United States · United States Congress · 16 February 1978
Permits the Governor of any State with jurisdiction to establish a disaster area Recovery Planning Council to contract the performance of Council functions to any Federal agency, State agency, or private nonprofit organization receiving Federal funds, which has economic development functions.
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 · 15 February 1978
Better Jobs and Income Act - States that it is the intent of Congress to provide training and job opportunities to principal earners in families with children and to provide income support and supplementation to low-income families and individuals. States that Congress finds it necessary to consolidate and reform Federal and State income assistance programs. Title I: Cash Assistance Program Under The Social Security Act - Amends the Social Security Act to add Title XXI entitled "Income Supplement and Income Support for Families and Individuals". Authorizes appropriations to carry out the programs established by such Title. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare (HEW), in accordance with the provisions of such Title, to make payments to an eligible household unit (household), as such term is defined in this Act, for any month in which the available income of such household is less than the maximum amount payable according to provisions of this Act, and in which the value of the household's assets does not exceed the allowable amount specified in this Act. Excludes from eligibility for payments as a member of a household: (1) individuals who are not citizens of the United States or aliens not lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States; (2) individuals confined in penal or correctional institutions; (3) inmates of public institutions. Directs HEW to assist in the effective implementation of the Employment Opportunities Program established by Title II of this Act and to notify the Secretary of Labor of each adult member of a household with respect to which amounts are payable under this Act. Enumerates exemptions to such reporting requirement based on the need of an otherwise available worker in the home, the disability of such an individual, or status as a full-time student. Directs HEW, in the case of any blind or disabled individual who has not attained age 65 and who is receiving payments under this Act, to provide for referral of such individual to the appropriate State agency administering the State plan for vocational rehabilitation services approved under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Directs the referral of such an individual who is under age 16 to the State agency administering the State plan, required by this Act, for services to disabled children and for review, at least quarterly, of the blindness or disability of such individual and of the need for and utilization of the services made available under such plan. Specifies the amount of payment to a household. States that such amount shall be the "maximum payable amount," as determined by regulations set forth in this Act, reduced by the amount of "available income," as determined under provisions of this Act. Sets forth tables specifying the maximum amount payable to a household according to the number of members and the status of each member as adult, child, or aged, blind, or disabled. Reduces the amount payable for each member who is eligible for subsidized work or training under the Employment and Training Opportunities Program established by Title II of this Act and who is required to be referred to the Secretary of Labor, unless such member is certified as being incapacitated or has not been offered employment or training. Defines "available income" for purposes of determining the amount payable to an eligible household and enumerates exclusions from such available income. Prohibits the payment of benefits under this Act to a household if the value of its assets exceeds $2,250 for households consisting of two or more individuals, or $1,500 for households consisting of only one individual. Excludes from the determination of assets of a household: (1) the home, if it is the residence of such household; (2) the household goods and personal effects, including tools or similar items necessary for a member to engage in gainful employment; (3) separate, identifiable amounts set aside for burial expenses; (4) business assets held for the production of self-employment income; (5) assets of a blind or disabled individual who has an approved plan for achieving self support; and (6) certain stock held by Alaskan Natives under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. Directs that the payment to a household in Guam, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands be scaled according to the ratio of the per capita incomes of such territories in fiscal year 1980 to the per capita income of the State having the lowest such income. Exempts household members in such territories from the requirement for subsidized work or training until such time as the Employment Opportunities Program established by Title II of this Act extended to such territories. Authorizes the States to enter into agreements with HEW under which the States will make supplemental payments to households receiving payment from HEW under this Act. Sets forth the method by which the amount of such supplements shall be determined. Requires the States to reimburse HEW for that portion of the cost of such supplements which is not covered by Federal participation. Sets forth directions for the computation of the amount of Federal participation in each State supplemental payment program. Requires each State to pay to HEW a specified percentage of the annual Federal expenditure for payments under this Act in order to assure that each State will continue to share responsibility for meeting the objectives of this Act. Establishes procedures to limit the fiscal liability of the States for participation in the program of State supplemental payments. Sets forth requirements and measures for the administration of the income supplementation program