United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1978
International Development and Food Assistance Act - Title I: Development Assistance - Amends the Congressional policy statement of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 with respect to development assistance. Authorizes the President to furnish development assistance through certain types of agencies, using grant or loan assistance. Authorizes the President to determine the interest rates on development loans. Limits the amount of development assistance available to research and development institutions in the United States. Authorizes the President to use funds made available under this chapter to pay certain transportation costs of foreign assistance shipments by certain voluntary agencies, under specified procedures. Repeals other development assistance provisions of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 with respect to (1) the Development Loan Fund (except for regional development in Africa and multilateral and regional programs), (2) the technical cooperation and development grants (except for American schools and hospitals abroad and a prototype desalting plant in Israel), (3) the Alliance for Progress, (4) the evaluation of programs procedures, and (5) the Southeast Asia multilateral and regional programs. Makes certain technical amendments to reflect this repeal. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize the President to furnish agricultural, rural development, and food assistance. Authorizes appropriations for such purposes. Sets forth policies with respect to furnishing and coordinating such assistance. Redefines certain terms regarding agricultural assistance to include aquaculture and fishery, throughout such Act. Amends the Congressional policy statement of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 with respect to population and health assistance. Authorizes appropriations for population assistance. Sets forth policies with respect to furnishing such assistance. Prohibits funds appropriated for such purpose from being used for abortions or involuntary sterilizations. Authorizes appropriations for health assistance. Sets forth policies with respect to furnishing such assistance. Repeals the authorization for those population assistance which are a part of development assistance programs. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1979 for education and human resources assistance and technical assistance, energy, research, reconstruction, and selected development programs under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. Amends such Act with respect to the policies under which intermediate technology is furnished. Authorizes certain funds to be used to encourage the participation of women in the development process of developing countries. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1979 to promote human rights. Requires the President to take environmental consequences into considering development actions. Requires the President to study major environmental problems in developing countries. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1979 for American schools and hospitals abroad. Limits the number of institutions in any one country which may receive such assistance. Amends the Congressional policy statement with respect to housing assistance under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. Expands the authority of the President to issue housing investment guaranties to world-wide housing, rather than in Latin America only. Continues the authority of the agricultural and productive credit and self-help community development programs for one year. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 1979 for international organizations and programs, of which a specified amount shall be for the United Nations Trust Fund on South Africa. Prohibits such funds from being used for the United Nations Institute for Namibia unless the President determines that such funds will not be used to support the military activities of the Southwest African Peoples Organization. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 1969 for international disaster assistance. Authorizes the President to furnish assistance for African refugees. Authorizes appropriations for 1979 for such purpose. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize the President to use an increased amount of funds to carry out such Act for "reimbursable development" programs. Title II: Food for Peace - Sets forth Congressional policy with respect to assistance for basic food needs under the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954. Amends such Act to permit the Commodity Credit Corporation to pay the transportation costs of food for development programs. Deems the proceeds of the sale of food for development commodities to be payments of obligations incurred by the selling country under that Act. Title III: Economic Assistance - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize the President to furnish assistance to promote economic or political stability, under a program to be administered by the Secretary of State. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1979 for economic assistance, with a minimum amount available to Cyprus. Prohibits economic assistance funds from being used for military purposes. Authorizes specific authorizations for fiscal year 1979 for economic assistance to (1) Egypt, (2) Israel, (3) Jordan, (4) Syria, (5) the Maquarin Dam regional project, and (6) private voluntary agency development projects, according to specified procedures. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1979 for economic assistance to the countries of southern Africa. Repeals the authority for security supporting assistance programs, and assistance for Middle East peace. Makes certain technical amendments in accordance with the replacement of security supporting assistance by economic assistance. Title IV: Administrative Provisions - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to direct development programs to be carried out through competitive selection procedures. Requires the Chair of the Development Coordinating Committee to submit an annual report to Congress reviewing United States foreign assistance. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to repeal previous specified reporting requirements, and (1) the authorization of appropriations for the Sahel development program, and (2) the suspension of foreign assistance (military, economic, agricultural, and arms sale licenses) to Pakistan. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 with respect to the use of funds appropriated under such Act for the purchase of motor vehicles. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1979 for operating expenses under such Act. Amends such Act to repeal provisions relating to (1) the minimum contribution to the United Nations Children's Fund, (2) the additional contribution to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for the training of Arab refugees, (3) the minimum contribution to the International Atomic Energy Agency, (4) the limitations on contributions to the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization, (5) a sense of Congress regarding United Nations peacekeeping forces, (6) the authorization for appropriations for the drought-stricken nations of Africa, (7) the authority of the President to furnish earthquake relief assistance to Guatemala, (8) the use of receipts from the settlement of postwar economic assistance to Japan, (9) a statement of policy regarding assistance to newly independent countries, (10) the authorization of appropriations for development assistance administrative expenses, (11) the limitation on the aggregate amount of foreign assistance, (12) the limitation on assistance to Cambodia, (13) the limitations of the use of foreign assistance funds pending the release of certain appropriations impounded in 1971, (14) assistance priorities for funds to countries having agrarian economies, and (15) the authority of the President to conclude agreements with less developed countries to establish Joint Commissions on Rural Development. Title V: Coordination and Administration of the Development-Related Programs and Policies of the United States - Directs the President to coordinate those United States economic policies which affect the developing nations, and to establish an International Development Coordination Administration (superseding the Agency for International Development) to coordinate international development activities. Requires the President to submit a report to Congress on implementation of this title.
