United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1978
Sales Representatives Protection Act - Requires a principal who, without good cause, terminates or fails to renew a contract between such principal and a sales representative, or reduces the rate of commission for orders solicited on behalf of such principal, to indemnify the representative according to this Act. Requires a principal who reduces the size of the geographic territory assigned to a representative for a specified account, which results in a specified reduction in commissions, to indemnify such representative. Sets forth formulae for the indemnification of such representatives. Requires a principal to furnish specified information to a sales representative concerning orders placed through the representative's account and a monthly accounting of commissions due such representative. Allows a plaintiff to bring an action to enforce any rights or liabilities created by this Act in a United States district court. Stipulates the procedure for such action.
United States · United States Congress · 25 September 1978
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to exclude from inpatient hospital services provided under such Title the services of a physician in a teaching hospital only if: (1) the hospital elects to receive any payment due under Medicare for reasonable costs of such services; and (2) all physicians in the hospital agree not to bill charges for professional services rendered in such hospital to individuals covered by Medicare.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 1978
Prohibits the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, from taking any action under the Wholesome Meat Act, the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, or any other law to prohibit the sale, distribution, or use of nitrites as a food preservative solely on the basis of any carcinogenic effect in humans that nitrites may be represented to have, unless validated evidence is made available to the Secretaries which proves beyond a reasonable doubt that nitrites as a food preservative have a significant carcinogenic effect on humans. States that such prohibition shall not apply if the Secretaries determine, and publish in the Federal Register, that a food preservative is commercially available: (1) which may be used in the place of nitrites; (2) which is effective in the protection of public health from botulism and other forms of food poisoning; and (3) the use of which is economically feasible for meat processors and the consumer. Requires the Secretaries to conduct or support (by grant or contract) research and development activities for a food preservative alternative to nitrites.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 1978
Prohibits the Secretary of Agriculture from taking any action under the Wholesome Meat Act or any other law to prohibit the sale, distribution, or use of nitrites as a food preservative solely on the basis of any carcinogenic effect in humans that nitrites may be represented to have, unless validated evidence is made available to the Secretary which proves beyond a reasonable doubt that nitrites as a food preservative have a significant carcinogenic effect on humans. States that such prohibition shall not apply if the Secretary determines, and publishes in the Federal Register, that a food preservative is commercially available: (1) which may be used in the place of nitrites; (2) which is effective in the protection of public health from botulism and other forms of food poisoning; and (3) the use of which is economically feasible for meat processors and the consumer. Requires the Secretary to conduct or support (by grant or contract) research and development activities for a food preservative alternative to nitrites.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 1978
Sunset Program Reauthorization and Evaluation Act - Title I: Reauthorization of New Budget Authority - Requires Government programs to be evaluated pursuant to a specified schedule to determine whether each such program should be continued, terminated, or altered (reauthorization review). Prohibits the authorization of new budget authority for a period of more than ten years. Prohibits the authorization of new budget authority for any program for which there has not been conducted a reauthorization review. Requires the Director of the Congressional Budget Office, in consulation with the Comptroller General and the Director of the Congressional Research Service, to compile a list of programs subject to a reauthorization date for which new budget authority was not authorized. Title II: Program Inventory - Requires the Comptroller General to compile an inventory of Federal programs including a description of such programs covering specified topics. Title III: Program Review and Evaluation - Requires each House of Congress to select from the programs scheduled for reauthorization review in any given year a number of programs for comprehensive reauthorization review. Requires the President and each congressional committee to recommend such programs. Title IV: Citizens' Commission on the Organization and Operation of Government - Establishes an independent Citizen's Commission on the Organization and Operation of Government to study the organization and operation of Federal agencies and to recommend ways to improve the efficiency and operations of such agencies. Requires the Commission to submit its final report by July 1, 1983, and terminates the Commission 90 days after the submission of such report. Title V: Miscellaneous - Requires the Comptroller General to furnish Congress with the results of prior audits and reviews of programs being reviewed under this Act. Requires all agencies which are exempt from reauthorization review to submit a status report to Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 1978
Expresses the support of Congress of a comprehensive review of retirement income, survivor benefit, and disability benefit programs, as set forth in the objectives of the President's Commission on Pension Policy.
United States · United States Congress · 7 September 1978
Amends Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act and the Internal Revenue Code to include all Members of Congress under the Federal Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance system. Requires that the amount of any benefits based upon such coverage be reduced by the smaller of either (1) the amount of any annuity received from the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund or (2) the difference between social security benefits based upon service as a Member of Congress and benefits which would be payable without taking into account any remuneration paid to a Member of Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 7 September 1978
Anti-Inflation Tax Reduction and Reform Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide cost-of-living adjustments for the individual income tax rates and withholding tables.
