in the Senate
Data notes
Shows the introduction, each committee and subcommittee step the source dates (referral, hearings, markup, report, discharge), and the floor, conference, presidential and became-law steps. Calendar placements, messages between the chambers, amendments and committee report numbers are not shown for laws before the 108th Congress. Two entries the source lists twice are shown once.
Official record
The bill’s full text and every action, including introduction and committee steps, are on Congress.gov. Data through Oct 7, 2026.