United States · United States Congress · 15 February 1978
Emergency Highway and Transportation Repair Act - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to enter into a contract with each State for payment of 100 percent of the costs of repairing highways and surface rails of urban mass transportation systems (other than railroads) which were damaged as a result of the winter weather of 1977-1978. Authorizes appropriations of $250,000,000 out of the Highway Trust Fund to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 1978
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for an amount, not to exceed $250, equal to 50 percent of the expenses paid or incurred by a speech- or hearing-impaired individual for the use of toll telephone services by means of teletypewriters.
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 1978
Amends Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act and the Internal Revenue Code to reduce tax rates below the level established by the Social Security Amendments of 1977 on employment income for both employers and employees and on self-employment income. Increases Federal contributions to the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund, the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund, and the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund established under Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act by 50 percent. Increases the ceiling on the amount of income that is subject to social security taxation to $100,000 in 1979.
United States · United States Congress · 14 February 1978
Emergency Highway and Transportation Repair Act - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to enter into a contract with each State for payment of 100 percent of the costs of repairing highways and surface rails of urban mass transportation systems (other than railroads) which were damaged as a result of the winter weather of 1977-1978. Authorizes appropriations of $250,000,000 out of the Highway Trust Fund to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1978
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Federal Communications Commission should maximize local primary radio broadcast service in any proceeding respecting the provision of class I-A and I-B radio service. Prohibits the operation of a standard broadcast station with power in excess of 50,000 watts.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1978
Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs Memorial Act - Authorizes the Commissioner of Education to provide financial assistance to assist in the development of the Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. Authorizes up to $5,000,000 to be appropriated for such purpose.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1978
Establishes an 11-member Commission on the Humane Treatment of Animals to study the treatment of animals. Requires that the membership include zoologists, veterinarians, and representatives from humane societies. Requires the Commission to determine if animals are caused needless pain or suffering as a result of their treatment on farms and in laboratory experimentation. Requires Commission investigation into domestic pet growth rates and the effectiveness of existing laws regarding the treatment of animals. Excludes the study of the treatment of animals occurring in connection with the exercise of any religion. Directs the Commission to report its findings to the Congress and the Commission 60 days after it submits its final report. Authorizes appropriations of $750,000 per year to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1978
Confers jurisdiction upon Federal district courts to enforce a State child custody order against a parent who, in violation of such order, took the child to another State.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1978
Prohibits commerce in contraband cigarettes. Defines "contraband cigarettes" as a quantity of more than 20,000 cigarettes, bearing no evidence of payment of applicable State cigarette taxes, which are in the possession of any person other than (1) a person licensed by the State where the cigarettes are found or by the Internal Revenue Service, (2) a common or contract carrier, or (3) a government agent in the performance of duties. Subjects dealers in cigarettes to such reporting requirements as the Secretary of the Treasury may prescribe.