United States · United States Congress · 8 August 1978
Department of Education Organization Act - Title I: Findings and Purpose - Declares the purpose of this Act to be to: (1) promote the quality of education; (2) enable the Federal Government to more effectively coordinate its education activities; and (3) prohibit Federal control of education. Title II: Establishment of the Department - Establishes an executive department to be known as the Department of Education, with a Secretary of Education as its head. Establishes within such Department: (1) an Office of Inspector General; (2) a General Counsel; (3) a research and development office; (4) an elementary and secondary education office; (5) a postsecondary education office; (6) an Office for Civil Rights; and (7) an overseas dependents office. Establishes an Intergovernmental Advisory Council on Education. Establishes a Federal Interagency Committee on Education to assure effective coordination of Federal programs affecting education. Title III: Transfers of Functions - Transfers to the Secretary of Education specified functions of the (1) Department of Health, Education, and Welfare; (2) Department of Defense; (3) Department of Justice; and (4) Department of Housing and Urban Development. Title IV: Administrative Provisions - Sets forth the authority of the Secretary of Education. Authorizes to be appropriated such funds as are necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act. Title V: Transitional, Savings, and Conforming Provisions - Redesignates the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare as the Department of Health and Welfare, and the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare as the Secretary of Health and Welfare. Title VI: Effective Date and Interim Appointments - Sets out the effective date of this Act. Authorizes the President of the United States to make initial interim appointments to the Department of Education under specified conditions.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1978
Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act - Requires a report to the Secretary of Agriculture, containing legal name, address, citizenship, type of interest, and legal description of the land involved, and other specified information, from any foreign person (including individuals, organizations, governments, or any combination thereof) who holds, acquires, or transfers any interest, other than a security interest, in agricultural land. Establishes a civil penalty for violation of any provision of this Act in an amount not to exceed 25 percent of the fair market value of the land interest involved on the date of the penalty assessment. Requires the Secretary to report to the President and to Congress an analysis of the information obtained by him pursuant to this Act, and a determination of the effects of foreign holdings, acquisitions, and transfers on family farms and rural communities.
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 1978
Prohibits the construction of any regulated interstate pipeline unless the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission grants a certificate of public convenience and necessity for construction of such pipeline. Authorizes the Commission to issue a certificate of public convenience and necessity for the construction of any regulated interstate pipeline if (1) the pipeline satisfies the route requirements specified in this Act, (2) the person involved satisfies the reasonable attorneys fee requirement with regard to affected landowners, and (3) the Commission prepares an environmental impact statement.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 1978
Department of Education Organization Act - Title I: Findings and Purpose - Declares that the purpose of this Act is to promote the quality of education and to enable the Federal Government to more effectively coordinate its education activities. Title II: Establishment of the Department - Establishes an executive department to be known as the Department of Education, with a Secretary of Education as its head. Establishes within such Department: (1) an Office of Inspector General; (2) a General Counsel; (3) a research and development office; (4) an elementary and secondary education office; (5) a postsecondary education office; (6) an Office for Civil Rights; (7) a child nutrition office; (8) an Indian, Alaskan Natives, and Aleut office; and (9) an overseas dependents office. Establishes an Intergovernmental Advisory Council on Education. Establishes a Federal Interagency Committee on Education to assure effective coordination of Federal programs affecting education. Title III: Transfers of Functions - Transfers to the Secretary of Education specified functions of the: (1) Department of Health, Education, and Welfare; (2) Department of Defense; (3) National Science Foundation; (4) Department of Justice; and (5) Department of Housing and Urban Development. Title IV: Administrative Provisions - Sets forth the authority of the Secretary of Education. Authorizes to be appropriated such funds as are necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act. Title V: Transitional, Savings, and Conforming Provisions - Redesignates the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare as the Department of Health and Welfare, and the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare as the Secretary of Health and Welfare. Amends the Indian Self-Determination and Educational Assistance Act to authorize the Secretary of Education to enter into contracts with tribal organizations to carry out functions transferred to the Secretary from the Department of the Interior under this Act. Title VI: Effective Date and Interim Appointments - Sets out the effective date of this Act. Authorizes the President of the United States to make initial interim appointments to the Department of Education under specified conditions.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 1978
Amends Title II (Old Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to require States having agreements for coverage of their employees under the system of insurance established by such Title to make payments and reports on a calendar-quarter basis.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 1978
Amends Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to provide Medicare benefits for individuals who require total parenteral nutrition (TPN).
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 1978
Amends the Internal Revenue Code by providing graduated corporate income tax rates ranging, over seven brackets, from a 16 percent rate on a corporation's first $25,000 income to a 45 percent rate on income over $150,000.
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 1978
Prohibits the construction of any regulated interstate pipeline unless the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission grants a certificate of public convenience and necessity for construction of such pipeline. Authorizes the Commission to issue a certificate of public convenience and necessity for the construction of any regulated interstate pipeline if (1) the pipeline satisfies the route requirements specified in this Act, (2) the person involved satisfies the reasonable attorneys fee requirement with regard to affected landowners, and (3) the Commission prepares an environmental impact statement.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1978
Entitles former spouses of members of the armed forces who were married to the member for at least ten years to a portion of that member's retired or retainer pay. Entitles such former spouses to a portion of the annuity of the surviving spouse of such member. Stipulates that such a member may not elect not to provide an annuity under the Survivor Benefit Plan without the consent of the member's spouse and any former spouses.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1978
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make the investment tax credit applicable to buildings and their structural components used for research and industrial purposes. Makes permanent the ten percent investment tax credit.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1978
Agricultural Land Retention Act - Title I: Objectives - Declares that it is in the public interest to retain, protect and improve agricultural land, including land in and around urban areas, to reduce its conversion to nonagricultural uses, and to limit the encroachment of industrial activities. Title II: Research Program - Establishes a three-year Agricultural Land Review Commission to study: (1) agricultural land in the United States; (2) the effects of industrial development, climate and other factors on the productivity of such land; (3) the acquisition of such land by persons not engaged in agricultural activities; and (4) methods of protecting and improving such land, and of reducing the amount of it being converted to nonagricultural uses. Authorizes the Commission to make grants to public and private institutions to do research pursuant to its study. Requires the Commission to report its findings, conclusions and recommendations to the President and to Congress. Title III: Demonstration Programs - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to pay up to 75 percent of the cost and to provide technical assistance to any State pilot project undertaken to demonstrate and test methods of reducing the amount of agricultural land, including land in and around urban areas, being converted to nonagricultural uses. Requires all such projects to be completed within four years after enactment of this Act. Directs the Secretary to report his findings, conclusions and recommendations to the President and to Congress. Title IV: General Provisions - Authorizes for Title II programs the appropriation of $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1979 through 1982. Authorizes for Title III programs the appropriation of $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1979 through 1982.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 1978
