United States · United States Congress · 12 October 1978
Space Industrialization Act - Title I: Establishment of Space Industrialization Corporation - Establishes, as a Federal agency, the Space Industrialization Corporation which shall promote the development of new processes and industries in space and encourage private industry to invest in such activities. Directs the Corporation to provide funds to industrial space ventures under negotiated management plans. Specifies that such funds shall be repaid with a profit if the venture is profitable and that full documentation is required if it is unprofitable. Establishes in the United States Treasury the "Space Industrialization Trust Fund" which shall be held and administered by the Secretary of the Treasury and made available to the Corporation for use in funding industrial space ventures. Authorizes to the Trust Fund appropriations not to exceed $50,000,000 per year for the first two fiscal years after enactment. Directs the President to aid in the planning, development, and review of a national program for the establishment and operation of a space industrial system. Directs the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to advise, assist, and cooperate with the Corporation in the development of the space industrial system. Title II: Public Ownership of Space Industrialization Corporation - Provides that at such time as the Board of Directors and the President approve, the Corporation shall become a publicly owned entity, which shall be authorized to issue shares of capital stock, nonvoting securities, bonds, debentures, and other certificates of indebtedness as the corporation may determine. Requires all proceeds from such securities to be deposited in the Trust Fund established by Title I.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 1978
Expresses the concern of Congress for the safety of the residents of the South African black community known as "Crossroads." Urges the South African Government: (1) to reconsider its plan to destroy Crossroads; and (2) to recognize the right of the residents to continue to live in Crossroads.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 1978
Targeted Tax Relief Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow manufacturers planning property eligible for the investment tax credit in designated "labor surplus" areas to take double investment tax credits and depreciation deduction for the property. Doubles the allowable deduction for real property taxes on realty used in connection with this property.
United States · United States Congress · 7 September 1978
Citizen Protection Act - Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to require a subpena duces tecum for the search for and seizure of evidence when anyone acting under color of law has probable cause to believe evidence of a crime is located on or about premises in which the person in possession of the evidence has a reasonable expectation of privacy. Permits issuance of a search warrant instead of a subpena duces tecum only if there is probable cause to believe: (1) the person in possession of the evidence may be involved in the crime under investigation; or (2) the evidence sought to be seized would be destroyed, hidden, or moved if the subpena duces tecum procedures set out in this Act were followed. Creates a cause of action for any person aggrieved by a violation of this Act, allowing punitive damages of up to $10,000 for each violation.
United States · United States Congress · 17 August 1978
Nuclear Waste Management Act - Title I: Definitions; Declarations of Findings and Purposes - Declares that the purposes of this Act are to establish an independent agency to be known as the Nuclear Waste Management Authority which shall have sole responsibility for the decontamination, storage, and disposal of all nuclear wastes as well as surplus, obsolete, or abandoned radioactive facilities, to direct the Environmental Protection Agency to promulgate health and safety standards with respect to ionizing emissions from radioactive substances; and to direct the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to license the setting, design, and construction of nuclear waste facilities. Title II: The Nuclear Waste Management Authority - Creates the Nuclear Waste Management Authority as an independent executive agency. Requires the Director of the Authority to establish a plan, together with cost estimates and an analysis of the social and environmental impacts, for the temporary and permanent treatment and disposal of all nuclear wastes, as well as of obsolete, surplus, or abandoned radioactive facilities and sites which have resulted from the use of nuclear energy since January 1, 1940. Requires the Director to establish an additional treatment and disposal plan for nuclear wastes and obsolete, surplus, or abandoned radioactive facilities and sites which are expected to result from the use of new facilities from the date of the enactment of this Act until the year 2020. Requires the Director to establish and operate nuclear waste facilities and to establish programs for the treatment and disposal of nuclear wastes. Requires the establishment of fees or user charges for the use of nuclear waste facilities or nuclear treatment and disposal programs. Requires the Department of Defense, the Department of Energy, and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to furnish the Director with a complete inventory of all nuclear wastes, nuclear fuels, radioactive materials, and facilities and sites in their possession or in private ownership under their control or license. Requires the Director to report to the President, the Congress, and the International Atomic Energy Agency annually concerning any substantial loss of nuclear fuel or waste. Defines "substantial" as any amount greater than the radiological or fissionable equivalent of 0.05 kg pure Pu 239. Directs the Board of the Authority in association with specified agencies, to undertake a nationwide study to determine an inventory of suitable sites for the disposal of nuclear wastes and contaminated radioactive materials produced by the decontamination and decommissioning of radioactive facilities and sites. Stipulates that such radioactive sites must be capable of containing all the material disposed therein without human intervention beginning 125 years after the date of disposal and following that date for a period of 100,000 years. Stipulates that the Authority shall have title and the Director shall have access, to all nuclear wastes, nuclear waste facilities, and surplus, obsolete, or abandoned radioactive facilities. Authorizes the Department of Energy, upon one year's notice to the Director, to reclaim any irradiated, abandoned, or spent nuclear fuel or fuel assemblies if such reclamation can be carried out in a manner which will not pose future or present health and safety problems for humans or other living beings. Title III: Nuclear Waste Management Fund - Establishes within the Treasury a Nuclear Waste Management Fund to be administered by the Director without the requirement of annual authorizations by the Congress. Stipulates that the purposes of such Fund are to provide for capital expenditures necessary for research, design and construction of nuclear waste facilities; to serve as a repository for operating, maintenance, and contingency expenses required for the temporary storage of nuclear wastes; and to provide operation, maintenance and security funds during the first 30 years after the permanent disposal of any nuclear waste or the dismantling of any radioactive facility. Creates a Perpetual Nuclear Waste Trust Fund