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1978
Solar Photovoltaic Energy Research, Development, and Demonstration Act - Requires the Secretary of Energy to develop research, development, and demonstration programs concerning the use of solar photovoltaic energy systems. Authorizes the Secretary to provide up to 75 percent of the purchase and installation costs of selected systems used for research purposes. Requires the Secretary to formulate definitive performance criteria concerning solar photovoltaic systems and to develop a system certification for conforming systems. Directs the Secretary to consult with relevant Federal agencies concerning the use of solar photovoltaic systems in Federal facilities. Requires the Secretary to set up a development and demonstration program of prototype photovoltaic systems at the Solar Energy Research Institute in Golden, Colorado. Directs the Secretary to establish a solar energy data bank at the Golden facility. Requires relevant Federal officials to ensure that small business concerns are granted realistic and adequate opportunities to participate, to the maximum extent possible, in the programs under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 1978
Condominium Act - Title I: Findings and Purpose - States that abuses in the condominium industry have created a need for the establishment of national standards for consumer protection. Title II: Defines the terms used in this Act. Exempts from the terms of this Act condominium projects in which the units are restricted to non-residential uses and projects sold by a governmental agency. Makes any developer or agent liable for any fraudulent acts he commits in connection with a sale or offer to sell a condominium unit. Voids any provision in existing or future leases or management agreements which require owners to reimburse the developer for attorney's fees or money judgments. Grants the purchaser of a unit the right to cancel the sales contract within 15 days after signing the contract or after receiving the disclosure material, whichever is later. Sets forth national standards for consumer protection which must be followed by condominium developers, including: (1) placing any deposit made in connection with a reservation or sale of a unit in a trust or escrow; (2) terminating the right to control the owners association within five years; (3) refraining from displaying any advertising which is inconsistent with the information in the disclosure statement; (4) providing a one year warranty on each unit and a three year warranty on the common elements; and (5) in the case of condominium conversions, giving tenants 120 days' notice to vacate and a 60 day exclusive option to buy. Establishes standards for disclosure by developers of all material circumstances or features affecting their projects. States that this Act does not limit State and local governments from enacting or enforcing laws which do not conflict with the terms of this Act. Allows unit owners to terminate certain contracts which had to be accepted or ratified by the purchasers as a condition of purchase, and were entered into during the period when the developer was in control of the owners' association. Allows owners to seek a judicial determination that any lease or portion thereof is unconscionable if: the lease is for 21 years or contains provisions for automatic renewal for a period of more than 21 years and contains either an automatic rent increase clause or subjects the units to foreclosure for the owner's failure to make payments and contains provisions that shifts all obligations and liabilities associated with the maintenance and use of the property to the owners. Provides criminal penalties for violations of the terms of this Act and civil remedies for persons aggrieved by such violations. Makes provisions for the administration of this Act and authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to undertake research, education, information, and technical assistance activities designed to protect potential purchasers and owners of condominiums.
United States · United States Congress · 12 April 1978
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide identical income tax rates for single persons and married couples filing joint returns. Limits the earned income that must be reported by a married individual filing a separate return to the amount actually earned by that individual.
United States · United States Congress · 12 April 1978
Federal Statistical Activity Control Act - Directs the President to make a compilation of all Federal statistical activities and to submit such compilation to Congress. Specifies the type of data to be included in such compilation including the purpose, statutory authority, and cost of such activities. Terminates all Federal statistical authority at the end of the five year period beginning on the date such authority takes effect or the date the President's compilation is submitted to Congress, whichever is later, unless the statistical authority is otherwise provided for by law. Requires that each report accompanying any bill or resolution which provides for Federal information authority to contain specified information regarding the authority involved including its cost, the number of respondents involved, and the purpose for which the information is being collected. Requires the Bureau of the Census, upon request, to provide Congress with information regarding the evaluation of any existing or proposed Federal statistical authority or information which would be appropriate for the formation or evaluation of the estimates required to be included in committee reports pursuant to this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1978
Commends the United States delegation to the Belgrade Conference for obtaining a review of compliance with the human rights provisions of the Helsinki Accords (the Final Act of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe). Urges the President and other executive branch officials to continue to express United States opposition to repressive actions and violations of human rights which are contrary to the Helsinki Accords.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1978
Amends the authorization for appropriations for grants for State and local public works under the Local Public Works Capital Development and Investment Act of 1976 to authorize up to $10,000,000,000 to carry out such Act without fiscal year limitations.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1978
Amends rule XXI of the Rules of the House of Representatives to prohibit the inclusion in any general appropriation bill or amendment thereto of any provision which imposes any limitation not contained in existing law. Prohibits the consideration by the House of any joint resolution providing continuing appropriations for Federal departments and agencies. Restricts the consideration of supplemental appropriation bills.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1978
Commends Ambassador Arthur J. Goldberg for obtaining a review of compliance with the human rights provisions of the Helsinki Accords (the Final Act of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe). Urges the President and other executive branch officials to continue to express United States opposition to repressive actions and violations of human rights which are contrary to the Helsinki Accords.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1978
Amends Title XX (Grants to States for Services) of the Social Security Act to increase the ceiling imposed upon payments for services under such Title for the fiscal years 1979, 1980, 1981 and maintains the 1981 level for succeeding years.