Amends the Internal Revenue code to exclude from gross income statutory subsistence allowances received by State police officers between 1969 and 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1978
Small Business Regulatory Relief Act - Amends the Small Business Act to direct each Federal department, agency, and instrumentality engaged in rulemaking to prepare a written analysis of whether it is legal, feasible, and desirable to exempt small businesses (or classes thereof) from a rule or whether the agency should promulgate a rule with lesser compliance standards for businesses. Sets forth information which must be present in such analysis.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1978
Amends the Export Administration Act of 1969 to prohibit the export to South Africa of aircraft and aircraft parts, helicopters and helicopter parts and nonmilitary arms. Establishes a procedure for Congressional veto of Presidential authorization of exports to South Africa under such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1978
Requires that, until further Congressional action is taken, the determination of whether an individual is an employee for purposes of social security taxation, unemployment taxation, and income tax withholding shall be made in accordance with audit practices and regulations in effect December 31, 1975.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1978
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that an individual's allowable charitable contributions shall be deducted when determining the individual's adjusted gross income, thereby allowing the deduction to individuals who do not itemize.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1978
Agricultural Land Retention Act - Title I: Objectives - Declares that it is in the public interest to retain, protect and improve agricultural land, including land in and around urban areas, to reduce its conversion to nonagricultural uses, and to limit the encroachment of industrial activities. Title II: Research Program - Establishes a three-year Agricultural Land Review Commission to study: (1) agricultural land in the United States; (2) the effects of industrial development, climate and other factors on the productivity of such land; (3) the acquisition of such land by persons not engaged in agricultural activities; and (4) methods of protecting and improving such land, and of reducing the amount of it being converted to nonagricultural uses. Authorizes the Commission to make grants to public and private institutions to do research pursuant to its study. Requires the Commission to report its findings, conclusions and recommendations to the President and to Congress. Title III: Demonstration Programs - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to pay up to 75 percent of the cost and to provide technical assistance to any State pilot project undertaken to demonstrate and test methods of reducing the amount of agricultural land, including land in and around urban areas, being converted to nonagricultural uses. Requires all such projects to be completed within four years after enactment of this Act. Directs the Secretary to report his findings, conclusions and recommendations to the President and to Congress. Title IV: General Provisions - Authorizes for Title II programs the appropriation of $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1979 through 1982. Authorizes for Title III programs the appropriation of $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1979 through 1982.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1978
Community Schools and Comprehensive Community Education Act - Authorizes the Commissioner of Education to make grants to State and local educational agencies to pay the Federal share of establishing community education programs. Defines "community education program" as a program operated by a local educational agency providing educational, recreational, health care, cultural, and other related services for the community. Establishes a Community Education Advisory Council to advise the National Institute of Education concerning community education programs.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1978
Prohibits the construction of any regulated interstate pipeline unless the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission grants a certificate of public convenience and necessity for construction of such pipeline. Authorizes the Commission to issue a certificate of public convenience and necessity for the construction of any regulated interstate pipeline if (1) the pipeline satisfies the route requirements specified in this Act, (2) the person involved satisfies the reasonable attorneys fee requirement with regard to affected landowners, and (3) the Commission prepares an environmental impact statement.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1978
Indian Child Welfare Act - Declares it to be the policy of the United States to establish standards for the placement of Indian children in foster or adoptive homes which will reflect the unique values of Indian culture, assist Indian tribes in the operation of tribal family development programs, and generally promote the stability and security of Indian families. Title I: Child Placement - Declares that an Indian tribe shall have jurisdiction exclusive as to any State over any placement of an Indian child who resides on or is domiciled within the reservation of such tribe. Stipulates that in any State court proceeding for the placement of an Indian child not domiciled or residing within the reservation of such child's tribe, the court shall transfer such proceeding to the jurisdiction of the tribe upon the petition of the parent or Indian custodian. Requires that in any involuntary placement procedure in a State court, the party seeking the placement of an Indian child shall notify the parent or Indian custodian and the child's tribe of the pending proceeding and of their right of intervention. Grants to the parent or Indian custodian the right to court-appointed counsel in a placement proceeding in any case where the court determines indigency. Requires any party seeking to effect a permanent placement of an Indian child under State law to show that active efforts have been made to provide remedial services and rehabilitative programs designed to prevent the breakup of the Indian family, and that these services have proved unsuccessful. Sets forth procedures for the voluntary placement of an Indian child by parents or custodian. Grants preference to a member of the child's family, tribe, and other Indian families in any adoptive placement of an Indian child. Gives preference in a nonadoptive placement to: (1) a member of the child's extended family; (2) a foster home approved by the child's tribe; (3) a licensed Indian foster home; or (4) an institution for children approved by an Indian tribe. Stipulates that whenever a final decree of adoption has been vacated or set aside or the adoptive parents voluntarily consent to the permanent placement of an Indian child, a biological parent or a prior Indian custodian may petition for return of custody. Stipulates that, upon application by an Indian individual who has reached age 18 and who was the subject of an adoptive placement, the court which entered the final placement decree shall inform such individual of the tribal affiliation, if any, of his or her biological parents and provide such other information as may be necessary to protect any rights flowing from his or her tribal relationship. Authorizes States and Indian tribes to enter into agreements with each other respecting care, custody, and jurisdiction over any matter within the scope of this Act. Stipulates that any home placement made by a program operated by a public or private agency which removes Indian children from a reservation with the consent of the parent or Indian custodian and places the child in a family home of a nonrelative as an incident to the child's attendance in a school located in a community in an off-reservation area shall not be deemed a child placement for purposes of this Act. Title II: Indian Child and Family Programs - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to make grants to Indian tribes and organizations for the establishment and operation of Indian child and family service programs on or near reservations and for the preparation and implementation of child welfare codes. States that the objective of every Indian child and family service program shall be to prevent the breakup of Indian families. Authorizes every Indian tribe to construct, operate, and maintain facilities for: (1) the counseling or treatment of Indian families or individuals; and (2) the temporary custody of Indian children. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to Indian organizations to establish and operate off-reservation Indian child and family service programs. Title III: Recordkeeping, Information, Availability, and Timetables - Directs the Secretary to collect and maintain records in a single, central location of all Indian child placements which are affected after the date of this Act. Title IV: Placement Prevention Study - Directs the Secretary to prepare a plan for the provision to Indian children of schools located near the student's home.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1978
