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United States · Official source
187 records where Rep. Evans, Frank E. [D-CO-3] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 4 October 1978
Recognizes the great contribution of Bernardo de Galvez to the independence of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 1978
Amateur Sports Act - Title I: Declaration of Policy - Makes findings and states that the policy of Congress is to promote amateur athletics and protect the right of amateur athletes to participate in athletic competition. Title II: Olympic Committee Reorganization - Amends the corporate charter of the Olympic Committee to (1) provide for a principal place of business of the United States Olympic Committee (Corporation); (2) set forth the objectives and purposes of the Corporation; (3) set forth the powers of the Corporation; (4) provide reasonable representation for specified individuals and organizations in establishing and maintaining provisions for the governance and conduct of its affairs; and (5) subject to civil liability any person who uses an Olympic designation without authority to promote a private financial interest. Permits contributors or suppliers of goods or services to use the name of the United States Olympic Committee or its designation to advertise that such goods or services have been furnished to, approved, or selected by the Corporation. Requires the Corporation to establish in its constitution and bylaws provisions for the resolution of disputes involving the opportunity of an amateur athlete or other specified individuals to participate in sanctioned athletic competitions. Authorizes the Corporation to recognize as a national governing body any amateur sports organization (but only one for each sport) which submits an application for recognition and complies with eligibility requirements. Sets forth such eligibility requirements. Sets forth the duties and powers of a national governing body and the requirements which an amateur sports organization must meet to hold an athletic competition or sponsor athletes in competition and be sanctioned by a national governing body. Grants to the Corporation the power of review over the actions of any national governing body and invests a United States district court with jurisdiction to enjoin any action of a national governing body inconsistent with the terms of the Corporate charter. Sets forth procedures for the Corporation in (1) processing a complaint against a national governing body by an individual athlete or an amateur sports organization; (2) revoking recognition of a national governing body; and (3) replacing an incumbent national governing body. Provides for arbitration of a determination of the Corporation. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to lend financial assistance to the Corporation in developing amateur athletics in the United States. Authorizes appropriations for carrying out the work of the national governing bodies. Directs the Secretary to conduct a feasibility study to determine the most appropriate means of providing funding to the Corporation for the construction and operation of training centers and sports medicine research facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 1978
Directs the Fryingpan - Arkansas Federal Reclamation Project be carried out in accordance with the final environmental statement for such project and with those laws of Colorado relating to the establishment of minimum streamflows for the reasonable protection of the environment. Establishes maximum rates for project water diversions.
United States · United States Congress · 14 August 1978
Establishes in the House of Representatives the Select Committee on Nonmetropolitan America to conduct an investigation of nonmetropolitan America.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1978
Directs the Fryingpan-Arkansas Federal reclamation project be carried out in accordance with the final environmental statement for such project and with those laws of Colorado relating to the establishment of minimum streamflows for the reasonable protection of the environment. Establishes maximum rates for project diversions.
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 1978
Energy Impact Assistance Act - Amends the Public Works and Economic Development Act to establish an Office of Energy Impact Assistance within the Department of Commerce to provide financial and technical assistance to States, local governments, and Indian tribes suffering economic impact as a result of energy development activities. Authorizes State Governors' or governing bodies of Indian tribes to designate energy impact areas in accordance with specified conditions. Requires such parties to establish energy impact assessment teams: (1) to assess the effects of energy development on designated areas relating to the needs of such areas for additional public facilities or services; and (2) to report on such assessment in a mitigation plan for responding to such needs. Requires the President to issue an Executive Order providing for coordination by the Secretary of Commerce of all Federal programs which may provide assistance or meet the needs identified in an area's mitigation plan. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants or provide other financial and technical assistance to assessment teams to assist them in carrying out their duties and to States and Indian tribes for the purpose of carrying out mitigation plans. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants, loans, loan guarantees and payments of interest cost to State or local governments or Indian tribes to meet emergency needs for public facilities or services in a designated energy impact area. Authorizes the Secretary to guarantee loans made to assist such parties in carrying out mitigation plans. Authorizes appropriations necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 1978
Requires that, until further Congressional action is taken, the determination of whether an individual is an employee for purposes of social security taxation, unemployment taxation, and income tax withholding shall be made in accordance with audit practices and regulations in effect December 31, 1975.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 1978
