United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1978
States that the Territory of American Samoa shall be represented in the United States Congress by a nonvoting delegate to the House of Representatives. Sets forth the procedure for the election of such delegate.
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 1978
Directs the Postmaster General to issue a special postage stamp in honor of Doctor Ralph J. Bunche, who worked for the cause of peace and against discrimination and intolerance.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1978
Port Safety and Tank Vessel Safety Act - Amends the Ports and Waterways Safety Act of 1972 to remove specified limitations on the conditions under which vessel traffic may be controlled by the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating. Authorizes the Secretary to order any vessel to operate or anchor in a specified manner if there is reasonable cause to believe the vessel does not comply with regulations or other applicable law or treaties, if the vessel does not satisfy conditions for port entry or if hazardous conditions warrant such an action. Directs the Secretary to designate necessary fairways and traffic separation schemes for vessels operating in the territorial sea of the United States and in high seas approaches to United States' ports. Places limitations on the Secretary's power to make such designations. Requires the Secretary to conduct a study of the needs for such a designation and to reconcile the needs for such a designation with all other reasonable uses of the area involved before taking such action. Exempts from the provisions of this Act foreign vessels passing through United States territorial waters or through the navigable waters of the United States which form part of an international strait and which are not destined for, or departing from, a port under United States jurisdiction. Specifies vessel safety and environmental considerations to be taken into account by the Secretary in making designations pursuant to this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to take such action as may be necessary to protect structures on or in navigable waters or land structures or shore areas adjacent to such waters and to protect the navigable waters and the resources therein from vessel or structure damage. Specifies actions which the Secretary may take including: (1) establishing procedures for the handling of dangerous articles (including oil) on waterfront structures; (2) prescribing minimum safety equipment requirements for such structures; and (3) establishing water or waterfront safety zones. Stipulates that the National Transportation Safety Board shall, upon its request, be made a party to investigations by the Secretary of incidents causing damage or loss to any structure subject to such Act. Sets forth conditions for the entry of vessels into United States' navigable waters. Prohibits the entry of vessels which do not meet specified manning requirements, which have a history of accidents or pollution incidents which creates reason to believe the vessel is unsafe or may threaten the marine environment, which discharges oil or hazardous material illegally, or which fails to meet regulations or other applicable laws or treaties. Directs the Secretary to transmit, via the Secretary of State, to appropriate international bodies or forums, any regulations issued under this Act, for consideration as international standards. Encourages the President to enter into negotiations with neighboring nations to establish compatible vessel standards and traffic services and to establish international vessel traffic services in areas of mutual concern and to enter into negotiations through international bodies to establish vessel traffic services in appropriate areas of the high seas. Establishes civil and criminal penalties for violations of this Act or regulations issued pursuant to this Act. Directs the Secretary to study possible shore-station systems for monitoring vessels within the Fishery Conservation Zone and to report the findings of such study to Congress. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1979 and 1980 for such purpose. Directs the Secretary to establish eligibility requirements for the issuance of a Federal license to pilot any steam vessel. Establishes minimum eligibility requirements to receive such a license. Stipulates that such licenses shall be renewable every five years. Amends existing law relating to the regulation of steam vessels to include vessels carrying oil or hazardous material in residue. Exempts from such regulation cannery tenders, fishing tenders, and fishing vessels of not more than 500 tons used exclusively in the salmon or crab fisheries of the States of Oregon, Washington or Alaska. Establishes minimum equipment requirements for new crude oil tankers, new product carriers, and old oil tankers and product carriers. Directs the Secretary in prescribing additional requirements to apply standards which are consistent with the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973, and the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, as modified by the respective Protocols of 1978. Prohibits foreign vessels subject to this Act from operating in the navigable waters of the United States unless such a vessel has been issued a certificate of compliance by the Secretary indicating that the vessel has been inspected and found to be in compliance with appropriate regulations. Authorizes the Secretary to accept certificates issued by foreign nations pursuant to any treaty or other international agreement to which the United States is a party as a basis for issuance of a Certificate of Compliance. Directs the Secretary to prescribe standards for the manning of United States' vessels and the duties, qualifications, and training of the ships' crews and officers. Requires that a specified number of tankermen be aboard United States' vessels carrying oil or hazardous material in bulk as cargo or in residue and requires that a specified number of tankermen be aboard foreign vessels when such vessel transfers oil or hazardous materials in any port or place subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. Directs the Secretary to prescribe qualifications