within the Fund for the perpetual management, security, and maintenance of nuclear waste facilities commencing 30 years after the permanent disposal of any nuclear waste or after the permanent disposal of any radioactive facility. Authorizes the Director to issue and sell securities and Fund bonds and to prescribe and impose fees and charges for services rendered by the Authority pursuant to this Act. Stipulates that the proceeds from the issuance of such bonds, the income and gains realized by the Fund from any investment of excess moneys from the Fund and the income from fees and charges established pursuant to this Act shall be deposited into the Fund. Title IV: Powers of the Department of Energy under this Act - Stipulates that the Department of Energy shall be responsible for performing all necessary research and development in the design and methods for the operation, construction, and decommissioning of nuclear waste facilities; the transportation, processing, storage and disposal of nuclear wastes and the decontaminating or decommissioning of surplus, obsolete, or abandoned radioactive facilities and sites. Requires the Department to conduct research and testing as directed by the Director of the Authority. Stipulates that any development work regarding waste processing and disposal facilities shall be subject to review by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Authorizes the Commission to require the Department to post bond for the decontamination of all sites and facilities after the completion of development work or to order the cessation of such work if the potential for accident is unreasonably high. Stipulates that the Assistant Secretary of Environment within the Department of Energy shall participate in the design of all development work under this title. Title V: Powers of the Environmental Protection Agency under this Act - Directs the Environmental Protection Agency to determine and promulgate such standards as will be necessary to protect the health and safety of humans and other living beings from hazardous exposure to ionizing emissions from radioactive substances and materials. Directs the Agency to determine those conditions under which the migration of nuclear wastes and materials from radioactive facilities and nuclear waste facilities shall constitute a hazard or danger to the health and safety of future generations. Directs the Agency to submit such standards to the President, the Congress, and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission on or before January 1, 1979 and to report every five years concerning the necessity for revising such standards. Title VI: Powers of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission under this Act - Stipulates that the Nuclear Regulatory Commission shall have licensing and related regulatory authority with regard to the operation of existing or future nuclear waste facilities, the transportation, processing, storage, and disposal of nuclear wastes; and the decontamination and decommission of surplus, obsolete, or abandoned radioactive facilities and sites. Directs the Commission every ten years to review licenses granted under this Act to determine whether the original conditions and provisos are sufficient to assure the health and safety of present and future generations in light of the advancement of knowledge since the date of issuance. Title VII: Powers of the several States under this Act - Enjoins the Commission from acting upon an application for a construction license for any facility employed in the production or utilization of commercial nuclear power or the processing, treatment, or disposal of nuclear wastes unless such application is approved by the State where the facility is to be located. Stipulates that a State's failure to act within a specified period shall be deemed an approval. Authorizes the Commission to act upon applications for a construction license for a nuclear waste facility in the event that such application meets the specified criteria and has been submitted to ten or more States and rejected by such States. Sets forth restrictions on such preemptory actions by the Commission. Title VIII: International Planning and Agreements - Requires the Director of the Authority and the Director of the United States Arms Control and Disarmament Agency to seek the cooperation of other nations in negotiating treaties to promote international research and regulation regarding nuclear waste facilities and nuclear materials security, handling, and disposal. Requires such Directors to undertake a worldwide inventory of recommended nuclear waste disposal sites. Requires such Directors to report annually to the President and the Congress on the status of international negotiations and nuclear waste management programs mandated by this title. Title IX: Transfers of Authority - Transfers the functions, powers, authorizations for appropriations and appropriations of the Department of Energy relating to nuclear wastes and waste facilities to the Authority. Transfers all regulatory and licensing powers and functions of the Environmental Protection Agency with regard to the disposal of nuclear wastes or radioactive materials in any body of water to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Title X: Authorizations of Appropriations and Reports of Budgets - Authorizes appropriations of $1,000,000 for the establishment and operation of the Authority during the fiscal year of the enactment of this Act. Requires the Director of the Authority, the Secretary of the Department of Energy, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency and the Chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to make a report to the President at the end of each fiscal year for submission to the Congress concerning their activities under this Act. Requires that such report include a detailed statement of goals, expenditures, plans and income projected for the ensuing two years. Title XI: Separability and Consistency with Existing Laws - Stipulates that nothing in the Atomic Energy Act or contained in any other applicable law of the United States shall supervene or take precedence over the provisions of this Act. Stipulates that if any portion of this Act or its application shall be declared invalid the other provisions of this Act or their application shall not be affected.
United States · United States Congress · 16 August 1978
Directs the Civil Aeronautics Board to immediately dissolve the Airlines Mutual Aid Pact. Directs the Board to study the collective bargaining process within the airline industry and to make recommendations to Congress within six months on methods of alleviating the occurrence of protracted airline strikes.
United States · United States Congress · 15 August 1978
Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to provide that each State shall have at least one very high frequency commercial television station located within the State.
United States · United States Congress · 14 August 1978
Amends the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 to direct the President to establish a reserve stock of agricultural commodities which will be available to carry out agreements under such Act whenever the commodities otherwise available for disposition are insufficient because of statutory limitations. Limits the aggregate quantity of commodities in the reserve at any time to 6,000,000 metric tons.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1978
Declares that President Brezhnev of the Soviet Socialist Republics should authorize the release of Doctor Semyon Gluzman from prison and allow him and his family to emigrate to Israel.