Federal Oil Shale Commercialization Test Act - Declares it the purpose of this Act to establish a Federal program to test the commercial, social, and environmental viability of oil shale technologies. Directs the Secretary of Energy to (1) establish a program to determine the commercial viability of as many as three oil shale retorting technologies; (2) invite proposals from interested persons for the design, construction, and operation of oil shale commercial demonstration projects; and (3) select as many as three such proposals and enter into contracts for the implementation of such projects. Sets forth considerations for the Secretary in selecting projects. Requires that all projects authorized by this Act be located at a single site on the lands of the Naval Oil Shale Reserves. Requires the Secretary to consult with appropriate State and local officials, before selecting a demonstration project, to assess the environmental impacts of the project on the area affected. Establishes criteria for the evaluation of the economic, social, and environmental impact of oil shale technologies. Requires the publication of such evaluation by the Secretary within one year of the completion of the demonstration projects. Requires the Secretary to hold at least one public hearing, prior to the completion of his evaluation, in the area which would be most directly affected by the commercial development of oil shale. Vests title in the United States to any invention made or conceived by a participant in the demonstration projects. Prohibits the Secretary, under the authority of the Federal Nonnuclear Energy Research and Development Act of 1974, from waiving the rights of the United States to title in such inventions. Authorizes the Secretary to grant nonexclusive licenses in inventions made or conceived during the projects. Protects the ownership of background patents which project participants possess at the outset of the program. Establishes a panel to advise the Secretary on the social, environmental, and safety impact of the demonstration projects authorized by this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to use, store, or sell any shale oil produced during the program. Requires public sale of such oil to the highest qualified bidder. Authorizes the Secretary to make financial commitments for the purpose of financing essential community development and planning necessitated by the funding of demonstration facilities under this Act. Limits the amount of such commitments to $20,000,000 per year for fiscal years 1979 and 1980. Authorizes the Secretary to make direct loans and grants to eligible State and local governments should authorized funds prove insufficient. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1979 for such purposes. Creates within the Treasury the Oil Shale Commercialization Test Special Fund to carry out such community development and planning assistance programs. Prescribes rules to govern the operation of the fund and related financial matters. Requires the Secretary, within 180 days after the enactment of this Act, to submit to Congress a comprehensive plan for the acquisition of information and evaluation of the environmental, social, economic and technological impact of the program. Sets forth the required content of such report. Requires an annual report from the Secretary on action he has or has not taken under this Act. Requires that the interest paid on any bond obligation guaranteed under this Act shall be included in the gross income of the purchaser of such obligation. Provides for the public disclosure of information collected by the Secretary under this Act, except to the extent such information is exempted from disclosure by federal law. Requires the holders of Federal contracts under this Act to keep such records as the Secretary may require, subject to inspection and audit by the Secretary and the Comptroller General. Authorizes appropriations for carrying out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 1978
Amends the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to state that no Federal public works project begun after January 1, 1967, and before the date on which a species is listed pursuant to such Act as endangered shall be deemed to jeopardize the continued existence of the species or to result in the destruction of its critical habitat so long as such project is on or directly affects the navigable waters of the United States. Provides that if this Act applies to a public works project, the Secretary of the Interior shall take action to minimize the adverse effects on the species caused by the project.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 1978
Farm Water Act - Replaces the existing acreage limitation of 160 acres of reclaimed land per individual with a limitation of 320 acres. Permits larger acreages where the land is less productive or other factors make it less valuable for agriculture. Lists specified lands to which the acreage limitations shall not apply including land within a water district which has paid construction charges of the reclamation project relating to the delivery of water to such landholding. Prevents the delivery of water to irrigable land in excess of 320 acres held in private ownership by a single landowner if such landowner refuses to execute a valid contract for the sale of such excess land. Permits delivery of project water to excess land after the effective date of this Act only if the title to such land is made subject to a condition that the land shall not be sold at a price greater than the landowner's costs increased only by the rate increase of the consumer price index for the period between the dates of purchase and sale. Abolishes the requirement that a qualified recipient must reside on or near a landholding in order for such landholding to be eligible to receive water.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 1978
Authorizes the President of the United States to designate the week of September 17 through 23, 1978, as "National Lupus Week."