established by this Act. Includes requirements for making application for benefits and for determining eligibility for benefits. Directs HEW to make adjustments in future payments for overpayments and underpayments to households. Requires HEW to establish procedures for the determination of disagreements by an affected individual. Establishes criminal penalties for fraud under this Act. Directs HEW to prescribe criteria for approval of State plans for counseling and services to blind or disabled children. Requires HEW to pay to the State agency administering such plan the costs incurred in each fiscal year. Establishes a new program of grants to States to enable each State to furnish emergency assistance to meet the living expenses of needy families and individuals which are not met under the payments program established by this Act. Directs HEW to pay to each State that has an approved plan for such assistance the total expenditures for the provision of such assistance. Sets limits on the total amount of such payments to any State for a given year. Limits the participation of Guam, Puerto Rico, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Virgin Islands in the emergency assistance program except when the need for emergency assistance arises from a natural disaster or other occurrence of regional or national significance beyond the control of the named territories. Authorizes the President to permit HEW to make payments to States for assistance in meeting living expenses when emergency conditions exist because of a natural disaster. Sets forth steps for the establishment of State plans to administer the emergency assistance program established under this Act. Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to increase the amount of the credit against personal income tax to which an individual is entitled based on the individual's earned income. Provides for an earned income certificate permitting a reduction of withholding tax of individuals entitled to the earned income credit. Permits disclosure of income tax return records to HEW and State agencies for purposes of of determining eligibility for benefits under this Act. Establishes a program for grants to States for foster care of dependent children under Title IV of the Social Security Act. Authorizes appropriations and sets forth requirements for the administration of State plans. Repeals Title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) of the Social Security Act and the program of Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC), and the Work Incentive Program for Recipients of AFDC of Title IV of such Act. Directs HEW to grant priority in the hiring of Federal employees to qualified applicants who on the date of enactment of this Act, were State employees whose compensation was paid from funds provided under the work training programs established by certain Titles of the Social Security Act or the Food Stamp Act of 1977. Authorizes HEW to hire specially trained personnel and to procure any real or personal property needed to administer the programs established by this Act. Revises the method for distribution to the State and Federal Government of child support collected under the Child Support and Establishment of Paternity program of Title IV of the Social Security Act. Requires that retroactive disability insurance payments awarded under Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act be reduced by the amount of benefits paid under the cash assistance program established by this Act during the retroactive period. Title II: Employment and Training Opportunities - Establishes an Employment and Training Opportunities program under the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act of 1973 to provide assistance to jobseekers receiving income supplementation in securing employment. Provides for the referral of eligible individuals to employment and training programs and sets forth wage requirements and conditions of employment for individuals referred to such programs. Specifies minimum requirements for job search assistance programs, among them (1) use of a computerized job matching program in cooperation with the State employment security agency, (2) a program of job search assistance services, (3) referral to unsubsidized job opportunities of eligible individuals for an initial eight week period, and continued referrals thereafter, and (4) establishment, by the prime sponsor, of annual goals for placement of eligible individuals. Sets forth conditions under which an individual will not be deemed to have refused work without good cause. Directs the Secretary of Labor to provide financial assistance to prime sponsors conducting an Employment and Training Opportunity program and to the State Governors to be used for the Statewide planning and coordination of approved plans. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to make determinations concerning the compliance of individuals participating in the Employment and Training Opportunity program and to withhold payments from any prime sponsor who repeatedly pays wages in excess of the authorized amount. Title III: Establishment of Preschool Education Programs - Provides for the establishment of an In-Home Early Child Development program and a Preschool Development program under the Social Security Act. Sets forth requirements for the establishment of each program.
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 1978
Amends Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act and the Internal Revenue Code to reduce tax rates below the level established by the Social Security Amendments of 1977 on employment income for both employers and employees and on self-employment income. Increases Federal contributions to the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund, the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund, and the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund established under Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act by 50 percent. Increases the ceiling on the amount of income that is subject to social security taxation to $100,000 in 1979.
