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 · 9 March 1978
International Shipping Act - Amends the Shipping Act, 1916, to authorize the use of deferred rebate contract systems and to authorize the operation of closed shipping conferences and shippers councils under specified conditions.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1978
Liquefied Gas Marine Transportation Safety Act - Amends the Ports and Waterways Safety Act of 1972 to add a new title, Title III: "Liquefied Gas Marine Transportation Safety. Prohibits, under such Title, the ownership, construction, or operation of an onshore liquefied bulk gas facility without a certificate of safety issued pursuant to this Act. Prohibits the ownership, design, construction, or operation of such a facility offshore except in accordance with a license issued pursuant to this Act. Sets forth the procedures for applying for a certificate or license as required by this Act. Directs the Secretary of the department under which the Coast Guard is operating (Secretary) to prescribe safety standards for the location, design and construction, and operation of both onshore and offshore liquefied bulk gas facilities. Requires the Secretary to promulgate environmental standards, as well as safety standards, for offshore facilities. States that regulations governing the location of such facilities shall include standards: (1) for their location at a safe distance from other facilities or operations which might be a hazard to the facility or increase the damage caused by a liquefied bulk gas incident; (2) for natural hazards, such as meteorological or geological conditions; and (3) for the availability of incident prevention and control facilities. States that regulations governing the location of onshore facilities shall include standards for the location of facilities at a safe distandce from persons an property, and for the safe navigation of liquefied bulk gas vessels into such a facility. Requires regulations governing the location of offshore facilities to include standards for the location of such a facility in safe navigation areas, and oceanic currents and wave patterns, and alternative uses of the oceans with respect to the effect of the facility on the marine environment. Directs the Secretary to require that the best available technology be used in the design and construction of both onshore and offshore facilities by prescribing minimum standards for materials and for methods and techniques of design and construction. Directs the Secretary to prescribe regulations for the operation of liquefied bulk gas facilities. States that such regulations shall include standards: (1) for the use of Coast Guard- certified tankermen in the handling and transfer of liquefied bulk gas from vessels to facilities, and for the training of other personnel; (2) for the availability and use of incident prevention and control equipment; (3) for the use of security measures at facilities for protection against intentional acts which might cause incidents; and (4) for the maintenance of facilities and equipment and periodic Coast Guard inspections. Requires, in the case of offshore facilities, standards for vessel safety including the establishment of safety zones around offshore facilities. Establishes Federal jurisdiction over offshore facilities licensed under this subtitle. Extends such jurisdiction to foreign vessels located within the safety zone of a facility. Directs the Secretary of State to see effective international action and cooperation in support of the policy and purposes of this Act. Establishes in the United States Treasury a Liquefied Bulk Gas Incident Liabiltiy and Compensation Fund for the payment of claims under this Act. Provides for the establishment of such Fund from fees collected from facility owners, and other amounts collected pursuant to this Act. States that claims for damages arising out of a liquefied bulk gas incident may be asserted for personal injury, and loss, injury to, or destruction of real or personal property. Sets forth standards for the establishment of liability for incidents at facilities. Establishes a limit of liability of $50,000,000 for an incident except one caused through the gross negligence or willful misconduct or by a violation of applicable safety, construction, or operating standards. Promulgates a procedure for the making of a claim arising out of an incident involving a liquefied bulk natural gas facility. Sets forth procedures for the administrative and judicial settlements of claims made pursuant to this Act. Requires the Secretary to submit to the President and Congress an annual report on the administration of the Fund. Sets forth the procedure for the revocation of a certificate or license issued pursuant to this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 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. Amends the Federal Boat Safety Act of 1971 to authorize appropriations for State boating safety programs 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. Authorizes the Coast Guard to enter into a long term lease for its Aviation Training Center at Bates Field, Mobile, Alabama, and to expend funds for specified construction projects at such training center.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1978
Middle Income Student Assistance Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to limit the assessment rate that may be used to determine the expected family contribution for basic educational opportunity grants after the 1978-1979 academic year. Provides guidelines for independent students' basic grant determinations regarding: (1) contribution exemptions; (2) rate of assessment on non-exempt assets; and (3) subsistence exemptions. Revises certain provisions of the Act regarding: (1) non-Federal payment requirements for State applications for Federal incentive program grants; (2) written agreement requirements for federally insured student loans and Federal payments to reduce student loan interest costs; and (3) the method for determining the quarterly rate to be paid to participating lenders. Stipulates that no veteran shall be ineligible to participate in special postsecondary education programs for the disadvantaged under Title IV of such Act because of age. Increases the entitlement percentage of a basic educational opportunity grant to be paid when insufficient funds are available to pay the full basic educational opportunity entitlements. Lowers from $215,000,000 to $50,000,000 the amount of appropriations which must be available for community college development and community service and continuing education programs before supplemental basic educational opportunity grant funds can be made available.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1978