United States · United States Congress · 28 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 · 27 July 1978
Establishes a Task Force on the Taxation of Real Property by State and Local Governments to study and evaluate such taxation, its effects on middle and fixed income taxpayers, and the feasibility of using Federal taxation and other methods to reduce the dependence of State and local governments on such taxation. Provides that the Task Force shall include: (1) four officials of the executive branch, to be appointed by the President; (2) four Senators, no more than two from the same political party, to be appointed by the majority leader; (3) four Representatives, no more than two from the same political party, to be appointed by the Speaker; and (4) 12 individuals not Federal employees or officers representing State and local governments, the academic community and citizens groups, to be appointed by the President, Speaker and majority leader in concert. Empowers the Task Force to hold hearings, administer oaths, issue subpenas, hire a staff, contract out research projects and obtain assistance upon request from all other Government agencies and departments. Directs the Task Force to submit its final report to the President and the Congress within one year after all of its members have been appointed. Provides for the termination of the Task Force on the ninetieth day after submission of its final report.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 1978
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow handicapped individuals who are incapable of operating highway vehicles an income tax deduction for their comuting expenses.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 1978
Financial Institutions Regulatory Act - Title I: Supervisory Authority Over Depository Institutions - Creates civil penalties for specified insiders loans and loans to affiliates, prohibited by the Federal Reserve Act, for violations of reserve borrowing loan limits. Amends the Federal Reserve Act to prohibit member banks from making loans to insiders under specified conditions. Amends the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 to authorize the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to order the termination of control or ownership by a bank holding company of any of its nonbank subsidiaries whenever they constitute a serious risk to the financial safety of a subsidiary bank of the holding company. Amends the National Housing Act by authorizing the Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation to order the termination of ownership or control of any noninsured subsidiary by a savings and loan holding company whenever there is reasonable cause to believe that continued ownership constitutes unsafe and inconsistent banking practice. Grants authority to the Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation to make loans to a savings and loan association in order that it may buy the assets of a failing savings and loan institution so as to prevent the failure of such institution. Prescribes penalties for the violation of any provision of this Title. Authorizes financial regulatory agencies, including the National Credit Union Administration and the Federal Home Loan Bank Board, to initiate cease and desist actions against officers, directors, stockholders, or any person participating in the affairs of a financial institution (as well as against the institution itself as is allowed by current law) when there have been violations of laws and regulations or unsafe and unsound banking practices which are likely to seriously weaken the condition of the institution in question. Sets forth a procedure to be followed for removal of any officer or director for breach of fiduciary duty. Increases the allowable mortgage and education loans to executive officers of banks. Creates a hearing process for removal of a bank officer or director based on an indictment for or conviction of a felony. Title II: Interlocking Directors - Depository Institution Management Interlocks Act - Prohibits interlocking management and director relations between any depository institutions or depository holding companies located in the same metropolitan area. States that this prohibition applies without regard to geographical limits where such an institution has assets exceeding $1,000,000,000 and seeks an interlocking relationship with any institution with assets over $500,000,000. Delegates authority for the enforcement of this Act. Title III: Foreign Branching - Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to prohibit any State nonmember insured bank from operating any foreign branch without prior written consent of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). States that when the liabilities of an insured bank for deposits are assumed by another insured bank the following shall occur: (1) the insured status of the bank whose liabilities are assumed shall terminate on the date of receipt by the FDIC of evidence of such assumption; (2) termination of separate insurance of all assumed deposits at the end of six months from the effective date; and (3) notification of such assumption by the assuming bank to each of the depositors of the assumed bank. Amends existing requirements for the reporting and assessment of deposits accumulated for the payment of personal loans when such deposits are assigned or pledged to assure the payment of such loans at maturity. Title IV: Conflicts of Interest - Depository Institutions Conflict of Interests Act - Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, the Federal Reserve Act and the Federal Home Loan Bank Act to prohibit specified Presidential-appointee bank regulatory agency heads and members of such agencies from being employed for a period of two years after they leave office by institutions under their regulatory jurisdiction or with a holding company affiliate. Prohibits such individuals from appearing before the board of their respective agencies, either formally or informally, from contacting such board, directly or indirectly, orally or in writing, or from acting as agent or attorney for any other person, other than the United States, before such board for a period of two years immediately following their employment. Title V: Credit Union Restructuring - Reorganizes the National Credit Union Administration and places it under the management of the National Credit Union Administration Board. Directs the chairperson of such Board to represent the Administration in its official relations with other branches of Government. Restricts the employment and activities of Board members for a period of two years immediately following their employment. Requires each Federal credit union to pay the Administration an annual operating fee and to make annual financial reports to the Board. Title VI: Change in Bank Control Act - Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to prohibit any person from acquiring any insured bank or bank holding company unless the appropriate Federal banking agency has been notified and has not issued a notice of its disapproval within a specified time period. Prescribes the procedure to be followed by any agency in making its determination to approve or deny such change of control. Title VII: Change in Savings and Loan Control Act - Amends the National Housing Act to prohibit any person from acquiring control of any federally insured savings and loan association or holding company unless the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation has been notified and has not issued a notice of its disapproval within a specified time period. Prescribes the procedure to be followed by the Corporation in making its determination to approve or deny such change of control. Requires any insured institution to disclose any loan secured, or to be secured, by 25 percent or more of the outstanding voting stock of an insured institution to the Corporation. Prescribes civil penalties for violations of this Title. Title VIII: Correspondent Accounts - Prohibits the extension of credit to any