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 1978
Amends Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act and the Internal Revenue Code to reduce tax rates below the level established by the Social Security Amendments of 1977 on employment income for both employers and employees and on self-employment income. Increases Federal contributions to the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund, the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund, and the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund established under Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act by 50 percent. Increases the ceiling on the amount of income that is subject to social security taxation to $100,000 in 1979.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1978
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to authorize payment under the supplementary medical insurance program for foot care involving the cutting and removal of corns, warts, and calluses and the trimming of club nails.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1978
Amends Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act and the Internal Revenue Code to reduce tax rates below the level established by the Social Security Amendments of 1977 on employment income for both employers and employees and on self-employment income. Increases Federal contributions to the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund, the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund, and the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund established under Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act by 50 percent. Increases the ceiling on the amount of income that is subject to social security taxation to $100,000 in 1979.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1978
Amends the Woodrow Wilson Memorial Act of 1968 to establish a Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship in Social and Political Thought at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars at the Smithsonian Institution. Establishes the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Trust Fund in the Treasury.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1978
Amends Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act and the Internal Revenue Code to reduce tax rates below the level established by the Social Security Amendments of 1977 on employment income for both employers and employees and on self-employment income. Increases Federal contributions to the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund, the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund, and the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund established under Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act by 50 percent. Increases the ceiling on the amount of income that is subject to social security taxation to $100,000 in 1979.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1978
Amends Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act and the Internal Revenue Code to reduce tax rates below the level established by the Social Security Amendments of 1977 on employment income for both employers and employees and on self-employment income. Increases Federal contributions to the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund, the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund, and the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund established under Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act by 50 percent. Increases the ceiling on the amount of income that is subject to social security taxation to $100,000 in 1979.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1978
Amends Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act and the Internal Revenue Code to reduce tax rates below the level established by the Social Security Amendments of 1977 on employment income for both employers and employees and on self-employment income. Increases Federal contributions to the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund, the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund, and the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund established under Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act by 50 percent. Increases the ceiling on the amount of income that is subject to social security taxation to $100,000 in 1979.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1978
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that meals furnished by an employer to an employee may be considered furnished for the convenience of the employer (and the value excluded from the employee's gross income) without regard to whether a charge is made or whether the employee is required to accept such meals.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1978
Declares that an application for veterans' benefits filed by a certain individual was received by the Veterans' Administration as of a specified time. Authorizes the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to pay to such individual a lump sum.
United States · United States Congress · 15 December 1977
Amends Title II (Old-Aged, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act and the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to reduce tax rates below their present level on employment income for both employers and employees and on self-employment income. Increases Federal contributions to the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund established under Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act by 50 percent. Increases the ceiling on the amount of income that is subject to social security taxation to $17,700 by 1978. Requires the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, to submit to the Congress a detailed proposal for benefit computation changes of the primary insurance amount under Title II of the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 31 October 1977
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide payment for occupational therapy services under the supplementary medical insurance program.
United States · United States Congress · 31 October 1977
Amends Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act and the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to reduce tax rates below their present level on employment income for both employers and employees and on self-employment income. Increases Federal contributions to the Federal Old- Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund established under Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act by 50 percent. Increases the ceiling on the amount of income that is subject to social security taxation to $17,700 by 1978. Requires the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, to submit to the Congress a detailed proposal for benefit computation changes of the primary insurance amount under Title II of the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 October 1977
Directs the Secretary of Defense to place a plaque and a permanent display of medals, ribbons, and tributes of the Vietnam era on the crypt at the National Cemetery at Arlington, Virginia, reserved for an unknown American serviceman who lost his life in Southeast Asia. Directs the Secretary to perform the duties required by this Act even though the remains of such serviceman have not yet been placed in the crypt.
United States · United States Congress · 26 October 1977
Declares that there be no reduction of customs duties on textile, apparel, or fiber products and that such products be excluded from the current Tokyo Round of Multilateral Trade Negotiations in Geneva.