Amends the National School Lunch and Child Nutrition Acts to extend the child care food program and the women, infants, and children (WIC) program through fiscal year 1979. Increases the appropriation authorized for the WIC program for fiscal year 1979 from $250,000,000 to $650,000,000.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1978
Comprehensive Rehabilitation Services Amendments - Title I: Amendments to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 - Extends through 1983 the authorization of appropriations for grants for basic vocational rehabilitation services under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Provides that State plans for providing rehabilitation services need be submitted only once every three years instead of annually. Changes the requirements with regard to the contents of State plans, including adding the requirements that the plans provide for vocational rehabilitation services to handicapped American Indians and provide for the establishment and maintenance of information and referral programs so that the handicapped will be aware of the various Federal and State programs which could benefit them. Changes procedures for the withholding of State grants for failure of the State plan to comply with Federal requirements or for failure of the administration of the plan to comply with the plan's own requirements. Allows State vocational rehabilitation services to include (1) the use of existing telecommunications systems which have the potential for improving service delivery methods and (2) the use of services providing recorded material for the blind and captioned material for the deaf. Changes the formula for the computation of State allotments for basic vocational services. Extends through fiscal year 1983 the set aside of funds at the Federal level for regional pilot projects for advising individuals of the benefits available to them under the Act. Establishes a new program of grants to the governing bodies of Indian tribes on reservations for demonstration projects under which the tribes shall develop and provide vocational rehabilitation services for handicapped American Indians residing on or near such reservations. Establishes a National Institute of Rehabilitation Research to be responsible for administering existing programs of rehabilitation research and for coordinating Federal programs and policies relating to research and rehabilitation. Directs the Institute to undertake a study of the way in which Federal programs providing benefits to handicapped individuals might be restructured so as to eliminate any disincentives for persons receiving benefits under such programs to obtain employment. Authorizes the Institute to make grants for the conduct of a research program concerning the use of existing telecommunications systems which have the potential for substantially improving delivery methods. Authorizes the Commissioner of Rehabilitation Services to make training grants for medical, social and psychological rehabilitation in addition to vocational rehabilitation. Extends through 1981 the Commissioner's authority to make grants for construction of rehabilitation facilities, for projects to provide vocational training services to handicapped individuals, and for special projects and demonstrations. Revises the program of guarantees of loans for construction of rehabilitation facilities. Renames the National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths and Adults the Helen Keller Center for Deaf-Blind Youths and Adults. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to the States to establish and operate comprehensive rehabilitation centers which shall provide a broad range of specified services to handicapped individuals. Adds to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 a new Title IV "National Council on the Handicapped," which establishes within Health, Education, and Welfare a National Council on the Handicapped. Sets forth the duties of the Council, including developing general policies for the Rehabilitation Services Administration and the National Institute of Rehabilitation Research. Renames the Architectural Transportation Compliance Board the Architectural Transportation and Communication Barriers Compliance Board, and adds nine handicapped individuals to the membership of the Board. Adds to the duties of the Board the duty to investigate and examine alternative approaches to the communication barriers confronting handicapped individuals. Authorizes United States district courts to award a reasonable attorney's fee to a prevailing plantiff in certain actions brought to enforce rights under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to provide technical assistance to (1) rehabilitation facilities and (2) nonprofits groups for the removal of architectural, transportation and communication barriers. Title II: Employment Opportunities for Projects with Industry - Employment Opportunities for Handicapped Individuals Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to establish a community service employment program for handicapped individuals with both public and private employers. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to handicapped individuals to enable them to establish and operate their own businesses. Title III: Comprehensive Services for Independent Living - Adds a new title VII to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 "Comprehensive Services for Independent Living." Authorizes, under such Title, the Commissioner to make grants (supplementary to grants under Title I of the Act) to assist States in providing independent living services designed to meet the needs of individuals whose disabilities are so severe that they do not presently have the potential for gainful employment but may benefit from vocational rehabilitation services which will enable them to live and function independently. Title IV: Interagency Programs - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants and contracts for the purpose of research and demonstration projects specifically designed to address the multiple and interrelated service needs of handicapped individuals, the elderly, and children, youths, adults, and families in need of protective services. Requires the submission of a report to Congress on such projects within four months of completion of the project.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1978
Product Liability Tax Relief Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to qualify trusts established for the payment of product liability claims as tax exempt organizations. Allows taxpayers a business income tax deduction for contributions to such trusts only to the extent they do not exceed the reasonable costs of product liability insurance for the taxpayer. Imposes excise taxes on self-dealing and excess contribution by persons who contribute, control, own, or have beneficial interests in the trusts. Includes distribution from these trusts in the taxpayers' gross income when made for an unqualified purpose, and imposes a ten percent tax on the trusts for such expenditures.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1978
Amends the Trade Act of 1974, with respect to the authority of the President to negotiate trade agreements, to direct the President to reserve any article for which an agreement limiting agricultural imports has been entered into, from negotiations to reduce or eliminate customs duties or import restrictions.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1978
Rural Health Needs Planning Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to have the national guideline for health planning reflect the unique circumstances and needs of the medically underserved populations including isolated rural communities. Requires to be included on the National Council of Health Planning and Development not fewer than seven persons who are not providers of health services including individuals who are members of urban and rural medically underserved populations. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to health systems agencies on the basis of square mileage served by the agency, for the development and operation of subarea councils and requires health systems agencies to consider the views of such councils. Changes the formula by which the size of grants to health systems agencies shall be determined. Requires that members of the Statewide Health Coordinating Council who are consumers of health or mental health care and who are not providers of health or mental health care must include individuals who are members of rural and urban underserved populations, if such populations exist in the State.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1978
Independent Local Newspaper Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to promote the survival of independent newspapers by providing for the establishment of tax exempt trusts for paying estate taxes on such papers, and by postponing the payment of estate taxes on such papers.