for the issuance of tankerman certificates. Directs the Secretary to issue regulations for the control and verification of manning, training, qualification, and watchkeeping standards promulgated by the certificating state of foreign vessels operating in United States' navigable waters and which transfer oil or hazardous materials in United States' jurisdictions. Specifies regulations which the Secretary is to establish. Sets forth a marine safety information system with regard to vessels subject to this Act which operate in the navigable waters of the United States or which transfer oil or hazardous materials in a United States' jurisdiction. Prohibits the transfer of oil or hazardous materials from one vessel to another in the navigable waters or in the marine environment unless the transfer is in accordance with applicable regulations and both vessels have on board a Certificate of Inspection or a Certificate of Compliance. Directs the Secretary to establish minimum requirements for the transfer of oil or hazardous materials in the navigable waters or marine environment when such cargo is destined for United States' ports. Prohibits vessels from transferring cargo in United States' ports if the vessel has discharged tank washings containing oil or hazardous materials in violation of any law of the United States or in a manner or quantities inconsistent with the provisions of any treaty to which the United States is a party, in preparation for loading cargo in any port or place under United States' jurisdiction. Directs the Secretary to establish control and supervisory measures to implement such prohibition.
United States · United States Congress · 31 May 1978
Authorizes the President of the United States to designate the week beginning on the Sunday preceding the fourth Thursday in November of each year as "National Family Week".
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1978
Polar Living Marine Resources Conservation Act - Directs the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, to establish a comprehensive program for the study, monitoring, and assessment of polar living marine resources and the marine environment of the Arctic and Southern Oceans. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants and enter into contracts to obtain assistance in carrying out such program. Requires the Secretary to consult with other Federal agencies with responsibilities for polar living marine resources research and protection to ensure that the study and assessment under this Act is coordinated and that the program is consistent with international conventions or treaties. Requires the Secretary to submit annual reports to the Congress and the President concerning this Act. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1978
National Parks and Recreation Act - Title I: Development Ceiling Increases - Makes specific increases in the limitations on funds for development within 35 units of the National Park System and affiliated areas. Title II: Acquisition Ceiling Increases - Raises the limitations on appropriations for the acquisition of lands within five units of the National Park System. Title III: Boundary Changes - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to enlarge the boundaries of 18 units of the National Park System and authorizes appropriations of specified amounts for acquisition of lands by reason of such revisions. Redesignates the City of Refuge National Historical Park as the Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park. Deeds a lot on Black Hammock Island, Florida, to the National Park Foundation, to be sold at fair market value. Adds lands to the Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site and the Johnstown Flood National Memorial, Pennsylvania. Revises the boundaries of: (1) Fort Laramie National Historic Site, Wyoming; (2) Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site, North Dakota and Montana; (3) Boston National Historical Park; (4) Gateway National Recreation Area, New York, to add Sailors Snug Harbor; (5) Petersburg National Battlefield, Virginia, to add Eppes Manor; (6) Sequoia National Park, California, to add Mineral King Valley; (7) Cuyahoga Valley National Recreation Area, Ohio; (8) Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area; (9) Golden Gate National Recreation Area; (10) Point Reyes National Seashore; (11) Antietam National Battlefield, Maryland; (12) Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park; (13) Virgin Islands National Park, to include Hassel Island; and (14) Alibates Flint Quarries and Texas Panhandle Pueblo Culture National Monument. Title IV: Wilderness - Designates 14 areas as wilderness areas. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to develop and submit to Congress a wilderness management plan for each wilderness unit in the National Park System. Title V: Establishment of New Areas and Additions to National Trails System - Provides for the establishment of Guam National Seashore War in the Pacific National Historical Park on Guam; Pine Barrens Area, New Jersey; Edgar Allen Poe National Historic Site, Pennsylvania; San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, Texas; Saint Paul's Church, Eastchester, New York; Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park, Hawaii; American Memorial Park, Saipan; Palo Alto Battlefield National Historic Site, Texas; Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, California. Provides for the establishment of the San Antonio Missions Advisory Commission, the Kaloko-Honokohau, an advisory commission, and the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area Advisory Commission. Establishes the Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail, Utah; the Overmountain Men Victory Trail, Tennessee to South Carolina; the Continental Divide Trail, Montana to New Mexico; and the North Country National Scenic Trail, New York to North Dakota. Title VI: Miscellaneous Provisions - Authorizes the Secretary to acquire and upgrade Old Faithful Inn at Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. Directs the Secretary to provide for the preservation of the former Presidential yacht Sequoia. Provides for a study of the desirability of establishing segments of the Ridgelands east of San Francisco Bay as a unit of the National Park System. Amends the Pennsylvania Avenue Development Corporation Act of 1972 to direct the Corporation to request the Council of the District of Columbia to close any street in the development area, and if title to the street is not in the Corporation, to convey it to the Corporation. Permits the Corporation to transfer title to real property to the United States or the District of Columbia . Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1983 for the preservation of historical and archaeological data. Empowers the Secretary to establish a historic site to commemorate each former President and Speaker of the House of Representatives serving during the twentieth century. Authorizes appropriations for studies and management planning of areas suitable for inclusion in the National Park System. Provides for a study of the Oak Creek Canyon, Yauapi, and Soldier Wash-Mormon Canyon areas in Arizona for inclusion in the park system. States it is the policy of Congress that wilderness, wildlife conservation, and park and recreation values of United States property be conserved, enhanced, and developed. Provides that the Secretary, the Administrator of General Services, and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget shall establish a system to permit full and early opportunity for studies of the suitability of Federal real property for implementation of the congressional policy. Authorizes the Secretary to provide 50 percent matching grants to local governments in urban and insular areas for rehabilitation and development of recreation areas and facilities. Sets grant requirements. Changes the date of the map referencing the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area. Title VII: Wild and Scenic Rivers Act Amendments - Adds eight segments of rivers to those designated as wild and scenic rivers. Adds 17 rivers to those designated for study for potential inclusion in the wild and scenic rivers system. Increases authorizations of appropriations for five specified rivers. Makes technical amendments to the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1978
Prohibits, after specified dates: (1) any licensee or permittee from manufacturing, importing, or otherwise placing or receiving in commerce any explosive, or (2) any person from placing or receiving in commerce any explosive sold as military surplus, unless such substance contains a material which permits identification of the manufacturer and date of manufacture after detonation and a material which permits detection of the substance prior to detonation.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1978
Authorizes the appropriation to the Secretary of the Interior of such sums as may be necessary for grants to the Government of Guam for the construction of public facilities and the maintenance of essential services. States that such authorization shall be effective on October 1, 1978. Directs that annually, from specified sources, sums shall be covered into the treasury of Guam on the basis of the total amount of such duties, taxes, and fees as the Governor of Guam estimates will be collected in Guam. Authorizes appropriations for the rehabilitation and resettlement of Bikini Atoll and Kili Island, Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands. Authorizes appropriations for the construction of the Saipan Permanent Power Station for the Northern Mariana Islands. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture at the request of the Governor of the Northern Mariana Islands: (1) to exempt any individual who is a member of a household otherwise eligible to participate in the food stamp program from participation in the food stamp program as a member of that or any other household; and (2) to establish such income standards of eligibility as determined by the Governor of the Northern Mariana Islands to be suited to the economic and social circumstances of the Northern Mariana Islands. Authorizes appropriations to the government of the Virgin Islands: (1) to promote economic development in the Virgin Islands; (2) for the construction of public facilities and the maintenance of essential services. Authorizes the Director of the National Park Service to develop, maintain, and administer the existing American Memorial Park located at Tonapag Harbor Reservation, Saipan. Establishes the Guam National Seashore to conserve and protect outstanding natural and scenic values on the island of Guam. Establishes the War in the Pacific National Historical Park to conserve and interpret outstanding natural, scenic, and historic values and objects on the island of Guam. Includes Hassel Island located in Saint Thomas Harbor and the adjoining lands, submerged lands, and waters, in the Virgin Islands National Park. Authorizes appropriations for restoration and rehabilitation of historic structures and for development of public facilities on Hassel Island.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1978
Amends the Local Public Works Capital Development and Investment Act of 1976 to increase the amount authorized to be appropriated to carry out such Act to $10,000,000,000.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1978
Expresses the condemnation by the Congress of the March 11, 1978, attack on Israel by the Palestine Liberation Organization, and the expressed intention of the PLO to continue such attacks and to disrupt the peace efforts between Israel and Egypt. Requests the President to make the disapproval of the Congress known to governments approving the PLO attack. Expresses Congressional approval of the peace efforts between Israel and Egypt. Urges other Middle East countries to join such efforts. Declares negotiation to be the best way to bring peace to the Middle East.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1978
Authorizes appropriations for the Coast Guard for fiscal year 1979. Sets forth the authorized end strength level for active duty personnel and the average military training student load for the Coast Guard for such fiscal year. Authorizes the Coast Guard to enter into a long term lease for the purpose of acquiring land on the Quillayute Indian Reservation in the State of Washington in order to relocate the Quillayute River Coast Guard Station.
