United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1978
Expresses the disapproval of the Congress of the denial by the Government of the Soviet Union of the right to emigrate and the harassment and imprisonment of individuals, including Mrs. Ida Nudel, who desire to emigrate.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1978
Health Maintenance Organization Amendments - Extends the authorization of appropriations under the Public Health Service Act through fiscal year 1981 for: (1) grants and contracts for surveys of the feasibility of establishing, operating or expanding health maintenance organizations (HMOs) and (2) grants, contracts, loans and guarantees for planning and initial development costs related to the establishment of HMOs. Excludes from the definition of basic health services, any health service which the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare determines by regulation is unusual or infrequently provided and is not generally recognized by health professionals as appropriate for the diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of an illness or injury. Authorizes up to $1,000,000 for the establishment of a HMO or $600,000 for a project to significantly expand the membership of, or areas served by a HMO. Increases the aggregate amount of principal of loans which may be made or guaranteed, or both, for the initial cost of operation of an HMO. Authorizes the Secretary to make loans to HMOs for projects for the acquisition or construction of ambulatory health care facilities and for the acquisition of equipment for facilities acquired or constructed with such loan and to guarantee to lenders: (1) their loans to nonprofit private HMOs for such projects; and (2) their loans to private HMOs for such projects which will serve medically underserved populations. Directs the Secretary to establish a National Health Maintenance Organization Intern Program to provide training to individuals to become administrators, medical directors, or managers of, or assume other managerial positions with HMOs. Requires each HMO: (1) to file with the Secretary such information as the Secretary may require concerning the fiscal operations of the HMO; and (2) to make such information available to its members. Amends Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to prohibit State and local officers or employees responsible for the expenditures of substantial amounts of funds under the State Medicaid plan from conducting specified business dealings in connection with the State program after leaving office.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1978
Amends the National Research Act to establish the President's Commission for the Study of Ethical Problems in Medicine and Biomedical and Behavioral Research. Directs the Commission to study the legal, ethical, and social implications of: (1) the allocations of Federal resources for biomedical and behavioral research and health care delivery; (2) the requirements for informed consent to participation in research projects and medical procedures; (3) establishing a uniform definition of death; (4) counseling and testing for genetic diseases; (5) the differences in the availability of health services; (6) the requirements and guidelines applicable to clinical trials; (7) the establishment of standards of efficacy applicable to medical procedures performed on humans; (8) human in-vitro fertilization; and (9) other matters relating to medicine or biomedical or behavior research. Directs the Commission, upon completion of each study and no later than November 1 each fiscal year, to report its findings and activities to the President and the Congress. Authorizes appropriations necessary to carry out the purposes of the Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1978
Amends the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973 to extend the period of time during which the Consolidated Rail Corporation (Con Rail) is to transfer rail properties to State, local, or regional transportation authorities, or to the National Railroad Passenger Corporation to meet the needs of commuter or intercity rail passenger service.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 1978
Child Health Assurance Act - Amends Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require the State plan for medical assistance required by such Title to provide for making medical assistance available to: (1) any individual who is under the age of 18 and, at the option of the State, to any individual over the age of 17 and under 21, if the individual is a member of a family eligible for aid under the program of Aid to Families with Dependent Children and does not exceed specified income standards; and (2) any woman for a period of her pregnancy and for 60 days following the termination of her pregnancy who on the basis of resources is eligible for aid under the program of Aid to Families with Dependent Children and whose income does not exceed specified standards. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare to establish a national child health assurance program (CHAP) income standard and a national maternal income standard for the purpose of establishing the eligibility of, and extent of medical assistance provided to, certain children and pregnant women. Sets the national CHAP income standard at $2,400 for an individual, $3,000 for a family of two, and an additional $600 for each additional family member. Sets the national maternal income standard at $3,000 for a pregnant woman, increased by $600 for each additional family member. Defines the services to be made available to pregnant women and eligible individuals under age 21 pursuant to this Act. Requires each State plan for medical assistance under the Medicaid program to provide, in the case of any individual under 21 who has received a timely periodic child health assessment, all care and services available under such program and referral for care and services not available under Medicaid. Sets forth the standards of the "child health assessment" required by this Act. States that the health care provider performing such assessment must agree to perform such basic diagnostic and treatment services as an assessment shows to be necessary, or to refer a beneficiary to an appropriate provider for such services, and to provide beneficiaries with routine dental care. Requires such a provider to be reasonably accessible on a continuing basis to beneficiaries whom it has assessed. Stipulates that for individuals under 21 who have received a timely health assessment no enrollment fee or charge for any service will be imposed. Provides for the payment of a percentage of the cost of a State child health assessment program by the Federal Government. Defines the term "Federal CHAP percentage." Sets forth a formula for the determination of such percentage. Directs the Secretary to establish performance standards for CHAP'S. Sets forth penalties for States which fail to comply with such standards. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress on each State's CHAP. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress on the coordination of health care services for children under Title V (Maternal and Child Health and Crippled Children's Services) and Title XIX of the Social Security Act. Requires the Secretary: (1) to study and conduct demonstration projects in order to evaluate the participation of health care providers in CHAP'S and methods of improving their level of participation in these programs; and (2) to develop and carry out experiments and demonstration projects designed to determine the effect of payment on a capitation basis for child health assessments and other services provided under CHAP'S upon the level of participation and performance of such providers in these programs. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress on such studies. Stipulates that certain individuals will remain eligible for Medicaid by disregarding specified involuntary increases in benefits, compensation, or pensions provided under specified Federal laws. Stipulates that certain individuals under the age of 21 shall remain eligible for Medicaid while inmates in certain juvenile institutions.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1978
Amends the charter of the Boy Scouts of America to stipulate that the annual report of the Boy Scouts shall be printed each year as a separate House document.
