United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1978
Health Planning and Resources Development Amendments - Title I: Revision of Health Planning Authority - Requires the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to review annually the national guidelines for health planning promulgated under the Public Health Service Act. Requires the Secretary to determine whether health care delivery systems are meeting the standards and goals set forth in such guidelines and to periodically publish his findings. Directs health systems agencies designated under Title XV of such Act to provide such data as will enable the Secretary to carry out his responsibilities. Adds to the list of subjects deserving priority consideration in the formulation of national health planning goals: (1) the discontinuance of duplicative or unneeded services and facilities; and (2) the adoption policies to contain the rise of health care costs and promote efficiency in the health care delivery system. Permits the Governor of any State which comprises part of an interstate health service area, such an area being an entity designed to facilitate health planning and development functions for a specified region, to request, without the concurrence of the Governors of other States which are part of such area, the redesignation of an interstate area made up of an entire standard metropolitan statistical area. Directs the Secretary, in considering the application of an organization for designation as an area health systems agency, to give priority to an application which has been recommended by a Governor of a State within the area served by such agency for approval. Permits the State in which an agency is located an opportunity to comment on the performance of such agency before renewal by the Secretary of designating the agency as the health systems agency for a specified area. Increases from 12 to 36 months the maximum length of the term for which an entity may be designated as a health systems agency. Increases the term of a redesignation by the same term. Requires the Secretary to consult with the Governor and the Statewide Health Coordinating Council of each State in which a health systems agency is located before terminating such agency's designation as a health systems agency. Authorizes the Secretary to limit the functions an agency may perform if the Secretary determines that such agency has not fulfilled its obligations. Sets forth new criteria for the determination by the Secretary of the amount of the grant to be made each fiscal year to each health systems agency for the operation of such agency. Stipulates that funds provided under grants to a health systems agency for specified purposes in a fiscal year which have not been expended during such year, shall remain available for obligation in the succeeding fiscal year provided the designation of such health systems agency remains in effect during such succeeding year. Sets forth membership and selection requirements for the governing body of a health systems agency. Provides that records and meetings except for personnel matters shall be available to the public. States that each health systems agency shall have an identifiable program of providing assistance to the members of a governing body in making decisions for the agency. Prohibits any member of a governing body of a health systems or any member of Statewide Health Coordinating Council from voting on any matter with which such member has any substantial ownership, employment, fiduciary, contractual, creditor, or consultative relationship. Requires that each State health planning and development agency consult with the Statewide Health Coordinating Council to determine statewide health needs. Requires that each health planning and development agency conduct a public hearing on the proposed Annual Implementation Plan and shall give interested persons an opportunity to submit their views orally and in writing. Enumerates the requirements of a certificate of need program established by a State health planning and development agency (State Agency). States that such programs shall provide controls on the acquistion of additional equipment and facilities including: (1) review and determination of need for major medical equipment, health care facilities, and capital expenditures, (2) the acquisition and development of only such equipment, facilities, and services as the State Agency determines are needed; and (3) annual review of acquisition programs. Requires each health systems agency to coordinate its activities with any State entity which reviews rates and budgets of health care facilities. Requires health systems agencies located within the same standard metropolitan statistical area to coordinate their activities. Directs the Secretary to make grants to State health and development agencies to develop programs to reduce excess hospital capacity. Directs the Secretary, before renewing an agreement designating an agency of a State as the State health planning and development agency for that State, to provide each health systems agency designated for a health service area located in such State an opportunity to comment on the performance of the State Agency. Extends through fiscal year 1981 authorizations for: (1) planning grants; (2) State health planning and development; (3) rate regulation; (4) centers for Health Planning; and (5) area health services development funds. Title II: Revision of Authority for Health Resources Development - Amends Title XVI (Health Resources Development) of the Public Health Service Act to allow the Secretary to make loans for: (1) modernization of medical facilities; (2) construction of new outpatient facilities; (3) construction of new inpatient facilities in areas determined to require additional facilities; and (4) conversion of existing medical facilities for the provision of new health services. Authorizes the Secretary to guarantee payment of principal and interest to: (1) non-Federal lenders for their loans to nonprofit private entities for medical facilities projects; and (2) the Federal Financing Bank for its loans to nonprofit private entities for such projects. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants for construction or modernization projects designed to: (1) eliminate or prevent imminent safety hazards; or (2) avoid noncompliance with State or voluntary licensure or accreditation standards. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to public and nonprofit entities for projects for: (1) construction of outpatient medical facilities providing services for medically underserved populations; and (2) conversion of existing medical facilities to provide such services. Directs the Secretary to assure, by regulation, the effective execution and management of projects carried out under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1978
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Federal Communications Commission should maximize local primary radio broadcast service in any proceeding respecting the provision of class I-A and I-B radio service. Prohibits the operation of a standard broadcast station with power in excess of 50,000 watts.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1978