Education Amendments - Title I: Amendments to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 - Amends Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 regarding grants to local educational agencies to: (1) extend authorizations for appropriations to fiscal year 1983; (2) revise the distribution formula used to allocate funds among the States and local educational agencies to require the use of data from the most recently completed census; (3) conform the definition of handicapped children for purposes of such Act to that in the Education of the Handicapped Act; (4) establish a new incentive grant program involving Federal matching funds to States establishing compensatory education programs; (5) establish a new grant program for local educational agencies with especially high concentrations of low-income children with emphasis on basic educational skills; (6) revise application criteria for local educational agencies applying for basic grants under such Act; (7) permit local educational agencies in States with their own compensatory education programs to use funds from such State programs in areas outside of those covered under Title I of such Act under specified conditions; (8) establish a basic grant program that would permit districts with schools in which at lease 80 per cent of the children are from low-income families to carry out school-wide educational programs for all the children in such shcools; (9) revise the provisions regarding assistance to children in private schools; (10) revise State application requirements for basic educational grants; and (11) revise certain provisions relating to adjustments necessitated by appropriations insufficient to pay in full basic educational grants. Basic Skills and Educational Quality Act - Amends Title II of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to establish a grant program to improve the basic educational skills of reading, mathematics, and communication. Establishes guidelines for such program and authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1980-1983. Amends Title III of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act to establish a program of grants for fiscal years 1980-1983 to carry out special projects to experiment with new educational techniques and practices in certain areas including: (1) art education in elementary and secondary curricula; (2) education of gifted and talented children; (3) metric education; (4) consumer education; (5) career education and youth employment; and (6) community school programs. Amends Title IV of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to revise generally and consolidate provisions regarding programs of educational improvement and support. Authorizes the Commissioner of Education to make grants to State educational agencies to support local educational agencies in developing innovative compensatory education projects. Authorizes assistance to help strengthen State educational leadership resources. Amends Title VII of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 regarding bilingual education to: (1) extend the National Advisory Council on Bilingual Education to fiscal year 1983; (2) expand the target group to include children having difficulty reading and writing English as well as those having difficulty speaking and understanding instruction in English; (3) provide for greater parent pacticipation; (4) restrict grants under such Title to a period of not more than five years; and (5) extend authorization of appropriations under such Title to fiscal year 1983. Title II: Impact Aid Amendments - Revises certain provisions with regard to Federal assistance for local educational agencies in federally impacted area including: (1) eliminating entitlements based on children whose parents work on Federal property outside the county in which the school district is located; (2) simplifying the computation of the local contribution rate; (3) substituting for the existing minimum eligibility criteria for assistance the requirement that all districts absorb without payment a number of federally-connected children equal to three per cent of their total non-Federal enrollment; and (4) authorizing increased payments to certain highly impacted areas. Revises certain provisions concerning educational assistance because of disasters to: (1) eliminate such assistance for local, non-major disasters; (2) extend the program as amended to fiscal year 1983; and (3) raise the minimum amount of loss required for assistance. Extends certain payments for construction of school facilities in federally impacted areas to fiscal year 1983. Title III: Miscellaneous Amendments Relating to Education Programs - Amends the Adult Education Act to: (1) revise State application requirements; (2) extend such Act to fiscal year 1983; (3) permit profit making organizations to carry out adult education programs under such Act; (4) authorize a program for grants for adult education research and related activities; and (5) extend the authorization of appropriations for special projects for the elderly under such Act to fiscal year 1983. Extends the Environmental Education Act and the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Education Act to fiscal year 1983. Women's Educational Equity Act - Reenacts section 408 of the Education Amendments of 1974 (also known as the Women's Educational Equity Act of 1974) as a separate authority. Increases from $15,000 to $25,000 the maximum amount of individual grants available under this Act. Title IV: Amendents to the Emergency School Aid Act - Amends the Emergency School Aid Act to: (1) extend the authorization of appropriations to fiscal year 1983 for State apportionment and for special programs and projects under such Act; (2) permit grants and contracts to be made with nonprofit private organizations for special programs and projects; (3) establish a new program of grants to State educational agencies to pay two dollars for each State dollar used in State programs of voluntary desegregation under this Title; and (4) revise application criteria including permitting multiyear applications. Title V: General Education Provisions - Amends the General Education Provisions Act to: (1) extend the authorization of appropriations for the National Center for Educational Statistics to fiscal year 1983; (2) revise the provisions regarding State and local administration; and (3) revise the provisions regarding Federal enforcement including establishing an Education Appeal Board to provide a hearing procedure for adverse actions taken against recipients of most forms of Federal educational assistance by the Office of Education.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1978