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 1978
Establishes the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area National Recreation Area, in Minnesota. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to administer the areas. Directs the Secretary to restrict motorboat usage on specified lakes and rivers within the wilderness. Permits certain owners of commercially operated resorts to require the Secretary to purchase their interests. Permits such owners to retain a limited area for personal use. Directs affected owners to offer the Secretary the right of first refusal to purchase specified lands. Directs the Secretary to terminate, within a year, the timber sale contracts in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. Provides for compensation for the termination of such contracts. Establishes procedures for the management of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area National Recreation Area. Prohibits mining in the wilderness and recreation areas and provides for the acquisition of any mining or mineral rights therein. Directs the Secretary to cooperate with the State of Minnesota in the administration of the areas covered by this Act. Provides that nothing in this Act shall effect rights established by the treaties of the United States. Directs the Secretary to submit to Congress a comprehensive management plan concerning the areas. Establishes the Boundary Waters Canoe Area National Recreational Area Advisory Commission to assist and advise the Secretary concerning the management of the areas.
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 1978
Comprehensive Older Americans Act Amendments - Title I: Amendments to the Older Americans Act of 1965 - Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to require each Federal agency proposing to establish programs and services substantially related to the purposes of such Act to consult with the Administration on Aging prior to the establishment of such programs and services. Authorizes a recipient of a grant under the Older Americans Act of 1965 to enter into an agreement with a profitmaking organization to carry out the provisions of such Act. Declares it to be the purpose of Title III of such Act (Grants for State and Community Programs on Aging) to encourage and assist State and local agencies to concentrate resources to serve older persons by entering into cooperative arrangements with the providers of social services or nutrition services or multipurpose senior centers, for the planning and provision of social services, nutrition services, or multipurpose senior centers. Defines terms used in such Title. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1979, 1980, and 1981 for grants approved under such Title. Requires each State, to be eligible to receive a grant under such Title, to designate a State agency as the sole State agency: (1) to develop and administer a State plan formulated pursuant to this Act; and (2) to designate planning and service areas. Requires each such area agency on aging to prepare and develop an area plan. Sets forth specified material to be included in such plan. Requires each State, in order to be eligible for grants under such Title, to submit to the Commissioner on Aging a State plan. Sets forth specified material to be included in such plan. Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to insure any mortgage for a multipurpose senior center in accordance with the provisions set forth in this Act. Creates a Multipurpose Senior Center Insurance Fund to be used by the Secretary as a revolving fund for carrying out all insurance provisions with respect to such mortgages. Authorizes the Commissioner, under the Act, to make grants to eligible tribal organizations, as defined in this Act, to pay all of the costs for the delivery of social and nutritional services for Indians who are age 60 and over. Sets forth criteria for applications for such grants. Requires the Commissioner to make grants to States for: (1) the establishment and operation of nutrition projects for older persons which five or more days a week, provide, in a congregate setting, at least one hot or cold meal per day, each of which assures a minimum of one-third of the daily recommended dietary allowances; and (2) the establishment and operation of multipurpose senior centers which shall be community facilities for the organization and provision of a broad spectrum of social services or nutrition services, or both, for older persons; (3) the provision of legal services for the elderly; and (4) the conduct of projects under which a State ombudsman receives and investigates complaints made by or on behalf of older persons who are residents of long-term care facilities relating to administrative action which may adversely affect the health, safety, welfare, or rights of such residents. Declares that, under the Act, a national manpower policy shall be developed for the field of aging which will reflect the present and future needs for training personnel in all programs serving the elderly. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants for the purpose of conducting studies on: (1) the problems experienced by State and area agencies on aging and other service providers in operating transportation services; (2) the impact of this Act and other service and benefit programs in meeting the long-range needs of the elderly population; and (3) the differences in unit costs, service delivery and access between rural areas and urban areas for services assisted under this Act and the special needs of the elderly residing in rural areas. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to develop and operate statewide, regional, metropolitan area, county, city, or community model projects which will demonstrate methods to expand or improve social services and promote the well-being of older persons. Requires the Commissioner in making such grants to give special consideration to projects designed: (1) to assist in meeting the housing needs of older persons; (2) to provide continuing education to older persons; (3) to provide preretirement education information; (4) to provide services to assist in meeting the particular needs of physically and mentally impaired older persons; (5) to meet the special needs of, and improve the delivery of services to older persons who are not receiving adequate services under other provisions of this Act; (6) to assist older persons to remain within their communities and out of institutions; (7) to establish comprehensive service systems for older persons residing in rural areas; and (8) to develop or improve methods of coordinating all available home social services for the homebound elderly, blind, and disabled by establishing demonstration projects. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to and enter into contracts with appropriate bodies to support programs of legal services and ombudsman programs established under provisions of this Act. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to support the development of comprehensive, coordinated systems of community long-term care for older persons. Requires such grants to be used for the development of programs which provide a full continuum of services designed to support alternatives to institutional living, including (1) adult day health; (2) individual assessment of need, service plan development, monitoring, and evaluation of service effectiveness; (3) supported living in public and private, nonprofit housing; (4) family respite services; (5) preventative health services; (6) home health, homemaker, and other rehabilitative and maintenance in-home services; (7) geriatric health maintenance organizations; and (8) other services which the Commissioner determines are appropriate. Redesignates Title IV (Training and Research) of the Act "Training, Research, and Discretionary Projects and Programs. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1981 for: (1) multidisciplinary centers of gerontology; and (2) the Older American Community Service Employment Program. Title II: White House Conference on Aging - 1981 White House Conference on Aging Act - Declares it the policy of the Congress that the Federal Government should work with the States and citizens to develop recommendations and plans to meet the needs of older persons. Requires that programs developed under this Act place emphasis upon the right of older persons to free choice and self-help in planning their futures. Authorizes the President of the United States to call a White House Conference on Aging in 1981 to develop recommendations for research and action in the field of aging. Requires the Conference to include representatives of Federal, State, and local governments, and professional and lay people working in the field of aging including older persons. Directs that a final report of the White House Conference, containing a comprehensive statement of a coherent national policy on aging and the recommendations of such Conference, be submitted to the President and Congress within a specified time. Sets forth the responsibilities and duties of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare in administering this Act. Directs the Secretary to establish an advisory committee to the Conference and such other technical committees as may be necessary to carry out such Conference. Title III: Study of Racial and Ethnic Discrimination in Programs for Older Americans - Directs the Commission on Civil Rights: (1) to undertake a comprehensive study of discrimination based on race or ethnic background in any federally assisted programs and activities which affect older persons; and (2) to identify any federally assisted activity in which evidence is found of persons or organizations who are otherwise qualified being, on the basis of race or ethnic background, excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, refused employment or contracts with, or subject to discrimination under, such activity.
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 1978
Small Business Contracting Equity Act - Amends the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act to require the payment of interest on contract payments which are overdue under Federal contracts with small business.
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 1978
Individual Housing Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals an income tax deduction of up to $2,500 annually and $10,000 in a lifetime for contributions to an individual housing account. Makes such accounts tax exempt and allows distributions from such an account to be tax free if such distributions are used exclusively for the purchase of a principal residence for the distributee.
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 1978
Tribally Controlled Community College Assistance Act - Title I: Tribally Controlled Community Colleges - Provides for educational grants by the Secretary of the Interior to tribally controlled Indian community colleges. Provides that schools eligible for such grants shall be: (1) formally controlled, sanctioned or chartered by an Indian tribe or tribes; (2) governed by a board of directors, a majority of whom are Indians; (3) directed by stated goals, philosophy, or plan of action aimed at meeting the needs of Indians; and (4) attended by students, a majority of whom must be Indians if the school has been in operation more than one year. Authorizes technical assistance to the schools. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to contract with the Assistant Secretary of Education of the Department of Health, Education and Welfare for feasibility studies of individual schools. Requires such studies to be conducted by the Secretary of the Interior upon tribal request. Provides for the administration, and funding of these grants, with certain rule-making authority being vested in the Secretary. Authorizes appropriations of stated amounts for three years. Directs the Secretary to make annual reports and recommendations to Congress on the program. Stipulates that assistance under this Act shall not, in itself, prevent any recipient college from receiving other educational assistance. Directs the Secretary to prepare a report, on existing and planned tribally controlled community college facilities, Bureau of Indian Affairs facilities which could reasonably be converted to such use. Excludes the Navajo Tribe from the provisions of this title, as well as any colleges which limit enrollment to specific tribes. Title II: Construction Grants - Directs the Secretary to submit to Congress by November, 1979, a survey and study on the academic facilities required by tribally controlled community colleges. Authorizes the Secretary to make planning and construction grants to the colleges upon proper applications and showings. Excludes the Navajo Tribe, as well as any colleges which limit enrollment to specific tribes, from the provisions of this title. Title III: Navajo Community College - Navajo Community College Assistance Act - Amends the Navajo Community College Act to authorize construction appropriations of $60,000,000 for the College over the three years following this enactment. Appropriates additional operating and maintenance appropriations for the College. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish procedures to control such appropriations and to segregate them from appropriations for Navajo programs historically expended by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
United States · United States Congress · 11 April 1978
Brucellosis Indemnification Act - Title I: Brucellosis Indemnification Program - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to compensate any farmer or rancher who owns any dairy cow which, under any Federal law, is destroyed in order to control or eradicate brucellosis. Sets a formula for such compensation, requiring the payment of at least $200 per cow. Denies any such compensation with respect to any dairy cow moved or handled by its owner in violation of any law or regulation for the prevention of the dissemination of any communicable disease of livestock for which such cow was destroyed. Title II: Vaccination Program; Research Program - Directs the Secretary to make grants to States for conducting: (1) without charge to farmers or ranchers, a brucellosis vaccination program; and (2) intensive research concerning methods of identifying brucellosis and of improving anti-brucellosis vaccines. Title III: Deferral of Certain Payments on Operating and Emergency Loans Made Under the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act - Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to require the Secretary to make all principal and interest payments coming due on any operating or emergency loan relating to the dairy operation of a farmer or rancher who owns dairy cattle subject to a quarantine imposed in order to control or eradicate brucellosis. Limits the Secretary's payments to the period of the quarantine and for 60 days thereafter. Requires the farmer or rancher to reimburse the Secretary, without interest, for such payments. Title IV: General Provisions - Authorizes the Secretary to issue regulations under this Act, and defines terms used therein.