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 1978
Title I: Establishment of Park - Establishes, in the city of Lowell, Massachusetts, the Lowell National Cultural Park, consisting of a preservation zone and an intensive use zone, to preserve sites and structures through implementation of the plan of the Lowell Historic Canal District Commission. Title II: Role of the Secretary - Requires the Secretary of the Interior to submit a park management plan to Congress. Provides for consultation with the Lowell city manager and the Lowell National Cultural Park Commission, established by this Act, in setting preservation, restoration, and use standards. Sets requirements for acquisition of property within the preservation zone. Directs the Secretary to provide technical assistance in preservation, restoration, and other use of park properties. Permits withholding of park management plan funds by the Secretary if the city of Lowell fails to meet specified criteria. Title III: Role of the Commission - Establishes within the Department of the Interior the Lowell National Cultural Park Commission to administer the preservation zone. Requires the Commission to submit management plans and an index of Federal Register and other potentially significant historic cultural or architectural properties. Directs the Commission to make loans, grants, and technical assistance for the preservation, restoration, or development of the park. Provides for the acquisition and disposition of property by the Commission. Enumerates the powers of the Commission, including the holding of hearings, and provides for the staff of the Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1978
Amends the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 to authorize appropriations to carry out the purposes of this Act during fiscal years 1979, 1980, and 1981.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1978
Maritime Appropriation Authorization Act - Authorizes appropriations in specified amounts to the Department of Commerce for fiscal year 1979 for: (1) vessel construction or reconditioning; (2) the payment of obligations incurred for the operating - differential subsidy; (3) research and development expenses; (4) operating expenses including reserve fleet expenses; (5) financial assistance to State marine schools; and (6) the Merchant Marine Academy.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1978
Amends Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act and the Internal Revenue Code to reduce tax rates below the level established by the Social Security Amendments of 1977 on employment income for both employers and employees and on self-employment income. Increases Federal contributions to the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund, the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund, and the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund established under Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act by 50 percent. Increases the ceiling on the amount of income that is subject to social security taxation to $100,000 in 1979.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1978
Constitutional Amendment - Provides that the District of Columbia be treated as a State for purposes of representation in the Congress, election of the President and Vice President, and Article V of the Constitution of the United States. Repeals the provisions of the twenty-third amendment to the Constitution of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1978
Corrections Construction and Program Development Act - Title I: Findings and Declaration of Purpose - States Congressional findings with regard to State and local corrections and declares the purpose of this Act to be to provide additional resources to State and local governments to upgrade correctional facilities and programs. Title II: Supplemental Grant Program under Part E of Crime Control Act - Authorizes the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration to make supplemental grants to States submitting approved applications for correctional facility grants under the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968.
United States · United States Congress · 29 November 1977
Roberto Clemente Sports City Act - Provides Federal assistance to the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico for the construction of a sports and recreation facility to be known as the Roberto Clemente Sports City.