officer, director, or specified stockholders of a bank which has a correspondent relationship with the lending bank, in its own name or in the name of another bank, unless such loan does not: (1) involve more than the normal risk of repayment; (2) include unusual terms of interest or collateral; or (3) present any other unfavorable features. Prohibits the establishment of a correspondent account where a loan already has been made to any officer, director, or specified stockholders of the bank desiring to open the account. Prescribes civil penalties for violations of this Title. Requires each executive officer and each stockholder who directly or indirectly owns, controls, or has the power to vote more than ten percent of any class of voting securities of an insured bank, to submit a written report to the board of directors of such bank for any year in which such officer or stockholder has outstanding an extension of credit from a bank which maintains a correspondent account in the name of such bank. Requires such report to include: (1) the maximum amount of indebtedness to the bank maintaining the correspondent account of such officer or stockholder and of each company, political or campaign committee which will benefit or is controlled by such officer or stockholder; (2) the maximum amount of such indebtedness as of a date not more than ten days prior to the filing of the report; (3) the range of interest rates charged on such indebtedness; and (4) the terms and conditions of such indebtedness. Requires each insured bank to compile and submit such reports to specified regulatory agencies. Title IX: Disclosure of Material Facts - Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to list information which must be included in an annual report to be made by each insured bank to the appropriate Federal banking agency. Title X: Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council - Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council Act - Establishes a Financial Institutions Examinations Council to prescribe uniform principles and standards for the Federal examination of financial institutions. Defines the term "financial institution" to mean: (1) a commercial bank; (2) a savings bank; (3) a trust company; (4) a savings and loan association; (5) a building and loan association; (6) a homestead association; (7) a cooperative bank; and (8) a credit union. Directs that one-fifth of the operating costs of the Council be paid by each of the Federal financial institution regulatory agencies. Directs the Council to make recommendations for uniformity in other supervisory matters, including classification of loans subject to risk and identification of financial institutions in need of special supervisory attention. Requires the Council to establish a liaison committee composed of five representatives of State supervisory agencies in order to encourage the application of uniform examination principles and standards by State and Federal Supervisory agencies. Title XI: Right to Financial Privacy - Right to Financial Privacy Act - Prohibits any Government authority from obtaining copies of, access to, or the information contained in, the financial records of any customer from a financial institution unless such records are reasonably described and: (1) such customer has authorized such disclosure in accordance with this Act; (2) such records are disclosed in response to an administrative subpena or summons; (3) such records are disclosed in response to a court order; (4) such records are disclosed in response to a judicial subpena; or (5) such financial records are disclosed in response to a formal written request meeting specified requirements. Requires in all cases that the customer be notified of the agency seeking such records, the purpose for which such records are sought, and the rights of customers under this Act. Establishes specific conditions and procedures for the delay of notice to a customer. States that no financial institution may provide to a Government authority copies of or the information contained in the financial records of any customer except in accordance with the requirements of this Act. Sets forth provisions governing customer authorization, administrative subpenas and summonses, judicial subpenas, and search warrants. Establishes procedures for a customer to challenge the disclosure of financial records. Provides exceptions to the provisions of this Act and special procedures for the disclosure of records to the Secret Service and government authorities acting in the field of foreign intelligence. Establishes civil penalties and the right to injunctive relief without regard to the amount in controversy for violation of the provisions of this Title. Establishes conditions on the use of financial records about a customer obtained under the authority of a Federal grand jury. Title XII: Charters for Thrift Institutions - Amends the Home Owners' Loan Act to authorize the Home Loan Bank Board to provide for the organization, chartering operation, and regulation of associations to be known as Federal Savings and Loan Associations or Federal mutual savings banks. Subjects converting mutual savings banks to the requirements of existing State law pertaining to discrimination in the extension of home mortgage loans if the State requirements are more stringent than Federal laws and regulations. Establishes a five year shared risk program in the event that a converting insititution fails. Title XIII: Holding Companies - Amends the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 to prohibit a bank holding company from providing insurance as a principal, agent, or broker except: (1) where the insurance is to secure a credit transaction; (2) where the insurance is sold in a community with a population of less than 5,000 or that has no other adequate insurance agency facilities; (3) where the insurance is sold by a bank holding company or its affiliate lawfully engaged in insurance activities prior to June 6, 1978; or (4) where the bank holding company engaged in insurance activities has assets of $50,000,000 or less. Title XIV: Amendments to the National Banking Laws - Makes changes with respect to the following: (1) the power of national banks to purchase, hold, and convey real property; (2) the trust powers of national banks; (3) the emergency restrictions on Federal Reserve banks; and (4) examination of foreign operations of State member banks. Allows an individual who holds the required number of shares in a company that controls a banking association to serve as a director of that association. Permits a banking association to purchase shares of stock in a State chartered bank insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation if the stock of such bank is owned exclusively by other banks and if such bank is exclusively engaged in providing banking services for other banks, their officers, directors or employees. Limits the total amount of such stock which may be held by an association to five percent of its capital stock and paid in unimpaired surplus. Title XV: Termination of National Bank Closed Receivership Fund - Directs the Comptroller of the Currency to disburse the liquidating dividends from national banks closed on or before January 22, 1934, held by the Comptroller in the capacity as successor to receivers of those banks. Title XVI: Transaction Accounts - Permits any depository institution chartered by the Federal Home Loan Bank Board and located in a State which authorizes State-chartered institutions insured by the Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation to offer transaction accounts permitting withdrawals or transfers of account on negotiable, transferable, or nonnegotiable check, order, or authorization, as determined by the Board, to offer comparable services to the extent authorized by the Board. Authorizes the Board to allow depository institutions located in the District of Columbia to offer transaction accounts if depository institutions in Virginia and Maryland are permitted to offer such accounts. Title XVII: Financial Regulation Simplification Act - Requires the Federal financial regulatory agencies to establish a program which assures periodic review of existing regulations to insure that: (1) the need for and purposes of a regulation are clearly established; (2) timely participation is available to the public, financial institutions, and other Federal, State and local agencies; (3) alternatives to the promulgation of regulations are considered; (4) compliance costs, paperwork and other problems are minimized; and (5) conflicts, inconsistencies and duplication between the regulations of Federal agencies are avoided. Terminates this Title five years after its effective date. Title XVIII: Alternative Mortgage Instruments - Permits federally chartered savings and loan associations to offer alternative mortgage instruments where State law, rules, or regulations, allow State chartered savings and loan associations to offer such instruments. Tile XIX: Prohibition on Credit Card Surcharges - Repeals the prohibition on the imposition of surcharges for payment by credit card in sales transactions. Title XX: Effective Date - Sets forth the effective date for this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 1978
Peace Corps Reform Act - Amends the Peace Corps Act to re-declare the purpose of such Act to be to assist least advantaged people and countries in meeting basic living needs, strengthening development programs, and furthering a spirit of voluntary action. Creates the Peace Corps as a government corporation, with authority for operations vested in a Presidentially appointed Board of Directors. Establishes in the Peace Corps an Advisory Council to evaluate Corps policies and programs. Directs the Peace Corps to request host governments to establish advisory councils to advise Peace Corps Country Directors and host country government officials on Corps operating procedures. Requires the Board (formerly the President) to appoint the Director of the Peace Corps. Directs the Corps to coordinate programs with other volunteer and development organizations. Repeals specified provisions of the Peace Corps Act which empower the President and Secretary of State to carry out such Act. Increases from $125 to$150 the readjustment allowance for Peace Corps volunteers. Prohibts the assignment of volunteers to the clerical staffs of Peace Corps representatives abroad. Prohibits volunteers from serving more than five years in any ten-year period without personal approval from the Director. Requires the Corps, in encouraging volunteers to continue their contributions to good will development, to assist in the readjustment of, and utilization of skills developed by, former volunteers. Includes spouses living with volunteers as eligible to receive living and other allowances, health care, language training, and other benefits. Eliminates the position of "volunteer leaders" from the Peace Corps and makes conforming amendments to the Internal Revenue Code. Amends the Domestic Volunteers Service Act of 1973 to eliminate one of the two Associate Directors of ACTION.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 1978
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Soviet Government should terminate its unjust trials and incarceration of members and affiliates of the Soviet Helsinki Groups and allow these persons to pursue their lawful activities on behalf of basic human rights. Urges the President to express to the Soviet Government the adverse effects such trials will have on issues of economic, strategic, and other importance between the United States and the Soviet Union.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 1978
Directs the Secretary of the Navy to provide for the repatriation of the remains of five unknown members of the United States Navy killed and interred in Tripoli, Libya, in 1804, and for the interrment of such remains in Arlington National Cemetery.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1978
Congressional Budget Act Amendments - Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to prohibit the authorization of new budget or spending authority or new tax expenditures for more than five fiscal years. Requires the Congressional Budget Office to prepare a statement to accompany each public bill or resolution reported out of a congressional committee estimating the costs such legislation would impose on State or local governments during the five-year life of such law. Prohibits the enactment of such bill or resolution without also authorizing budget authority for payment by the United States to such State and local governments for costs so imposed. Requires the Comptroller General to prepare for all reported legislation a statement identifying State or local programs designed to accomplish the same purposes as such reported legislation and recommending ways to avoid the duplication of such programs. Requires Federal agencies to publish a similar five-year State and local cost statement in the Federal Register for program-implementing regulations promulgated by such agencies. Requires such agencies to submit to Congress an annual review of each such program.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1978
Amends the Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act to deny benefits under that Act to any State which does not extend reciprocal fishing privileges to non-resident individuals who are aged 62 or over and hold valid fishing licenses issued by the State of their residency.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1978
National Development Bank Act - Title I: Congressional Findings and Statement of Purpose - Sets forth findings and purposes of this Act. Title II: Definitions - Defines terms used in this Act. Defines "distressed area" as a geographical area encompassed by a local government which is characterized by at least three of the following conditions: (1) an above average unemployment rate; (2) a below average growth rate in employment; (3) a below average growth rate in per capita income; and (4) a below average growth rate in population. Includes, within the definition of "distressed area," without qualification, Puerto Rico, specified territories of the United States, and any area under the sovereignty or governance of an Indian tribe. Title III: Establishment of Bank - Establishes the National Development Bank as an agency and instrumentality of the United States under the direction of the President. States that the only office of such Bank shall be located in Washington, D. C. Declares the purpose of the Bank to be to facilitate private businesses in locating, expanding, and maintaining development projects in distressed areas. Vests management of the Bank in a Board consisting of the Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, and the Secretary of the Treasury with the Secretary of Commerce and the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development serving in alternate years as Chairperson of the Board. Provides for the appointment of alternate members to the Board. Sets forth requirements for the meetings and proceedings of the Board. Directs the President to appoint, with the advice and consent of the Senate, a President and Vice-President to serve as executive officers of the Bank. Provides for the appointment, by the President of the United States, of a nine-member Advisory Committee. Provides for the protection of confidential material submitted to the Board or Advisory Committee. Requires the Bank to report to the President and the Congress within 90 days after the end of each fiscal year. Sets forth the information to be included in such report. Title IV: Powers - Enumerates the corporate powers of the Bank. Title V: Role of Local Development Authorities - States that there shall be only one local development authority for each distressed area. States that such authority may be: (1) the local government; (2) an entity of the local government; or (3) with respect to a specific project, a State, State agency or nonprofit entity designated by the local government. Requires such