United States · United States Congress · 15 December 1977
Census Act - Establishes procedures for taking the decennial census of population. Authorizes the officers or public bodies having initial responsibility for the legislative apportionment or districting in each State to submit a plan to the Secretary of Commerce identifying the geographic areas for which specific tabulations of populations are desired. Requires that such plans be developed in accordance with criteria established by the Secretary which will insure that such plan will be developed in a nonpartisan manner. Stipulates that the decennial census shall consist of: (1) an enumeration of the population; (2) sample surveys of the characteristics of population and housing; and (3) supplemental surveys as the Secretary considers necessary or when the State requests such a survey under specified circumstances. Sets forth restrictions regarding the collection of such data. Allows employees conducting the enumeration of population access to the records of the Federal Government, and of State and local governments which are necessary to insure that all individuals and households are counted. Stipulates that the survey of housing and population characteristics be conducted only through the use of samples and prohibits the Secretary from using any questionnaire for such survey unless it has been submitted to Congress and neither House has disapproved the use of such questionnaire by resolution. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct special surveys in a State for the purpose of clarifying the findings of the survey of characteristics under specified circumstances. Requires the Secretary to establish procedures for determining if errors have occurred in the process of collecting data for the enumeration of population or the survey of housing and population characteristics. Directs the Secretary beginning in 1985 and every ten years thereafter to conduct a mid-decade census of population. Requires the use of the most recent data, either from the decennial or mid-decade census, in determining eligibility for benefits under Federal programs in which census data is a factor. Requires the Secretary to submit specified reports to Congress prior to the taking of a decennial or mid-decade census. Directs the Secretary to seek the cooperation of States and units of local government in conducting the decennial census and to insure they are consulted and their needs taken into account in the publication of the results of such census. Directs the Secretary to insure that the language and categories of questions used on census forms take into account the needs and preferences of the public and do not cause arbitrary or awkward responses. Directs the Secretary to establish a public participation plan and public information plan in the taking of the decennial census. Authorizes the Secretary to issue determination estimates defined as estimates derived from any data which is not produced as an activity of the decennial census period, and which is produced to enable the executive branch to determine the amount of benefit received under Federal law by a State or unit of local government. Sets forth procedures by which a State or unit of local government may challenge such an estimate. Establishes a Census Review Committee to review policies of the Bureau of the Census, to assess the accuracy and quality of data published by the Bureau and to make recommendations to the Secretary with respect to long-range planning for the activities of the Bureau. Requires the Bureau to conduct its activities in accordance with standards established by the Committee. Stipulates that such Committee shall terminate ten years after the enactment of this Act. Requires the General Accounting Office to audit the activities of the Committee no later than nine years after the enactment of this Act. Directs the Secretary to issue regulations specifying, for each group of temporary staff, the conditions under which such staff may be utilized, the number of staff which may be utilized at one time, and the information to which such staff may have access. Directs the Secretary in 1979, in 1983 and every fifth year after to take a census of agriculture and to take a census of irrigation and drainage in conjunction with such census in 1979, in 1988 and every tenth year thereafter.
United States · United States Congress · 29 November 1977
Equal Housing Opportunity Amendments - Amends the Rural Development Act of 1972 to require that loan guarantees from the Farmers Home Administration be under terms and restrictions no less favorable to borrowers than those offered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
United States · United States Congress · 29 November 1977
Expresses the sense of the Congress that Anwar el Sadat and Menachem Begin be commended for the steps they have taken towards peace in the Middle East.
United States · United States Congress · 11 November 1977
Regional Energy Development Act - Chapter I: Introductory - Declares that energy shortages and the high cost of energy have created economic hardships in the Northeastern States, which would especially benefit from regional cooperation with the United States through an entity capable of financing and otherwise promoting increased energy supply and energy conservation in the "Northeastern States" of Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts. Chapter II: Organization, Management, Powers - Authorizes the creation of a corporation for profit, which will not be an agency or establishment of the Federal government. Directs the President to appoint incorporators who reside in the Northeastern States to serve as the initial Board of Directors of the Corporation, and to take whatever actions are necessary to establish the Corporation. Stipulates that a Northeastern State shall become a member of the Corporation when such State shall subscribe for State stock, contribute initial capital in the amount of $1 per capita, and enact supporting legislation. Allows the Corporation to become operational if at least three States become members before December 31, 1978. Authorizes States that are contiguous to members to join the Corporation in the same manner. Authorizes the Corporation to participate