United States · United States Congress · 13 October 1977
Amends Title XVI (Supplemental Security Income for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled) of the Social Security Act to exclude from an individual's resources in determining his or her eligibility for benefits under such title an amount, not to exceed $1000, deposited as prepayment of funeral and burial expenses.
United States · United States Congress · 11 October 1977
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 · 27 September 1977
Tuition Tax Credit Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a credit against an individual's income tax in an amount equal to 50 percent of the sum of the amounts paid by him to educational institutions as tuition (though no more than $500 for any single individual) for the attendance of the taxpayer, the taxpayer's spouse, or any of his dependents with respect to whom he is entitled to a personal exemption.
United States · United States Congress · 8 September 1977
Authorizes the President to call a White House Conference on Families in 1979. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish an advisory committee to such Conference.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1977
Amends the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973 to authorize the Secretary of Transportation to guarantee securities and obligations issued by a railroad in reorganization to State and local taxing authorities to secure the railroad's tax obligations when the Consolidated Rail Corporation, the United States Railway Association, or the Federal Government asserts a superior interest in payment out of the estate of such railroad during reorganization or liquidation proceedings under the Bankruptcy Act. Directs the Secretary, if sufficient funds are unavailable to discharge such guarantees, to issue notes or other obligations to the Secretary of the Treasury. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to sell such olbigations. Authorizes appropriations in such amounts as may be necessary to discharge all of the Secretary of Transportation's obligations under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1977
Rail Rehabilitation Act - Title I: Findings, Purpose, and Definitions - Declares that the purposes of this Act are to designate an Interstate Railroad System, to rehabilitate the lines within such System, and to transfer to the States the responsibility for maintaining rail lines not included within such System. Title II: Interstate Railroad System - Requires each rail carrier to provide the Secretary of Transportation with specified information regarding its rail lines. Stipulates that the Initial Interstate Railroad System shall be comprised of: (1) all rail lines operated by railroad companies within the United States; (2) all out-of-service but not abandoned rail lines controlled by domestic railroad companies; and (3) such rail lines outside the United States which are operated by a railroad company which operates primarily within the United States and which are deemed essential to the System by the Secretary. Specifies exceptions to such inclusion. Directs the Secretary to prepare and distribute a report containing a description of all rail lines included in the Initial System and a report identifying all rail lines not included in the Initial System and the reason for such exclusion. Directs the Rail Services Planning Office of the Interstate Commerce Commission to hold public hearings regarding the establishment of the Initial System, and to report to the Secretary its recommendations for additions to and deletions from such System. Directs the Secretary, after receiving such recommendations, to prepare and release a summary of an Intermediate Interstate Railroad System. Requires the Secretary to include findings in support of each addition to or deletion from the Initial System. Stipulates that the Intermediate System shall designate the future maintenance standards of each rail line in the System according to specified criteria. Directs the Rail Services Planning Office to hold public hearings to solicit comments on the Intermediate System and to report to the Secretary its recommendations for additions to and deletions from such System. Directs the Secretary, after receiving such recommendations, to prepare and transmit to Congress the Final Interstate Railroad System. Stipulates that the Final System shall contain no deletions from the Intermediate System except those deletions recommended by the Office or approved by the Governor of the State in which the rail lines to be deleted are included. Stipulates that the Final Plan shall contain future maintenance standards for each rail line which are no lower than those contained in the Intermediate System except under specified circumstances. Stipulates that the Final System shall be deemed approved unless either the House of Representatives or the Senate passes a resolution of disapproval within 60 days. Directs that, in the event such a resolution is passed, the Secretary shall submit a revised System to Congress for review. Directs the Secretary, within 90 days of receiving the Office's recommendations regarding the Intermediate System, to establish a rehabilitation, capital improvement, and maintenance program for the restoration of all rail lines in the System to the future maintenance standards set forth in the Final System. Stipulates that this entire program shall be scheduled for completion within 12 years after the enactment of this Act. Directs the Secretary and the Secretary of the Army, within three years after the enactment of this Act, to carry out a study of the long-term capital needs for the major upgrading of the Final System. Directs the