United States · United States Congress · 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 · 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 · 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 · 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 · 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 · 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 · 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 · 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 · 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 · 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 · 15 March 1978
Full Employment and Balanced Growth Act - Title I: Establishment of Goals and General Economic Policies - Amends the Employment Act of 1946 to declare full employment as a national goal. Declares further that inflation is a national problem requiring improvement of government policies, reform of outmoded government rules, and correction of structural defects in the economy. States that (1) nothing in this Act shall independently authorize production, wage, or price controls and (2) the effort to expand jobs under this Act shall focus on the private sector and shall use subsidized public employment only as a last resort. Directs the President to recommend in each annual Economic Report numerical goals for five years for employment, production, real income, and productivity. Designates as a goal to be achieved within five years of the enactment of this Act three percent unemployment for the civilian labor force age 20 and over and of four percent unemployment for the civilian labor force age 16 and over. Directs that, in reducing unemployment, every effort be made to reduce differences in unemployment rates among teenagers, women, minorities, the elderly, and other groups in the labor force. Requires inclusion in each Economic Report of priority policies and programs to assure productive nonwasteful jobs. Specifies among such priorities (1) development of energy, transportation, small business and environmental improvement; (2) attention to the needs of rural America; (3) attention to the relationship between Federal policies and urban needs; and (4) improvement of the quality and quantity of health care, education, child care, and housing. Requires that the President's Budget and Economic Report include projections of outlays and receipts which are consistent with the goals of this Act. Directs the Federal Reserve Board to transmit to Congress an independent annual report setting forth its intended policies and the relationship between such policies and short-term goals contained in the Economic Report. Directs the President to initiate structural policies to reduce inflation, including policies relative to (1) more effective monitoring and analysis of inflationary trends, (2) stockpiling of critical commodities, (3) strengthening of antitrust laws, and (4) modification of government regulation. Directs the President to establish an advisory board or boards to advise with respect to this Act and other matters related to national economic programs and policies. Directs the Council of Economic Advisers to consult with such board or boards and to cooperate with other Federal agencies with respect to its work in connection with this Act. Title II: Structural Economic Policies and Programs, Including Treatment of Resources Restraints - Requires the President to initiate supplementary programs and policies to facilitate achievement of the full employment and balanced growth goals and timetables set forth in Title I. States that any counter cyclical employment programs so initiated shall (1) consider for inclusion specified activities including standby public works projects and community development programs, and a trigger mechanism geared to times of rising unemployment and (2) contain policies to facilitate coordinated action among the Federal Government. State and local governments, and the private sector. Directs the President to improve and expand existing youth employment programs, recommending legislation where required. Directs the Secretary of Labor, in furtherance of the full employment policies contained in this Act, and after full utilization of programs under the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act of 1973 (CETA), and other laws, to undertake job training, counseling, and referral activities. Directs the President to establish reservoirs of public employment and private nonprofit employment projects, to be approved by the Secretary, through expansion of CETA projects or through other existing or new employment and training programs. Stipulates that such projects which require authorizations under this Act shall not be put into operation less than two years after the enactment of this Act nor without a Presidential finding that other means of employment are not yielding enough jobs to meet goals and timetables. Requires that the Economic Report review and assess (1) existing Federal programs which affect business investment decisions, (2) the effect of the overall economic policy environment and the inflation rate on business investment, and (3) Federal policies and programs which directly or indirectly affect public investments. Directs the President to make recommendations based upon such assessments. Title III: Policies and Procedures for Congressgional Review - Sets forth a timetable for review of the Presidents's Economic Report. Revises the timetable for the congressional budget process. Requires that the first concurrent resolution in the congressional budget process include summary analyses of the levels of revenues and budget authority and outlays designed to implement underlying economic assumptions and objectives. Specifies the oversight duties of the Joint Economic Committee under this Act, including the reporting of a concurrent resolution approving, disapproving, or modifying the policies, goals, and programs of the Economic Report. Sets forth procedures for the consideration of such a concurrent resolution. Title IV: General Provisions - Makes general provisions with respect to nondiscrimination, labor standards, and authorizations of appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1978
Sets forth the policy of the United States with respect to the coordination of science and technology and foreign policy. Establishes a Science, Technology, and Diplomacy Policy Board in the Executive Office of the President to advise the President on the implementation of United States policy with respect to the coordination of science and technology, and foreign policy. Directs the Secretary of State to enter into contracts with, or make grants to, nongovernmental entities to study the application of science and technology to foreign policy. Directs the Secretary to establish an Office of Planning and Analysis to conduct diplomatic planning and analysis, emphasizing technology. Directs the Secretary, with the National Science Foundation, to develop a training program for Federal employees who have responsibilities in scientific and technological matters. Requires the Secretary to report annually to Congress on science and technology agreements between the United States and foreign countries, and on international commissions involving science or technology.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1978
Expresses the condemnation by the Congress of the March 11, 1978, attack on Israel by the Palestine Liberation Organization, and the expressed intention of the PLO to continue such attacks and to disrupt the peace efforts between Israel and Egypt. Requests the President to make the disapproval of the Congress known to governments approving the PLO attack. Expresses Congressional approval of the peace efforts between Israel and Egypt. Urges other Middle East countries to join such efforts. Declares negotiation to be the best way to bring peace to the Middle East.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1978