in joint ventures with public or private groups and to operate through subsidiaries. Requires the Corporation to submit annual reports and audits to the President, Congress, Governors and legislatures of Member States. Directs the Governors, on a rotating basis, to designate independent persons to evaluate the performance of the Corporation every two years. Chapter III: Projects and Programs of the Corporation - Authorizes the Corporation to participate in financing any project related to solving the loans, guarantees or equity investments. Stipulates that before any financial assistance is provided, the Board of Directors of the Corporation must find that: (1) the project is expected to have a beneficial impact on the energy problems of the region; (2) the investment together with other Corporation activities will not materially impair the credit of the Corporation; (3) private capital is unavailable or insufficient; and (4) unless this limitation is specially waived, the Corporation will not operate the project on a continuing basis or invest more than 50 percent of the total cost. Authorizes rejection of each project by the Governor of the Member State in which it is located. Charges the Board with reviewing periodically the allocation of Corporation resources among the Member States to assure a measure of equity in the distribution of benefits. Limits the Corporation's investment in any one project to the greater of 10 percent of its borrowing authority or $200,000,000. Chapter IV: Financing - Stipulates that capital subscriptions from the States ($1 per capita initial contribution) and private investors shall determine the borrowing authority of the Corporation according to a formula of $15 borrowing backed by Federal guarantees for each $1 capital contribution. Authorizes the contribution of additional capital by the States after the the initial subscription. Authorizes the issuance of capital securities to States and private investors in a form determined by the Board. Permits the Corporation to issue its own obligations which shall be general obligations payable out of any revenues. Prohibits the Corporation from pledging credit of the United States or the credit of Member States. Chapter V: Guarantee of Obligations - Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to guarantee obligations of the Corporation. Permits the Secretary to agree with the Corporation that the United States will purchase the product of its projects, if necessary, in the event market conditions preclude private sale. Chapter VI: State Legislation - Requires Member States, upon joining the Corporation, to enact legislation: (1) assuring decisions within 90 days of application on request for permits required for Corporation projects; (2) exempting the property, income and operations of the Corporation from State and local taxation; and (3) specifying that insofar as the provisions of any State, general, special, or local law may be inconsistent with this Act, the provisions of this Act and the legislation enacted under this Chapter are controlling. Chapter VII: Miscellaneous - Specifies terms of construction and separability of the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 November 1977
Family Violence Prevention and Treatment Act - Title I: General Provisions - Sets forth the findings of Congress and declares the purposes of this Act. Defines terms used in this Act. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the provisions of this Act in fiscal year 1978 and 1979. Title II: Coordinating Council on Family Violence - Establishes within the executive branch an independent organization known as the Coordinating Council on Family Violence (Council). Specifies the membership of the Council. States that the functions of the Council shall be: (1) to identify, assess, and coordinate all Federal programs related to problems of family violence in order to eliminate duplication of effort, inefficient use of resources, and lack of strategic objectives and priorities; and (2) to stimulate new programs within member agencies of the Council where necessary to fill gaps in services, funding, research, or demonstration programs. Directs the Council to make recommendations to the President and the Congress at least annually with respect to the coordination of overall policy and development of objectives and priorities. Title III: National Center for Community Action Against Family Violence - Directs the Director of ACTION to establish a National Center for Community Action Against Family Violence. States that the purpose of the Center shall be to provide information and technical assistance to local community groups which need assistance with organizing or operating existing or proposed programs dealing with family violence. Describes the functions of the Center including: (1) the development and maintenance of an information clearinghouse for services available for the treatment and prevention of family violence; (2) the establishment of a toll-free telephone number for the provision of information and counseling; (3) the development of a volunteer force to provide service through community centers dealing with family violence; (4) the making of grants to support and train volunteers; and (5) the development of a campaign to educate the public about the problems of family violence and resources available to deal with such problems. Sets forth procedures for the execution of such functions. Title IV: Amendments to the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act - Requires State plans under the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act to include provisions for the reporting of forms of family violence in addition to child abuse and neglect. Title V: Evaluation and Research - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to provide a specified sum for each of the two years following the enactment of this Act to evaluate the impact of community programs assisted by HEW on the prevention and treatment of family violence.
United States · United States Congress · 3 November 1977
Declares that there be no reduction of customs duties on textile, apparel, or fiber products and that such products be excluded from the current Tokyo Round of Multilateral Trade Negotiations in Geneva.