Administrator of the Federal Rail Property Administration (as established by this Act) to establish a revised rehabilitation, capital improvement and maintenance program showing the schedule for completion of each element of the program. Stipulates that all rail properties subject to reorganization under the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973 shall be part of the Final System. Title III: Federal Rail Property Administration - Establishes the Federal Rail Property Administration within the Department of Transportation. Authorizes the Administration to acquire rail lines and transportation property other than rail lines from any railroad company operating within the United States or whose principal place of business is within the United States. Stipulates that such property may include United States railroads outside the U.S. in contiguous portions of Canada and Mexico where necessary for the Interstate Rail System. Authorizes the Administration to enter into leases with railroad companies which deed rail lines to the Administration for the purpose of providing rail service for a period of not more than 25 years. Stipulates that such a lease shall be renewable. Sets forth provisions to be included in such a lease. Directs the Administrator to establish regulations for the planning and implementation of projects to coordinate, and consolidate railroad operations. Authorizes railroad companies, after the Final System is deemed approved, to offer to transfer all its rail facilities included in the System to the Administration. Authorizes ConRail to offer its rail facilities to the Administration any time 120 days after the enactment of this Act. Requires the Administration to accept title to such rail facilities and to enter into operating leases for such lines within 120 days after receipt of an offer to transfer. Authorizes railroad companies (other than Con Rail) to offer to transfer rail facilities before approval of the Final System under specified conditions. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to develop rehabilitation and capital improvement programs for rail properties owned by the Administration. Requires such programs to be incorporated into the leases for such properties. Stipulates that the Administration shall pay the costs of such programs and shall contract with the leaseholding railroad to perform such programs. Directs the Administrator and any rail carrier leasing property to establish a schedule of maintenance for such property after the conclusion of a rehabilitation program. Stipulates that such maintenance shall be the responsibility of the carrier or carriers involved. Directs the Administrator to supply all materials and equipment for such maintenance. Directs the Administrator to report annually to the President and the Congress on the properties owned by the Administration and on the condition of all other rail properties in the nation. Title IV: Funding - Authorizes appropriations in such amounts as may be necessary for each of the 12 years following the enactment of this Act for rehabilitation projects and maintenance projects. Imposes a Rail User Charge on all railroads operating on facilities of the Administration. Stipulates that such charge shall amount to $.20 annually per thousand gross ton-miles of freight, passengers, and rail equipment moved on such facilities. Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary, the Interstate Commerce Commission, and the Administrator to carry out provisions of this Act. Title V: State and Local Rail Service Discontinuance and Abandonment - Sets forth conditions for the discontinuance or abandonment of rail service or rail properties transferred to the Administration. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish a Federal aid program in support of State rail planning as required by the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973. Title VI: Labor Contracts - Stipulates that all contracts between rail carriers and labor organizations for maintenance of properties transferred to the Association shall remain in full effect. Authorizes the Association to enter into contracts for the performance of maintenance, rehabilitation and capital improvement projects provided that all employment pursuant to such contracts shall be subject to the terms of labor contracts in force at the time on the property affected.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1977
Unemployment Compensation Cost Equalization Act - Entitles, under the Social Security Act, states whose rates of insured unemployment is at least six percent to partial reimbursement on an ascending sliding scale of unemployment compensation costs incurred above a certain amount.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1977
Public Housing Security Act - Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to monitor the planning and implementation of public housing construction, rehabilitation, or modernization projects to assure that crime prevention is taken into account in the design of such housing. Directs the Secretary to make funds available for citizen crime prevention programs.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1977
Authorizes the President to call a White House Conference on Families in 1979. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish an advisory committee to such Conference.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 1977
Limits the application of the Tax Reform Act provisions pertaining to basis limitations for athlete contracts transferred in connection with franchise sales to mergers for which proposed proxy statements were filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission before September 21, 1976.