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1978
Residual Radioactive Materials Act - Directs the Secretary of Energy to enter into agreements with designated States under which the Federal Government would pay up to 100 percent of the costs of: (1) assessing the radiation levels of residual radioactive materials from former uranium ore processing sites in such States; and (2) limiting the risk of exposure of individuals to such radioactive materials. Exempts certain processing sites from the coverage of this Act. Requires the agreements made by the Secretary and such States to include terms providing, among other things, that the Secretary select the appropriate remedial action for limiting the risk of radiation exposure, and that the States acquire ownership to the land upon which the radioactive materials are located. Directs the Secretary to enter into a similar agreement with the Secretary of the Interior and the Indian Tribes for the assessment of radiation levels and performance of remedial action on lands owned by Indians or held in trust for them. Provides for payment of 100 percent of the costs of such agreement. Requires the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, in consultation with the Environmental Protection Agency, to prescribe standards to assure that the public health, safety, and environment are not impaired by the remedial action undertaken pursuant to this Act. Requires the Secretary, in consultation with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the States, to prepare environmental impact statements for remedial actions taken under this Act. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1978
Standards for No-Fault Motor Vehicle Accident Benefits Act - Title I: Standards for State No-Fault Benefits - Authorizes any State to establish a plan for no-fault benefits for motor vehicle accident victims in accordance with the basic standards set forth in this Act. Specifies levels for medical expense, work loss, replacement services loss, and funeral and death benefits which must be met by approved State plans. Sets forth limitations on deductibles. Requires each person obligated to provide compulsory coverage to carry liability insurance for the payment of tort liability damages for injury in any case in which loss is in excess of the approved limitations, and in other specified cases. Stipulates that an approved State plan must require each insurer to make available coverages to provide for specified benefits in excess of any limitations under this Act. Requires any State plan to prohibit any claimant from maintaining a civil action in tort against any person, with respect to an injury as to which no-fault benefits are payable, unless such person is or may be liable in tort in accordance with specified exceptions set forth in this Act and also in such plan. Permits any approved State plan to establish a mechanism to assess the individual responsibility of motor vehicle operators, and a procedure for the imposition of tort penalties for such individual. Stipulates that any such plan shall require each owner of a motor vehicle registered in such State to maintain compulsory coverage in accordance with the approved plan. Requires each owner of a motor vehicle operated in such State to maintain compulsory coverage while the vehicle is operated in such State if coverage is not provided under any other approved no-fault plan. Declares that any approved State plan shall entitle any victim, any survivor of a victim, or provider on behalf of a victim to basic no-fault benefits under such plan depending on specified conditions relating to residence and place of injury of the victim. Sets forth priorities for the determination of which insurer will pay benefits if two or more obligations to pay no-fault benefits apply to an injury. Establishes a procedure for the payment of no-fault benefits. Requires any approved State plan to authorize a claimant to maintain a civil action against an insurer or program for the payment of overdue benefits and any interest penalty. Requires such plan to include the payment of attorney's fees and costs of litigation within the recovery available to claimants in such actions. Directs the State insurance commissioner to establish a program to assure that basic no-fault benefits are promptly available, with respect to any victim who is entitled to such benefits under the approved plan of such State. Sets forth conflict of law resolutions which must be included in each approved State plan with respect to the determination of benefits, the right to maintain civil actions in tort, reimbursement and compliance with compulsory coverage requirements. Requires that any approved State plan restrict the cancellation, nonrenewal, and modification of insurance in accordance with this Act. Requires that such plans include programs for the medical and vocational rehabilitation of victims. Directs that all benefits that an individual receives, or is entitled to receive, with respect to an injury, from specified government programs be subtracted in calculating basic no-fault benefits. Restricts the right of reimbursement of insurers for certain no-fault benefits paid or obligated. Declares certain individuals ineligible for no-fault benefits under any State approved plan. Sets forth the procedure for calculating work loss. Title II: Review Panel and Process; Alternative No-Fault Plan - Establishes within the Department of Transportation the Standards for No-Fault Benefits Review Panel to evaluate the performance and effect of approved State plans. Sets forth the procedure for certification and review of State plans. Specifies the requirements which must be met by alternative no-fault plans. Declares that an alternative no-fault plan may take effect in a State only if the Review Panel issues a declaration that such State does not have an approved State plan. Title III: Definitions and Miscellaneous Provisions - Stipulates that no district court of the United States shall have jurisdiction over any civil action for the payment of no-fault benefits unless the United States is a party.
United States · United States Congress · 31 May 1978
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 1978
Modifies the exterior boundaries of the San Juan and San Isabel National Forests in the State of Colorado as shown on the U.S. Forest Service maps dated March 1978. Includes such lands falling within these modified boundaries within the National Forest System.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 1978
Directs that Federal Employees Group Life Insurance be made available at any time before retirement to any otherwise eligible Member of Congress or congressional employee who is not covered by such insurance. Stipulates that no Member or employee who is already covered by such insurance shall be required to provide medical evidence of insurability as a condition for optional additional insurance.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1978