authorities to act as the principal negotiators for private companies seeking financial assistance from the Bank for projects in distressed areas. Directs that all applications for financial assistance be submitted by such authorities. Establishes procedures for review of the status of projects granted financial assistance by the Bank. Authorizes ownership of a project by a local development authority and allows for payments by such authority in lieu of taxes that would be paid by a private owner. Permits a member of a local development authority to be affiliated with a company seeking assistance under this Act, provided such person: (1) files a statement of such affiliation with the Bank and the local development authority; and (2) does not participate in any activities of the local development authority regarding such company. Prohibits assistance by the Bank when such an affiliation raises a significant issue concerning the independence of a local development authority. Limits the assistance which may be provided by the Bank to distressed portions of areas encompassed by local governments which are not, as a whole, distressed areas, to ten percent of the total amount of all financial assistance provided by the Bank in any fiscal year. Title VI: Restrictions on Financial Assistance - Requires a finding by the Bank, before providing assistance to a project, that such assistance is a necessary or dominant factor in inducing a company to undertake the project. Requires such findings to be submitted in writing, to the General Accounting Office. Directs the Bank, in deciding among applications for assistance, to give primary consideration to: (1) the proposed project's provision of private sector employment opportunities; and (2) the contribution of the project to the economic and fiscal base of the distressed area. Sets forth other factors to be considered by the Bank in approving applications. Title VII: Guarantees - Authorizes the Bank to guarantee the principal and interest of up to 75 percent of the long-term debt (other than publicly-distributed securities and tax-exempt bonds) for any eligible project in a distressed area up to a maximum amount of $15,000,000. Conditions the extension of a guarantee upon contractual arrangements among the Bank, the eligible company, the lenders extending all of the long-term debt, and, the appropriate local development authority. Sets forth the required provisions of such contracts. Requires the terms of the guaranteed long term debt to be at least as favorable to the lender of such debt as those terms applicable to the nonguaranteed debt for a project. Prohibits the guarantee of long-term debts that bear interest at rates that the bank, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, determines are excessive, taking into account the rates for similar debt securities in the private market and the risk assumed by the United States. Conditions the extension of a guarantee on a determination by the Bank that the lender is responsible and the the financial interests of the United States shall be protected. Permits the Bank to require its prior consent to the resale of a guaranteed debt. Restricts the resale of the non-guaranteed debt of a project to the Bank, to private financial institutions, or through public distributions. Prohibits the extension of a guarantee where the nonguaranteed portion of a debt bears an excessive rate of interest. Prohibits the extension of any nonguaranteed long-term debt which is guaranteed or otherwise assisted by any government program other than: (1) the tax exemption for industrial development bonds; (2) the subsidies provided by this Act; or (3) the taxable bond option of the Internal Revenue Code or which is extended by any person who is affiliated with the eligible company. Directs that an amount equal to up to 25 percent of the total outstanding loans guaranteed under this title be maintained as a reserve to enable the Bank to honor its guarantees. Title VIII: Interest Rate Subsidies - Authorizes the Bank to subsidize the interest payments on the guaranteed portion of a long-term debt provided the borrower's effective annual interest remains above two and one-half percent. Authorizes interest subsidies for nonguaranteed debts provided such subsidies do not exceed 35 percent of the interest costs for 1979 or 1980, and 40 percent for each year thereafter. Restricts the subsidies for nonguaranteed loans. Limits the total principal amount of a long-term debt subsidized, plus the aggregate principal amount of a all outstanding industrial development bonds eligible for tax exempt status that were issued by the borrower or related persons for projects in the same distressed area, to $20,000,000. Prohibits subsidies for tax-exempt industrial development bonds or other long term debts guaranteed, subsidized or otherwise assisted by any Federal, State or municipal government entity. Terminates the Bank's responsibility to make subsidy payments if the borrower defaults in the payment of the underlying interest obligation. Prohibits subsidizing interest payable to affiliates of the borrower except in the case of publicly- issued debt securities where 40 percent of the face amount of such securities is acquired by persons not affiliated with the issuer. Title IX: Grants - Authorizes the Bank to provide grants to assist projects in distressed areas for which it has extended a guarantee or interest subsidy, or in connection with which a local development entity has issued tax exempt industrial development bonds. Directs that such grants be drawn from funds appropriated specifically for use by the Bank under the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 and the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974. Limits such grants: (1) to the lesser of $3,000,000 or 15 percent of the applicable project cost; (2) to projects which the Bank finds consistent with the statute through which the funds are appropriated; and (3) to eligible companies under contract to assure the prior or simultaneous incurrence of the related debt transaction or to refund the grant if the project does not reach fruition. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce or the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, depending upon the statute from which the funds are drawn, to waive the requirements otherwise applicable in specific cases. Authorizes the respective Secretary to waive requirements relating to specified other urban development and economic grant programs which the Secretary and the Bank determine are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act. Title X: Liquidity Facility - Authorizes the Bank to purchase a long-term debt extended by private financial institutions to finance projects in distressed areas. Prohibits the purchase any part of a loan which is; (1) guaranteed or subsidized under this Act; (2) tax exempt under the Internal Revenue Code; or (3) extended, guaranteed or subsidized by any Federal, State or municipal government entity. Requires the seller of a loan to assign all its rights under such loan to the Bank with full recourse to the seller in the event of default. Requires the seller to repurchase the loan upon default at a price equal to the unpaid principal and interest and to secure such obligation with a pledge of marketable debt securities equal to at least 25 percent of the price paid by the Bank. Requires the seller to reinvest the proceeds of a purchase by the Bank in new loans, approved by the local development authority, for projects in distressed areas within six months. Authorizes the Bank: (1) to purchase such loans at a limited premium; (2) to arrange for the servicing of such loans by other financial institutions; and (3) to resell such loans to the Federal Financing Bank. Directs that an amount equal to up to 25 percent of the total outstanding loans guaranteed under this title be maintained as a reserve to enable the Bank to honor its guarantees. Title XI: Designation of Eligible Areas - Establishes the procedure and criteria for an annual designation of distressed areas by the Bank. Defines the statistics and methods to be used in designating distressed areas. Authorizes the Bank to designate as distressed areas, certain areas that would not otherwise qualify if such areas: (1) are composed of contiguous territory and have a population of at least 10,000; and (2) would qualify if they were encompassed by a local government. Title XII: Appropriations - Authorizes the appropriation of specified sums to carry out the provisions of this Act during fiscal years 1979, 1980, and 1981. Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 and the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 to provide for the allocation of funds appropriated under such Acts to the purposes of this Act during fiscal years 1979, 1980, and 1981. Title XIII: Miscellaneous - Authorizes the Bank to waive its priority in judgments involving claims against a debtor. Makes the Bank priority of lien secondary to State and local taxes on debts secured by property. Sets forth other provisions regarding service fees, tax exemptions, Federal jurisdiction and the authority of the Attorney General to bring suits involving the Bank.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1978
Act to Combat International Terrorism - Directs the President to transmit a report to the Congress every six months on those incidents determined to be acts of international terrorism as defined in this Act. Requires that, where the incident involves citizens or property of the United States, such report be transmitted not more than 30 days after the incident. Stipulates that such report shall include a description of the incident and persons involved, the identity of any government providing support for such terrorist acts, a description of the actions of any government which assisted in bringing about a positive termination of the incident, and a description of the response of the United States to such incident. Directs the President to submit to the Congress a list of governments which have demonstrated a pattern of support for international terrorism. Directs the President with respect to countries appearing on such list to: (1) provide no assistance under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961; (2) not authorize any sale of, or extend any credit or guaranty, with respect to defense articles or services; (3) approve no export license for the export of commodities or technical data which has a potential military application or which would otherwise enable a foreign government to support acts of international terrorism; or (4) extend no duty-free treatment under the Trade Act of 1974. Authorizes the President to suspend such sanctions in the interest of national security. Authorizes the President to take such other actions with respect to such countries as are deemed appropriate. Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to direct the Secretary of Transportation to assess the effectiveness of the security measures at foreign airports. Directs the Secretary, upon a finding that such an airport does not maintain effective security measures, to notify the appropriate authorities of such foreign government of his findings and to recommend any steps necessary to bring the security measures in use to the standards established by the International Civil Aviation Organization. Directs the Secretary to publish the names of foreign airports which fail to bring their security measures into compliance with such standards and to display the names of such airports at United States airports. Authorizes the Secretary to withhold, revoke, or impose conditions on the operating authority of any carrier or foreign air carrier to engage in foreign air transportation utilizing such an airport. Authorizes the Secretary to provide technical assistance concerning aviation security to foreign governments. Makes it unlawful for any person to manufacture explosive materials which do not contain identification taggants which are retrievable after detonation and which make possible the identification of the manufacturer, the date of manufacture and which provide such other information as the Secretary of the Treasury may require. Makes it unlawful to manufacture explosive materials which do not contain a detction taggant which permits detection of such material prior to its detonation. Makes the importation, transportation, or receipt of explosive materials without identification and detection taggants, illegal. Sets forth criminal penalties for violations of such taggant requirements. Makes it illegal: (1) to interfere with the operation of any civil aircraft; (2) to commit any act of violence against an aircraft passenger; or (3) to willfully communicate false information which endangers the safety of any aircraft while in flight. Imposes criminal penalties on individuals committing specified offenses against or on board aircraft registered in a State other than the United States and who are afterwards found in this country. Establishes criminal and civil penalties for individuals imparting false information regarding attempts or alleged attempts to commit specified crimes against aircraft. Directs the President to submit to Congress every two years a Report on Federal and International Capabilities to Combat Terrorism. Urges the President to seek international agreements to assure more effective international cooperation in combating terrorism. Directs the President to develop standards and programs to insure the full implementation of the provisions of the Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts Against the Safety of Civil Aviation (Montreal, September 23, 1971). Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to direct the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to prescribe regulations and orders to prohibit the unauthorized disclosure of nuclear material security information which could result in the theft of nuclear material for use in a nuclear explosive device.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 1978
Citizens Postal Rate Relief Act - Sets the postal rate for personal domestic letter mail of individuals sealed against inspection at 13 cents for the first ounce of each piece and 11 cents for each additional ounce for each piece. Requires the Postal Service to maintain the rate for the class of mail established by this Act at not more than 80 percent of the rate for the transmission of ordinary letters sealed against inspection.
United States · United States Congress · 22 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 · 21 June 1978
Citizen Protection Act - Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to require a subpena duces tecum for the search for and seizure of evidence when anyone acting under color of law has probable cause to believe evidence of a crime is located on or about premises in which the person in possession of the evidence has a reasonable expectation of privacy. Permits issuance of a search warrant instead of a subpena duces tecum only if there is probable cause to believe: (1) the person in possession of the evidence may be involved in the crime under investigation; or (2) the evidence sought to be seized would be destroyed, hidden, or moved if the subpena duces tecum procedures set out in this Act were followed. Creates a cause of action for any person aggrieved by a violation of this Act, allowing punitive damages of up to $10,000 for each violation.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 1978
Amends Title II (Old Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to require States having agreements for coverage of their employees under the system of insurance established by such Title to make payments and reports on a calendar-quarter basis.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 1978
Declares it the sense of Congress that the President should direct the Ambassador to the United Nations to use all means at his disposal to obtain action by the General Assembly removing the observer status of the Palestine Liberation Organization at the United Nations.