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 1978
Requests the President to convene a White House Conference on Foreign Trade to provide a forum for representatives of industries and labor organizations in the United States, scholars and experts in the field of foreign trade, representatives of Federal, State, and local government, and other interested persons to (1) examine and recommend methods to increase trade, (2) evaluate the recommendations made by the President's Task Force on Export Policy, and (3) assess the impact on the United States of the anticipated trade agreement of the Multilateral Trade Negotiations.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1978
Medicare Home Health Amendments - Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to remove the 100 visit limitation presently applicable to home health care services under such Title. Eliminates prior hospitalization as a condition of eligibility for home health care services under part A (Hospital Insurance Benefits for the Aged and Disabled) of such Title. Eliminates confinement to home as a requirement for receiving home health care services under part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance Benefits for the Aged and Disabled) of such Title. Includes "periodic chore services" within those home health services for which payment may be made under the supplementary medical insurance program.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1978
Animal Welfare Act Amendments - Amends the Animal Welfare Act to prohibit coursing (an event which involves the pursuit by one or more dogs of another live animal).
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 1978
Declares that the Congress denounces the planned American Nazi Party march in Skokie, Illinois, as an affront to American Jews and an act that deserves the fullest condemnation. Extends the sympathy and support of the Congress to the citizens of Skokie and to all American Jews.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 1978
Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to extend death benefit coverage to public safety officers who die as a result of a medical condition arising out of or exacerbated by official duties. Extends such benefit coverage to any person serving in an official capacity, with or without compensation, as an ambulance, first-aid, or rescue squad member.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 1978
Amends Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to provide Medicare benefits for individuals who require total parenteral nutrition (TPN).
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1978
Amends the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 to eliminate the deduction of railroad retirement annuities by amounts payable as social security benefits for persons who had current connections with the railroad industry, had at least five years of service, and had attained the age of 65 as of the effective date of such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1978
Drug Regulation Reform Act - Title I: Drug Regulation Reform - States the findings of Congress. Prohibits the manufacture, importation, export, or distribution of a drug entity or a drug product without the prior issuance by the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare of a monograph containing a description of such drug and requirements and guidelines for the contents of information labeling for the forms of drug products eligible for licensing under such monograph. Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to require, in a monograph, postmarketing surveillance of any drug, old or new, for a period of up to five years. Limits the issuance of such monographs to drugs determined safe and effective. Defines "safe" as meaning the health benefits of the drug entity or product clearly outweigh the risks it presents, taking into account pertinent standards and requirements. Defines "effective" to mean that a drug entity when incorporated into a drug product used in accordance with the use conditions set forth on the drug label, will have the effect represented. Provides for amendment, suspension, or revocation of a monograph under specified conditions. Authorizes the provisional issuance of a monograph (not to exceed five years) for any drug entity intended to be used in treatment of a life-threatening or severely debilitating disease when: (1) no other effective methods of treatment exist; or (2) such drug entity offers a major advantage to patients compared to the benefits of alternative methods; and (3) delaying issuance would present significantly greater risks to patients affected by such disease. Requires significant evidence of effectiveness and safety for such provisional issuance. Establishes a monograph-petition review procedure requiring a public hearing on the issuance, amendment, or revocation of any monograph, followed by a review of the evidence and issues by a drug science advisory committee, whose recommendations shall be forwarded to the Secretary for his final decision. Authorizes judicial review of a final order of the Secretary by a United States Court of Appeals. Requires, with specified exceptions, the registration of domestic and foreign establishments engaged in the manufacture, importation, export, or distribution of any drug entity or drug product. Prohibits for five years after the issuance date of a monograph the licensure of any drug product without: (1) written authorization from the monograph petitioner; or (2) data and information independent of the monograph which would support a determination that the monograph could be issued. Permits the licensure of a drug product, after the expiration of such five year period, without the making of necessary animal and clinical studies already made to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of the drug product under the original monograph. Requires registration of any drug to be used in a drug investigation, and revocation of registration if the human participants in the investigation are subject to unreasonable and significant risk of illness or injury. Specifies standards and requirements for such investigations. Requires the informed consent of participants in such investigations unless the immediate use of the drug product is, in the investigator's opinion, needed to preserve the participant's life and time is not sufficient to obtain either consent from either the participant or his legal representative. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) issue written guidelines regarding protocols and methods for conducting investigations; and (2) to review and advise, upon request, regarding specified aspects of a drug investigation. Requires unlicensed drug products and drug entities not subject to monographs to obtain permits for export to foreign countries. Specifies requirements for such exports. Exempts homeopathic drug entities and products from monograph, licensure, and investigational use requirements if manufactured or imported in accordance with import/export registration requirements of this Act. Requires: (1) patient information labeling in layperson's language of the risks, benefits, side effects and so forth of any drug entity or product; and (2) practitioner information labeling that identifies the licensee, registrant, permittee and manufacturer of such drug. Directs the Secretary to prepare and publish a compendium of all prescription drugs eligible for licensing under issued monographs. Prohibits from the promotional labeling of any prescription drug product indications for use, comparisons with other drug products, or dosage recommendations not contained in the information labeling of such product. Prohibits drug product licensees and their agents from: (1) distributing sample prescription drug products without charge; and (2) providing services or transferring items to specified medical personnel or their families, if the value of the service or item is at least $5.00, and no charge is made. Requires disclosure of the sponsorship by a drug product licensee or distributor of medical and scientific educational materials (other than labeling). Forbids the disclosure by pharmacists and their agents of prescriptions or information contained in prescriptions to anybody but the patient, the prescribing practitioner, or other specified persons. Prohibits licensees and their agents from obtaining or attempting to obtain such information. Prescribes civil, criminal, and administrative penalties, and subjects drug entities and products to seizure, for violations of this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to compel the attendance and testimony of witnesses in any matter relating to implementation or enforcement of this Title. Authorizes the Secretary to inspect drug manufacturing and distributing establishments to determine compliance with this Title. Limits the application of the provisions of this Title to drugs intended for human use. Title II: National Center for Clinical Pharmacology; Evaluation of the Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish, in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, the National Center for Clinical Pharmacology to conduct and support, by grants: (1) research in clinical pharmacology and clinical pharmacy; and (2) an ongoing review and analysis of the use of drug products in the United States. Directs the Secretary to contract for an independent evaluation of Title I and its effect on: (1) protection of the public against adverse reactions from and misuse of drug products; (2) innovation in drug research; (3) the economics of the pharmaceutical industry; (4) the cost of drug products; (5) prescribing practices; and (6) the time required for the issuance of monographs. Requires a report on such evaluation to the appropriate Committees of Congress within seven years of enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 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 · 17 May 1978
Private General Aviation Airport Act - Provides for Federal guarantees of private loans to certain privately owned, public use general aviation airports for improvements to such airports in order to promote local, feeder, and short haul air transportation. Specifies restrictions on any such guarantees authorized by the Secretary of Transportation.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1978
Requests the President to (1) instruct the Department of State to report to Congress on the violations of human rights in Cambodia, (2) instruct the International Communications Agency to disseminate such information, and (3) instruct the Ambassador to the United Nations to introduce a resolution in the General Assembly condemning these atrocities.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1978
Amends the Internal Revenue code to exclude from gross income statutory subsistence allowances received by State police officers between 1969 and 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1978
Amends the Noise Control Act of 1972 to authorize the appropriation of $10,812,000 for fiscal year 1979 to carry out such Act. Authorizes the appropriation of $3,000,000 for fiscal year 1979 for research and development to provide health statistics, develop noise abatement technology, State and local government assistance, and creating a data base on the health effects of noise. Authorizes the appropriation of $4,000,000 for fiscal year 1979 to provide State and local government assistance in carrying out noise abatement measures. Requires a noise abatement plan to be submitted to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency and the Secretary of Transportation by the owner or operator of any airport subject to such Act and the agency with jurisdiction over land use in such area affected by the airport noise.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1978
Solar Energy Transition Act - Directs each Federal agency to use and encourage the use of solar energy technologies. Requires each agency to review the programs, projects, and policies it is administering and assess the feasibility of alternative approaches utilizing solar energy technologies. Directs the Secretary of Energy to develop guidelines and otherwise assist the Federal agencies in the review required by this Act. Establishes the National Solar Energy Advisory Council to advise the Secretary in the performance of his duties under this Act. Directs the Secretary to report to the President and Congress annually starting April 20, 1980 on the progress of the Federal Government and the nation in converting to solar energy.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1978