Federal Oil Shale Commercialization Test Act - Declares it the purpose of this Act to establish a Federal program to test the commercial, social, and environmental viability of oil shale technologies. Directs the Secretary of Energy to (1) establish a program to determine the commercial viability of as many as three oil shale retorting technologies; (2) invite proposals from interested persons for the design, construction, and operation of oil shale commercial demonstration projects; and (3) select as many as three such proposals and enter into contracts for the implementation of such projects. Sets forth considerations for the Secretary in selecting projects. Requires that all projects authorized by this Act be located at a single site on the lands of the Naval Oil Shale Reserves. Requires the Secretary to consult with appropriate State and local officials, before selecting a demonstration project, to assess the environmental impacts of the project on the area affected. Establishes criteria for the evaluation of the economic, social, and environmental impact of oil shale technologies. Requires the publication of such evaluation by the Secretary within one year of the completion of the demonstration projects. Requires the Secretary to hold at least one public hearing, prior to the completion of his evaluation, in the area which would be most directly affected by the commercial development of oil shale. Vests title in the United States to any invention made or conceived by a participant in the demonstration projects. Prohibits the Secretary, under the authority of the Federal Nonnuclear Energy Research and Development Act of 1974, from waiving the rights of the United States to title in such inventions. Authorizes the Secretary to grant nonexclusive licenses in inventions made or conceived during the projects. Protects the ownership of background patents which project participants possess at the outset of the program. Establishes a panel to advise the Secretary on the social, environmental, and safety impact of the demonstration projects authorized by this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to use, store, or sell any shale oil produced during the program. Requires public sale of such oil to the highest qualified bidder. Authorizes the Secretary to make financial commitments for the purpose of financing essential community development and planning necessitated by the funding of demonstration facilities under this Act. Limits the amount of such commitments to $20,000,000 per year for fiscal years 1979 and 1980. Authorizes the Secretary to make direct loans and grants to eligible State and local governments should authorized funds prove insufficient. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1979 for such purposes. Creates within the Treasury the Oil Shale Commercialization Test Special Fund to carry out such community development and planning assistance programs. Prescribes rules to govern the operation of the fund and related financial matters. Requires the Secretary, within 180 days after the enactment of this Act, to submit to Congress a comprehensive plan for the acquisition of information and evaluation of the environmental, social, economic and technological impact of the program. Sets forth the required content of such report. Requires an annual report from the Secretary on action he has or has not taken under this Act. Requires that the interest paid on any bond obligation guaranteed under this Act shall be included in the gross income of the purchaser of such obligation. Provides for the public disclosure of information collected by the Secretary under this Act, except to the extent such information is exempted from disclosure by federal law. Requires the holders of Federal contracts under this Act to keep such records as the Secretary may require, subject to inspection and audit by the Secretary and the Comptroller General. Authorizes appropriations for carrying out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1978
Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to furnish Federal financial assistance for construction projects to separate rail-highway crossings where the rail facilities have incurred a substantial increase in use as a result of coal transportation activities with the result of substantial delays in highway travel. Stipulates that the Federal share of such a project shall not exceed 90 percent of its cost. Authorizes appropriations out of the Highway Trust Fund for fiscal years 1979 through 1981 for such projects.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1978
Expresses the condemnation of the House of Representatives of the kidnapping of Aldo Moro. Declares it the sense of the House of Representatives that (1) Italy deserves the support of the United States, and (2) the President should instruct the Permanent Representative to the United Nations to press for consideration of solutions to the problem of terrorism in all appropriate forums.
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 · 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 · 6 February 1978
Designates May 3, 1978, as "Sun Day."
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
Declares it the sense of the Senate and House jointly that no new national water resources management policy shall be implemented without Congressional concurrence. Sets forth a procedure whereby States shall be given an opportunity to participate in the formulation of such policy.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1978
Public Grazing Lands Improvement Act - Requires that an inventory of rangeland conditions and trends be taken in 11 contiguous western states and Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to manage and improve public rangelands so that they become as productive as feasible in accordance with the rangeland management objectives established through the land use planning process prescribed in the Federal Land Policy and Management Act. Provides for the funding of such improvements. Announces the formula to be used by the Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior in setting fees for domestic livestock grazing on public lands. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to issue ten year grazing leases or permits except when he has determined, on a case-by-case basis, that the establishment of a shorter term is in the interest of sound land management policy. Allows for private adoption of excess wild horses or burros when rangeland inventories indicate overpopulation of such animals in an area where a demand for private adoption exists. Permits the donation of adopted burros and horses to individuals who have provided humane conditions and care for such animals for a period of one year.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1978
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to allow continuation and completion of construction on Federal reclamation projects and Indian irrigation projects to mitigate the effects of the 1976-77 drought for a reasonable period of time where certain unanticipated and unavoidable circumstances prevented completion before January 31, 1978. Directs the Secretary to report to the President and Congress on emergency actions taken to mitigate the effects of the 1976-77 drought no later than May 1, 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 15 December 1977
States that during the year following the enactment of this Act the Secretary of the Interior shall neither withhold water delivery from any beneficiary of a Federal reclamation project nor initiate any proceeding intended to require the sale of privately owned lands within any project, for purposes of achieving conformity with acreage limitations or residency requirements of reclamation law.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1977
States that during the year following the enactment of this Act the Secretary of the Interior shall neither withhold water delivery from any beneficiary of a Federal reclamation project nor initiate any proceeding intended to require the sale of privately owned lands within any project, for purposes of achieving conformity with acreage limitations or residency requirements of reclamation law.
United States · United States Congress · 4 November 1977
National Educational Opportunities Act - Title I: Definition and Guarantee of a Unitary School System and Equal Educational Opportunity - Establishes procedures and guidelines for the establishment of equal education opportunities for students in elementary and secondary schools. Title II: State Equal Educational Opportunities Plans - Requires that States submit equal education opportunities plans to the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare for approval. Establishes criteria for approval of such plans and eligibility for Federal assistance. Title III: General Provisions and Definitions - Defines the terms used in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 October 1977
Amends the Federal Land Policy and Management Act to prohibit the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior from increasing the grazing fee for the 1978 grazing year in order to allow Congress sufficient time to analyze the Secretaries' report and recommendations with respect to the value of grazing on public lands and the fee to be charged for domestic livestock grazing on such lands.