Amends Title XX (Grants to States for Services) of the Social Security Act to increase the ceiling imposed upon payments for services under such Title for the fiscal years 1979, 1980, 1981 and maintains the 1981 level for succeeding years.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1978
International Maritime Telecommunications Satellite Act - Authorizes the Communications Satellite Corporation, subject to specified exceptions, to participate as the designated operating entity of the United States in the International Maritime Satellite Corporation or any other agency designed to provide international maritime satellite telecommunications services. Authorizes the Corporation to establish, own, and operate satellite earth terminal stations and to interconnect such stations with the facilities of United States domestic common carriers. Directs the Federal Communications Commission to determine the operational arrangements under which the Corporation shall interconnect its satellite earth terminal stations with such common carriers. Authorizes the President to exercise such supervision over the corporation as necessary in connections with its relationships with international entities. Authorizes the Commission to establish procedures for the continuing review of the telecommunications activities of the Corporation. Directs the Commission to conduct a study of public maritime coast station services in order to best establish a systematic approach for the provision of modern and effective maritime telecommunications systems.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1978
Authorizes appropriations for the Coast Guard for fiscal year 1979. Sets forth the authorized end strength for active duty personnel and the average military training student loads for the Coast Guard for such fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1978
Urges the Secretary of Defense not to include within the competitive rate program (under which services are procured for the movement of the household goods of Department of Defense employees) the movement of household goods of Department personnel who are being transferred between the continental United States and Alaska or Hawaii.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1978
Federal Boat Safety and Security Act - Amends the Federal Boat Safety Act of 1971 to rename such Act the "Federal Boat Safety and Security Act of 1978. Directs the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to prescribe a uniform marine theft reporting system which shall apply to vessels 16 feet or over in length which are stolen afloat. Stipulates that such system shall provide for the reporting of all thefts of such vessels to the Coast Guard. Directs the Coast Guard to: (1) initiate prompt investigations of reported thefts; (2) issue vessel lookouts; (3) make appropriate enteries into law enforcement data and analysis centers of other Federal law enforcement agencies; (4) provide assistance to other Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies in the recovery of stolen vessels; and (5) include training in marine theft prevention and investigation in the curriculum of its Boating Safety School for State marine law enforcement officials. Makes it illegal to conceal a vessel's identification number. Prescribes criminal penalties for such willful violations. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1979 through 1981 to provide financial assistance to State boating safety and marine theft prevention programs.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 1978
Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to direct the Commissioner on Aging to establish a special grant program to enable States to establish community long-term care initiatives designed to assess the needs of chronically ill or disabled older persons for services and to assist in the efficient operation of a comprehensive and coordinated system for the delivery of services to older persons. Authorizes the Commissioner to permit certain agencies to apply for, and if qualified, reserve grants to develop such community long-term care initiatives. Authorizes grants made under this Act to cover up to 90 percent of the cost of a program established pursuant to this Act. Permits adversely affected grant applicants to obtain judicial review. Establishes guidelines for each agency to follow in establishing programs. Requires each administering agency to submit an annual report to the Commissioner.
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 1978
Amends the Board for International Broadcasting Act of 1973 to prohibit assistance to Radio Free Europe or Radio Liberty if any Communist country is permitted to use such broadcast facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1978
Middle Income Student Assistance Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to establish a $250 minimum basic educational opportunity grant for college students whose adjusted family income does not exceed $25,000. Sets forth new guidelines for determining the assets of independent students for purposes of eligibility for basic educational opportunity grants. Revises certain provisions regarding Federal payments to reduce student loan interest costs under such Act including raising the maximum allowable adjusted family income requirement to $40,000.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1978
Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs Memorial Act - Authorizes the Commissioner of Education to provide financial assistance to assist in the development of the Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. Authorizes up to $5,000,000 to be appropriated for such purpose.
