United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1978
Reaffirms that the North Atlantic Alliance is a vital commitment of the United States. Recognizes the success of the Alliance. Declares Congressional support for strengthening the defensive capabilities of the Alliance and for lessening tensions with the Warsaw Pact countries through arms control agreements.
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 · 17 May 1978
Expresses the sense of Congress that, in conformity with the Helsinki Find Act, the Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and basic standards of justice, the unjustly imprisoned members and affiliates of the Soviet Helsinki Group should be granted their freedom and allowed to pursue their lawful activities in behalf of basic human rights. Urges the President, the Secretary of State, and other appropriate executive branch officials to continue to express at every suitable opportunity and in the strongest terms the opposition of the United States to the imprisonment of the Helsinki Group members.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1978
African Development Foundation Act - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to establish as a nonprofit corporation the African Development Foundation. Authorizes the Foundation to make grants, loans, and loan guarantees to any African private or public group, association, or other entity for: (1) the support of self-initiated community development efforts; (2) development research by Africans and the transfer of development resources, expertise, and knowledge within Africa; (3) procurement from other sources of such technical or other assistance in cases and manners deemed appropriate by African recipient entities; and (4) such other projects as the Foundation considers appropriate. Vests the management of the Foundation in a Board of Directors composed of seven members appointed by the President. Directs the establishment of a Council composed of individuals selected by the Board and including representatives from African grant recipients and other foreign nationals who are knowledgeable about development activities in Africa. Authorizes the appropriation of $25,000,000 to carry out this Act for the period covered by fiscal years 1978-80.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1978
Franchising Termination Practices Reform Act - Requires a franchisor to notify a franchisee at least 90 days in advance of the franchisor's intention to terminate the franchise and to state the reasons for termination. Prohibits a franchisor from cancelling a franchise or failing to renew a franchise unless the franchisor is effecting a market area withdrawal or the franchisor has good cause for failure to renew and has given proper notice. Makes any franchisor who has violated the requirements of this Act civilly liable to the aggrieved franchisee.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1978
Declares (1) that the Department of the Treasury does not possess authority to implement certain proposed firearms transaction reporting regulations, (2) that such proposed additional recordkeeping requirements serve no useful purpose and are wasteful, and (3) that the Department must seek explicit congressional authorization before proposing any rules or regulations for centralizing records required under existing firearms law.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1978
Polar Living Marine Resources Conservation Act - Directs the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, to establish a comprehensive program for the study, monitoring, and assessment of polar living marine resources and the marine environment of the Arctic and Southern Oceans. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants and enter into contracts to obtain assistance in carrying out such program. Requires the Secretary to consult with other Federal agencies with responsibilities for polar living marine resources research and protection to ensure that the study and assessment under this Act is coordinated and that the program is consistent with international conventions or treaties. Requires the Secretary to submit annual reports to the Congress and the President concerning this Act. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 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
Solar Energy Transition Act - Directs each Federal agency to use and encourage the use of solar energy technologies. Requires each agency to review the programs, projects, and policies it is administering and assess the feasibility of alternative approaches utilizing solar energy technologies. Directs the Secretary of Energy to develop guidelines and otherwise assist the Federal agencies in the review required by this Act. Establishes the National Solar Energy Advisory Council to advise the Secretary in the performance of his duties under this Act. Directs the Secretary to report to the President and Congress annually starting April 20, 1980 on the progress of the Federal Government and the nation in converting to solar energy.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1978
Prohibits the Secretary of Commerce from issuing permits pursuant to the Fisheries Conservation and Management Act of 1976 which authorize foreign vessels to receive or process fish harvested by vessels of the United States within the fisheries conservation zone during 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1978
Solar Photovoltaic Energy Research, Development, and Demonstration Act - Requires the Secretary of Energy to develop research, development, and demonstration programs concerning the use of solar photovoltaic energy systems. Authorizes the Secretary to provide up to 75 percent of the purchase and installation costs of selected systems used for research purposes. Requires the Secretary to formulate definitive performance criteria concerning solar photovoltaic systems and to develop a system certification for conforming systems. Directs the Secretary to consult with relevant Federal agencies concerning the use of solar photovoltaic systems in Federal facilities. Requires the Secretary to set up a development and demonstration program of prototype photovoltaic systems at the Solar Energy Research Institute in Golden, Colorado. Directs the Secretary to establish a solar energy data bank at the Golden facility. Requires relevant Federal officials to ensure that small business concerns are granted realistic and adequate opportunities to participate, to the maximum extent possible, in the programs under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1978
Declares that the Congress strongly condemns the gross violations of human rights and other suppressive acts committed by Idi Amin and the Government of the Republic of Uganda. Urges the President to (1) support and implement measures, such as an embargo, which would effectively discourage United States support of Uganda, and (2) encourage and support international efforts to investigate and respond to conditions in that country, including economic restrictions.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1978
Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 1979 - Title I: Department of State - Authorizes appropriations to the Department of State for fiscal year 1979 to conduct the foreign affairs of the United States for functions relating to: (1) the administration of foreign affairs; (2) international organizations and conferences; (3) international commissions; (4) migration and refugee assistance; and (5) increases in salary, pay, retirement, and employee benefits. Authorizes appropriations to be set aside from the above Department of State authorization under this Act for: (1) the undocumented alien program; (2) the United Nations Conference on Science and Technology for Development; and (3) assistance for refugees settling in Isreal; and (4) assistance for refugees in Africa. Authorizes the Secretary of State to provide emergency medical assistance and dietary supplements to destitute United States citizens abroad. Authorizes the Secretary of State to consolidate administrative services with other Federal agencies if such consolidation would result in the better performance of such services. Amends the Foreign Service Act of 1946 to authorize the Secretary to establish medical treatment and health care facilities at foreign posts where sufficient personnel are employed to warrant such facilities. Requires the Secretary of State to demonstrate solar energy and other renewable energy technologies by using such energy sources in Foreign Service buildings located abroad. Directs the Secretary to consult with the Secretary of Energy concerning the most viable techniques adaptable to the local resources and environmental conditions of the host country. Requires the Secretary of State to insure that projects under this Act are demonstrated to, and are available for inspection by, officials and other citizens of the host country. Directs the Secretary to give priority to projects in less developed countries. Declares it to be the sense of Congress that the President should direct the United States Ambassador to the United Nations to use all means to obtain action by the General Assembly to terminate the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People and the Special Unit on Palestinian Rights. Changes the position of Deputy Under Secretary of State to Under Secretary of State for Management. Establishes in the Department of State an Assistant Secretary of State for International Narcotics Matters and requires the Assistant Secretary to be responsible for the overall coordination of the role of the Department of State in the international aspects of narcotics problems. Title II: International Communication Agency - Authorizes appropriations for the International Communication Agency for fiscal year 1979, to carry out international communication, educational, cultural, and exchange programs. Renames the United States Information Agency the International Communication Agency. Title III: Board for International Broadcasting - Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1979 for the Board for International Broadcasting. Prohibits funding of Radio Free Europe and Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) if any Communist country is permitted to use its broadcasting facilities, unless that country permits RFE/RL to use that country's broadcasting facilities on a comparable basis. Title IV: Foreign Service and Other Personnel - Amends the Foreign Service Act of 1946 to redefine the term "Chief of mission." Sets forth provisions affecting Foreign Service employees concerning: (1) assignments to public or private nonprofit organizations; (2) career counseling; (3) orientation and language training for family members; (4) special computation of annuities for foreign service employees; (5) special allowances; (6) per diem and subsistence allowances; (7) the responsibilities of a Chief of mission; (8) detailed State Department personnel; and (9) compensatory time off at posts in foreign areas. Title V: Science, Technology, and American Diplomacy - Makes findings that: (1) the consequences of modern scientific and technological advances are of major significance in United States foreign policy; and (2) many opportunities for development in diplomacy lie in scientific and technological fields. Declares it to be the policy of the United States to maximize the benefits and to minimize the adverse consequences of science and technology in the conduct of foreign policy. Sets forth responsibilities of the President and the Secretary of State in order to achieve this policy goal, including: (1) an annual report submitted by the President to Congress; and (2) requiring the Secretary, who is directed to have primary responsibility with respect to all science and technology agreements and activities between the United States and foreign governments, to make grants and other measures to achieve the policy goal. Title VI: Commission on Proposals for a Center for Conflict Resolution - Makes findings that: (1) many conflicts are largely the results of misunderstanding and poor communication; and (2) the techniques of conflict resolution are teachable and usable. Establishes the Commission on Proposals for a Center for Conflict Resolution to study: (1) whether to establish a Center for Conflict Resolution; and (2) the application of the behavioral sciences to the peaceful resolution of disputes. Requires the Commission to issue a report to the President and to the Congress. Title VII: Institute for International Human Rights - Institute for International Human Rights Act - Establishes as an independent agency of the United States a body corporate to be known as the Institute for International Human Rights in order to promote universal respect for and observance of human rights and fundamental freedoms. Authorizes the Institute to provide assistance, primarily to nongovernmental organizations and individuals for programs that promote respect for and observance of human rights and fundamental freedoms. Directs the Institute to only carry out or provide assistance for activities relating to human rights and fundamental freedoms in foreign countries. Vests management of the Institute in a board of directors. Sets forth the powers of the Institute. Requires the Institute to report annually to Congress. Title VIII: Miscellaneous Provisions - Increases the annual authorization of appropriations for the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe. Authorizes $60,000,000 to be appropriated to the President to acquire tin metal to contribute to the buffer stock of the International Tin Council.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1978
International Security Assistance Act - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 1979 for the disaster relief contingency fund and international narcotics control. Revises the policy with respect to the encouragement of human rights. Prohibits furnishing security assistance to the law enforcement agencies of any country which engages in a consistent pattern of gross human rights violations except in exceptional circumstances. Amends the Arms Export Control Act to revise the required contents of quarterly reports by the President to the Congress with respect to commercial and governmental military exports. Directs the President to designate crime control and detection equipment as defense articles subject to regulation under this Act. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to prohibit furnishing international military education and training assistance to countries which engage in a consistent pattern of gross human rights violations except in exceptional circumstances. Amends such Act to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 1979 for military assistance, specifying appropriations authorized for Portugal, Spain, Jordan, Philippines, and Greece. Authorizes appropriations for military assistance to Indonesia and Thailand. Decreases the aggregate value of defense articles which may be added to stockpiles in foreign countries. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to permit the President to assign members of the Armed Forces to specified countries to carry out military assistance and sales program. Reduces the number of Armed Forces personnel who may be so assigned, and continues limitations upon the number of defense attaches who may be assigned to a single country. Amends such Act to authorize appropriations for international military education and training assistance for fiscal year 1979. Requires such education to include a course on international human rights. Amends such Act to authorize the President to furnish assistance to friendly countries for peacekeeping operations which are in furtherance of the national security of the United States. Authorizes appropriations for such assistance for fiscal year 1979. Authorizes the President to furnish emergency peacekeeping assistance. Includes peacekeeping assistance among those types of assistance which, except in extraordinary circumstances, should not be furnished to countries which engage in a consistent pattern of gross human rights violations. Prohibits furnishing such assistance to Argentina. Limits the authority of the President to increase the amount of peacekeeping assistance by ten percent or more. Prohibits funds appropriated for peacekeeping assistance from being made available to any country which engages in certain nuclear transfers or detonations. Amends the International Security Assistance and Arms Export Control Act of 1976 to prohibit furnishing peacekeeping assistance to Chile. Amends the Arms Export Control Act to declare it the sense of Congress that the President is encouraged to continue discussions with other arms suppliers to restrain the flow of arms to less developed countries. Exempts defense procurement contracts from the Renegotiation Act of 1951 settling forth procedures to eliminate excess profits. Requires the President to report to Congress on security assistance surveys carried out by Government personnel. Authorizes appropriations for military sales credits for fiscal year 1979. Increases the authorization for such appropriations for fiscal year 1978. Increases the aggregate ceiling on such credits for fiscal year 1978, and imposes a ceiling for 1979. Sets forth the terms under which such credits are to be made available to Israel in fiscal year 1979. Increases the cost limitation on excess defense articles which may be ordered by the President for foreign delivery. Repeals the prohibitions against furnishing military assistance and sales to Turkey under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. Repeals limitations on the appropriations to Turkey for military assistance for fiscal year 1978. Makes such provisions effective upon the date of enactment of this Act. Authorizes specific appropriations for economic support assistance to Turkey under the proposed International Development and Food Assistance Act of 1978 for fiscal year 1979. Sets forth principles of United States policy toward a Cyprus settlement. Authorizes the President to transfer to Korea, United States owned defense articles and related services located in Korea, in conjunction with the withdrawal of the United States Army from that country. Sets forth (1) criteria for determining which articles may be transferred, (2) limitations on the total value of such articles, and (3) Congressional oversight procedures regarding such transfers. Amends the Foreign Military Sales Act Amendments, 1971, to replace the requirement for quarterly reports by the President to Congress regarding a list of countries receiving excess defense articles with a requirement that such report be made annually. Amends the International Security Assistance and Arms Export Control Act of 1976 to repeal the requirement that the Secretary of State make periodic reports to Congress regarding the human and legal rights of all United States citizens detained in Mexico. Repeals the requirement that the President make a study of the arms sales policies of the United States and report the findings of such study to Congress. Repeals the requirement that the President report to Congress on sales of excess defense articles. Repeals the requirement that the Secretary of State study the effects of the enactment of arms control provisions and report the findings of such study to Congress. Repeals the requirement that the President report to Congress the steps taken toward achieving an agreement with the Soviet Union to limit the deployment of the armed forces of that nation and the United States in the Indian Ocean and littoral countries. Amends the International Security Assistance Act of 1977 to eliminate the Special Interagency Task Force in the Department of State and its function of reviewing the security support assistance program for Egypt, and reporting its findings to Congress. Amends the Emergency Security Assistance Act of 1973 to repeal the requirement that the Secretary of Defense study the 1973 Arab-Israeli conflict to ascertain the effectiveness of the foreign military assistance to Israel and to report the findings of such study to Congress. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1974 to repeal the requirement that the President submit a plan to Congress for the reduction and termination of the foreign military assistance programs under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 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 · 2 May 1978
Expresses Congressional disapproval of the sale of 50 F-5 aircraft to Egypt, 60 F-15 aircraft to Saudi Arabia, and 15 F-15 and 75 F-16 aircraft to Israel.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1978
Comprehensive Older Americans Act Amendments - Title I: Administration on Aging - Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to authorize each area agency on aging to waive any minimum age requirement for eligibility under Title III (State and Community Programs on Aging), Title V (Multipurpose Senior Centers), or Title VII (Nutrition Programs), if such waiver is necessary or appropriate to facilitate the participation in programs under any such title by members of minority groups in particular communities or areas. Establishes, in the Administration on Aging, the Office of Affirmative Action and Minority Affairs. Requires the Office to: (1) review any State plan for the provision of social services to the aged to determine if such plan provides for compliance with applicable law by assuring that members of minorities are eligible to receive services under such plan in amounts which are at least proportionate to the number of such individuals in the planning and service area or State involved; and (2) develop a complaint and grievance procedure for use in communities and other areas receiving services under the provisions of the Act. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary for the Federal Council on Aging. Designates the Director of the National Institute on Aging as an ex officio member of the Federal Council on Aging. Stipulates that no part of the cost of any program under this Act may be treated as income or benefits to any eligible individual, other than any wage paid, for the purpose of any other program or provision of State or Federal law. Exempts any wage received by any older person under this Act from any State or Federal income tax: (1) to the extent that such wage is for 20 hours of work or less in any work week; and (2) to the extent such wage or salary does not exceed any applicable minimum wage law. Title II: State and Community Programs - Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary for area planning and social service programs under the Act. Requires an area plan developed by an area agency on aging: (1) to provide for the establishment and operation of affirmative action programs designed to furnish special assistance to older persons who are members of minority groups; and (2) to provide for the designation of one or more focal points (such as multipurpose senior centers) for the delivery of social services. Grants to any unit of general purpose local government, not designated as a planning and service area: (1) the right, before approval of the State plan, to a review of the denial of such designation by the State; and (2) the right to representation on the advisory council established pursuant to the Act for the planning and service area in which such unit is located. Requires each State, to be eligible for grants, to provide that the State agency responsible for the programs act as an advocate for older persons, and that area agencies on aging shall act as advocates for older persons in their communities. Authorizes each area agency to concentrate its efforts on one or more programs for purposes of complying with the State plans. Authorizes the Commission on Aging to make grants for model projects: (1) to establish comprehensive service systems for older persons residing in rural areas which are designed to utilize approaches, methods, and techniques specially suited to rural areas; and (2) to enable older persons to provide for the security of their homes through construction modifications and the installation of security devices. Requires each State agency responsible for the programs under this Act, to be eligible for grants, to establish an advocate program to provide advocate services to the residents of long-term care facilities. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to establish programs to provide legal services to older persons. Requires the Commissioner to provide reimbursement to any State for the delivery of social services during any major disaster declared by the President. Requires the Commissioner 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 and to assist in the efficient operation of a comprehensive and coordinated system for the delivery of services to such older persons. Requires such grant program to insure that: (1) the needs of individual older persons for services are identified; (2) individual older persons are referred to appropriate services; and (3) procedures are established to insure that services continue to be responsive to the needs of individual older persons. Title III: Training and Research - Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants: (1) to assist community colleges and junior colleges in the development of programs relating to gerontology; and (2) to develop and maintain informal educational opportunities for older persons. Requires the Commissioner to conduct a comprehensive study of the problems of older persons residing in rural areas. Requires the Commissioner to set aside such funds as may be necessary: (1) to train individuals who are members of minority groups and who are employed in fields related to the purposes of this Act; and (2) to conduct a study of issues relating to the needs of older persons who are members of minority groups. Requires any multidisciplinary center of gerontology which receives a grant under the Act to establish an affirmative action plan to provide for the recruitment, enrollment, and education of individuals who are members of minority groups. Authorizes the Commissioner to establish a grant program to make reimbursements to institutions of higher education to defray a portion of tuition costs applicable to eligible older persons at such institutions. Sets forth information which must be included in an application from an institution of higher education in order to receive such reimbursements. Stipulates that any older person who is qualified to enroll in any course of study at an institution of higher education receiving reimbursements under this Act shall be eligible for such enrollment without being required to defray any cost of tuition. Title IV: Multipurpose Senior Centers - Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to provide for multipurpose senior centers which will serve as focal points in communities for the development and delivery of social services and nutritional services designed primarily for older persons. Defines the term "multipurpose senior center" as a community facility for the organization and provision of a broad spectrum of services (including provision of health, social, and educational services and provision of facilities for recreational activities) for older persons. Requires any State desiring to receive funds for such centers to submit to the Commissioner a State plan. Sets forth specified information which must be provided in such plan. Increases the principal obligation allowed on a mortgage for a multipurpose senior center from $250,000 to $1,000,000. Title V: Nutrition Projects - Establishes a nutrition project for the elderly which, five or more days per week, provides at least one home-delivered meal which assures a minimum of one-third the daily recommended dietary allowances. Stipulates that in allotting funds for nutrition projects preference shall be given to congregate projects and meals-on-wheels projects that are operating in those areas of each State that contain the highest incidence of low-income individuals, and, to the extent feasible, projects receiving allotments shall be operated by and serve the needs of, minority, Indian, and limited English-speaking eligible individuals in proportion to their numbers in their State. Directs the Commissioner to develop minimum criteria of efficiency and quality for the furnishing of home-delivered meal services. Provides that such criteria shall be designed so that well-established meals-on-wheels programs may continue such service without major alteration in the furnishing of such services. Requires that a State plan for a nutrition program shall provide assurances that contracts shall be made, to the maximum extent feasible, with existing meals-on-wheels organizations. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1982 for home-delivered meal nutrition programs. Requires the Commissioner to conduct a study of the effectiveness of the national home-delivered meals program. Title VI: Employment Opportunities - Defines an individual who has low income for purposes of Title IX (Community Service Employment for Older Americans) of the Act as an individual who receives regular cash welfare payments or whose annual income does not exceed the appropriate percentage of State median income which determines eligibility for adult services under Title XX (Grants to States for Services) of the Social Security Act. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1982 for community service employment programs for older Americans. Title VII: White House Conference on Aging - 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, 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 VIII: General Provisions - Adds to the Older Americans Act of 1965 a new Title VIII, Grants for Indian Tribes. 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. Authorizes the Commissioner to delegate to the Secretary of the Interior or to the head of the Bureau of Indian Affairs any functions under this title. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to make available surplus Indian educational facilities for use as multipurpose senior centers. Authorizes appropriations for the program through fiscal year 1981. Amends the formula under which funds are allocated to States for State and community programs on aging, nutrition programs for older Americans, and community service employment programs for older Americans. Requires the Commission on Civil Rights to study the occurrence of discrimination based on race in any program designed to assist older persons which receives Federal financial assistance. Amends the Age Discrimination Act of 1975: (1) to change the prohibition declared in the statement of purpose from unreasonable discrimination to any discrimination on the basis of age in programs receiving Federal financial assistance; (2) to authorize any person aggrieved pursuant to this Act, upon exhausting Federal administrative remedies, to bring a civil action; and (3) to require the head of each Federal agency to annually issue a report detailing the steps taken in the preceding year to carry out specified provisions of the Act. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1982 for area planning and social service programs, multipurpose senior centers, and nutrition programs under the Older Americans Act of 1965. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1979 for the National Older Americans Volunteer Programs under the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1978