Condemns those responsible for the crimes against Aldo Moro. States the sense of Congress that: (1) the President extend support to the Government of Italy; and (2) the President encourage nations of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization to work with the Italian Government to coordinate and strengthen efforts of free nations to apprehend terrorists and work through diplomatic channels for the isolation and condemnation of those countries which give refuge and support to terrorists.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1978
Health Services Research, Health Statistics, and Health Care Technology Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to extend authorizations of appropriations through fiscal year 1981 for health service research, evaluation, and demonstration activities, and health statistical activities. Requires the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, acting through the National Center for Health Statistics, to establish standardized means for the collection of health information and statistics under laws administered by the Secretary. Establishes the Cooperative Health Statistical System, for the purpose of producing comparable and uniform health information and statistics. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Center, to: (1) coordinate the activities of Federal agencies in the design and implementation of the System; and (2) make grants to State and local health agencies to assist them in meeting the cost of data collection carried out under the System. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Center, to establish guidelines for the collection, compilation, analysis, publication, and distribution of statistics and information necessary for determining the effects and conditions of employment and indoor and outdoor environmental conditions on the public health. Requires the Secretary to conduct an ongoing study of the present and projected future costs of diseases and conditions which are environmentally related. Requires the Directors of the National Center for Health Statistics and the Center for Disease Control to serve as members of the Task Force on Environmental Cancer and Heart and Lung Disease. Requires the Task Force to conduct a study to identify the need for and recommend guidelines for the collection, compilation, analysis, publication, and distribution of statistics and information necessary for determining: (1) the extent to which conditions of employment and indoor and outdoor environmental conditions may cause cancer or heart or lung diseases; and (2) the other effects on the public health which may reasonably be anticipated to result from such conditions. Establishes in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare the National Center for Health Care Technology. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Center, to undertake and support comprehensive assessments of health care technology. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Center, to undertake and support by grant or contract, research in, and demonstrations and evaluations of: (1) the factors that affect the use of health care technologies in the United States; and (2) methods for disseminating information on health care technologies to health professionals. Establishes the Health Care Technology Advisory Committee to advise the Secretary and the Director of the Center with respect to the performance of the National Center for Health Care Technology. Requires the United States Committee on Vital and Health Statistics to conduct a study of the issues respecting and the recommendations for establishing a Federal system: (1) to facilitate studies of the effects of hazardous substances on humans; and (2) to locate individuals who have been or may have been exposed to hazardous substances to determine the effect on their health of such exposure and to assist them in obtaining appropriate medical care and treatment. Authorizes the Secretary, acting through the National Eye Institute, to carry out a program of grants for vision research facilities. Authorizes the Secretary to waive the requirements for capitation grants for dental schools if the Secretary determines that compliance with such requirements will prevent a school from maintaining its accreditation.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1978
Interstate Land Sales Reform Act - Amends the Interstate Land Sales Full Disclosure Act to expand the exemption from the terms of the Act for the sale or lease of lots in subdivisions and to limit the exemption for the sale or lease of real estate which is not a part of a common promotional plan. Grants purchasers or lessees of subdivided real property the right to void a contract for purchase or lease during the 30-day period following the consummation of the transaction and during the three-year period after consummation under specified circumstances. Requires land developers to make public all printed promotional material, transcripts of all radio and television advertisements, and accurate summaries of all verbal representations made by a developer or his agent to promote the purchase or lease of subdivided lots. Revises the formula for determining the amount of damages awarded to purchasers or lessees prevailing in civil suits for untrue statements or omissions of material facts in statement of record to include reasonable court costs, attorneys' fees, appraisal costs, and travel expenses. Permits suits for securing specific performance of contracts or promises made by a developer in connection with a sale or lease of subdivided land. Extends the statute of limitations for such suits from one to three years after the discovery of the untrue statement or omission or after a discovery should have been made by the exercise of reasonable diligence. Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to initiate administrative proceedings upon a reasonable belief that a developer is violating or had violated any provision of this Act or any rules or regulations prescribed pursuant to this Act. Grants the Secretary the power to issue temporary compliance orders if it is in the public interest to do so. Prescribes civil penalties for violations of this Act and increases the amount of criminal penalties which may be assessed. Authorizes any attorney general of a State to bring a civil action, as parens patriae on behalf of individuals residing in such State to secure monetary or injunctive relief for injury sustained by reason of any violations of the Interstate Land Sales Full Disclosure Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1978