Amends the National Trails System Act by requiring the Secretary of the Interior to study the feasibility of designating the Overmountain Men Victory Trail in the States of Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina, as a national scenic trail.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1978
Legislative Oversight Act - Title I: Requirements for Authorization Bills - Requires all legislation considered by either House of Congress which authorizes new budget authority or increased tax expenditures to include a statement of objectives of the program to be authorized or established and a requirement that the agencies administering the program report annually to Congress to assist it in determining whether such program should be amended. Requires such agency reports to list the costs and accomplishments of each program. Title II: Requirements for Reports Accompanying Authorization Bills - Requires committee reports accompanying such legislation to identify expected economic and social costs and benefits of new programs authorized or established by such legislation, potentially duplicative programs, and previous efforts to accomplish the objectives of the program being considered. Requires reports to contain, if the legislation continues an existing program, authorization, or tax expenditure, an assessment of the degree to which such program or tax expenditure has met previously stated objectives. Requires the Comptroller General to publish and periodically update a descriptive catalog of interrelated Federal activities which compares program costs and accomplishments and describes program interrelationships, including the extent to which programs are duplicative. Title III: Presidential Budget Recommendations - Requires the President's budget to describe the relationship between the President's recommended program budgets and the program accomplishments reported by Federal agencies under this Act. Title IV: Authorization Time Limit; Certain Obligations not Impaired - Prohibits congressional consideration of any legislation which authorizes new budget authority or provides new or increased tax expenditures, or new spending authority for a period exceeding five years. Exempts from this prohibition national debt service and payments to individuals from Federal trust funds to which such individuals have contributed. Title V: Miscellaneous Provisions; Effective Date - Recognizes the authority of either House to amend this Act. Sets the effective date of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1978
Amends the Labor Management Relations Act to allow the President, in the event of a national emergency labor dispute, to direct the National Labor Relations Board to obtain management's latest offer and place it directly before employees for approval by secret ballot. Deems such offer binding upon all parties upon approval by a majority of the employees.
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 1978
Amends the Board for International Broadcasting Act of 1973 to prohibit assistance to Radio Free Europe or Radio Liberty if any Communist country is permitted to use such broadcast facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1978
Special Prosecutor Act - Directs the Attorney General to conduct an investigation upon receiving specific information that any of specific former or present national campaign managers or Federal officials, including the President, Vice President, judges, or Members of Congress, has authorized or engaged in any violation of Federal law other than a petty offense. Requires the Attorney General to report the results of such investigations to a special court to be comprised of three retired circuit judges, and to apply to the court for the appointment of a special prosecutor where warranted. Permits the court to appoint a special prosecutor without an application if (1) it receives information regarding a violation by an official covered by this Act, and (2) it determines that it would be inappropriate for the Department of Justice to investigate the matter. Directs the Attorney General to promulgate rules and regulations requiring any officer or employee of the Department of Justice to disqualify himself from participation in a particular investigation or prosecution if participation may result in a conflict of interest or appearance thereof.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1978
Amends the Securities Act of 1933 to require issuers of securities to report only material information to offerees with respect to transactions not involving a public offering. Limits the rulemaking power of the Securities and Exchange Commission in order to prevent the disqualification of certain affiliates of issuers and sellers of restricted securities from the exemption from registration requirements allowed for persons not engaged in the distribution of securities. Exempts a security seller who makes a good faith attempt not to involve any public offering in a transaction from liability to a purchaser. Increases the small offering exemption from $500,000 to $3,000,000. Exempts small business investment companies licensed under the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 from the terms of the Investment Company Act of 1940.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1978
Veterans' and Survivors' Pension Improvement Act - Title I: Amendments to Pension Program for Non-service-connected Disability or Death - Revises the list of specified catagories of payments excluded from the determination of annual income for benefit payment purposes. Requires persons applying for a non-service-connected disability pension to report the income and estate of each spouse and child on account of whom added pension is applied for or received. Sets increased flat pension and aid-and-attendance allowance rates, reduced by the amount of a veteran's annual income, and in specified instances, by the amount of a spouse's or child's income which is reasonably available to or for such veteran. Sets increased flat benefit rates, with similar reductions, for the surviving spouses and children of such veterans. Requires annual adjustments in such pension and benefit rates in conjunction with cost-of-living increases in Social Security benefits. Title II: Miscellaneous Provisions and Effective Dates - Sets the effective dates for provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1978
Prohibits, during the fiscal years 1978 and 1979, the use of funds appropriated to the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare to carry out a program on smoking and health described by the Secretary of such Department on January 11, 1978. Stipulates that programs on smoking and health for the period beginning October 1, 1977 and ending January 10, 1978, shall not be affected. Limits the use of funds which were projected on or before January 11, 1978, to be expended to carry out the program on smoking and health, announced on such date, to expenditures for additional research during 1978 or 1979 on the harmful properties of tobacco and dangerous effects of smoking.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1978
Calls upon the President to direct the Attorney General to retain David W. Marston as United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania until all investigations of corruption involving public officials presently being conducted in such district are concluded.