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 1977
Social Security Financing, Benefit Indexing, and Equal Rights Amendments - Title I: Provisions to Improve the Financing of the Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance Programs Financing Amendments - Amends Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of the Treasury, for years in which the unemployment rate has exceeded six percent, to transfer from the General Fund of the Treasury to: (1) the Federal Old-Age, and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund; (2) the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund; and (3) the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund, an amount computed in accordance with a formula set forth in this Act, and apportioned among such Funds in accordance with this Act. Increases to $23,400 and $37,500 for calendar years 1979 and 1980 respectively, the level of wages to which the employer excise tax for purposes of Title II and railroad retirement will be applied. Sets forth increases in specified amounts to such contribution and benefit base in calendar years 1979, 1981, 1983, and 1985. Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to increase the rate of tax on wages received by employees and paid by employers, and on the earnings of the self employed for the purposes of Title II, and of the hospital insurance program of Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act. Increases to specified levels, the allocations of wages and self-employment income from the Treasury to the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund in accordance with Title II of the Social Security Act. Title II: Stabilization of Income Replacement Rates in the Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance Programs - Social Security Benefit Indexing Amendments - Sets forth a new formula for the computation of the primary insurance amount of an individual who becomes eligible for old age insurance benefits or disability insurance benefits under Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act after January, 1979. Provides that the minimum monthly insurance benefit under such new formula shall be $120.60. Establishes a method for determining annually the portion of an individual's average indexed monthly earnings upon which an individual's primary insurance amount is based. Bases such determination on a comparison of the average wages of all employees for the second calendar year preceding the calendar year for which the determination is made with the wages of all employees for the calendar year 1977. Provides for the recomputation of the benefit amounts of beneficiaries to assure that no individual receive less under the current method of computing benefit than the amount he would receive under this Act. Requires that, in determining the amount on which an individual's primary insurance amount will be based, the paid in wages of a worker and self employment income be indexed to reflect the changes in such wages and income between the year in which such individual became eligible for benefits and each year in which the worker had earnings. Sets forth a formula to be used in indexing an individual's earnings. Establishes new maximum limits on the amount of benefits which an individual may receive. Title III: Elimination of Gender-Based Differences in Statutory Provisions of the Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance Program - Social Security Equal Rights Amendments - Amends Title II to eliminate gender-based distinctions in awarding benefits under such Title. Equalizes treatment of fathers, husbands, divorced husbands, surviving divorced husbands, and widowers with the treatment of their female counterparts under the Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance Program. Sets forth conditions for determining whether a spouse is dependent for the purposes of determining dependency of a spouse.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1977
Authorizes each Member of the House of Representatives, including the Resident Commissioner from Puerto Rico and the Delegates from Guam, the Virgin Islands, and the District of Columbia, to hire for two week of each year two senior citizen interns to serve within the District of Columbia. Makes available to each Member for the purpose of hiring such interns an annual gross allowance of $600.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1977
Combined Social Security and Income Tax Annual Reporting Amendments - Title I: Amendments to Title II of the Social Security Act - Sets forth procedures, under Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act for the crediting of an individual's income to calendar years instead of to specific calendar quarters as is now required. Establishes, for calendar year 1978, the sum of $250 as the amount of income which will be counted as a calendar quarter in the determination of eligibility for benefits. Allows credit for four such quarters per year. Sets forth a procedure for adjusting such amount in succeeding years based on changes in total wages paid in such years as compared to a designated base year. Title II: Amendments to the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, As Amended - Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to provide that an employer may deduct social security taxes from the remuneration paid an employee rendering services not in the course of the employer's trade or business even though the total remuneration paid the employee in the year by the employer is less than $100. Makes additional amendments to the Code to conform to the changes made by this Act to the Social Security Act. Title III: Conforming Amendment to the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 - Amends the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 to conform the provisions of such Act to the changes made by this Act to the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1977