National Parks and Recreation Act - Title I: Development Ceiling Increases - Makes specific increases in the limitations on funds for development within 35 units of the National Park System and affiliated areas. Title II: Acquisition Ceiling Increases - Raises the limitations on appropriations for the acquisition of lands within five units of the National Park System. Title III: Boundary Changes - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to enlarge the boundaries of 18 units of the National Park System and authorizes appropriations of specified amounts for acquisition of lands by reason of such revisions. Redesignates the City of Refuge National Historical Park as the Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park. Deeds a lot on Black Hammock Island, Florida, to the National Park Foundation, to be sold at fair market value. Adds lands to the Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site and the Johnstown Flood National Memorial, Pennsylvania. Revises the boundaries of: (1) Fort Laramie National Historic Site, Wyoming; (2) Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site, North Dakota and Montana; (3) Boston National Historical Park; (4) Gateway National Recreation Area, New York, to add Sailors Snug Harbor; (5) Petersburg National Battlefield, Virginia, to add Eppes Manor; (6) Sequoia National Park, California, to add Mineral King Valley; (7) Cuyahoga Valley National Recreation Area, Ohio; (8) Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area; (9) Golden Gate National Recreation Area; (10) Point Reyes National Seashore; (11) Antietam National Battlefield, Maryland; (12) Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park; (13) Virgin Islands National Park, to include Hassel Island; and (14) Alibates Flint Quarries and Texas Panhandle Pueblo Culture National Monument. Title IV: Wilderness - Designates 14 areas as wilderness areas. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to develop and submit to Congress a wilderness management plan for each wilderness unit in the National Park System. Title V: Establishment of New Areas and Additions to National Trails System - Provides for the establishment of Guam National Seashore War in the Pacific National Historical Park on Guam; Pine Barrens Area, New Jersey; Edgar Allen Poe National Historic Site, Pennsylvania; San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, Texas; Saint Paul's Church, Eastchester, New York; Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park, Hawaii; American Memorial Park, Saipan; Palo Alto Battlefield National Historic Site, Texas; Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, California. Provides for the establishment of the San Antonio Missions Advisory Commission, the Kaloko-Honokohau, an advisory commission, and the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area Advisory Commission. Establishes the Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail, Utah; the Overmountain Men Victory Trail, Tennessee to South Carolina; the Continental Divide Trail, Montana to New Mexico; and the North Country National Scenic Trail, New York to North Dakota. Title VI: Miscellaneous Provisions - Authorizes the Secretary to acquire and upgrade Old Faithful Inn at Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. Directs the Secretary to provide for the preservation of the former Presidential yacht Sequoia. Provides for a study of the desirability of establishing segments of the Ridgelands east of San Francisco Bay as a unit of the National Park System. Amends the Pennsylvania Avenue Development Corporation Act of 1972 to direct the Corporation to request the Council of the District of Columbia to close any street in the development area, and if title to the street is not in the Corporation, to convey it to the Corporation. Permits the Corporation to transfer title to real property to the United States or the District of Columbia . Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1983 for the preservation of historical and archaeological data. Empowers the Secretary to establish a historic site to commemorate each former President and Speaker of the House of Representatives serving during the twentieth century. Authorizes appropriations for studies and management planning of areas suitable for inclusion in the National Park System. Provides for a study of the Oak Creek Canyon, Yauapi, and Soldier Wash-Mormon Canyon areas in Arizona for inclusion in the park system. States it is the policy of Congress that wilderness, wildlife conservation, and park and recreation values of United States property be conserved, enhanced, and developed. Provides that the Secretary, the Administrator of General Services, and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget shall establish a system to permit full and early opportunity for studies of the suitability of Federal real property for implementation of the congressional policy. Authorizes the Secretary to provide 50 percent matching grants to local governments in urban and insular areas for rehabilitation and development of recreation areas and facilities. Sets grant requirements. Changes the date of the map referencing the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area. Title VII: Wild and Scenic Rivers Act Amendments - Adds eight segments of rivers to those designated as wild and scenic rivers. Adds 17 rivers to those designated for study for potential inclusion in the wild and scenic rivers system. Increases authorizations of appropriations for five specified rivers. Makes technical amendments to the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1978
Amends the Trade Act of 1974, with respect to the authority of the President to negotiate trade agreements, to direct the President to reserve any article for which an agreement limiting agricultural imports has been entered into, from negotiations to reduce or eliminate customs duties or import restrictions.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1978