United States · United States Congress · 25 October 1977
Consumer Representation and Reorganization Act - Establishes as an independent agency within the executive branch an Office of Consumer Representation to be headed by an Administrator appointed by the President by and with the consent of the Senate. Requires the Administrator to transmit to the Congress and the President by February 1 of each year a report on the activities and accomplishments of the Office during the preceding calendar year including a summary of consumer complaints received and actions taken thereon. States the functions of the Office, including to: (1) represent the interests of consumers before Federal agencies and courts to the extent authorized by this Act; (2) encourage and support research, studies, and testing leading to a better understanding of consumer products and improved products, services and consumer information; (3) submit recommendations annually to the Congress and the President on measures to improve the operation of the Federal Government in the protection and promotion of the interests of consumers; (4) cooperate with State and local governments and private enterprise in the promotion and protection of the interests of consumers; and (5) publish and distribute material to inform consumers and Congress of matters of interest to the consumer. Authorizes the Administrator, whenever the result of any Federal agency proceeding or activity may substantially affect an interest of consumers, to intervene as a party or otherwise participate in representing the interests of consumers. Directs the Agency to receive, evaluate, develop, act on, and transmit complaints to the appropriate Federal or non-Federal entities concerning actions or practices which may be detrimental to the interests of consumers. Requires the Agency to maintain a public document room containing an up-to-date listing of all signed consumer complaints of any significance arranged in meaningful and useful categories together with annotations of Agency actions. Requires the Office to gather and disseminate to the public information concerning: (1) the functions and duties of the Office; (2) consumer products and services; (3) problems encountered by consumers; and (4) notices of Federal hearings, proposed and final rules, and other pertinent activities of Federal agencies. Directs the Office to encourage and support, through both public and private entities, the development and application of information on consumer products and services. Authorizes Federal agencies to perform, at the request of the Administrator, tests regarding products, services, or any matter affecting the interests of consumers. Authorizes each Federal agency, upon the written request of the Administrator, to furnish or allow access to all documents, papers, and records in its possession which the Administrator deems necessary for the performance of his functions. Requires every Federal agency, in considering any action which may substantially affect the interest of consumers, to notify the Agency of such action. Transfers to the Office of Consumer Representation the functions, funds, records, and property of other Federal offices the duties of which now fall within what this Act designates as the jurisdiction of the Office of Consumer Representation. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to report to Congress functions performed by Federal programs which overlap, duplicate, or conflict with the functions performed by the office. Terminates the Office of Consumer Representation five years after the effective date of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 1977
Consumer Representation and Reorganization Act - Establishes as an independent agency within the executive branch an Office of Consumer Representation to be headed by an Administrator appointed by the President by and with the consent of the Senate. Requires the Administrator to transmit to the Congress and the President by February 1 of each year a report on the activities and accomplishments of the Office during the preceding calendar year including a summary of consumer complaints received and actions taken thereon. States the functions of the Office, including to: (1) represent the interests of consumers before Federal agencies and courts to the extent authorized by this Act; (2) encourage and support research, studies, and testing leading to a better understanding of consumer products and improved products, services and consumer information; (3) submit recommendations annually to the Congress and the President on measures to improve the operation of the Federal Government in the protection and promotion of the interests of consumers; (4) cooperate with State and local governments and private enterprise in the promotion and protection of the interests of consumers; and (5) publish and distribute material to inform consumers and Congress of matters of interest to the consumer. Authorizes the Administrator, whenever the result of any Federal agency proceeding or activity may substantially affect an interest of consumers, to intervene as a party or otherwise participate in representing the interests of consumers. Directs the Agency to receive, evaluate, develop, act on, and transmit complaints to the appropriate Federal or non-Federal entities concerning actions or practices which may be detrimental to the interests of consumers. Requires the Agency to maintain a public document room containing an up-to-date listing of all signed consumer complaints of any significance arranged in meaningful and useful categories together with annotations of Agency actions. Requires the Office to gather and disseminate to the public information concerning: (1) the functions and duties of the Office; (2) consumer products and services; (3) problems encountered by consumers; and (4) notices of Federal hearings, proposed and final rules, and other pertinent activities of Federal agencies. Directs the Office to encourage and support, through both public and private entities, the development and application of information on consumer products and services. Authorizes Federal agencies to perform, at the request of the Administrator, tests regarding products, services, or any matter affecting the interests of consumers. Authorizes each Federal agency, upon the written request of the Administrator, to furnish or allow access to all documents, papers, and records in its possession which the Administrator deems necessary for the performance of his functions. Requires every Federal agency, in considering any action which may substantially affect the interest of consumers, to notify the Agency of such action. Transfers to the Office of Consumer Representation the functions, funds, records, and property of other Federal offices the duties of which now fall within what this Act designates as the jurisdiction of the Office of Consumer Representation. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to report to Congress functions performed by Federal programs which overlap, duplicate, or conflict with the functions performed by the office. Terminates the Office of Consumer Representation five years after the effective date of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 October 1977
States that during the year following the enactment of this Act the Secretary of the Interior shall neither withhold water delivery from any beneficiary of a Federal reclamation project nor initiate any proceeding intended to require the sale of privately owned lands within any project, for purposes of achieving conformity with acreage limitations or residency requirements of reclamation law.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 1977
Designates the following as wilderness: Big Blue Wilderness, Courthouse Mountain Wilderness, Dolores Peak Wilderness, Mount Sneffels Wilderness, and Mount Wilson Wilderness, in the San Juan and Uncompahgre National Forests, Colorado.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 1977
Declares that the President should establish a Commission on Domestic and International Hunger and Malnutrition which should: (1) collect and generate information and resources on food, hunger, malnutrition and related concerns; (2) assess current programs affecting domestic and international hunger and malnutrition; (3) analyze and report its findings and recommendations to the President, the Congress, and the public; and (4) assist the President and the Congress in implementing its recommendations.