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to direct the Secretary of the Treasury to issue regulations corresponding to the principles set forth in a certain private letter ruling relating to the exclusion from gross income of amounts deferred by participants in public deferred compensation plans.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1978
Amends the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act to prohibit the importation of any agricultural commodity whenever the use of any pesticide in connection with its production, processing, or handling is restricted in the United States, if: (1) the exporting country does not have at least equal restrictions with respect to the use of such pesticide; and (2) such commodity is produced in substantial quantities in the continental United States.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1978
Establishes the Institute for Human Rights and Freedom as a United States corporation to furnish technical and financial assistance to nongovernmental organizations that promote human rights in foreign countries, including support for victim support. Requires the Secretary of State to inform the Institute of United States foreign policy related to the Institute. Requires the Institute to consider the foreign policy of the United States in making aid determinations, but declares such determinations shall not be subject to the direction of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1978
Legislative Oversight Act - Title I: Requirements for Authorization Bills - Requires all legislation considered by either House of Congress which authorizes new budget authority or increased tax expenditures to include a statement of objectives of the program to be authorized or established and a requirement that the agencies administering the program report annually to Congress to assist it in determining whether such program should be amended. Requires such agency reports to list the costs and accomplishments of each program. Title II: Requirements for Reports Accompanying Authorization Bills - Requires committee reports accompanying such legislation to identify expected economic and social costs and benefits of new programs authorized or established by such legislation, potentially duplicative programs, and previous efforts to accomplish the objectives of the program being considered. Requires reports to contain, if the legislation continues an existing program, authorization, or tax expenditure, an assessment of the degree to which such program or tax expenditure has met previously stated objectives. Requires the Comptroller General to publish and periodically update a descriptive catalog of interrelated Federal activities which compares program costs and accomplishments and describes program interrelationships, including the extent to which programs are duplicative. Title III: Presidential Budget Recommendations - Requires the President's budget to describe the relationship between the President's recommended program budgets and the program accomplishments reported by Federal agencies under this Act. Title IV: Authorization Time Limit; Certain Obligations not Impaired - Prohibits congressional consideration of any legislation which authorizes new budget authority or provides new or increased tax expenditures, or new spending authority for a period exceeding five years. Exempts from this prohibition national debt service and payments to individuals from Federal trust funds to which such individuals have contributed. Title V: Miscellaneous Provisions; Effective Date - Recognizes the authority of either House to amend this Act. Sets the effective date of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1978
International Communication Agency Authorization Act - Authorizes appropriations for the International Communication Agency for fiscal years 1979 and 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1978
Amends the Board for International Broadcasting Act of 1973 to make the chairman of the Board of Directors of RFE/RL (Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty), Inc., an ex official member of the Board for International Broadcasting. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1979 and 1980 to carry out such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1978
Amends the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 1978, to authorize additional appropriations for the Board for International Broadcasting for fiscal year 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1978
Amends rule XXI of the Rules of the House of Representatives to prohibit the inclusion in any general appropriation bill or amendment thereto of any provision which imposes any limitation not contained in existing law. Prohibits the consideration by the House of any joint resolution providing continuing appropriations for Federal departments and agencies. Restricts the consideration of supplemental appropriation bills.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 1978
Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to direct the Commissioner on Aging to establish a special grant program to enable States to establish community long-term care initiatives designed to assess the needs of chronically ill or disabled older persons for services and to assist in the efficient operation of a comprehensive and coordinated system for the delivery of services to older persons. Authorizes the Commissioner to permit certain agencies to apply for, and if qualified, reserve grants to develop such community long-term care initiatives. Authorizes grants made under this Act to cover up to 90 percent of the cost of a program established pursuant to this Act. Permits adversely affected grant applicants to obtain judicial review. Establishes guidelines for each agency to follow in establishing programs. Requires each administering agency to submit an annual report to the Commissioner.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1978
Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to exclude from admission into, and provides for the deportation from, the United States of any alien who engaged or assisted in, or incited or directed others to engage in, the persecution of others on the basis of religion, race, or national origin under the direction of the Nazi government of Germany between March 23, 1933, and May 8, 1945.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1978
Federal Regulatory Expediting and Efficiency Act - Requires any Federal agency receiving a petition to issue, amend, or repeal any rule administered by the agency, to grant or deny such petition within 120 days. Permits any person to enforce this Act by civil suit in any United States court of appeals. Requires agencies to promulgate timetables for general classes of proceedings begun by petition which shall be subject to a one-house veto in Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1978