United States · United States Congress · 28 October 1977
Defense Economic Adjustment and Recovery Act - Directs the Secretary of Defense to establish a program to make grants to units of local government whose economy is adversely affected by the closure or major realignment of a military base. Stipulates that such program shall be made through existing Federal programs. Requires that applications for such a grant shall include a comprehensive local economic recovery plan describing the plans of the local community to recover from the economic impact of such closure or realignment. Stipulates that the amount of funds available under this Act shall be equal to ten percent of the total projected savings to be realized by the Department of Defense in the first ten years following the closure or realignment of such a military base. Requires units of local government receiving financial assistance under this Act to submit a report to the Secretary concerning the local community's progress toward economic recovery. Authorizes appropriations in such amounts as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 October 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to authorize any taxpayer to elect to have any portion of any overpayment of tax or any contribution in money which the taxpayer forwards with the return for such taxable year be available, as the taxpayer may designate on such return, for the National Endowment for the Arts or the National Endowment for the Humanities.
United States · United States Congress · 25 October 1977
Declares it the sense of the Congress that the President direct the United States delegation to the Belgrade Conference to place the issue of the arrest, trial, and conviction of Mykola Rudenko and Oleska Tykhy before the Conference.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 1977
Allows any Federal employee or Member of Congress to count as creditable service for retirement purposes any time such person may have spent after his or her eighteenth birthday interned in a camp or facility established during World War II for the purpose of detaining persons of Japanese ancestry.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1977
Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to (1) make loans to certain cities and counties for the establishment and initial operating costs of clinics for the spaying and neutering of dogs and cats, and (2) make grants for the establishment of courses to train paraprofessionals in the anaesthetising and spaying and neutering of dogs and cats. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 1977
Declares that the President should establish a Commission on Domestic and International Hunger and Malnutrition which should: (1) collect and generate information and resources on food, hunger, malnutrition and related concerns; (2) assess current programs affecting domestic and international hunger and malnutrition; (3) analyze and report its findings and recommendations to the President, the Congress, and the public; and (4) assist the President and the Congress in implementing its recommendations.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 1977
Directs the Postal Service to submit to Congress any proposed change in the level or types of postal service which has nationwide impact rather than to the Postal Rate Commission. Requires any statement of proposed change so submitted to include an estimate of the impact of such change upon the public, business mail users, service levels, postal finances, and postal employment.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 1977
Establishes procedures for taking the decennial census. Establishes a decennial census period beginning two years prior to the decennial census date and ending three years after such date. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce during this period to conduct a trial census which shall be the final test of all the procedures to be used in taking the decennial census. Requires the Secretary to submit a report regarding such trial census to specified committees in Congress prior to conducting such a census. Stipulates that no changes may be made in the content or procedures to be used in taking a decennial census after four months following the date of a trial census. Stipulates that the decennial census shall consist only of: (1) an enumeration of the population; (2) sample surveys of the characteristics of the population and housing of the United States; and (3) supplemental surveys necessary to meet the needs of the Federal, State, or local government for economic and social data. Sets forth restrictions regarding the collection of such data. Allows employees conducting the enumeration of population access to the records of the Federal Government and of State or local governments which are necessary to insure that all individuals and households are counted. Stipulates that such employees may obtain only names and addresses from such records and that such information may only be used for purposes of the enumeration. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct special surveys in a State for the purpose of clarifying the findings of decennial supplemental surveys. Directs the Secretary to prepare a plan specifying procedures to be used for correcting errors in census counts and to submit such plan to specified committees in Congress. Directs the Secretary, beginning in 1985, to conduct a mid-decade census of population. Requires the use of the most recent data, either from the decennial or mid-decade census, in determining eligibility for benefits under Federal programs in which census data is a factor. Requires the Secretary to submit specified reports to Congress prior to the taking of a decennial or mid-decade census. Directs the Secretary to insure that the language and categories of questions used on census forms take into account the needs and preferences of the public and to establish a program to provide information to the public regarding the need for, and operation of, the decennial census. Authorizes the Secretary to establish a program for the training and selection of supervisory employees engaged in decennial census activities. Directs the Secretary to prepare a plan for conducting censuses other than the decennial or mid- decade census and to submit such plan to Congress at least 60 days before the census is begun. Authorizes the Secretary to issue "determination estimates," defined as estimates derived from any data which (1) is not produced as an activity of the decennial census period and (2) is produced to enable the executive branch of the Federal Government to determine the amount of benefit received under a Federal law by a State or local government. Sets forth procedures by which a State or local government may challenge such an estimate. Directs the Secretary to establish a Division of Evaluation within the Bureau of the Census to evaluate censuses and to submit the results of such evaluation to the Secretary and the Director of the Census. Directs the General Accounting Office to review evaluations made by the Division every three years. Directs the Secretary in 1979, in 1983, and in every fifth year thereafter, to conduct a census of agriculture. Directs the Secretary to conduct a census of irrigation and drainage in 1979, 1983, and every tenth year after 1983.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 1977
Domestic Violence Prevention and Treatment Act - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, acting through the Director of the National Institute of Mental Health, to establish a grant program designed to support projects which: (1) develop methods for the identification, prevention, and treatment of domestic violence; and (2) provide for family rehabilitation and support, and for emergency shelter and protection for individuals who are threatened by domestic violence. Directs the Director to establish a national information and resource clearinghouse to collect, analyze, prepare, and disseminate information relating to domestic violence. Requires the Director, in cooperation with the Administrator of Law Enforcement Assistance and the head of any other Federal agency involved with domestic violence, to study state laws, practices, and policies relating to domestic violence. Requires the Director to annually review the effectiveness of projects carried out under this Act and to report the findings to the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to transmit each such report to the President and to each House of Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1977
Unemployment Compensation Reform Act - Title I: Unemployment Compensation Cost Equalization Program - Unemployment Compensation Cost Equalization Act - Entitles, under the Social Security Act, States whose rates of insured unemployment is at least six percent to partial reimbursement on an ascending sliding scale of unemployment compensation costs incurred above a certain amount. Title II: Federal-State Extended Unemployment Compensation Act - Federal-State Extended Unemployment Compensation Act - Replaces the Federal-State Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 1970 with an extended unemployment benefit program which includes both regular extended benefits of up to 13 weeks and supplemental extended benefits of up to 13 additional weeks. Directs that benefits be made available when unemployment exceeds specified trigger levels which are similar to those used under present law. Revises the method for determining unemployment rates for the purpose of such triggers. Provides for 50 percent Federal funding of regular extended benefits and for full Federal funding of supplemental benefits. Title III: Financing Amendments for Unemployment Compensation Programs - Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to extend the payback period of a State having an outstanding balance of loans and to permit a State to pay as little as 20 percent of the outstanding balance in a year upon determining that the State is taking sufficient steps to restore the fiscal soundness of its trust fund. Waives any repayment requirement for States in which the insured unemployment rate exceeds a specified level. Restricts the penalty tax in a State which defaults to only insured employers and provides that the rate of such tax shall remain constant even if the outstanding balance owed is not entirely repaid.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1977
General Aviation Airport Safety Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to make grants to airport operators to cover 100 percent of the costs of projects to: (1) mark runways and taxiways or to establish a taxiway guidance system; or (2) to purchase and install visual slope indicators. Authorizes appropriations in specified amounts out of the Airport and Airway Trust Fund for fiscal years 1978, 1979, and 1980 to carry out such grant program.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1977
Solar Energy Bank Act - Creates a Government corporation to be known as the Solar Energy Development Bank to make long-term, low-interest loans to encourage the use of solar energy in commercial and residential dwellings. Establishes procedures governing the processing and approval of loan applications by the Bank. Prohibits conflicts of interest, on the part of officers or employees of the Bank. Prohibits the Bank or its employees from utilizing the Solar Bank to finance political activities. Imposes criminal penalties for the furnishing of false or misleading information by applicants for loans under this Act. Declares that the Solar Bank and its assets shall be exempt by Federal, State, and local taxation. Establishes a Solar Energy Fund in the Treasury of the United States to pay the expenses of the Bank. Authorizes the appropriation of $5,000,000,000 to the Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1977