United States · United States Congress · 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 · 1 June 1977
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 · 18 May 1977
Authorizes the Clerk of the House of Representatives to withhold charitable contributions from the pay of House employees for transmittal to the Combined Federal Campaign, if the employee requests the Clerk to do so.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1977
Authorizes the President of the United States to designate the week of September 18 through September 24, 1977, as "National Lupus Week."
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1977
Directs the Secretary of the Interior to convey specified lands in Lake County, Colorado, a named individual.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1977
Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act - Title I: Statement of Findings and Policy - Declares that most of the nation's coal reserve can only be mined by underground methods. Lists the purposes of this Act, including the establishment of a nationwide program to prevent adverse effects to society and the environment from surface coal mining. Title II: Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement - Establishes in the Interior Department the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement with a Director appointed by the President. States that such Office shall administer the programs required by this Act and assist the States in development of State programs for surface coal mining and reclamation. States that the Office shall be considered an independent Federal regulatory body. Title III: State Mining and Mineral Resources Research Institute - Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary of the Interior of sums adequate to provide for each participating State $200,000 for fiscal year 1978, $300,000 for fiscal year 1979, and $400,000 for each fiscal year thereafter for five years, to assist the States in carrying on the work of a competent and qualified mining and mineral resources research institute or center at the school of mines of one public college or university of the State. Requires such monies to be matched dollar-for-dollar by the States. Authorizes appropriations of $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1978, such sum to be increased by $2,000,000 each fiscal year for six years thereafter, for specific projects in mining and mineral research in institutes. Directs the Secretary to establish a center for cataloging current and projected scientific research in mining and mineral resources. Requires the Secretary to appoint an Advisory Committee on Mining and Mineral Research for advice on all matters concerning mining and mineral resources research. Title IV: Abandoned Mine Reclamation - Creates the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund in the Treasury. Requires operators of coal mines to pay into the fund quarterly fees of $.35 per ton of coal produced by surface mining and $.15 per ton of coal produced by underground mining, or ten percent of the value of the coal in the mine, whichever is less. Authorizes use of money in the Fund for acquisition and reclamation of abandoned and unreclaimed mine lands and for acquisitions and fillings of voids and sealing of tunnels and entryways in abandoned mines. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to enter into agreements with landowners of water rights under which such landowners shall furnish a conservation and development plan and shall effect such plan in return for financial assistance from the Secretary of Agriculture of up to 80 percent of the cost of such a reclamation effort. Encourages States to acquire abandoned and unreclaimed land, and to transfer it to the Secretary for reclamation, and authorizes matching grants for such purpose, up to 90 percent of the land price. Allows resale of reclaimed land by public bidding, and allows local public participation in determining the use of reclaimed land. Title V: Control of the Environmental Impacts of Surface Coal Mining - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to publish, within 180 days of the enactment of this Act, regulations which establish a permanent regulatory procedure and performance standards for surface coal mining and reclamation standards. Requires the Secretary to obtain the concurrence of the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency with respect to regulations concerned with air or water quality standards. Establishes a permit program to require mining operators to comply with environmental protection standards. Allows State control over surface mining permits if certain requirements are met. Authorizes the implementation of a Federal program if States fail to act. Permits State laws and regulations that are more stringent than those set forth pursuant to this Act. Requires permit applications to describe the method of mining and equipment proposed to be used, to describe by maps the land to be affected, and to contain a statement of results of test borings or core samplings of the affected land. Stipulates that permits must be accompanied by a mining and reclamation plan which shall include a description of present uses of the land, steps to be taken to prevent environmental damage and a description of the reclamation activities. Requires the posting of performance bonds and possession of liability insurance by applicants for permits. Requires the establishment of coal exploration regulations by appropriate State and Federal authorities. Requires that such regulations include provisions for reclamation of lands disturbed in exploration activities. Imposes the following general environmental performance standards on surface mining operations as a condition of the issuance of a permit under this Act: (1) restoration of the land affected to a prior use, consistent with public health and safety; (2) restoration to the original contour of the land and backfilling, grading, and compacting the excess overburden and other waste materials to attain the lowest grade; (3) removal and segregation of topsoil in a separate layer where it is able to support vegetation; (4) minimization of disturbances to the hydrologic balance at the mine site and surrounding areas by eliminating or reducing toxic drainage, siltation, and contamination problems; (5) conformity with standards for the design and location of coal mine waste piles; and (6) establishment of a diverse, effective, and permanent vegetation on regraded areas. Stipulates that the regulatory authority shall make test borings of core samplings for mining operators with an estimated annual production of less than 250,000 tons of coal. Establishes additional requirements for steep-slope surface mining operations. Defines the term "steep-slope" to include any slope above 20 degrees or lesser slopes as may be defined by the regulatory authority. Directs the Secretary to promulgate rules and regulations