United States · United States Congress · 3 November 1977
Amends the Shipping Act, 1916, to include "controlled carriers" within the coverage of such Act. Defines "controlled carrier" as a common carrier by water operating, offering, or proposing to offer regular liner service in the foreign commerce of the United States where such carrier is owned or controlled by the government under whose registry the vessels of the controlled carrier operate. Requires such carriers to maintain rates or classifications of tariffs filed with the Federal Maritime Commission which are just and reasonable. Authorizes the Commission to disapprove such rates or classifications after notice and hearing upon a finding that they are unreasonable. Requires that such rates or classifications be filed with the Commission at least 30 days before they may become effective. Authorizes the Commission to suspend such proposed rates or classifications pending a determination as to their lawfulness. Stipulates that the regulations contained in this Act shall not apply to rates or classifications governing the transportation of cargo by a controlled carrier between the country which owns or controls the carrier and the United States or its territories or possessions. Exempts from the regulations contained in this Act controlled carriers of a state whose vessels are entitled to receive national or most-favored-nation treatment by treaty, controlled carriers of a state which has subscribed to the statement of shipping policy contained in note 1 to annex A of the Code of Liberalization of Current Invisible Operations, or to specified rate agreements or service agreements under the Shipping Act, 1916. Authorizes appropriations in such amounts as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 October 1977
National Historic Preservation Policy Act - Title I: Declaration of National Historic Preservation Policy - Declares that it is the duty of the Federal Government, in cooperation with other nations, the States, local communities, and private organizations and individuals, to promote the preservation and conservation of the historic, architectural, archeological, and cultural properties of the United States and of the international community of Nations. Title II: National Historic Preservation Program - Renames the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation as the Council on Historic Preservation. States that such Council is to administer specified Acts which relate to the historic preservation responsibilities of the Secretary of the Interior and the National Park Service. Requires the Council, in furtherance of the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, to establish a program to nominate historic and cultural properties of universal significance to the World Heritage Committee. Directs the Council to promote nominations to the National Register of Historic Places of any properties proposed for sale, transfer, demolition or substantial alteration as a result of any Federal agency action, to provide training, information and advice concerning techniques for the preservation of historic and cultural properties, to establish a program for the emergency acquisition of property included in the National Register and threatened with immediate demolition, to evaluate other Federal agencies programs and make recommendations to further coordination, and to report to the President and Congress on the national historic preservation program. Requires all Federal agencies, in cooperation with the appropriate State historic preservation officer, to nominate to the National Register all eligible districts, sites, buildings, structures and objects under the jurisdiction or control of such agency or that may be affected by agency action, and to assume responsibility for the preservation of such properties included or eligible to be included in the National Register. Allows the transfer of control of such properties to the Secretary of the Interior. Title III: Maritime Preservation Program - Directs the Council to establish a separate section of properties significant in American maritime history, architecture, archaeology, and culture within the National Register and accompanying programs of matching grants-in-aid and demonstration grants-in-aid to States and local governments and nonprofit organizations whose purpose is the preservation of such properties. Subjects grants to terms and conditions as the Council deems appropriate. Directs the Council to: (1) issue rules and regulations providing, but not limited to, a requirement that each grant recipient obligate all funds by January 1, 1981; (2) submit annual reports on the maritime heritage preservation program to Congress; and (3) report to the President and Congress on the effectiveness and future needs of the program by January 31, 1981. Establishes the Maritime Heritage Fund, which shall cover $50,000,000 each fiscal year 1978 through 1981, from revenues under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act. Requires for each fiscal year the National Trust for Historic Preservation receive ten percent of the appropriation for its maritime preservation activities; up to 25 percent may be used for demonstration grants; and the number of members appointed to the Council by the President be increased to 13, one of whom shall have experience in maritime preservation. Title IV: Administrative Provisions - Provides for the administration of the Historic Preservation Fund for fiscal years 1978 through 1981. Requires each Federal agency to expend appropriated funds for the maintenance of properties included in the National Register under its jurisdiction or control.