State Department Authorization Act - Authorizes appropriations for the Department of State for fiscal year 1979 for (1) the administration of foreign affairs, (2) international organizations and conferences, (3) international commissions, and (4) migration and refugee assistance. Permits the transfer of not more than ten percent of such funds. Authorizes appropriations for such Department for fiscal year 1980 to carry out its functions. Authorizes the Department of State to furnish assistance to destitute American citizens abroad. Removes expenditure limitations on the representation and entertainment expenses of the American Section, International Joint Commission, United States and Canada. Permits the working capital fund of the Department of State to be used for medical and health care services. Removes limitations upon certain monetary transfers to such fund, and stipulates accounting procedures with respect to such fund. Amends the Foreign Service Act of 1946 with respect to the authority of the Secretary of State to establish non-Government-owned nonappropriated fund activities at posts abroad. Requires equal rates to be charged of all Federal civilian personnel for such activities. Amends the Foreign Service Act of 1946 to authorize the Secretary of State to furnish medical and health care services (rather than first aid stations) at posts abroad.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1978
Amends the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 1978, to increase the authorization of appropriations for fiscal year 1978 for the Department of State for international organizations and conferences.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1978
International Development Cooperation Act - Chapter I: Policy - Sets forth the United States' development assistance goals. Establishes the International Development Cooperation Administration (IDCA) to achieve such goals. Chapter II: Bilateral Development Assistance. Title XI: Grant and Loan Assistance - Sets forth the United States bilateral development policy. Authorizes the Administrator of IDCA to furnish agricultural, rural development, and nutrition assistance. Declares that such assistance shall be primarily used for activities which increase the productivity or income of the rural poor. Requires, in the allocation of such funds, that special attention be given to increasing agricultural production in "food priority countries" or "relatively least developed countries." Encourages the Administrator of IDCA to take certain actions to improve the nutritional benefits accruing from such assistance. Requires the Administrator to consider the impact on development policies of commodity sales under the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954. Declares that local currency proceeds from such commodity sales which are owned by foreign governments shall be used whenever practicable to furnish agricultural, rural development, and nutrition assistance. Sets forth United States international population control and health assistance policy. Authorizes the Administrator of IDCA to furnish population planning assistance, emphasizing motivation for small families. Directs such assistance to give particular attention to the relationship between population growth and living standards improvements. Authorizes the Administrator to study factors affecting population growth and family planning. Prohibits funds available for such assistance to be used for abortions or involuntary sterilizations. Authorizes the Administrator of IDCA to furnish health, health education, disease prevention, and sanitation assistance, emphasizing low-cost integrated delivery systems to rural areas and to the poorest people. Sets forth United States education and human resources development assistance policy. Authorizes the Administrator of IDCA to furnish such assistance. Authorizes the Administrator of IDCA to furnish assistance for programs relating to (1) energy problems, (2) natural resources management, (3) development research, (4) intermediate technology, (5) urban development, (6) disaster reconstruction, (7) special problems of "relatively least developed countries," especially transportation and communications systems, and (8) technical cooperation among development organizations. Authorizes funds to be made available under this chapter to assist research and educational institutions in the United States to develop and implement development programs for developing countries. Prohibits the furnishing of assistance under this chapter until the recipient country provides assurances that it will make a significant contribution to the cost of the entire program. Prohibits the disbursing of grant assistance for a specific project for more than four years without further justification to Congress and increasing recipient country contribution. Authorizes the Administrator of IDCA to make assistance available to "relatively least developed countries" on a grant basis to the maximum extent possible. Permits the Administrator with respect to such countries (1) to waive interest payments on past indebtedness; (2) to accept repayment in local currencies; (3) to accept "in kind" contributions for the recipient share of assistance costs; and (4) to waive certain procurement requirements. Exempts "relatively least developed countries" from the cost-sharing and funding limitations of this Act. Requires the Administrator to report to Congress on a concerted procurement policy with donors of the Overseas Economic Cooperation and Development countries, and its impact on the United States economy. Authorizes the Administrator to furnish long-term development assistance for the Sahel region, to be supplied under a multi-donor system. Requires the Administrator to prepare an annual report on Sahel development. Authorizes appropriations for such assistance beginning with fiscal year 1978. Title II: Strengthening Institutional Capacity for Agricultural Development - Declares that the United States (1) should strengthen the capacity of certain universities in program-related agricultural development and research, (2) should improve the participation of such universities in efforts to increase world-wide food production, and (3) should support research into the food and nutritional problems of developing countries. Authorizes the Administrator to furnish assistance to eligible universities for specified purposes related to such research goals. Directs the President to establish a Board for International Food and Agricultural Development to assist in the administration of such research assistance programs. Authorizes the Board to establish a Joint Research Committee to develop collaborative food research programs, and a Joint Committee on Country Programs to implement certain research support programs. Permits such research support programs to be funded with appropriations for agricultural, rural development, and nutrition assistance. Requires the Administrator to report to Congress on such research activities. Title III: Agricultural Commodities for Peace and Development - Affirms the continuing intent of Congress that United States agricultural commodities shall be used to combat hunger and to encourage economic development in developing countries. Authorizes the Administrator of IDCA to carry out specified food donation and development programs under the Agricultural Trade and Development Assistance Act of 1954. Chapter III: Access to Private Capital and Technical Expertise - Title I: General Policy - Expresses the Congressional finding that the reduction of the dependence of developing countries upon concessional assistance to reliance upon private sector resources can be facilitated by loan and investment guarantees and reimbursable services. Title II: Overseas Private Investment Corporation - Makes the Overseas Private Investment Corporation a constituent element of the International Development Cooperation Administration to facilitate the participation of United States private capital in the economic development of developing countries and areas. Sets forth the factors which shall be considered by the Corporation for furnishing insurance, financing, or reinsurance of private sector projects in developing countries or areas. Specifies the functions of the Corporation. Declares that the capital stock of the Corporation shall remain at its present level. Stipulates the organizational and management structure of