directed at the surface effects of underground mining. Directs and authorizes inspection of surface coal mining and reclamation to determine compliance with this Act and regulations. Provides requirements for recordkeeping and submittal and monitoring by mine operators. Imposes civil penalties for violation of this Act or regulations under it. Establishes procedures for citizen suits and judicial review of actions under this Act. Establishes conditions under which mine operators may request a release of all or part of the performance bond. Requires public notice and hearings upon applications for such releases. Requires States to establish, as a condition of assuming primary regulatory control, a planning process designed to identify lands unsuitable for surface coal mining. Requires designation of lands as unsuitable if it can be shown that reclamation pursuant to the requirements of the Act is not feasible. Authorizes designation of lands as unsuitable where operations mining will: (1) be incompatible with land use plans or programs; (2) affect fragile or historic lands of significant historic, scientific or esthetic value; (3) affect renewable land resources with an impact on long-range food and water supply; and (4) increase a significant hazard to life and property, including the possibility of flood and earthquake damage. Prohibits surface coal mining operations on certain Federal lands, or within 100 feet of a public road or within 300 feet of a building or dwelling, unless the consent of the affected public or private interest is obtained. Requires implementation of a Federal lands program applicable to all surface coal mining and reclamation activities pursuant to Federal laws or taking place on Federal lands. Requires that coal exploration operations which substantially disturb the natural land surface on such lands be subject to a permit program established by the Secretary of the Interior. Requires separate regulations for programs for special bituminous coal surface mines that meet specified criteria, and for anthracite coal surface mines which are regulated by environmental protection standards of the States. Title VI: Designation of Lands Unsuitable for Noncoal Mining - Allows the Secretary to designate Federal lands unsuitable for mining materials other than coal, if they are predominantly urban or suburban in character or if such mining operations would have an adverse impact on lands used primarily for residential and related purposes. Title VII: Administrative and Miscellaneous Provisions - Defines the terms used in this Act. Prohibits discrimination against employees for filing suit under this Act and for testifying in a proceeding under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to make annual grants to the States to assist the States in developing, administering, and enforcing State programs under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to provide technical assistance and training, and assistance in preparing and maintaining a continuing inventory of information on surface coal mining and reclamation projects. Requires the Secretary to submit an annual report to the President and the Congress. Directs the Secretary to contract with the National Academy of Sciences-National Academy of Engineering for a study of surface coal mining conditions in Alaska in order to determine which, if any, of the provisions of this Act should be modified with respect to such operations in Alaska. Directs the Chairman of the Council on Environmental Quality to contract with the National Academy of Sciences-National Academy of Engineering and other groups for a study of the technology for surface and open-pit mining and reclamation for minerals other than coal designed to assist in the development of regulation for such operations. Directs the Secretary to consult with Indian tribes in studying the regulation of surface mining on Indian lands. Requires all surface coal mining operations on Indian lands to comply with requirements at least as stringent as specified provisions in this Act within 30 months from the enactment of this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of the following sums to carry out this Act: (1) for various contract authority, $10,000,000 per fiscal year for fiscal years 1978, 1979, and 1980; (2) for the performance of test borings by the regulatory authority, an amount reserved for such purpose from the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund not to exceed $40,000 per fiscal year; (3) for administrative and other purposes, $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1978, $20,000,000 for fiscal years 1979 and 1980, and $30,000,000 for fiscal years thereafter; and (4) for research and demonstration projects of alternative coal mining technologies, $35,000,000 for fiscal year 1978, and for the next four years. Stipulates that no new budget authority for fiscal year 1977 is authorized by the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1977
Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to deem a food additive unsafe to be marketed if it is found to induce cancer in man or animal when ingested in reasonable quantities, or found in appropriate tests to induce cancer in man or animal when ingested in reasonable quantities.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1977
Amends the Occupational Safety and Health Act to exclude from coverage (1) employers with ten or fewer employees; and (2) employees not employed on a regular basis for 30 or more consecutive days. Requires that a warning rather than a citation be given for a first instance violation, other than a willful or serious violation, to an employer who has not employed more than 25 employees at any time during the 30 days prior to an inspection or investigation. Prohibits the imposition of a civil penalty against an employer for a nonserious violation if (1) such employer has not previously received a citation for the same violation; and (2) the inspection upon which such citation was based resulted in the issuance of citations for ten or or fewer violations of a nonserious nature.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1977