United States · United States Congress · 4 October 1977
Amends Titles XI, part A (General Provisions) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to increase the dollar limitations on Medicaid payments to Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands, and to eliminate the 50 percent limitation on the Federal medical assistance percentage applicable to the Medicaid programs of such territories and raise such limitation to the same level as that in the States.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1977
National Aquaculture Organic Act - Directs the Secretary of Commerce, after consultation with the Secretaries of the Interior and of Agriculture and certain other Federal and State officials, 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 (priority aquatic species), 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 Secretary of Commerce to review annually each aquatic species not identified as a priority species and the program established for each priority species. 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, and technical assistance to public and private organizations; (2) cooperate with persons and agencies regarding the development of aquaculture technology; (3) produce and sell seed stock when necessary; and (4) prescribe rules and regulations necessary to carry out such program. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to: (1) establish an aquaculture information center; (2) maintain an inventory of public and private aquaculture being carried out in the United States; (3) arrange for the mutual exchange of information relating to aquaculture with foreign nations; and (4) conduct a study to determine which existing capture fisheries could be adversely impacted by competition from commercial aquaculture enterprises aided under this Act. Establishes the Interagency Committee on Aquaculture comprised of the heads of various Federal agencies to insure that there is a continuing exchange of information relating to the aquacultural 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. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce 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 $500,000,000. 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 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. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to make disaster loans to any person if such person's aquaculture facility or stock is damaged or destroyed as a result of a natural disaster, or if such person's stock is damaged or destroyed by disease, pollution or contamination. Authorizes the Secretary to establish a program to provide essential property 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 Secretary to guarantee obligations, make disaster loans, and implement the insurance program established under this Act. Authorizes appropriations to the Departments of Commerce, Agriculture, and the Interior to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 1977
Declares that the President should establish a Commission on Domestic and International Hunger and Malnutrition which should: (1) collect and generate information and resources on food, hunger, malnutrition and related concerns; (2) assess current programs affecting domestic and international hunger and malnutrition; (3) analyze and report its findings and recommendations to the President, the Congress, and the public; and (4) assist the President and the Congress in implementing its recommendations.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1977
Solar Energy Bank Act - Creates a Government corporation to be known as the Solar Energy Development Bank to make long-term, low-interest loans to encourage the use of solar energy in commercial and residential dwellings. Establishes procedures governing the processing and approval of loan applications by the Bank. Prohibits conflicts of interest, on the part of officers or employees of the Bank. Prohibits the Bank or its employees from utilizing the Solar Bank to finance political activities. Imposes criminal penalties for the furnishing of false or misleading information by applicants for loans under this Act. Declares that the Solar Bank and its assets shall be exempt by Federal, State, and local taxation. Establishes a Solar Energy Fund in the Treasury of the United States to pay the expenses of the Bank. Authorizes the appropriation of $5,000,000,000 to the Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1977
National Historic Preservation Act - Title I: Assistance for the Preservation of Historic Structures under Certain Housing Laws - Amends the National Housing Act to authorize the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to insure financial institutions against losses resulting from loans for the purpose of preserving historic structures regardless of whether they are residential. Redefines the term "historic structures" to include buildings which are listed in a State inventory of historic places or so designated under a statute of a State or unit of local government. Increases the limit on the size of a loan financing a historic structure preservation which may be insured under this Act. Amends the Housing Act of 1964 to authorize the Secretary to make loans to finance the rehabilitation of historic structures. Redefines the term "historic structures" to include buildings which are listed in a State inventory of historic places or so designated under a statute of a State or unit of local government. Permits increases, up to 20 percent in the amount of a loan allowed under this Act, if such increase in necessary for architectural rehabilitation of historic structures. Title II: Authorization of Matching Assistance for the Preservation of Historic Structures under Certain Housing Laws and the Act of October 15, 1966 - Permits the making of matching grants to States for historic preservation projects regardless of whether such projects receive federally-insured or guaranteed loans or direct loans. Title III: Short Title - States that this Act may be cited as the National Historic Preservation Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 1977
Establishes the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area composed of a 48-mile segment of the Chattahoochee River and adjoining lands in the State of Georgia from Buford Dam downstream to Peachtree Creek. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to acquire lands, waters, and interests therein by donation, purchase or exchange. Reserves a right to retain use and occupancy of noncommercial residential property for specified owners. Authorizes the Secretary to administer, protect, and develop the recreation area in cooperation with the State or its political subdivisions. Prevents the Federal Power Commission from licensing the construction of any dam, water conduit, reservoir, or other project works on or directly affecting the recreation area. Prohibits any department or agency of the United States from recommending authorization of any water resources project that would have a direct and adverse effect on the values for which such area is established. Authorizes such funds as are necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act. Requires that within three years of the effective date of this Act the Secretary shall, after consulting with the Governor of the State of Georgia, develop a general management plan for the use and development of the recreation area.