Health Centers Amendments - Title I - Public Health Service Act Amendments : Amends the Public Health Service Act to remove preventive dental services from the category of primary health services provided by migrant health centers and to designate such services as supplemental health services. Adds pharmaceutical services to the category of primary health services provided by such centers. Removes public health services from the supplemental health services provided by such centers and adds social services. Provides guidelines for the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to use in determining the amount of grants made to migrant health centers. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1981 for migrant health centers. Removes preventive dental services from the primary health services provided by community health centers and adds pharmaceutical services. Includes preventive dental services in the supplemental health services provided by community health centers. Provides guidelines for the Secretary to follow in determining the amount of grants made to community health centers. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1981 for community health centers. Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to provide technical assistance for the planning, developing, or operation of migrant health centers, community health centers, or any other centers for the delivery of primary health care. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants for demonstration projects related to health services in rural medically underserved areas. Extends the authority of the Secretary to guarantee to non-Federal lenders payment of the principal of and interest on loans made to health maintenance organizations for planning projects through September 30, 1979. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1980 for health maintenance organizations. Title II: Mental Health Programs - Community Mental Health Centers Amendments - Sets forth a schedule under which a community mental health center will provide, within three years of its establishment, the full range of mental health services required to be provided by such a center under the Community Mental Health Centers Act. Amends the Public Health Service Act to add to the list of subjects deserving priority consideration in the formulation of national health planning goals: (1) the elimination of inappropriate placement in institutions of persons with mental health problems and the improvement of the quality of care provided in institutions providing mental health services; and (2) the assurance of access to community mental health centers and other mental health care providers for needed mental health services, and the emphasis on outpatient care as a preferable alternative to inpatient mental health services. Requires the health systems plan of each health systems agency established under the Public Health Service Act to include goals for the delivery of mental health services. States that such goals shall be developed with the assistance of persons knowledgeable and experienced in the delivery of such services. Authorizes State Health Coordinating Councils, in advising State health planning and development agencies, to use the assistance of persons knowledgeable in the delivery of mental health services. Requires that State plans under the Comprehensive Mental Abuse and Alcoholism Prevention, Treatment, and Rehabilitation Act of 1970 and the Drug Abuse and Treatment Act of 1972 be consistent with the State health plans in effect under the Public Health Service Act as amended by this Title. Authorizes the Secretary to make annual supplemental support grants to community mental health centers to assist such centers in meeting the costs of providing specified consultation and education services. Repeals the program of financial distress grants for community mental health centers effective October 1, 1980. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1981 for consultation and education services provided by community mental health centers. Repeals such services effective October 1, 1981. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1980 for conversion grants for community mental health centers. Repeals such grants effective October 1, 1980. Extends the authorization of appropriations through fiscal year 1981 for: (1) grants to plan community health center programs; (2) grants for initial operation of community health centers; (3) programs of the National Center for the Prevention and Control of Rape. Authorizes community mental health centers to carryover unobligated funds to the next succeeding year to be used for the same purposes for which such grant was made but only if the center is eligible to receive a grant for such succeeding year. Stipulates that the amount of a grant for such a center for any year shall be reduced by the amount of unobligated funds carried over. Requires the State mental health authority to: (1) establish minimum standards for the maintenance and operation of community mental health centers; (2) establish a program for community mental health centers within the State; and (3) designate a State advisory council to consult with it in carrying out its functions under this Act and the Public Health Service Act. Requires the Secretary to make grants to State mental health authorities to assist them in meeting the costs of carrying out State mental health programs. Requires each State, in order to receive such grants, to submit an application containing specified assurances. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1981 for such grants.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1978
Amends the Controlled Substances Act to make phencyclidine (PCP) a Schedule I (most dangerous substances) rather than a Schedule III drug. Sets forth minimum mandatory prison terms for phencyclidine traffic. Revises provisions specifying penalties for sale of controlled substances to persons under 21 to: (1) repeal the requirement that the seller be at least 18 years old; and (2) set forth separate mandatory prison terms for the sale of phencyclidine.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1978