Declares that the President should take steps to discourage activities by the United States which benefit the Government of Uganda; including closing the Ugandan embassy in the District of Columbia; restricting the movement of officials of the Ugandan mission to the United Nations; supporting legislation to prohibit imports to or exports from Uganda; prohibiting the entry of individuals on scholarships from Uganda; prohibiting the training of Ugandans in areas having military application; revoking the landing rights of Ugandan aircraft in the United States; and prohibiting maintenance in the United States of equipment having police or military application.
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1978
International Development and Food Assistance Act - Title I: Development Assistance - Amends the Congressional policy statement of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 with respect to development assistance. Authorizes the President to furnish development assistance through certain types of agencies, using grant or loan assistance. Authorizes the President to determine the interest rates on development loans. Limits the amount of development assistance available to research and development institutions in the United States. Authorizes the President to use funds made available under this chapter to pay certain transportation costs of foreign assistance shipments by certain voluntary agencies, under specified procedures. Repeals other development assistance provisions of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 with respect to (1) the Development Loan Fund (except for regional development in Africa and multilateral and regional programs), (2) the technical cooperation and development grants (except for American schools and hospitals abroad and a prototype desalting plant in Israel), (3) the Alliance for Progress, (4) the evaluation of programs procedures, and (5) the Southeast Asia multilateral and regional programs. Makes certain technical amendments to reflect this repeal. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize the President to furnish agricultural, rural development, and food assistance. Authorizes appropriations for such purposes. Sets forth policies with respect to furnishing and coordinating such assistance. Redefines certain terms regarding agricultural assistance to include aquaculture and fishery, throughout such Act. Amends the Congressional policy statement of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 with respect to population and health assistance. Authorizes appropriations for population assistance. Sets forth policies with respect to furnishing such assistance. Prohibits funds appropriated for such purpose from being used for abortions or involuntary sterilizations. Authorizes appropriations for health assistance. Sets forth policies with respect to furnishing such assistance. Repeals the authorization for those population assistance which are a part of development assistance programs. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1979 for education and human resources assistance and technical assistance, energy, research, reconstruction, and selected development programs under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. Amends such Act with respect to the policies under which intermediate technology is furnished. Authorizes certain funds to be used to encourage the participation of women in the development process of developing countries. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1979 to promote human rights. Requires the President to take environmental consequences into considering development actions. Requires the President to study major environmental problems in developing countries. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1979 for American schools and hospitals abroad. Limits the number of institutions in any one country which may receive such assistance. Amends the Congressional policy statement with respect to housing assistance under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. Expands the authority of the President to issue housing investment guaranties to world-wide housing, rather than in Latin America only. Continues the authority of the agricultural and productive credit and self-help community development programs for one year. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 1979 for international organizations and programs, of which a specified amount shall be for the United Nations Trust Fund on South Africa. Prohibits such funds from being used for the United Nations Institute for Namibia unless the President determines that such funds will not be used to support the military activities of the Southwest African Peoples Organization. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 1969 for international disaster assistance. Authorizes the President to furnish assistance for African refugees. Authorizes appropriations for 1979 for such purpose. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize the President to use an increased amount of funds to carry out such Act for "reimbursable development" programs. Title II: Food for Peace - Sets forth Congressional policy with respect to assistance for basic food needs under the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954. Amends such Act to permit the Commodity Credit Corporation to pay the transportation costs of food for development programs. Deems the proceeds of the sale of food for development commodities to be payments of obligations incurred by the selling country under that Act. Title III: Economic Assistance - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize the President to furnish assistance to promote economic or political stability, under a program to be administered by the Secretary of State. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1979 for economic assistance, with a minimum amount available to Cyprus. Prohibits economic assistance funds from being used for military purposes. Authorizes specific authorizations for fiscal year 1979 for economic assistance to (1) Egypt, (2) Israel, (3) Jordan, (4) Syria, (5) the Maquarin Dam regional project, and (6) private voluntary agency development projects, according to specified procedures. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1979 for economic assistance to the countries of southern Africa. Repeals the authority for security supporting assistance programs, and assistance for Middle East peace. Makes certain technical amendments in accordance with the replacement of security supporting assistance by economic assistance. Title IV: Administrative Provisions - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to direct development programs to be carried out through competitive selection procedures. Requires the Chair of the Development Coordinating Committee to submit an annual report to Congress reviewing United States foreign assistance. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to repeal previous specified reporting requirements, and (1) the authorization of appropriations for the Sahel development program, and (2) the suspension of foreign assistance (military, economic, agricultural, and arms sale licenses) to Pakistan. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 with respect to the use of funds appropriated under such Act for the purchase of motor vehicles. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1979 for operating expenses under such Act. Amends such Act to repeal provisions relating to (1) the minimum contribution to the United Nations Children's Fund, (2) the additional contribution to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for the training of Arab refugees, (3) the minimum contribution to the International Atomic Energy Agency, (4) the limitations on contributions to the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization, (5) a sense of Congress regarding United Nations peacekeeping forces, (6) the authorization for appropriations for the drought-stricken nations of Africa, (7) the authority of the President to furnish earthquake relief assistance to Guatemala, (8) the use of receipts from the settlement of postwar economic assistance to Japan, (9) a statement of policy regarding assistance to newly independent countries, (10) the authorization of appropriations for development assistance administrative expenses, (11) the limitation on the aggregate amount of foreign assistance, (12) the limitation on assistance to Cambodia, (13) the limitations of the use of foreign assistance funds pending the release of certain appropriations impounded in 1971, (14) assistance priorities for funds to countries having agrarian economies, and (15) the authority of the President to conclude agreements with less developed countries to establish Joint Commissions on Rural Development. Title V: Coordination and Administration of the Development-Related Programs and Policies of the United States - Directs the President to coordinate those United States economic policies which affect the developing nations, and to establish an International Development Coordination Administration (superseding the Agency for International Development) to coordinate international development activities. Requires the President to submit a report to Congress on implementation of this title.
United States · United States Congress · 12 April 1978
Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to make grants to finance the construction and rehabilitation of congregate facilities in federally assisted housing projects and the provision of congregate services for elderly and handicapped individuals and families.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1978
Comprehensive Family Planning Services, Research in Human Reproduction, and Prevention of Unwanted Teenage Pregnancy Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to, and enter into contracts with, public or nonprofit entities to assist: (1) in the establishment, maintenance and expansion of voluntary family planning projects which offer a broad range of family planning methods (including natural family planning methods) to all persons who need and desire them; (2) in the provision through such projects of comprehensive services appropriate to the needs of teenagers who are at risk of unwanted pregnancy; and (3) in the establishment and operation of demonstration projects aimed toward the alleviation of problems of infertility through counseling, referral, and medical services to persons who need and desire them. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to public or nonprofit private entities and enter into contracts with public or nonprofit private entities and individuals: (1) to establish and maintain a network of community-based informational and educational services designed to help adolescents more fully understand the risks and consequences of teenage pregnancy and childbearing; and (2) to assist in developing appropriate information and educational materials for dissemination to such community-based services. Requires the Secretary to annually report a plan for achieving the purposes set forth in this Act with particular emphasis on assistance to adolescents. Authorizes the appropriation of specified amounts for fiscal years 1979 through 1981 to carry out the programs specified in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1978
Peace Corps Act Amendments - Amends the Peace Corps Act to authorize appropriations for fiscal years 1978, and 1979, to carry out such Act, and for employee benefits authorized by law for fiscal years 1978 and 1979. Directs the Peace Corps Act to be administered so as to encourage the economic integration of women in developing countries. Makes the malpractice protection provisions of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 1977, applicable to the Peace Corps. Authorizes the President to furnish hospitalization and medical treatment to Foreign Service local employees who are in the United States for training, under certain conditions. Amends the purpose of the Peace Corps Act to emphasize the role of the Corps in assisting the poor. Increases the limitation on the settlement amount authorized to settle and pay claims against the Peace Corps. Specifies information to be included in the annual reports to Congress on Peace Corps activities. Revises the sum which may be used in any fiscal year to encourage the development of international voluntary service programs. Authorizes the President to assign Peace Corps volunteers to private or governmental agencies to furnish relief assistance to displaced persons.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1978
Solar Energy Bank Act - Creates a Government corporation to be known as the Solar Energy Development Bank to make long-term, low-interest loans to encourage the use of solar energy in commercial and residential structures. Prohibits conflicts of interest on the part of officers or employees of the Bank. Prohibits the Bank or its employees from utilizing the Solar Bank to finance political activities. Imposes criminal penalties for the furnishing of false or misleading information by applicants for loans under this Act. Allows the Solar Bank to make loans directly, or through lending institutions which are entitled to reasonable fees for their services. Sets the annual interest rates on such loans at not more than three percent and limits the loans to a maximum of 30 years duration. Requires that the detailed plans submitted with each loan application include installation, architectural, and design plans and fees, if applicable. Prohibits the approval of loans unless the Solar Bank finds that the proposed equipment and related expenses are appropriate and reasonable and will result in a meaningful reduction in the conventional energy dependence of the user. Requires the Solar Bank to establish guidelines for the distribution of its loans among commercial and residential uses and requires that at least 60 percent of such monies loaned be for residential purposes. Establishes procedures governing the processing and approval of loan applications by the Bank. Provides penalties for the violation of the loan contract or for fraud in the obtaining of such a loan. Exempts the Solar Bank and its assets from taxation, except that the real and tangible personal property of the Bank shall be subject to Federal, State, and local taxation to the same extent as that of private corporations. Directs the General Accounting Office (GAO) to audit the financial transactions of the Bank, and grants the GAO access to all its books, records and accounts. Establishes a Solar Energy Fund in the Treasury of the United States to pay the expenses of the Bank. Authorizes the appropriation of $5,000,000,000 to the fund.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1978