United States · United States Congress · 15 December 1977
Revises the method of computing the retired or retainer pay for members of the armed forces who were called to active duty after October 1, 1963, served on such active duty for a continuous period of at least two years and who were released from such duty before October 1, 1973.
United States · United States Congress · 6 December 1977
Amends the National Trails System Act by requiring the Secretary of the Interior to study the feasibility of designating the Overmountain Men Victory Trail in the States of Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina, as a national scenic trail.
United States · United States Congress · 29 November 1977
Equal Housing Opportunity Amendments - Amends the Rural Development Act of 1972 to require that loan guarantees from the Farmers Home Administration be under terms and restrictions no less favorable to borrowers than those offered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
United States · United States Congress · 26 October 1977
Amends the National Trails System Act by requiring the Secretary of the Interior to study the feasibility of designating the Overmountain Men Victory Trail in the States of Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina, as a national scenic trail.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 1977
Declares that there be no reduction of customs duties on textile or apparel products and that such products be excluded from the current Tokyo Round of Multilateral Trade Negotiations in Geneva.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 1977
Amends the National Trails System Act by requiring the Secretary of the Interior to study the feasibility of designating the Overmountain Men Victory Trail in the States of Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina, as a national scenic trail.
United States · United States Congress · 5 October 1977
Amends the National Trails System Act of 1968 to re-establish the advisory council on the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, to limit such council's existence to ten years, and to reduce the term of council members from five to two years. Increases the limitations on acreage which may be acquired for rights-of-way and by condemnation proceedings along the Appalachian Trail without the consent of the owner from 25 acres in any one mile to at least 25 acres but not more than 125 acres within any one mile. Increases from $5,000,000 to $35,000,000 the authorization of appropriations for acquisition of lands for the Appalachian National Scenic Trail.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 1977
Amends the National Trails System Act by requiring the Secretary of the Interior to study the feasibility of designating the Overmountain Men Victory Trail in the States of Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina, as a national scenic trail.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat as a scholarship and to exclude from gross income any amounts received by an individual under the Armed Forces health professions scholarship program or the National Health Service Corps scholarship program, without regard to whether such individual is receiving training while on active duty or in an off-duty or inactive status, and without regard to whether a period of active duty or other service is required of such individual as a condition of receiving such payments.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 1977
Fair Franchise Practices and Distribution Practices Reform Act - Prohibits a franchisor from terminating a franchise during the term of the franchise agreement and from failing to renew the relationship at the expiration of the franchise term unless the termination or non-renewal is based upon specified grounds and executed in accordance with specified notice requirements. Requires 60 days' notice of termination or nonrenewal in most cases. Makes the provisions of this Act enforceable by private civil action in the appropriate U.S. district court. Authorizes injunctive relief and money damages. Preempts State law in the subject areas with which this Act deals, including termination and non-renewal of franchise relationships and the notice applicable thereto, unless State law provisions are the same as the applicable provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 1977
Expresses the sense of the Congress that any right to, title to, or interest in the property of the United States Government agencies in the Panama Canal Zone or any real property and improvements thereon located in the zone should not be conveyed, relinquished, or otherwise disposed of to any foreign government without specific authorization of such conveyance, relinquishment, or other disposition by any Act of Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1977
Expresses the displeasure of the House of Representatives toward any policy of the Internal Revenue Service which changes through administrative interpretation long-standing applications of the Internal revenue laws. Expresses the sense of the House that the Internal Revenue Service refrain from changing its policy with respect to taxation of benefits given to employees, without submission of any proposed changes to Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1977
Consumer Controversies Resolution Act - Declares that it is the purpose of this Act to assure all consumers convenient access to a consumer controversy resolution mechanism which is effective, fair, inexpensive, and expeditious and to facilitate better representation of consumer interests. Defines the terms used in this Act. Directs the Federal Trade Commission to establish an office of Consumer Redress. Directs the Commission to perform enumerated duties, including: (1) payment to the States of funds to assist in the development, establishment, or improvement of State consumer controversy resolution systems; (2) review of the operation of each State plan for the resolution of controversy involving consumers which has been approved under this Act; and (3) articulation and evaluation of the goals for a model State system of consumer controversy resolution. Provides for the allocation to States of monies appropriated for financial assistance pursuant to this Act. Specifies purposes for which such funds be used including public education and publicity relating to the availability and proper use of consumer controversy resolution mechanisms and settlement procedures. Requires each recipient of assistance under this Act to keep such records as the Federal Trade Commission shall prescribe. Directs the Commission to submit an annual report to the President and Congress. Authorizes to be appropriated not more than $5,000,000 for fiscal year 1978, $20,000,000 for fiscal year 1979.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1977
Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require the Federal Communications Commission to regulate the rates, terms, and conditions for pole attachments used for wire communication, in any case in which such rates, terms, and conditions are not regulated by any State authority. Stipulates that a just and reasonable rate shall assure the utility of recovery of not less than the additional costs of providing pole attachments nor more than the actual capital and operating expenses of the utility attributable to that portion of the pole used by the attachment.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 1977
Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to have conducted studies on: (1) toxic or carcinogenic substances in food; and (2) saccharin and other nonnutritive sweeteners. Requires the Secretary to complete such studies within one year and submit reports to the Senate Committee on Human Resources and the House Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce. Prohibits the Secretary from banning or restricting the sale of saccharin for 18 months.
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the limitations on charitable deductions and investment tax credits taken by cooperative corporations. Allows cooperatives to allocate their investment tax credits among their patrons.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1977
Amends the National Trails System Act by requiring the Secretary of the Interior to study the feasibility of designating the Overmountain Men Victory Trail in the States of Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina, as a national scenic trail.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1977
Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require the Federal Communications Commission to regulate the rates, terms, and conditions for pole attachments used for wire communication, in any case in which such rates, terms, and conditions are not regulated by any State authority. Stipulates that a just and reasonable rate shall assure the utility of recovery of not less than the additional costs of providing pole attachments nor more than the actual capital and operating expenses of the utility attributable to that portion of the pole used by the attachment.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1977
Broadcast License Renewal Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to set the term of a broadcast station license, or renewal, at five years. Provides that any license granted may be renewed upon its expiration, if the Commission finds that the public interest, convenience, and necessity would be served by the renewal of such license. Allows appeals from decisions and orders of the Commission to be taken to the United States court of appeals for the circuit in which such broadcast facility is located. Sets guidelines for expeditious action on applications for renewal of broadcasting station licenses by limiting material required to be filed. Requires the Commission to examine the renewal process and report within six months on methods of reducing and consolidating filings and supporting documents.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1977
Denies veterans' retroactively to any individual whose entitlement is based on an upgraded discharge under specified revised standards not made applicable to all persons administratively discharged or released from active military service under less than honorable conditions. Requires the board of review to make a separate determination whether an upgraded individual would have been awarded an upgraded discharge under discharge review standards made applicable to all persons administratively discharged under less than honorable conditions. Entitles to veterans' benefits any individual whose upgraded discharge would have been awarded under previous unrevised review standards. Denies, as of the date of enactment, benefits for any disability incurred or aggravated during a period of service from which a veteran was discharged by reason of a bad conduct discharge. States that the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs should not promulgate any new or revised regulations providing any unique or special advantage to veterans who have received upgraded discharges under revised standards, or otherwise make any special distinction between such veterans and other veterans.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the limitations on charitable deductions and investment tax credits taken by cooperative corporations. Allows cooperatives to allocate their investment tax credits among their patrons.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1977
Directs the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a one-year review and evaluation of all available information respecting the toxicity and carcinogenicity of food additives. Directs that the study include: (1) information respecting the ability to predict the effect on humans of food additives found to cause cancer in animals; and (2) information regarding the desirability of weighing risk and benefits when making regulatory decisions respecting such additives. Requires the Institute to report the results of such evaluation to the Congress and the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare. Directs the Secretary to permit the continued use of saccharin as a food, food additive, drug, or cosmetic for the 18-month period following enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1977
Denies veterans' benefits to an individual whose discharge from military service during the Vietnam era under less than honorable conditions is administratively upgraded, under temporarily revised standards, to discharge under honorable conditions; but only when such veteran's claim for benefits is based solely on such upgraded discharge.