National Reserves System Act - States the purpose of this Act is to establish the National Reserves System for the protection of outstanding ecological, scenic, historic, cultural, and recreational landscapes through new local-State-Federal partnerships. Establishes a National Reserves Council whose duties are to receive and evaluate proposals for feasibility studies and implement such studies, make recommendations, review management programs, and coordinate Federal programs for the approval of such areas to be designated as National Reserve Planning Areas. Sets criteria for recommending such areas so designated. Requires the establishment of State and local planning and management agencies, except by written request for a waiver from a Governor, which, as single units or multijurisdictional bodies have the authority to plan, implement, and manage prospective National Reserves. Authorizes the Council to designate areas as National Reserve Planning Areas, after which financial, technical, and other assistance is to be provided. Stipulates that such assistance and services to any agency or State not exceed: (1) 75 percent of the cost of developing the management program of such prospective National Reserve; or (2) $500,000. Designates the Pine Barrens, New Jersey, as a National Reserve Planning Area. Prescribes guidelines for the use of agencies in developing management programs for prospective reserves. Authorizes the Council to review, approve, and monitor such programs. Empowers the Council and other Federal departments and agencies, as appropriate, to provide grants, loans, licenses, and permits to agencies implementing approved management programs. Allows such grants to be used in the acquisition of or interests in lands, compensation to landowners, payments in lieu of taxes to local governments, and other expenses incurred. Conveys lands acquired by the Council to such National Reserves provided the title to such lands so conveyed reverts to the United States upon notification. Establishes a National Reserves System Fund in which moneys available, including such moneys from a revolving fund for interest-free loans, are without fiscal year limitation. Directs agencies managing National Reserves to review such programs and report to the Council. Authorizes the Council to withhold disbursement of funds, revert title of lands and other interests acquired with Federal funds to the United States, and retain moneys otherwise due any such State in the event that such a reserve is significantly vitiated. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1978, and each year thereafter.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1978
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to provide grants to local governments and urban and insular areas for the rehabilitation and development of recreation areas and facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1978
Biomedical Research and Research Training Amendments - Title I: Libraries of Medicine - Amends the Public Health Service Act to extend through fiscal year 1981 authorizations for assistance to medical libraries. Title II: Programs of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute - Extends the authorization of appropriations through fiscal year 1981 to carry out programs for the prevention and treatment of heart, lung, and blood diseases. Title III: Programs of the National Cancer Institute - Extends the authorization of appropriations through 1981 for programs for the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of cancer. Provides for the appointment of the director of the National Cancer Institute by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare instead of by the President as is currently required. Requires the Director of the National Cancer Institute in carrying out the National Cancer Program: (1) to implement an expanded and intensified research program for the prevention of cancer caused by occupational or environmental exposure to carcinogens; and (2) to publish an annual report listing all known or suspected carcinogens to which a significant number of persons in the United States are exposed evaluating the existing regulatory standards designed to reduce or eliminate exposure to carcinogens. Requires the Director of the National Cancer Institute to establish and support programs for the detection, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of cancer and for rehabilitation and counseling respecting cancer. Requires such programs to include: (1) locally initiated education and demonstration programs to disseminate information respecting the detection, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of cancer and rehabilitation and counseling respecting cancer to health professionals providing care to individuals with cancer; (2) the demonstration of and the education of health professionals in methods for early detection of cancer and the identification of individuals with a high risk of developing cancer; and (3) the demonstration of new methods for the dissemination of information to the public concerning the early detection and treatment of cancer and information concerning unapproved and ineffective methods for the control of cancer. Requires the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, through the National Cancer Institute and in cooperation with the National Cancer Advisory Board, to carry out cancer research and investigation programs. Authorizes the Secretary, in carrying out such programs: (1) to purchase radium; and (2) to provide facilities for training and instruction in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Requires the National Cancer Program to consist of: (1) an expanded cancer research program including a research program for the prevention of cancer caused by occupational or environmental exposure to carcinogens; and (2) other activities of the Institute. Sets forth the duties and functions of the Director of the Institute in carrying out the National Cancer Program. Authorizes the Director of the Institute to make grants under this Act for cancer research or training. Stipulates that 18 members of the National Cancer Advisory Board shall be appointed by the Secretary. Sets forth procedures and regulations affecting the Board. Establishes the President's Cancer Panel. Requires the Panel to monitor the development and execution of the National Cancer Program. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1981 for the National Cancer Institute and the President's Cancer Panel. Title IV: National Research Service Awards - Extends authorization of appropriations through fiscal year 1981 for National Research Service Awards. Title V: Miscellaneous - Authorizes the Secretary to make available for biomedical and behavioral research, substances and living organisms when such action would promote the ends of such research. Transfers authority from the Surgeon General to the Secretary to conduct, in the Public Health Service, research and investigation on the physical and mental impairments of man. Requires the Secretary to conduct and support studies and testing of substances for carcinogenicity, teratogenicity, mutagenicity, and other harmful biological effects. Requires the Secretary to establish a comprehensive program of research into the biological effects of low-level ionizing radiation.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1978