Title I: Small Business Act Amendments - Empowers the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to make loans to assist any small business concern in financing plant construction and equipment acquisition for the production, installation, or maintenance of solar energy equipment or other energy conservation equipment. Permits the Administration to make grants to non-profit organizations for the establishment of training seminars that teach small business concerns methods of design, installation, and maintenance of solar energy equipment.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1978
Amends Title XVI (Supplemental Security Income for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled) of the Social Security Act to provide that an individual who applies for supplemental security income benefits on the basis of disability shall be considered presumptively disabled if he has received disability insurance benefits under Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act or supplemental security income benefits as a disabled individual within five years of his most recent application for supplementary security income benefits. Provides that benefits paid to an individual who is considered presumptively disabled under this Act will be considered overpayments if such individual is ultimately determined not to be disabled in fact.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1978
Solar Global Marketing Survey Act - Directs the Secretary of Commerce, in consultation with the Secretary of Energy, to conduct a global market survey to determine which foreign countries might serve as markets for solar energy equipment manufactured in the United States. Requires such survey be computed by September 1, 1980. Limits the amount which may be authorized to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1978
Foreign Mission Solar Energy Demonstration Act - Requires the Secretary of State to demonstrate solar energy and other renewable energy technologies by using such energy sources in Foreign Service buildings located abroad. Directs the Secretary to consult with the Secretary of Energy concerning the most viable techniques adaptable to the local resources and environmental conditions of the host country. Requires the Secretary of State to insure that projects under this Act are demonstrated to, and are available for inspection by, officials and other citizens of the host country. Directs the Secretary to give priority to projects in less developed countries.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1978
Declares it the sense of Congress that the United States should encourage the United Nations to hold a World Alternate Energy Conference to consider alternate ways to meet the world's energy needs and to establish an International Alternate Energy Commission to encourage worldwide use of alternate energy sources.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1978
Peace Corps Act Amendments - Amends the Peace Corps Act to authorize appropriations for fiscal years 1978, and 1979, to carry out such Act, and such sums as may be necessary for employee benefits authorized by law for fiscal years 1978 and 1979. Directs the Peace Corps Act to be administered so as to encourage the economic integration of women in developing countries. Repeals the requirement that only one Peace Corps volunteer who is a parent of a minor child may receive a readjustment allowance, even though both parents are volunteers eligible for such allowances. Makes the malpractice protection provisions of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Year, 1977, applicable to the Peace Corps. Eliminates instruction in the philosophy and menace of Communism from required Peace Corps training. Authorizes the President to furnish hospitalization and medical treatment to Foreign Service local employees who are in the United States for training, under certain conditions. Amends the purpose of the Peace Corps Act to emphasize the role of the Corps in assisting the poor. Increases the limitation on the settlement amount authorized to settle and pay claims against the Peace Corps. Specifies information to be included in the annual reports to Congress on Peace Corps activities. Revises the sum which may be used in any fiscal year to encourage the development of international voluntary service programs.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1978
Small Business Government Contracting Reform Act - Simplifies Government contracting procedures with respect to small businesses. Establishes Government contract arbitration panels within the Small Business Administration to facilitate the resolution of disputes between any small business concern and any Federal agency having procurement authority. Directs Federal agencies to take the apparent low responsive bidder's small business concern subcontracting plan into account in determining the responsibility of such bidder for the award of such contract. Assigns an employee of the Small Business Administration to each Federal agency to monitor compliance with specified small business programs. Establishes the Small Business Procurement Advisory Committee.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1978
Expresses the condemnation by the Congress of the March 11, 1978, attack on Israel by the Palestine Liberation Organization, and the expressed intention of the PLO to continue such attacks and to disrupt the peace efforts between Israel and Egypt. Requests the President to make the disapproval of the Congress known to governments approving the PLO attack. Expresses Congressional approval of the peace efforts between Israel and Egypt. Urges other Middle East countries to join such efforts. Declares negotiation to be the best way to bring peace to the Middle East.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1978
Authorizes appropriations for the Coast Guard for fiscal year 1979. Sets forth the authorized end strength level for active duty personnel and the average military training student load for the Coast Guard for such fiscal year. Authorizes the Coast Guard to enter into a long term lease for the purpose of acquiring land on the Quillayute Indian Reservation in the State of Washington in order to relocate the Quillayute River Coast Guard Station.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 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 · 7 March 1978
Elephant Protection Act - Prohibits the import, export, possession, transport, or sale of any elephant product. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to administer this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to issue permits for acts herein prohibited for scientific purposes. Establishes civil and criminal penalties for violation of this Act. Establishes rewards for persons providing information regarding violations of this Act. Requires the Secretaries of the Interior, Treasury, and the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to enforce this Act, and to promulgate regulations for such enforcement. Permits citizens suits to enforce this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1978
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from the coverage of the Federal Unemployment Tax Act agricultural hand-harvest labor performed by full-time students under the age of 16 years.