United States · United States Congress · 11 April 1978
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide graduted income tax rates for corporations with a maximum rate of 45 percent on income in excess of $150,000 and a minimum rate of 18 percent on income not in excess of $25,000.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1978
National Infant Screening Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants and contracts to public and private entities to acquire the automated equipment, supplies, and personnel required to conduct multiple screening of blood specimens routinely collected from newborn infants for metabolic disorders. Requires the States to develop plans for the screening, diagnosis, and management of newborn infants for metabolic disorders. States that no entity shall be eligible for a grant under this Act unless it is in compliance with the applicable State plan.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1978
Tuition Tax Credit Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a credit against an individual's income tax in an amount equal to 50 percent of the sum of the amounts paid by him to educational institutions as tuition (though no more than $500 for any single individual) for the attendance of the taxpayer, the taxpayer's spouse, or any of his dependents with respect to whom he is entitled to a personal exemption.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1978
Amends the Agricultural Act of 1970 to require exporters of agricultural commodities to report to the Secretary of Agriculture contracts involving exportation of a into the United States by foreign subsidiaries and affiliates of such exporters.
United States · United States Congress · 3 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 · 3 April 1978
Amends Title XXI (Grants to States for Services) of the Social Security Act to authorize payments to States for the cost of emergency shelter or services provided to an individual in danger of physical or mental injury, neglect, maltreatment, or exploitation.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1978
Brucellosis Relief Act - Title I: Brucellosis Indemnification Program - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to compensate any farmer or rancher who owns any dairy cow which, under any Federal law, is destroyed in order to control or eradicate brucellosis. Sets a formula for such compensation requiring the payment of at least $200 per cow. Denies any such compensation with respect to any dairy cow moved or handled by its owner in violation of any law or regulation for the prevention of the dissemination of any communicable disease of livestock for which such cow was destroyed. Title II: Vaccination Program; Research Program - Directs the Secretary to make grants to States for conducting: (1) without charge to farmers or ranchers, a brucellosis vaccination program; and (2) intensive research concerning methods of identifying brucellosis and of improving anti-brucellosis vaccines. Title III: Deferral of Certain Payments on Operating and Emergency Loans Made Under the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act - Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to require the Secretary to make all principal and interest payments coming due on any operating or emergency loan relating to the dairy operation of a farmer or rancher who owns dairy cattle subject to a quarantine imposed in order to control or eradicate brucellosis. Limits the Secretary's payments to the period of the quarantine and for 60 days thereafter. Requires the farmer or rancher to reimburse the Secretary, without interest, for such payments. Title IV: General Provisions - Authorizes the Secretary to issue regulations under this Act, and defines terms used therein.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1978
National Infant Screening Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants and contracts to public and private entities to acquire the automated equipment, supplies, and personnel required to conduct multiple screening of blood specimens routinely collected from newborn infants for metabolic disorders. Requires the States to develop plans for the screening, diagnosis, and management of newborn infants for metabolic disorders. States that no entity shall be eligible for a grant under this Act unless it is in compliance with the applicable State plan.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1978
Surface Transportation Assistance Act - Title I: Federal Aid Highway Act - Amends the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956 to revise and extend the authorization for appropriations for the Interstate Highway System through fiscal year 1992. Sets forth a formula for the apportionment of a portion of such funds for fiscal years 1980 through 1983. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to apportion such amounts in a specified manner for fiscal year 1980. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1982 for specified highway programs. Stipulates that the Federal share of railroad-highway crossing demonstration projects under the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1973 shall be 95 percent of the cost of such a project. Establishes a cutoff date for the designation and completion of the Interstate Highway System. Authorizes the Secretary to approve projects for resurfacing, restoring, and rehabilitating lanes on the Interstate System which have been in use for more than five years. Sets forth the Federal share of the costs of such projects. Increases the Federal share for specified highway programs. Authorizes the Secretary to approve a State's request for the retention of certain outdoor advertising where the sign or display was in existence on May 5, 1976. Authorizes the Secretary to approve Federal participation in State projects for replacing unsafe highway bridges which are not on the Federal-aid system. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to States for traffic control signalization projects designed to conserve motor fuel and decrease traffic congestion. Directs the Secretary to allocate funds made available for pavement marking demonstration programs in a manner deemed by the Secretary most appropriate to expedite the completion of pavement markings on all highways. Increases the amount of appropriations authorized for the construction of bridges across Federal dams which may be expended as an emergency fund to meet additional costs. Amends the Appalachian Regional Development Act of 1965 to increase the Federal share for construction projects on the Appalachian development highway system and to increase the authorized mileage for such system. Establishes a ceiling on obligations for Federal- aid highways and highway construction projects for fiscal year 1979. Amends the Energency Highway Emergy Conservation Act to authorize the Secretary to approve carpool projects in urbanized areas. Authorizes the reapportionment of funds not used by a State for the Interstate System to another State which has obligated all of its apportionment. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out access control demonstration projects designed to demonstrate whether preserving the capacity of existing highways to move traffic safely by acquiring and controlling the right of access to such highways is a cost effective alternative to the construction of additional highways. Bikeway Transportation Act - Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to States and municipalities for the construction of bikeways in urbanized areas. Stipulates that the Federal share of such a project shall be 80 percent of its cost. Authorizes appropriations for such grants for fiscal years 1979 through 1982. Stipulates that upon repayment of a specified sum by the State of Indiana to the Treasurer of the United States, Interstate Route 80/90 shall be free of all restrictions with respect to the imposition and collection of tolls. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct a demonstration project in a metropolitan area of 500,000 or more population to restrict the access of motor vehicles to the central business district during peak traffic hours in order to determine the practicability of this method in reducing motor vehicle congestion. Directs the Secretary to conduct a demonstration project on the Interstate System to place vending machines in rest and recreation areas located on the rights-of-way of such System. Directs the Secretary to designate a portion of State Highway Numbered 17 in Richmond, California as part of the Interstate System. Exempts the facility owned by the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority on the right-of-way of interstate route I-81 in New York State from certain restrictions prohibiting commercial establishments on such a right-of-way. Authorizes the Secretary to approve certain construction projects with respect to interstate route I-90 in New York State. Authorizes the Secretary to provide for the construction of spur highways to connect the Great River Road with existing bridges across the Mississippi River. Directs the Secretary to reimburse the Federal share of the cost of constructing a new toll bridge across the Ohio River at Huntington, West Virginia. Prohibits the expenditure of Federal funds to erect or modify road signs solely using the metric system unless specifically authorized by Congress. Requires each State to annually report to the Secretary regarding State enforcement of its vehicle weight limitations on the Federal-aid system. Amends the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1973 to authorize appropriations to the State of New Hampshire for expenditure on Federal-aid highways (other than Interstate System highways) which serve as alternative routes to the Franconia Notch Parkway. Directs the Secretary to carry out a demonstration project permitting a State to sell State lottery tickets at publicly owned rest and recreation areas on the rights-of-way of the Interstate System in such State. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out a demonstration project on the Federal-aid primary system for the construction of a bypass highway around Prairie Creek Redwood State Park in Humbolt County, California. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study on the feasibility of an additional bridge across the Columbia River between Vancouver, Washington, and Portland, Oregon. Directs the Secretary to carry out a rural highway public transportation demonstration project in the Sherman, Texas - Denison, Texas area. Title II: Highway Safety Act - Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1982 for specified highway safety programs. Amends the Highway Safety Act of 1973 to authorize appropriations through fiscal year 1982 for projects to eliminate hazards relating to rail-highway crossings. Requires each State to annually certify to the Secretary that it is enforcing the national maximum speed limit. Directs the Secretary to reduce a State's apportionment for Federal-aid highway funds if the percentage of motor vehicles exceeding 55 miles per hour exceeds a specified percentage. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1979 through 1982 to the Secretary of Transportation for the acquisition, storage, and retrieval of highway accident data and for establishing procedures for reporting accidents on a nationwide basis. Abolishes the National Highway Safety Advisory Committee. Authorizes the Secretary to waive State highway safety program standards for projects to identify highway accident causes and to reduce accidents. Directs the Secretary to carry out six pilot projects designed, through the use of television and radio, to develop and evaluate methods to achieve maximum measurable effectiveness in reducing traffic accidents, injuries, and death. Authorizes appropriations for such purpose. Title III: Urban Mass Transportation Act Amendments - Amends the Urban Mass Transportation Act to repeal the provision which allows States or local public bodies to use Federal urban mass transportation assistance for the payment of operating expenses for mass transportation services. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1982 for specified projects under such Act. Requires that a specified portion of such appropriations be used for grants for intercity bus service. Directs the Secretary to apportion authorizations for the urban mass transit program according to a specified formula for fiscal years 1979 through 1982. Removes specified restrictions regarding the availability of fellowships for public transportation training programs. Authorizes general appropriations to carry out the provisions of the Urban Mass Transportation Act through fiscal year 1982. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress monthly regarding the funding of projects under such Act. Revises the Federal operating assistance program for the provision of rail passenger service under such Act. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1982 for such program. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to States and local bodies to acquire, construct, or alter facilities for use in providing intercity bus service and in coordinating such service with other modes of transportation. Stipulates that the Federal share of such a project shall be 80 percent of its net cost. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1982 to carry out such program. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1982 for the liquidation of obligations incurred for public mass transit projects substituted for routes on the Interstate Highway System. Authorizes the Secretary to convert specified mass transportation equipment and facilities loans to grants under specified conditions. Directs the Secretary to make a full and complete investigation and study of establishing and operating a mass transportation system which would provide basic services with a minimum of amenities at low costs and to report the results of such study to Congress. Directs the Secretary to carry out a demonstration project using high speed jetfoil transportation facilities and operating between the Long Branch, New Jersey area, Sandy Hook State Park, and New York, New York to determine the feasibility of utilizing this technology in providing certain public mass transportation service. Authorizes appropriations to carry out such project. Title IV: Prohibits the awarding of grants of more than $5,000,000 for the acquisition of any steel or rolling stock for fixed rail service unless substantially all the steel to be acquired has been domestically produced. Sets forth exceptions to this requirement. Provides for Congressional review of certain rules and regulations relating to highways or urban mass transportation.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1978
National Child Nutrition Act - Repeals the National School Lunch Act and the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 and combines their respective lunch and breakfast programs into a single school-meals program under a centralized administration. Extends the authority for the Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) through fiscal year 1980 and for the Child Care Food Program through 1983. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to establish, for food assistance payments to State education agencies, national average basic rates not less than: (1) 11.5 cents per breakfast and 14.5 per lunch (currently 10 cents); (2) 21.75 cents per reduced-price breakfast and 55 cents per reduced-price lunch; and (3) 28.75 cents per free breakfast and 65 cents per free lunch. Specifies: (1) conditions under which States shall receive free and reduced-price meal payments; and (2) income requirements for children participating in the program. Authorizes $75,000,000 for food service equipment assistance. Authorizes the appropriation of funds to encourage the consumption of fluid milk (special milk program) by children in non-profit schools (high school and under) and child care institutions. Requires the Secretary to prepare a set of performance guidelines outlining the objectives of the child-feeding programs. Requires each State agency to submit annually to the Secretary a State Plan of Child Nutrition Operations providing, in part, for statewide targeted outreach to low-income areas. Specifies administrative and equitable remedies available to the Secretary in response to failures by State or local agencies to comply with any provisions of this Act.