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 · 25 January 1978
College Libraries Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 with regard to college library assistance to (1) revise the basic grant standards pertaining to the maximum amount and matching funds; (2) define the circumstances exempting an applicant from making the assurances required for funds by such Act; (3) redefine institutions to be given priority for supplemental grants; and (4) redefine matching fund requirements for special purpose grants.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1978
Establishes an 11-member Commission on the Humane Treatment of Animals to study the treatment of animals. Requires that the membership include zoologists, veterinarians, and representatives from humane societies. Requires the Commission to determine if animals are caused needless pain or suffering as a result of their treatment on farms and in laboratory experimentation. Requires Commission investigation into domestic pet growth rates and the effectiveness of existing laws regarding the treatment of animals. Excludes the study of the treatment of animals occurring in connection with the exercise of any religion. Directs the Commission to report its findings to the Congress and the Commission 60 days after it submits its final report. Authorizes appropriations of $750,000 per year to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 December 1977
Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships - Implements the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973. Applies this Act to ships registered in or of the nationality of the United States or a country party to the Convention and ships registered in or of the nationality of a country not a party to the Convention travelling in all waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. Exempts (1) warships, naval auxiliaries or other ships owned by the United States while engaged in noncommercial service, subject to standards prescribed by the appropriate Federal department and agencies, and (2) other ships specifically excluded by the convention. Authorizes the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to administer, enforce, and prescribe regulations to carry out the provisions of the Convention and this Act, utilizing other Federal departments and agencies as necessary. Authorizes the Secretary to designate persons to issue certificates required by the Convention. Stipulates that (1) certificates shall not be issued to ships of countries not a party to the Convention, and (2) certificates issued by a participating country of the Convention shall be honored. Prescribes that ships required to carry a valid certificate are subject to inspection. Directs the Secretary to ascertain any ship required to have a certificate which either does not have one on board or has a condition or condition of equipment in disagreement with the certificate until such ship can proceed to sea without harming the marine environment. Allows any person whose ship is detained to petition the Secretary. Permits compensation for any loss or damage suffered by a ship unreasonably detained or delayed. Directs the Secretary, after consultation with the Environmental Protection Agency, to establish regulations for determining the adequacy of reception facilities of a port or terminal and to issue certificates indicating such facilities for receiving residues and mixtures containing oil or noxious liquid substances from seagoing ships are adequate. States conditions under which such certificate can be inspected, suspended, or revoked. Requires the listing of such certified ports and terminals in the Federal Register. Allows the Secretary to deny entry to any ship retaining residues and mixtures containing oil or noxious liquids to a port or terminal required to have but not holding a valid certificate. Requires immediate reporting of any knowledge of a violation to the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to investigate any such report of violation and take appropriate action, acting through the Secretary of State in cases involving a ship not of United States registry or nationality. Imposes a fine of not more than $50,000 for each violation, or imprisonment for not more than five years, or both, and a civil penalty of not more than $10,000, or $1,000 in cases of false, fictitious, or fraudulent statements or representations. Deems a ship liable in rem for any pecuniary fine or penalty incurred. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to refuse or revoke clearance required by R.S. 4197 to any ship liable for such a penalty. Sets forth procedure of action to be taken in accepting a proposed amendment to the Convention received by the United States from the Secretary-General of the Inter-Governmental Maritime Consultative Organization. Permits any person having an interest adversely affected by (1) any person who is alleged to be in violation of these provisions, or (2) a Secretary who is alleged to be in neglect of performing duties under this Act to bring a suit against such party, subject to specified procedures and jurisdictions. Authorizes the court to award costs of litigation. Allows the Attorney General to intervene in any action not involving the United States. Repeals the Oil Pollution Act, 1961, and the Oil Pollution Act Amendments of 1973. Authorizes the Secretary to inspect vessels subject to this Act entering navigable waters of and documented under the laws of the United States, except public vessels engaged in noncommercial service. Directs the Secretary and the heads of Federal departments to issue regulations, standards, and certificates upon enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 December 1977
Makes it unlawful for any person on board a vessel of the United States on the high seas, or for any citizen of the United States on board a foreign vessel on the high seas, to knowingly or intentionally possess with intent to distribute or dispense marihuana, cocaine, or heroin, unless such substance is part of the cargo entered in the manifest or part of the official supplies of the vessel.