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 · 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
Social Security Refinancing Act - Amends Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) and XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, and the Internal Revenue Code to finance the payment of disability insurance benefits and hospital insurance benefits through general tax revenues, rather than through employment and self-employment tax revenues. Reduces employment and self-employment tax rates below the rates established by the Social Security Financing Amendments of 1977.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1978
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow political organizations to take the surtax exemption. Allows the Secretary of the Treasury to disallow the exemption to any organization formed to evade taxes by using the exemption.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1978
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) remove the adjusted gross income limitation on the credit for the elderly; (2) increase the amount of the credit; and (3) provide an annual cost-of-living adjustment for the credit.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1978
Family Violence Prevention and Treatment Act - Title I: General Provisions - Sets forth the findings of Congress and declares the purposes of this Act. Defines terms used in this Act. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the provisions of this Act in fiscal year 1978 and 1979. Title II: Coordinating Council on Family Violence - Establishes within the executive branch an independent organization known as the Coordinating Council on Family Violence (Council). Specifies the membership of the Council. States that the functions of the Council shall be: (1) to identify, assess, and coordinate all Federal programs related to problems of family violence in order to eliminate duplication of effort, inefficient use of resources, and lack of strategic objectives and priorities; and (2) to stimulate new programs within member agencies of the Council where necessary to fill gaps in services, funding, research, or demonstration programs. Directs the Council to make recommendations to the President and the Congress at least annually with respect to the coordination of overall policy and development of objectives and priorities. Title III: National Center for Community Action Against Family Violence - Directs the Director of ACTION to establish a National Center for Community Action Against Family Violence. States that the purpose of the Center shall be to provide information and technical assistance to local community groups which need assistance with organizing or operating existing or proposed programs dealing with family violence. Describes the functions of the Center including: (1) the development and maintenance of an information clearinghouse for services available for the treatment and prevention of family violence; (2) the establishment of a toll-free telephone number for the provision of information and counseling; (3) the development of a volunteer force to provide service through community centers dealing with family violence; (4) the making of grants to support and train volunteers; and (5) the development of a campaign to educate the public about the problems of family violence and resources available to deal with such problems. Sets forth procedures for the execution of such functions. Title IV: Amendments to the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act - Requires State plans under the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act to include provisions for the reporting of forms of family violence in addition to child abuse and neglect. Title V: Evaluation and Research - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to provide a specified sum for each of the two years following the enactment of this Act to evaluate the impact of community programs assisted by HEW on the prevention and treatment of family violence.
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 1978
International Emergency Food Reserve Act - Authorizes the President: (1) to enter into negotiations with other nations to develop an international system of food reserves for humanitarian food relief needs; and (2) to establish and maintain an International Emergency Food Reserve as a contribution of the United States toward the development of such a system. Requires for such Reserve minimum stocks of two million tons, allowing an increase up to six million tons pursuant to an international agreement.
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 1978
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 · 15 February 1978
Title I: Establishment of Park - Establishes, in the city of Lowell, Massachusetts, the Lowell National Cultural Park, consisting of a preservation zone and an intensive use zone, to preserve sites and structures through implementation of the plan of the Lowell Historic Canal District Commission. Title II: Role of the Secretary - Requires the Secretary of the Interior to submit a park management plan to Congress. Provides for consultation with the Lowell city manager and the Lowell National Cultural Park Commission, established by this Act, in setting preservation, restoration, and use standards. Sets requirements for acquisition of property within the preservation zone. Directs the Secretary to provide technical assistance in preservation, restoration, and other use of park properties. Permits withholding of park management plan funds by the Secretary if the city of Lowell fails to meet specified criteria. Title III: Role of the Commission - Establishes within the Department of the Interior the Lowell National Cultural Park Commission to administer the preservation zone. Requires the Commission to submit management plans and an index of Federal Register and other potentially significant historic cultural or architectural properties. Directs the Commission to make loans, grants, and technical assistance for the preservation, restoration, or development of the park. Provides for the acquisition and disposition of property by the Commission. Enumerates the powers of the Commission, including the holding of hearings, and provides for the staff of the Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1978
Amends the Marine Resources and Engineering Development Act of 1966 to redesignate title II of the Act as the National Sea Grant College Program. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the purposes of the Program for fiscal years 1979 and 1980. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to accept funds from Federal departments and agencies to pay for certain contracts and grants relating to the Program. Amends the Sea Grant Program Improvement Act of 1976 to authorize appropriations to carry out the purposes of the Act during fiscal years 1978, 1979, and 1980.