Surface Transportation Assistance Act - Title I: Federal Aid Highway Act - Amends the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956 to revise and extend the authorization for appropriations for the Interstate Highway System through fiscal year 1992. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to apportion such amounts in a specified manner for fiscal year 1980. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1982 for specified highway programs. Stipulates that the Federal share of railroad-highway crossing demonstration projects under the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1973 shall be 95 percent of the cost of such a project. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to make grants to States for traffic control signalization projects designed to conserve motor fuel and decrease traffic congestion. Sets forth the Federal Share of such programs and the method by which such amounts are to be apportioned. Increases the Federal share for specified highway programs. Directs the Secretary to allocate funds made available for pavement marking demonstration programs in a manner deemed by the Secretary most appropriate to expedite the completion of pavement markings on all highways. Authorizes the reapportionment of funds not used by a State for the Interstate System to another State which has obligated all of its apportionment. Sets forth restrictions on the Secretary's authority to withdraw approval for the construction of routes on the Interstate System. Amends the Appalachian Regional Development Act of 1965 to increase the Federal share for construction projects on the Appalachian development highway system. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out access control demonstration projects designed to demonstrate whether preserving the capacity of existing highways to move traffic safely by acquiring and controlling the right of access to such highways is a cost effective alternative to the construction of new highways. Authorizes appropriations for such purpose through fiscal year 1982 out of the Highway Trust Fund. Title II: Highway Safety Act - Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1982 for specified highway safety programs. Amends the Highway Safety Act of 1973 to authorize appropriations through fiscal year 1982 for projects to eliminate hazards relating to rail-highway crossings. Title III: Urban Mass Transportation Act Amendments - Amends the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964 to authorize appropriations through 1982 for specified projects under such Act. Authorizes general appropriations to carry out the provisions of such Act through fiscal year 1988.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1977
Permits civil service pension payments made to an employee, Member of Congress, or annuitant to be made to another person if and to the extent expressly provided for in any court decree of divorce, annulment, or legal separation or court ordered property settlement incident to such decree.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1977
Expands Federal government liability for the acts of its officers who routinely perform investigative, inspection, or law enforcement functions to include certain intentional and ministerial acts. States that such liability shall be exclusive and preclude any remedy against officers individually. Directs the Attorney General to pay the attorney fees incurred by such an officer in connection with a criminal investigation into such officer's official actions.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1977
Title I: Airport and Aircraft Noise Reduction Act - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish a single system of measuring noise and the impact of noise on individuals to be used to measure noise at airports and their surrounding areas and to establish land uses for such areas which are compatible with such noise levels. Allows airport operators to submit noise impact maps to the Secretary setting forth the noncompatible uses in each area of the map, a description of the projected aircraft operations during 1985, and the ways in which such operations will affect such map. Requires the revision of such maps when changes in airports operations would create any new noncompatible use in areas surrounding an airport. Amends the Airport and Airway Development Act to authorize the Secretary to make grants to qualified airports for noise compatibility planning. Defines "noise compatibility planning" as the preparation of noise impact maps and noise compatiblity programs under this Act. Sets forth limitation regarding the amounts which may be obligated through such grant program. Authorizes appropriations of $15,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 1979 and beyond to carry out such grant program. Stipulates that noise compatibility programs filed with the Secretary pursuant to this Act shall include measures proposed by airport operators for the reduction of existing noncompatible uses and the prevention of the introduction of additional noncompatible uses with the area covered by the operator's noise impact map. Sets forth factors which the Secretary is to rely on in approving noise compatibility programs. Stipulates that the Federal share of an approved program shall be 80 percent of its cost. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1979 and 1980 to carry out such grant program. Requires the Secretary to prepare noise impact maps and noise compatibility programs for specified airports near the District of Columbia. Title II: Increases the appropriations authorized for fiscal years 1979 and 1980 under the Airport and Airway Development Act of 1970. Title III: Directs the Secretary to publish a list of operators of United States civil subsonic turbojet powered aircraft above a specified weight which do not comply with noise standards prescribed for new subsonic aircraft in regulations issued by the Secretary and in effect on January 1, 1977. Requires such operators to submit to the Secretary a statement that such aircraft will comply with such standards the methods by which such compliance shall be attained, either by retrofitting or replacement. Requires such operators to impasse surcharges on rates for carriage of persons or property on noncomplying aircraft and to deposit such amounts in a separate account to pay for retrofitting or replacement costs. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants available to operators on noncomplying aircraft when the funds in such account are insufficient to meet retrofitting or replacement costs. Sets forth restrictions relating to the sale or lease of such aircraft. Prohibits the operation of foreign aircraft over a specified take off weight limit within the United States after January 1, 1985, unless such aircraft comply with noise standards prescribed for subsonic aircraft in effect on January 1, 1977. Authorizes the Secretary to waive such prohibition for a limited period in order to permit an aircraft to comply with such standards. Title IV: Stipulates that nothing in this Act shall be construed to indicate an intent on the part of Congress to preempt the field relating to aircraft or airport noise.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1977
Social Security Rights Act - Requires that procedures be established for the expedited replacement of undelivered benefit checks under title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act. Requires that decisions (and reconsiderations) on initial benefit claims be made within 90 days. Requires that payment of benefits on approved claims begin no later than the day regularly fixed for delivery of benefit checks in the second month following the month in which the claim was approved.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1977
Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to include rescue squad members in the group of persons eligible for public safety officers' death benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1977
Surface Transportation Assistance Act - Title I: Federal Aid Highway Act - Amends the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956 to revise and extend the authorization for appropriations for the Interstate Highway System through fiscal year 1992. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to apportion such amounts in a specified manner for fiscal year 1980. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1982 for specified highway programs. Stipulates that the Federal share of railroad-highway crossing demonstration projects under the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1973 shall be 95 percent of the cost of such a project. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to make grants to States for traffic control signalization projects designed to conserve motor fuel and decrease traffic congestion. Sets forth the Federal Share of such programs and the method by which such amounts are to be apportioned. Increases the Federal share for specified highway programs. Directs the Secretary to allocate funds made available for pavement marking demonstration programs in a manner deemed by the Secretary most appropriate to expedite the completion of pavement markings on all highways. Authorizes the reapportionment of funds not used by a State for the Interstate System to another State which has obligated all of its apportionment. Sets forth restrictions on the Secretary's authority to withdraw approval for the construction of routes on the Interstate System. Amends the Appalachian Regional Development Act of 1965 to increase the Federal share for construction projects on the Appalachian development highway system. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out access control demonstration projects designed to demonstrate whether preserving the capacity of existing highways to move traffic safely by acquiring and controlling the right of access to such highways is a cost effective alternative to the construction of new highways. Authorizes appropriations for such purpose through fiscal year 1982 out of the Highway Trust Fund. Title II: Highway Safety Act - Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1982 for specified highway safety programs. Amends the Highway Safety Act of 1973 to authorize appropriations through fiscal year 1982 for projects to eliminate hazards relating to rail-highway crossings. Title III: Urban Mass Transportation Act Amendments - Amends the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964 to authorize appropriations through 1982 for specified projects under such Act. Authorizes general appropriations to carry out the provisions of such Act through fiscal year 1988.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide a $5,000 tax exclusion from gross income for any amount received as an annuity, pension, or other retirement benefit.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1977
States that a review of the national telecommunications policy should be completed expeditiously by the Subcommittee on Communication of the Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1977