the Corporation. Authorizes the Corporation to insure private investments against specified risks, to guarantee private loans and other investments, to make loans to private firms, and to make incentive grants. Specifies restrictions upon and procedures for such functions. Authorizes the Corporation to furnish financial and advisory support, private, technical, professional, or managerial assistance. Authorizes the Corporation to enter into certain risk sharing agreements. Establishes limitations upon the amount of outstanding guarantees which can be made by the Corporation. Establishes a Direct Investment Fund to finance the direct investment undertakings of the Corporation. Establishes in the Treasury of the United States an insurance and guaranty fund to discharge liabilities incurred by the Corporation with respect to its insurance and guaranty authority. Authorizes appropriations to the Corporation for such fund. Imposes conditions on such appropriations and stipulates procedures for discharging investment insurance liability. Stipulates the purposes for which the income and revenues earned by or transferred to the Corporation may be spent without limitations. Sets forth limitations on such investment programs, including investment safeguard provisions, duration, and prohibits insuring investors responsible for bribery as defined in this title. Sets forth the powers of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation. Requires the Auditor-General of the International Development Cooperation Administration to audit the Corporation and conduct its security functions. Establishes an Advisory Council to the Corporation, composed of representatives of the American business community, for consultation regarding the Corporation's objectives. Declares that no laws, with the exception of this title, shall be construed to prohibit investment insurance activities in Yugoslavia or Romania, if the President determines such programs to be in the national interest. Requires the Corporation to establish criteria to minimize the potential environmental impact of insured projects. Requires the Corporation to report to Congress annually with respect to its operations. Title III: Housing Investment Guarantees - Sets forth Congressional findings with respect to the role of the United States in assisting worldwide housing investment. Authorizes the Administrator of the International Development Corporation (IDCA) to guarantee loans incurred in connection with such housing investment. Sets forth (1) limitations upon such guarantees and (2) the types of housing programs which shall be emphasized in making such guarantees. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this title. Imposes upon housing guarantees authorized by subsequently repealed statutes the laws and fees which were originally applicable to such guarantees. Prohibits guarantee payments for any loss arising from fraud or misrepresentation. Imposes limitations upon such guarantees with respect to housing for the poor and amounts for projects within any single country. Title IV: Agricultural and Productive Credit and Self-Help Development Communities Programs - Declares it the sense of Congress that the purpose of this program is the stimulation of private participation in the establishment of pilot programs in not more than five Latin American countries. Authorizes the IDCA to guarantee loans for agricultural credit and self-help community development programs. Limits the total dollar amount of such guarantees. Requires consultation with the Inter-American Foundation in developing eligibility criteria for such guarantees. Title V: Reimbursable Services and Commodities - Authorizes any agency of the United States to furnish services and commodities on an advance-of-funds or reimbursable basis to friendly countries, international organizations, the American Red Cross, and certain volunteer nonprofit relief agencies, when the Administrator determines it to be in furtherance of the purposes of this Act. Authorizes the Administrator to use a specified amount to stimulate reimbursable aid programs consistent with chapter I of this Act. Sets forth procedures governing excess property and advance acquisition of property pursuant to this Act. Chapter IV: Multilateral Development Assistance - Title I: General Multilateral Development Assistance Policy - Sets forth Congressional findings and policy with respect to United States participation in international development assistance agencies. Declares that the United States should encourage (1) equitable contributions to such agencies by participant countries, and (2) the participation of women in the economies of member and recipient countries of such aid and in such agencies. Requires the Administrator to ensure that United States bilateral development programs are coordinated with multilateral programs. Title II: International Financial Institutions - Sets forth Congressional policy with respect to United States participation in international financial institutions. Makes the Administrator of IDCA responsible for formulating the positions of and instructing the representatives of the United States to such institutions. Title III: United Nations Programs - Authorizes the Administrator to make contributions to international organizations in furtherance of this chapter, when the President determines it to be in the national interest. Authorizes appropriations for such purposes. Makes the Administrator responsible for formulating the positions of and instructing the representatives of the United States to the International Fund for Agricultural Development. Authorizes the President to permit United States participation in the International Fertilizer Development Center. Chapter V: Special Programs - Title I: Economic Support Fund - Authorizes the President to furnish assistance to countries and organizations to promote economic or political stability. Declares it the sense of Congress that assistance to the Middle East should promote respect, security, and economic development in that area. Authorizes appropriations to the President for economic support funds in the Middle East, Israel, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon (including technical and scientific cooperation programs and special requirements). Expresses Congressional support of an internationally recognized settlement of the Rhodesian conflict leading to majority rule. Declares it the intent of Congress to support a Zimbabwe Development Fund. Declares it the sense of Congress that the United States should furnish economic support to Zambia, Botswana, Lesotho, Swaziland, and Mozambique to strengthen their economy and minimize their dependence on minority-ruled regimes. Authorizes appropriations to the President for economic dislocation and refugee assistance in South Africa. Prohibits the use of such funds for military or paramilitary purposes. Declares it the sense of Congress that such funds shall not be furnished to any country which restricts emigration. Title II: International Disaster Assistance - Authorizes the President to furnish international disaster relief and rehabilitation assistance, including assistance relating to disaster prediction and preparedness. Authorizes appropriations for such purposes. Authorizes the President to appoint a Special Coordinator for International Relief to coordinate aid by United States agencies and between United States agencies and foreign donors. Chapter VI: Private Initiative In Development - Title I: General Policy - Declares it Congressional policy to encourage the participation of private voluntary organizations in overseas development. Authorizes the Administrator of IDCA to furnish assistance for public and private voluntary initiatives in development, under