United States · United States Congress · 11 November 1977
Amends the Federal Boat Safety Act of 1971 to extend the authorization for appropriations for financial assistance to State boating safety programs through fiscal year 1979.
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 · 3 November 1977
White House Conference on the Arts Act - Directs the President to call a White House Conference on the Arts, to be held by December 31, 1979, to assist in developing a climate wherein the arts can flourish. Establishes a National Conference Planning Council on the Arts to plan and conduct such Conference. Requires the Council to submit a report on such Conference to the President. Authorizes the Chairman of the Council, with the approval of Council members, to make grants to States to defray the costs of participating in the Conference program. Authorizes appropriations necessary to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 November 1977
White House Conference on the Humanities Act - Directs the President to call a White House Conference on the Humanities. Establishes a Presidentially appointed National Planning Council on the Humanities to conduct the Conference. Authorizes the Chairman of the Council, with Council approval, to make a grant to each State to defray the cost of State participation in the Conference. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 November 1977
Expresses the sense of the Congress that any right to, title to, or interest in the property of the United States Government agencies in the Panama Canal Zone or any real property and improvements thereon located in the zone should not be conveyed, relinquished, or otherwise disposed of to any foreign government without specific authorization of such conveyance, relinquishment, or other disposition by any Act of Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 27 October 1977
Psychotropic Substances Act - Amends the Controlled Substances Act, the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act, the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, and the Public Health Service Act to meet obligations under the Convention on Psychotropic Substances.
United States · United States Congress · 26 October 1977
Declares that there be no reduction of customs duties on textile, apparel, or fiber products and that such products be excluded from the current Tokyo Round of Multilateral Trade Negotiations in Geneva.
United States · United States Congress · 25 October 1977
Cigarette Tax Equalization Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose an additional excise tax on cigarettes to be paid into a Cigarette Tax Trust Fund in the Treasury and disbursed to States not imposing local cigarette taxes above a certain amount, to the extent the taxes collected are attributable to those States.
United States · United States Congress · 11 October 1977
Tuition Tax Relief Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals alternative, limited income tax credits or deductions for the tuition paid for the primary, secondary or higher education of the taxpayer, his spouse, or his dependents.
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
Labor Reform Act - Amends the National Labor Relations Act to increase the size of the National Labor Relations Board to seven members and the terms of Board members to seven years. Revises Board quorum requirements to reflect such increased membership. Directs the Board to establish procedures pursuant to which a quorum of a designated three-member group may summarily affirm a decision of an administrative law judge regarding an alleged unfair labor practice. Revises criteria for organizations which may represent guards to allow designation of an organization which represents nonguard employees of other employers. Sets forth procedures for expedited selection of bargaining representatives where an employee, group of employees, or representative thereof files a petition stating that (1) a majority of employees in an appropriate bargaining unit has designated a representative which the employer refuses to recognize and (2) there is no representative currently certified or recognized with respect to any employees in the bargaining unit. Denies for a three-year period, unless there is no alternative source, public contracts to persons willfully violating final orders regarding unfair labor practices. Specifies damages available to employees when (1) there is employer discrimination based on union membership resulting in deprivation of employment during certain periods or (2) there is an unlawful refusal to bargain prior to entry into a first bargaining contract.