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 · 14 June 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 · 8 June 1978
Amends the Securities Act of 1933 to require issuers of securities to report only material information to offerees with respect to transactions not involving a public offering. Limits the rulemaking power of the Securities and Exchange Commission in order to prevent the disqualification of certain affiliates of issuers and sellers of restricted securities from the exemption from registration requirements allowed for persons not engaged in the distribution of securities. Exempts a security seller who makes a good faith attempt not to involve any public offering in a transaction from liability to a purchaser. Increases the small offering exemption from $500,000 to $3,000,000. Exempts small business investment companies licensed under the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 from the terms of the Investment Company Act of 1940.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1978
Electronic Fund Transfer Act - Requires the issuers of debit instruments designed to make payments and effect transfers through electronic terminals to do the following: (1) disclose a customer's rights and obligations when an account is opened and when there is a change of terms; (2) make available to the customer a written receipt of every transaction at electronic funds transfer terminals; and (3) furnish a monthly statement to each customer identifying all transactions. Provides a procedure for the correction of account errors. Excuses a customer of liability for unauthorized use of his debit instrument unless the debit instrument issuer can establish customer fraud or negligence. Sets forth liability for system malfunction. Provides civil liability for willful violation of this Act and criminal liability for fraudulent use of debit instruments. Makes bank regulatory agencies and the Federal Trade Commission responsible for administrative enforcement of the terms of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1978
Materials Technology Planning Act - Title I: Materials Technology and Planning - Declares it the finding of Congress that materials production, distribution, and consumption, as well as the disposal of wastes and by-products thereof, have a pervasive effect upon the economic, social, and political constitution of the Nation, and upon the natural environment. Declares that the Nation needs a materials policy which will encourage the most efficient use of materials and energy. Declares that the Nation must develop a materials policy which, individually and in concert with the community of nations, will plan for the production, distribution, and use of materials consistent with human activities and the system of the natural environment. Title II: National Materials Policy Plan - Requires the President to prepare and submit to Congress, at specified times, a national materials policy plan. Requires that such plan establish objectives, strategies, and contingency plans for materials production, distribution, and consumption as well as for the disposal of wastes and by-products. Requires such objectives to be established for the period of time 50 years after the transmission of the proposed plan. Requires such strategies to be established for ten year intervals beginning five and ending 45 years after the plans' transmission. Requires the contingency plans to be established for the period beginning with the transmission of a proposed plan and ending five years later. Title III: Congressional Review - Requires each proposed materials policy plan to be referred to the appropriate Senate and House committees. Sets forth the procedure for reporting and considering such plans. Title IV: Implementation - Requires the President to report to Congress by July 1, 1979, concerning programs and organizational structures required to prepare the national materials plan. Directs that such report include: (1) a program of materials research and development; (2) recommendations concerning the establishment of appropriate international institutions and programs to coordinate materials policies worldwide; (3) anticipated shortages of materials; and (4) recommendations for programs and methods of materials planning to forecast unanticipated environmental, economic, social, and political effects of materials production, distribution, consumption, and waste disposal. Requests that the President, in such report, attempt to anticipate shortages in materials and the environmental, social, and economic effects of materials production, distribution, consumption, and waste disposal. Authorizes necessary appropriations to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1978
Energy Technology and Planning Act - Title I: Energy Technology and Planning - Declares the purpose of Congress to be the establishment of energy programs to assure that planning by the Federal Government, the States, and the private sector is designed to synchronize the production and use of energy with research and with the development of new methods for energy production, distribution, consumption, and waste disposal. Title II: National Energy Policy Plan - Directs the President to prepare and submit to the Congress by June 1, 1981, and every four years thereafter, a National Energy Policy Plan. Requires such plan to establish objectives, strategies, and contingency plans for energy production, conservation, distribution, consumption, and waste disposal. Directs the President to submit a supplementary energy report with each proposed plan. Title III: Congressional Review - Provides for congressional review of such proposed plans. Title IV: Implementation - Directs the President to report to the Congress by July 1, 1979, concerning the executive branch's requirements for preparing such plan. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the provisions of this Act. Title V: Conforming Amendments - Amends specified sections of the Department of Energy Organization Act and the Federal Nonnuclear Research and Development Act of 1974 to conform to the provisions of this Act. Repeals the energy planning provisions of the Department of Energy Organization Act.
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 · 8 May 1978
Solar Power Satellite Research, Development, and Demonstration Program Act - Directs the Secretary of Energy and the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to initiate a Solar Power Satellite Research, Development, and Demonstration Program to study technical problems regarding the viability of the solar power satellite concept. Requires the Secretary, after consultation with the Administrator, to submit to the Congress, by January 3, 1979, a comprehensive plan to implement the Program.
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 · 19 April 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 · 19 April 1978
Unified Education and Training Act - Establishes an executive department to be known as the Department of Education to be administered by a Secretary of Education. Declares the purpose of such Department to be to coordinate and administer Federal educational and training programs in such a manner as to eliminate duplication of effort and conflicting policies without interference with State and local school systems or private institutions. Transfers to the Secretary specified functions of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare and the Commissioner of Education various educational responsibilities of other Federal agencies and instrumentalities. Redesignates the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, and the Secretary of such Department as the Department of Health and Welfare, and the Secretary of Health and Welfare. Directs the Secretary of Education to prepare an annual report to the President for submission to the Congress. Establishes a Commission on School Finance to: (1) study and assess the financial needs of public elementary and secondary education and the tax resources available; (2) assess individual Federal education programs; (3) assess the level of Federal aid and its impact on State and local educational systems; and (4) conduct appropriate research and studies.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 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.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1978
Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to provide that each State shall have at least one very high frequency commercial television station located within the State.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1978
Amends the Buy American Act to require the heads of departments or independent establishments, before determining whether the bid or offered price of a foreign product is reasonable, to adjust such price in accordance with the instructions set forth in this Act. Sets such adjusted price at 150 percent of the bid or offered price excluding duty or 106 percent of such price including duty, whichever is greater.