Automotive Transport Research and Development Act - Directs the Administrator of the Energy Research and Development Administration to establish a program to develop advanced automobile propulsion systems within five years of the date of enactment of this Act. Directs the Administrator to make grants for research projects designed to assist the furtherance of such program. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to evaluate and report the extent to which the automobile industry utilizes advanced automotive technology. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to test vehicles developed pursuant to the program established by this Act, in order to determine compliance with applicable standards under the Clean Air Act and the Noise Control Act of 1972. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to test such vehicles in order to determine compliance with applicable standards under the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966, the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act, and the Automobile Information Disclosure Act. Establishes contracting procedures consistent with applicable provisions of the Federal Nonnuclear Energy Research and Development Act of 1974 and the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974. Directs the Administrator of the Energy Research and Development Administration to submit annual reports to Congress of activities pursuant to this Act, including results of economic surveys designed to evaluate the extent to which Federal guarantees of financial obligations may aid in developing commercial markets for advanced automobile technology. Amends the National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958 to require that efforts of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration be directed towards the development of advanced automobile propulsion systems. Authorizes the appropriation of $25,000,000 for fiscal year 1977 and $75,000,000 for fiscal year 1978 to carry out the purposes of this Act. Stipulates that no more than 60 percent of such appropriations shall be directly expended in Federal laboratories.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1977
Amends the Clear Air Act to establish procedures for review of instructions for high altitude performance adjustments for motor vehicle emission control systems by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be deemed necessary by the Administrator to carry out the Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1977
Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to specifically encompass pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions within the prohibition against sex discrimination in employment, including discrimination with respect to fringe benefit plans.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1977
Black Lung Reform Act - Amends the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969 to establish a rebuttable presumption that miners with 20 or more years of coal mine employment shall be entitled to receive benefits under provisions of the Act. Stipulates that no claim for benefits shall be denied based on location or nature of employment. Directs the Secretary of Labor to establish a program designed to locate and assist individuals who are likely to be eligible for benefits under this Act. Stipulates that individuals so informed shall be eligible to file a claim despite previous failure to file within the specified time frame. Redefines the term "total disability" to prohibit use of the fact that a deceased miner was still a mine employee at the time of death as evidence that such miner was not totally disabled. Requires that all claimants be given an opportunity for a complete medical examination by a physician of the claimant's own choice. Establishes a Black Lung Disability Insurance Fund in the Treasury of the United States. Sets forth provisions governing administration of the Fund. States that amounts in the Fund shall be available for making expenditures to meet the obligations acquired by the Fund, including the expenses of providing medical benefits. Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to impose an excise tax on coal, which amounts shall be appropriated to the fund established by this Act. Authorizes adjustments in the rates of taxation, subject to Congressional review. Directs the Secretary of Labor to establish procedures for prompt action on claims. Increases the amount of the award for delays beyond the 60-day period established by this Act. Directs the Department of Labor, in cooperation with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, to conduct a study of occupationally related pulmonary and respiratory diseases, and report on the results of such study to the President and the appropriate committees of Congress within 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act. Revises duties of the Coal Mine Health Research Board to stipulate that recommendations of such board with respect to research projects shall be binding on the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1977
Weather Modification Regulation Act - Title I: Weather Modification Licenses and Permits, Reporting Requirements, and Penalties - Requires any State which establishes a system to regulate weather modification activity to require that any person engaging in such activity in such State obtain a license from such State. Prohibits any person from engaging in such activity unless the person having primary responsibility for such activity has obtained a permit from the Secretary of Commerce. Sets forth the information to be included in an application for such permit. Permits the Secretary to revoke any such permit upon a finding that the holder has violated a requirement imposed by the Secretary, or that such activity poses an immediate or potential danger to the public welfare. Requires the holder of such permit to transmit daily reports to the Secretary with respect to such activity. Authorizes the Secretary to require, by regulation, that any holder of such permit maintain such records as the Secretary may require and give the Secretary the right to enter the premises in which such records are kept. Imposes civil penalties for violations of this Act. Title II: Weather Modification Information System - Requires the Secretary to establish within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration a weather modification information system to monitor daily weather conditions and evaluate weather modifications. Title III: International Weather Modification Control - Authorizes the President to enter into agreements with foreign nations and international organizations to encourage other nations to establish systems to monitor and regulate weather modification activities. Requires any United States citizen who has primary supervisory responsibility for weather modification activity in any foreign nation to submit a report to the Secretary with respect to such activity, prior to engaging in such activity. Requires the Secretary to maintain a register of persons who engage in weather modification activities, and who are qualified to engage in such activities. Title IV: General Provisions - Authorizes appropriations to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1977
Directs the Secretary of the Interior through the Director of the Bureau of Land Management to amend the legal description of the land in Colorado granted by the United States in a patent issued to Albert F. Garbareno.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to limit the application of the Tax Reform Act's elimination of the sick pay exclusion for persons who have not retired on total disability, to taxable years beginning after December 31, 1976.