Declares the sense of the Congress that the President and the Secretary of State should take all necessary steps to bring the Baltic States question before the United Nations and to urge the United Nations to request the Soviet Union to withdraw all non-native troops, agents, colonists, and controls from the Republics of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, and to return all Baltic exiles from Siberia and from prisons and labor camps in the Soviet Union. Requires the Secretary of State to do his utmost to bring the matter of the Baltic States to the attention of all nations by means of special radio programs and publications. Declares that the United States should not agree to the recognition of the Soviet Union's annexation of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia. Directs the President to take steps to provide that all maps of Europe show the Republics of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia as independent states. Calls for a return of self-determination to the peoples of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia through free elections conducted under the auspices of the United Nations.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 1977
Defense Economic Adjustment and Recovery Act - Directs the Secretary of Defense to establish a program to make grants to units of local government whose economy is adversely affected by the closure or major realignment of a military base. Stipulates that such program shall be made through existing Federal programs. Requires that applications for such a grant shall include a comprehensive local economic recovery plan describing the plans of the local community to recover from the economic impact of such closure or realignment. Stipulates that the amount of funds available under this Act shall be equal to ten percent of the total projected savings to be realized by the Department of Defense in the first ten years following the closure or realignment of such a military base. Requires units of local government receiving financial assistance under this Act to submit a report to the Secretary concerning the local community's progress toward economic recovery. Authorizes appropriations in such amounts as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 1977
Title I: - Navigation Development Act - Authorizes the project for replacement of locks and dam 26, Mississippi River, Alton, Illinois and Missouri. Makes the following inland and intracoastal waterways subject to this Act: (1) Allegheny River, (2) Apalachicola-Chattahoochee and Flint Rivers, (3) Arkansas River, (4) Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, (5) Columbia River, (6) Willamette River, (7) Cumberland River, (8) Green and Barren Rivers, (9) Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, (10) Lower Mississippi River, (11) Upper Mississippi River, (12) Missouri River, (13) Black Warrior-Tombigbee-Mobile Rivers, (14) Ohio River, (15) Monongahela River, (16) Illinois Waterway, (17) Kanawha River, (18) Kentucky River, (19) Tennessee River, (20) Kaskaskia River, (21) Alabama-Coosa River, (22) Quachita-Black River, (23) Pearl River, (24) White River, (25) Red River, and (26) Atchafalaya River. Title II: - (No provisions contained in Title II of this Act as introduced). Title III: - Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation, in consultation with the Secretaries of Commerce, the Treasury, and the Army, to study the imposition of any fuel tax on inland waterway users, alternate or supplemental charges, and related matters. Permits the National Transportation Policy Study Commission to study matters which the Secretary of Transportation is directed to study.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 1977
Amends the Airport and Airway Development Act of 1970 to direct the Secretary of Transportation to obligate for fiscal years 1979 and 1980 not less than $30,000,000 of the funds authorized to be appropriated under such Act for improving air navigation facilities for the purpose of establishing no fewer than 45 automated flight service stations. Defines "flight service stations" as air navigation facilities used to assist pilots in the safe conduct of flight.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 1977
Directs the Secretary of Transportation to apportion the sums authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year 1979 for immediate expenditure on the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways, using specified apportionment factors.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 1977
Young Families' Housing Act - Graduated Payment Mortgage Insurance Act - Amends the National Housing Act to permit the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to insure, on a regular basis, mortgages and loans with provisions for varying rates of amortization corresponding to anticipated variations in family income. Sets a percentage limit on the mortgage value ratio of mortgages which will be insurable under this Act. Prescribes eligibility requirements for such insurance. States that mortgages or loans insured pursuant to this Act shall not be subject to State usury laws in most cases. Individual Housing Account Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a deduction for amounts paid in cash into an individual housing account. Defines the term "individual housing account" for the purposes of this Act. Limits annual tax deductions to $2,500 and lifetime deductions to $10,000. Makes provisions for tax treatment upon distribution of such accounts. Exempts individual housing accounts from taxation under the Internal Revenue Code.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 1977
Unemployment Compensation Cost Equalization Act - Entitles, under the Social Security Act, states whose rates of insured unemployment is at least six percent to partial reimbursement on an ascending sliding scale of unemployment compensation costs incurred above a certain amount.
![Official portrait of Rep. Howard, James J. [D-NJ-3]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/h000840_200.jpg)