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 1977
Amends the provision of the Gun Control Act of 1968 imposing additional sentences on persons committing Federal felonies while carrying, or with the use of, a firearm to (1) increase the penalties thereunder, (2) encompass State crimes and (3) prohibit a suspended, probationary or concurrent sentence with respect to a first conviction.
United States · United States Congress · 2 June 1977
Authorizes the President of the United States to designate the week beginning on the Sunday preceding the fourth Thursday in November of each year as "National Family Week".
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 1977
Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require the Federal Communications Commission to regulate the rates, terms, and conditions for pole attachments used for wire communication, in any case in which such rates, terms, and conditions are not regulated by any State authority. Stipulates that a just and reasonable rate shall assure the utility of recovery of not less than the additional costs of providing pole attachments nor more than the actual capital and operating expenses of the utility attributable to that portion of the pole used by the attachment.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a limited tax credit in an amount of $250 for each individual who is at least 65 years of age before the beginning of the taxable year, whose principal place of abode during the taxable year is the principal residence of the taxpayer, and who is not a lodger with the taxpayer.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1977
Broadcast License Renewal Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to set the term of a broadcast station license, or renewal, at five years. Provides that any license granted may be renewed upon its expiration, if the Commission finds that the public interest, convenience, and necessity would be served by the renewal of such license. Allows appeals from decisions and orders of the Commission to be taken to the United States court of appeals for the circuit in which such broadcast facility is located. Sets guidelines for expeditious action on applications for renewal of broadcasting station licenses by limiting material required to be filed. Requires the Commission to examine the renewal process and report within six months on methods of reducing and consolidating filings and supporting documents.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1977
Mobile Source Emission Control Amendments - Amends the Clean Air Act to extend through model year 1979 interim standards for hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide emissions from light-duty motor vehicles. Specifies standards applicable in model years 1980 and afterwards for such pollutants. Revises the emission standard for carbon monoxide to allow emissions of up to 9.0 grams per vehicle mile. Extends until model year 1981 the current 2.0 grams per vehicle mile interim standard for nitrogen oxide emissions from light-duty vehicles. Establishes a nitrogen oxides emissions standard of 1.0 gram per vehicle mile for model years after 1981, subject to revision or waiver by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency in accordance with prescribed procedures. Stipulates that such revisions and waivers shall not permit emissions in excess of the 2.0 grams per vehicle mile interim standard. Directs the Administrator, the Secretary of Transportation and the Federal Energy Administration to submit separate reports to Congress regarding the consequences of such emission standards on fuel consumption. Establishes additional prohibitions and penalties for tampering with motor vehicle emission control equipment. Empowers limits in the amount of vehicle testing required of small manufacturers. Establishes procedures for review of instructions for high altitude performance adjustments for motor vehicle emission control systems by the Administrator in accordance with specified requirements. Revises warranty requirements stipulated by the Act. Specifies an 18-month or 18,000 mile warranty requirement for the useful life of motor vehicle emission control systems. Directs the Administrator to study the effects of emissions of sulfur-bearing conformed from motor vehicles and aircraft. Extends the exception for disclosure of confidential information in administrative and judicial proceedings to emission data upon a satisfactory showing to the Administrator that such data would divulge trade secrets. Requires that documentation, justifications, proposed drafts, and comments of other agencies an proposed motor vehicle emission standards be made available to the public once such standards are proposed. Establishes procedures for oral presentation of views, with opportunity for cross-examination, with respect to such standards. Authorizes direct review of alleged procedural errors in the appropriate court of appeals. Authorizes the appropriation of $200,000,000 per fiscal year for fiscal years 1978, 1979, and 1980, to carry out the purposes of this Act other than research, development, and demonstration activities.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1977
Grants the court of claims jurisdiction to render judgments against the United States upon claims for losses other than lost profits sustained by producers, processors, manufacturers, distributors, dealers, or other persons resulting from the ban on apparel, fabric, yarn, or fiber containing Tirs phosphate.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1977
Provides, for purposes of awarding veterans' wartime disability compensation, that progressive muscular atrophy developing a ten percent or more degree of disability within seven years after separation from active service during a period of war shall be presumed to be service connected.
![Official portrait of Rep. Broyhill, James T. [R-NC-10]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/b000966_200.jpg)