specified principles. Directs the Administrator to draw upon the resources of such organizations to the maximum extent practicable in implementing programs authorized by this Act. Authorizes the Administrator to pay transportation charges on contributions for development and relief of needy people by the American Red Cross and certain United States voluntary agencies. Establishes within the Administration an International Development Institute to finance, implement, and coordinate development activities involving private and voluntary agencies. Establishes an Advisory Board to the Institute to advise in the planning and administration of programs authorized by this chapter. Authorizes appropriations to the Administrator to carry out this title, of which a specified amount shall be available for the Peace Corps to carry out the purposes of the Peace Corps Act. Transfers the Peace Corp to the International Development Institute. Chapter VII: Administrative - Title I: Organization - Stipulates the organizational structure of the International Development Cooperation Administration. Directs the President to establish a Development Coordination Committee to advise the President with respect to the coordination of United States policies and programs affecting developing countries. Declares that nothing in this Act shall be construed as infringing upon the powers or functions of the Secretary of State. Sets forth the organizational powers of the Administrator with respect to functions transferred to the IDCA. Transfers to the IDCA the functions and property of the Agency for International Development. Permits the President to transfer to the IDCA functions of other agencies which primarily relate to the functions of the IDCA under this Act. Specifies the procedures for such transfer. Stipulates the formula for computing the annuity of any AID employee who is eligible for retirement under the Foreign Service system who retires during fiscal year 1979. Authorizes appropriations for the operating expenses of the IDCA. Title II: Personnel - Establishes a career personnel system of officers of the IDCA who shall be known as International Development Officers to formulate and implement programs authorized by this Act. Sets forth the qualifications, compensation, and duty assignments of such officers. Prohibits discrimination or the use of a political test with respect to such officers. Requires the Administrator to pay particular attention to the recruitment and promotion of women as International Development Officers. Authorizes the President to appoint the representative of the United States to the Inter- American Economic and Social Council. Authorizes the employment of experts and consultants to carry out this Act. Authorizes the Administrator to assign any IDCA employee to any office with a foreign government or international organization. Authorizes the Administrator to maintain special missions or staffs abroad. Authorizes the President to appoint the Chair of the Development Assistance Committee or any successor committee thereto of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. Transfer to the IDCA the personnel of the Agency for International Development. Title III: Administrative Requirements - Prohibits entering into obligations upon the United States in excess of $100,000 for grant and loan assistance or economic support prior to the completion of project plans and cost estimates, legislative action in the recipient country, and certification by the chief IDCA officer in the recipient country that such country can effectively maintain and utilize such project. Sets forth procurement requirements. Prohibits funds under this Act from being used for the procurement of any agricultural commodity when the commodity's domestic price is below parity. Permits recipients of loan and grant or economic support assistance to use such funds to pay shipping differentials owed to the United States under the Merchant Marine Act, 1936. Exempts the ocean transport between foreign countries (1) of commodities purchased with foreign currencies made available under this Act or the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954, or (2) of fresh fruit and products under this Act, from requirements that cargoes procured by the United States be transported in United States flag vessels. Sets forth protections for United States patents and technical information in furnishing grant and loan or economic support assistance. Regulates the use of foreign currencies, procurement, and the use of funds for support purposes, to carry out this Act. Directs the Administrator, so far as is practicable, to assist the equitable participation of American small business in furnishing goods and services to the IDCA. Establishes an Office of Small Business in the IDCA to carry out this purpose. Title IV: General Provisions - Authorizes the President to utilize a limited amount of funds authorized under this Act each year in furtherance of the purposes of this Act, when the President determines such authorization to be important to the security of the United States. Authorizes the Administrator to transfer not more than 15 percent of funds authorized for grant and loan assistance for other purposes under this Act. Sets forth procedures for Congressional oversight of such authority. Sets forth procedures for the termination of assistance, the payment of assistance and contracts, and related financial matters. Prohibits assistance under this Act to any government which engages in a consistent pattern of gross violations of human rights. Sets forth procedures for Congressional oversight of such prohibition. Prohibits the Administrator from considering the race, religion, national origin, or sex of any employee of the United States in making overseas assignments to carry out this Act. Prohibits assistance to any country which objects to the presence of any such United States employee on such grounds. Prohibits assistance to any country which is more than six months in default on loans under this Act or the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 except in certain circumstances. Prohibits relieving recipients of such loans of liability thereunder. Requires the Administrator to terminate for one year assistance to any country which aids or abets international terrorism, unless the President finds that national security requires otherwise. Prohibits furnishing assistance under this Act to any Communist country, unless the President finds that such assistance is vital to the security of the United States and will promote the independence of such country. Limits the amount of assistance under this Act which may be furnished for the construction of any productive enterprise. Title V: Reporting Requirements - Requires the Chair of the Development Coordination Committee to transmit an annual report to Congress with respect to foreign assistance for the previous fiscal year. Permits legislative veto of program changes under this Act. Title VI: Miscellaneous Provisions - Sets forth the effective date, statutes repealed, savings provisions, definitions, severability, exclusions, and amendments to other laws, under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1978
Constitutional Amendment - Provides that the District of Columbia be treated as a State for purposes of representation in the Congress, election of the President and Vice President, and Article V of the Constitution of the United States. Repeals the provisions of the twenty-third amendment to the Constitution of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1978
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a deduction of up to $1,500 for household expenses to any taxpayer who maintains a household in which a dependent aged 65 or over resides.