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 · 23 September 1977
Comprehensive Health Care Insurance Act - Requires every employer to offer each of his employees and their families qualified health care insurance. States that such coverage shall be optional with the employee. Requires an employer to contribute to the cost of such coverage for the benefit of an electing employee and his family at least 65 percent of the premium, with the employee contributing the balance. Establishes, for low-income employees, a program of certificates of entitlement or income tax credit in the amount by which the portion of the premium payable by such an employee exceeds the premium for which he would be liable under the program of health insurance for the unemployed or self-employed as established by this Act. Authorizes the Attorney General to bring suit to compel an employer to comply with the provisions of this Act. Stipulates that employers experiencing substantial increases in payroll cost due to the provisions of this Act will be entitled to a cash payment by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare or a credit against income tax. States that premiums for employee groups of one to 100 persons and self-employed persons shall not exceed 125 percent of the estimated average in the State of the annual premium for employee groups of more than 100 persons. Sets forth a plan of health insurance providing hospital, medical, dental, and other health care services for non-employed and self-employed individuals and their families. Establishes, as a means of implementing such plan, a program of certificates of entitlement issued by the Secretary and credits against income tax for the premium for qualified health care insurance. States that the amount of Federal participation shall be related to the income of the individual or family, the Government to pay the full premium for those whose annual incomes are insufficient to create income tax liability, and to pay a gradually smaller proportion of the premium for others in relation to increasing amounts of income tax liability. Provides qualified health care insurance for an individual or family with no tax liability for the base year. Stipulates that the premium rate to be charged for a qualified health care insurance policy offered under such plan for any year shall in no case exceed 125 percent of the estimated average of premiums paid in the State for qualified health care insurance for groups of employees with more than 100 members. Excludes from qualified health care insurance coverage payment for stipulated items, including: (1) personal comfort items; (2) eyeglasses, hearing aids, or orthopedic shoes; and (3) private room inpatient hospital accommodations. Limits the aggregate amount of expenditures for catastrophic illness expenses. Sets forth requirements which must be met by qualified health care insurance plans. Establishes the Federal Health Insurance Redemption Fund. Authorizes appropriations to the fund of amounts equal to the aggregate amount of premiums paid under this Act. Requires carriers offering qualified health care insurance policies to participate in an assigned-risk pool which may be established in such State by the State insurance department or by such agency as may be authorized by the State. Establishes a Health Insurance Advisory Board to: (1) prescribe such regulations as may be necessary to carry out the purposes and provisions of this Act; (2) establish minimum Federal standards for the use of State insurance departments in determining whether an insurance company and plan are qualified under this Act; (3) in consultation with carriers, providers of services, and consumers, plan, review, and develop, where necessary, programs whose purposes are to provide for maintaining the quality of medical care; and (4) review the effectiveness of the program established by this Act. Stipulates that individuals collecting unemployment compensation are eligible for coverage under this Act, unless covered through an employed member of his family. Permits an income tax credit for premiums paid for qualified insurance plans under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 1977
Amends Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to qualify an individual who, although employable, is unable to care for his or her personal needs without assistance as a disabled person eligible for the services of a home health aide.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 1977
Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to acquire by donation or purchase the Graceland Mansion and its grounds on Elvis Presley Boulevard, Memphis, Tennessee, for the establishment of an "Elvis Presley National Historic Site. Directs such site to be administered by the Department of the Interior.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1977
Olympic Summer Games Authorization Act - Authorizes appropriations for the planning and construction, under the supervision of the Department of Commerce, of sports facilities related to the Olympic summer games of 1984.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1977
Honors General Thaddeus Kosciuszko by presenting the memorial plaque to be erected in his memory in the Wawel Cathedral in Krakow, Poland, on October 17, 1977, as a gift of the American people to the people of Poland.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1977
Child Welfare Amendments - Amends the program of Aid to Families with Dependent Children of Title IV of the Social Security Act to establish a program of Federal payments for foster care maintenance and adoption assistance. Declares that a State, to be eligible for payments under this Act, shall have a plan for the administration of such program. Sets forth the requirements for approval of such a plan by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare. Authorizes the States to make payments for foster care maintenance and adoption assistance and sets forth the requirements children and adoptive parents must meet to receive assistance under this Act. Authorizes appropriations to fund the programs established by this Act and provides for allotments to the States each year equal to 110 percent of the amount of their allotments for the preceding fiscal year. Requires the States, as a condition for receiving an increase in their allotments: (1) to conduct an inventory of all children under foster care for six months preceding such inventory; (2) to develop a statewide information system to locate such children; (3) to develop a case review system; and (4) to establish procedural safeguards to protect the rights of parents and children under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to provide States with technical assistance in developing programs established by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 1977
Provides for payment of a supplemental tuition allowance to each qualified veteran upon application to the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs. Limits such allowance to no more than $900 with the first $400 of the tuition cost being paid by the veteran, and the Administrator paying 75 percent of the next $1,200 for the school year.
![Official portrait of Rep. Biaggi, Mario [D-NY-19]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/b000432_200.jpg)