Disability Insurance Amendments - Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, and Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to establish a tax on wages and self-employment income to finance the Disability Insurance program separately from the existing Social Security tax. Requires that the proceeds of such tax be deposited in the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund. Redefines the term "disability" for purposes of title II to include with respect to a person who has attained the age of 50, a physical or mental impairment which is expected to result in death or the inability of such person to engage in substantial gainful employment for at least 12 months. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to review each determination of disability or end of disability made by a State agency authorized to make such determination. Establishes a new procedure for the appeal of findings adverse to an applicant for disability benefits. Provides, as a first opportunity for reconsideration of an adverse finding, for an informal conference with a representative of the Secretary. Establishes the formal hearing by the Secretary of the findings of such informal conference as the final administrative review of an applicant's claim. Sets forth procedures for the judicial review of final determinations of the Secretary on findings concerning disability claims. Authorizes review by the Disability Court established by this Act in cases involving the existence of disability or of the day on which a disability began or ceased. Allows for review by a United States district court of other final determinations related to disability findings. Establishes, under article I of the Constitution, the United States Disability Court. States that the principal office of such Court shall be in Washington, D.C., and that the Court shall consist of 20 judges. Defines the jurisdiction and powers of the Court. Sets forth specified dollar limits as demonstrative of an individual's ability or inability to engage in 'substantial gainful activity" for the purpose of determining the eligibility of a person for disability insurance benefits. Directs the Commissioner of Social Security to develop and carry out experiments and demonstration projects designed to determine the relative advantages and disadvantages of various alternative methods of treating the work activity of disabled beneficiaries under the old-age, survivors, and disability insurance program, including such methods as a reduction in benefits based on earnings, designed to encourage the return to work of disabled beneficiaries to the end that savings will accrue to the Trust Funds. Establishes new criteria for determining the beginning of a "period of trial work" of a disabled individual. Extends the length of such period from nine to 15 months. Authorizes the continuation of disability insurance benefit payments to an individual whose impairment has ceased if such individual is participating in an approved vocational rehabilitation program and the Commissioner of Social Security determines that the completion of such program, or its continuation for a specified period, will increase the likelihood that such individual may be permanently removed from the disability benefit rolls. Eliminates the requirement that the 24 months which an individual must be disabled in order to qualify for Hospital insurance benefits under the Medicare program be consecutive.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1977
Declares that it is the sense of the Congress that the United States Postal Services should not reduce the frequency of mail delivery service for any user of the mails below the frequency of such service which was in effect for such user of June 1, 1977.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1977
Designates the Veterans' Administration hospital located at 200 Springs Road, Bedford, Massachusetts, as the "Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans' Hospital."
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1977
Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to distribute, upon request and without cost, up to three packages of seeds per household for use in home gardening to produce food for the personal consumption of the household. Authorizes an appropriation of $6,000,000 to carry out the purposes of this Act. Limits the duration of this Act to three years.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1977
Public Assistance Amendments - Title I: Supplemental Security Income Program Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1964 to deny eligibility under such program to individuals receiving supplemental security income benefits through October 1, 1978. Amends Title XVI (Supplemental Security Income Program) of the Social Security Act to direct that in determining the income of an individual for purposes of the Supplemental Security Income Program there shall be excluded any amount received for the foster care of an individual who is not eligible for such benefits. Amends provisions of Title XVI requiring the payment of benefits directly to an institution or facility where an eligible individual is being treated, to allow the continued payment of benefits to the individual when such payment would be of significant therapeutic value and when there is substantial reason to believe that he or she would not misuse or improperly spend the funds involved. Continues payment of Title XVI benefits to individuals hospitalized outside the United States in specified cases. Terminates mandatory minimum State supplementation of Supplemental Security Income benefits under specified circumstances. Provides that computation of benefits shall be determined on a monthly rather than a quarterly basis. Provides for the payment to an individual who is in a hospital, extended care facility, nursing home, or intermediate care facility, of the full amount of such individual;s benefit during the first three months during which such individual is in a hospital, home, or facility. Sets forth the specific amounts to which an individual is entitled after the third month or when such individual is receiving payments under Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act. Excludes from income, for purposes of benefit determinations, assistance furnished an individual by non-profit charitable institutions. Revises the definition of "eligible spouse" for purposes of Title XVI, to require that the couple not be separated for more than one