United States · United States Congress · 15 December 1977
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 · 7 December 1977
Federal Election Campaign Reform Act - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to (1) permit designated committees to make expenditures for Presidential candidates, (2) exempt from a candidate's contribution limits payments for certain media advertisements by other candidates which advocate election of such candidate, and (3) direct the Federal Election Commission to establish uniform recordkeeping and reporting procedures.
United States · United States Congress · 1 December 1977
Expresses the sense of Congress that the Postal Service should issue a commemorative stamp in 1978 to honor Francis Bellamy, author of the Pledge of Allegiance.
United States · United States Congress · 29 November 1977
Expresses the sense of the Congress that Anwar el Sadat and Menachem Begin be commended for the steps they have taken towards peace in the Middle East.
United States · United States Congress · 3 November 1977
Amends the Bank Holding Company Act Amendments of 1970 to authorize the Administrator of General Services to sell silver dollars by negotiation at such prices and in such manner as may be deemed proper by the Administrator.
United States · United States Congress · 3 November 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow certain individuals to compute the amount of the deduction for retirement savings on the basis of the earned income of their spouses.
United States · United States Congress · 3 November 1977
Small Business Government Contracting Reform Act - Simplifies Government contracting procedures with respect to small businesses. Establishes Government contract arbitration panels within the Small Business Administration to facilitate the resolution of disputes between any small business concern and any Federal agency having procurement authority. Directs Federal agencies to take the apparent low responsive bidder's small business concern subcontracting plan into account in determining the responsibility of such bidder for the award of such contract. Assigns an employee of the Small Business Administration to each Federal agency to monitor compliance with specified small business programs. Establishes the Small Business Procurement Advisory Committee.
United States · United States Congress · 2 November 1977
Constitutional Amendment - Provides that the District of Columbia be treated as a State for purposes of representation in the Congress, election of the President and Vice President, and Article V of the Constitution of the United States. Repeals the provisions of the twenty-third amendment to the Constitution of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 31 October 1977
Unemployment Compensation Reform Act - Title I: Unemployment Compensation Cost Equalization Program - 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. Title II: Federal-State Extended Unemployment Compensation Act - Federal-State Extended Unemployment Compensation Act - Replaces the Federal-State Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 1970 with an extended unemployment benefit program which includes both regular extended benefits of up to 13 weeks and supplemental extended benefits of up to 13 additional weeks. Directs that benefits be made available when unemployment exceeds specified trigger levels which are similar to those used under present law. Revises the method for determining unemployment rates for the purpose of such triggers. Provides for 50 percent Federal funding of regular extended benefits and for full Federal funding of supplemental benefits. Title III: Financing Amendments for Unemployment Compensation Programs - Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to extend the payback period of a State having an outstanding balance of loans and to permit a State to pay as little as 20 percent of the outstanding balance in a year upon determining that the State is taking sufficient steps to restore the fiscal soundness of its trust fund. Waives any repayment requirement for States in which the insured unemployment rate exceeds a specified level. Restricts the penalty tax in a State which defaults to only insured employers and provides that the rate of such tax shall remain constant even if the outstanding balance owed is not entirely repaid.
United States · United States Congress · 27 October 1977
Requires the Office of Management and budget to provide information on the formulas and assumptions used in the distribution of Federal domestic assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 26 October 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to authorize any taxpayer to elect to have any portion of any overpayment of tax or any contribution in money which the taxpayer forwards with the return for such taxable year be available, as the taxpayer may designate on such return, for the National Endowment for the Arts or the National Endowment for the Humanities.
![Official portrait of Rep. Fascell, Dante B. [D-FL-19]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/f000041_200.jpg)