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 1977
Amends the Tariff Schedules of the United States to exempt from customs duties products of the insular possessions of, the United States if not more than 70 percent of the products value is attributable to foreign materials, until the value of such imports reaches a specified annual total. Exempts watch products from such quota. Exempts from customs duties products of the insular possessions of the United States upon re-entry, if applicable duties were previously paid.
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 1977
Amends the Adult Education Act to increase the funds available for Guam, American Samoa, the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, and the Virgin Islands.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1977
International Safe Container Act - Requires that all containers used in international transport meet minimum safety standards and other requirements as prescribed by the International Convention for Safe Containers. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to prescribe regulations regarding (1) procedures to revoke approval and to invalidate safety approval plates on containers which no longer meet the requirements of the Convention or this Act; (2) fees to be charged for services associated with the approval and examination of containers; (3) initial approval of containers or container designs to meet the safety standards of the Convention; (4) the authorizing and attaching of safety approval plates; and (5) periodic examinations of approved containers to assure continued compliance with Convention safety standards. Authorizes the Secretary to issue detention orders for containers not having valid safety approval plates. Establishes civil penalties for moving containers in violation of a detention order. Prohibits discrimination against employees who have reported the existence of an unsafe container or who have reported violations of this Act. Authorizes the Secretary of State, in conjunction with the Secretary of Transportation, to propose amendments to the Convention or to request a conference to amend the Convention. Authorizes the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretary of Transportation, to modify the application of this Act with respect to cargoes of military significance moving in response to an emergency situation in containers aboard transportation assets owned by, controlled by, or under contract to the United States Government. Authorizes appropriations in such amounts as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1977
Amends the Tariff Schedules of the United States to exempt from customs duties products of the insular possessions of the United States if not more than 70 percent of the product's value is attributable to foreign materials, until the value of such imports reaches a specified annual total. Exempts watch products of the insular possessions of the United States from customs duties. Exempts from customs duties products of such possessions upon re-entry, if applicable duties were previously paid.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1977
Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to require that comprehensive State law enforcement plans submitted thereunder include, where appropriate, police escort programs for elderly residents of high crime areas. Directs the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration to conduct a study to determine the effect of denying release to persons convicted of violent crimes against the elderly and of prosecuting juveniles committing crimes against the elderly as adult.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1977
Directs the Secretary of the Interior to convey to the government of Guam, and the government of the Virgin Islands, within 60 days of the enactment of this Act, all right, title, and interest of the United States in deposits of oil, gas, and other minerals in the submerged lands conveyed to the governments of such territories pursuant to a specified law. States that such conveyance shall be subject to any existing lease, permit, or other interest granted by the United States prior to the date of such conveyance. States that rentals, royalties, and fees which accrue after such date shall be payable to the government of the territory to which the mineral deposits have been conveyed.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1977
Amends the Small Business Investment Act to change the title of the Associate Administrator for Finance and Investment of the Small Business Administration to that of Associate Administrator for Investment. Sets forth the powers of such office including the purchase of preferred securities of any incorporated small business investment company and the purchase or guarantee of all principal and interest payments as scheduled on debentures issued by any small business investment company. Specifies conditions which must be fulfilled before such powers may be exercised.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1977
Establishes a Virgin Islands Immigration Commission to review on a case-by-case basis, the status, circumstances, and character of those aliens residing in the Virgin Islands of the United States who were admitted to the Virgin Islands as nonimmigrants on or before May 12, 1970 and to recommend to the Attorney General whether or not the status of such aliens should be adjusted to that of aliens lawfully admitted for permanent residence. Directs the Attorney General to review on a periodic basis the recommendations of the Commission and to adjust the status of such aliens upon a finding that: (1) the aliens can be admitted under the Immigration and Nationality Act; and (2) the adjustment would not adversely affect the wages and working conditions of similarly employed United States citizens.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1977
Amends the Emergency School Aid Act to make available certain funds for desegregation programs under such Act to certain territories and possessions of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 2 June 1977
Authorizes the President of the United States to designate the week beginning on the Sunday preceding the fourth Thursday in November of each year as "National Family Week".