Developmental Disabilities Act Amendments - Amends the Developmental Disabilities Services and Facilities Construction Act to rename such Act the Developmental Disabilities Act. Declares the purpose of such Act to be to assure that persons with developmental disabilities receive the services necessary to enable them to achieve their maximum potential and to ensure their legal and human rights. Replaces the National Advisory Council on Services and Facilities for Developmentally Disabled with the National Advisory Council on Services, Facilities, and Rights of the Developmentally Disabled. Includes among the duties of such Council the development of a national five year plan for persons with developmental disabilities. Extends to October 1, 1979, the deadline for the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to develop a system for evaluating programs under such Act. Extends State allotment authorizations to fiscal year 1981 and revises minimum State allotment provisions. Revises State plan requirements for such allotments. Revises the membership requirements of State Planning Councils to require that at least one-sixth of such Council's members be persons with developmental disabilities and at least one-sixth be immediate relatives or guardians of such persons. Extends the authorization of appropriations for special projects to fiscal year 1981. Revises the grant authority of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare for university affiliated programs, and ends special grants for establishing satellite centers. Directs the Secretary to establish standards for such university affiliated programs, and to ensure that each Federal agency providing funds for the support of such programs reviews the funding application. Extends the authorization of appropriations for such programs to fiscal year 1981.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1978
Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment Amendments - Amends the Drug Abuse Office and Treatment Act of 1972: (1) to extend the authorization of appropriations through fiscal year 1979; and (2) to require the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to annually report to the President and Congress on the extent of drug abuse in the United Statess, the effectiveness of the drug abuse prevention functions carried out through any entity of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, and proposals for changes in the drug abuse prevention functions carried out through the Department. Requires each State plan submitted to the Secretary pursuant to such Act to provide reasonable opportunity for political subdivisions in the State to submit to the State agency recommendations respecting the preparation and carrying out of the State plan.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1978
Nurse Training Amendments - Title I: Nurse Training - Amends Title VIII (Nurse Training) of the Public Health Service Act to extend for two fiscal years, through fiscal year 1980, the program of financial assistance for nurse training. Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to cover the costs of traineeships for the training of licensed registered nurses to be nurse anesthetists. Requires the Secretary to arrange for a study to determine the need to continue a specific program of Federal financial support for nursing education. Title II: Other Health Professions Programs - Increases authorization of appropriations for fiscal year 1979 for National Health Service Corps programs. Authorizes the Secretary to increase the limits on Federal loan insurance and insured loans to students enrolled in a school of medicine, osteopathy, and dentistry.
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 1978
Establishes the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area National Recreation Area, in Minnesota. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to administer the areas. Directs the Secretary to restrict motorboat usage on specified lakes and rivers within the wilderness. Permits certain owners of commercially operated resorts to require the Secretary to purchase their interests. Permits such owners to retain a limited area for personal use. Directs affected owners to offer the Secretary the right of first refusal to purchase specified lands. Directs the Secretary to terminate, within a year, the timber sale contracts in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. Provides for compensation for the termination of such contracts. Establishes procedures for the management of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area National Recreation Area. Prohibits mining in the wilderness and recreation areas and provides for the acquisition of any mining or mineral rights therein. Directs the Secretary to cooperate with the State of Minnesota in the administration of the areas covered by this Act. Provides that nothing in this Act shall effect rights established by the treaties of the United States. Directs the Secretary to submit to Congress a comprehensive management plan concerning the areas. Establishes the Boundary Waters Canoe Area National Recreational Area Advisory Commission to assist and advise the Secretary concerning the management of the areas.
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
Amends the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, l978 to repeal the provision of such Act which prohibits the payment of lodging expenses for individuals away from their post of duty on official business when adequate government quarters are available but are not occupied by such individual.
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.