month (presently six months). Requires that the Supplemental Security Income Program be coordinated with Medicaid and the food stamp program. Directs that in determining the eligibility and the amount of benefits for aliens under the Supplemental Security Income program the income of such individual's sponsor shall be attributed to the alien. Title II: Public Assistance Programs in Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Guam Amends Title XVI (Supplemental Security Income Program), of the Social Security Act to extend such program to Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands. States that the benefits paid in each territory shall be in amounts proportionate to the ratio of the per capita income in each territory to the per capita income of the State having the lowest per capita. Amends Title XI (General Provisions) and Title XX (Grants to States for Services) to remove the ceiling on Federal matching funds for Aid to Families with Dependent Children in Puerto Rico, Guam and the Virgin Islands. Title III: Social Services Program - Amends Title XX (Grants to States for Services) to increase the ceiling on Federal social services funding. Extends the period during which payment may be made for specified child day care services under title IV (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) and Title XX of the Social Security Act without regard to new staffing standards imposed by Title XX. Title IV: Child-Welfare Services Program - Amends Title IV (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) of the Social Security Act to revise procedures for the payment to States for child-welfare service programs. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish a national and regional adoption information system to assist in the location of children in need of adoption and in the placement in adoptive homes of children awaiting adoption. Amends Title IV of the Social Security Act to prohibit payment to any State unless that State has in effect an action plan to assure foster care protection. Title V: Aid to Families with Dependent Children - Amends Title IV (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) of the Social Security Act to require the States receiving payments under Title IV, to make subsidy payments to parents who adopt a child qualifying on the basis of special need.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1977
Tax Equalization Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the tax exempt status of farmers' cooperatives and the special tax treatment of certain other cooperatives. Disallows to cooperatives any deduction for patronage dividends paid by them. Includes patronage dividends within the amounts excludible as dividends received by individuals and corporations.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1977
Amends the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act to authorize the Administrator of General Services to assign surplus Federal real property to the Secretary of Commerce for disposal of such property at not less than 25 percent of the fair market value to States and local areas threatened by unemployment as a result of the closing of Federal facilities. Requires that such property be used by the transferees for economic development purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 1977
Declares that specified persons previously appointed as temporary hearing examiner's under the Supplemental Security Income program of the Social Security Act shall be considered appointed to career-absolute positions as hearing examiners.
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 1977
Declares it the sense of the House of Representatives that should import relief actions taken by the President not provide limits on footwear imported into the United States which would maintain a viable domestic nonrubber footwear industry, then the House should disapprove the President's import relief action on nonrubber footwear of April 1, 1977.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1977
Declares that specified persons previously appointed as temporary hearing examiner's under the Supplemental Security Income program of the Social Security Act shall be considered appointed to career-absolute positions as hearing examiners.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1977
Establishes, in the city of Lowell, Massachusetts, the Lowell National Cultural Park consisting of a preservation zone and an intensive use zone. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to establish the boundaries of such zones. Permits the Secretary to either enter into cooperative agreements with property owners to preserve and maintain property within the park or to acquire such property within the intensive use zone by purchase or condemnation if the parties have failed to reach an agreement through negotiation. Permits the Secretary to enter into agreements with Federal agencies or the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for firefighting, law enforcement or other specified assistance. Directs the Secretary to submit to Congress a park management plan and to establish standards applicable to the construction and use of properties within the intensive use zone. Requires any Federal agency conducting activities affecting the park to conform to such standards. Establishes the Lowell National Cultural Park Advisory Commission to advise the Secretary on the boundaries of the park and the development and use of properties and activities within the park.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1977
Declares that specified persons previously appointed as temporary hearing examiner's under the Supplemental Security Income program of the Social Security Act shall be considered appointed to career-absolute positions as hearing examiners.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1977
Declares that specified persons previously appointed as temporary hearing examiner's under the Supplemental Security Income program of the Social Security Act shall be considered appointed to career-absolute positions as hearing examiners.
![Official portrait of Rep. Burke, James A. [D-MA-11]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/b001092_200.jpg)