International Development Assistance Act of 1979

International Development Assistance Act of 1979 - Title I: Development Assistance - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize appropriations through fiscal year 1981 for: (1) agriculture, rural development, and nutrition; (2) population planning and health; (3) education and human resources development; (4) technical assistance for energy, research, reconstruction, and selected development problems; (5) the Sahel development program; (6) American schools and hospitals abroad; (7) international organizations and programs; (8) international disaster assistance; (9) reimbursable development programs; and (10) operating expenses.

Authorizes the President to include in the cooperative energy programs with developing countries: (1) research and development of suitable energy technology; (2) analysis of energy needs and resources; (3) training; and (4) scientific interchanges.

Sets limits on the aggregate amount of interest that may be waived or amounts that may be paid into local currency accounts of relatively least developed countries.

Increases the amount of housing guaranties that may be outstanding at any one time. Extends the housing guaranty program and the agricultural credit and self-help community development program through September 30, 1982. Repeals the minimum interest rate with regard to such housing guaranties.

Revises the procedure for the computation of benefits and costs of water or land resource construction projects.

Permits the use of private voluntary agencies in carrying out certain assistance projects if such agency is registered with the Agency for International Development.

Repeals: (1) the South African educational assistance program; (2) the requirement of a Presidential report to Congress concerning major environment and natural resource problems; (3) the exclusion of assistance to countries seizing or penalizing U.S. fishing vessels in international waters; and (4) other technical changes.

Title II: Institute for Technological Cooperation - Authorizes the President to establish an Institute for Technological Cooperation to: (1) assist developing countries to strengthen their technological capacity; (2) foster the exchange of scientists and other technical experts with developing countries; and (3) advise other Federal agencies and U.S. businesses as to scientific and technological cooperation with developing countries.

Authorizes the President to establish a Council on International Technological Cooperation to advise the Institute. Authorizes the President to award Institute fellowships to citizens and foreigners in the fields of scientific, technological, economic or social endeavor. Directs Council members and Institute Fellows to avoid any action creating a conflict of interest.

Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1981. Requires the President to submit annual reports to Congress on the Institute's operations.