United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1978
Freestone Peach Research and Education Act - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to issue a plan for financing and carrying out a research and education program with respect to freestone peaches. Requires that such plan: (1) establish a National Freestone Peach Research and Education Board to administer it; (2) fix the rate of assessments levied upon producers of freestone peaches (and collected for the Board by handlers) for research and education programs; (3) provide for the prorata return of up to 50 percent of the net proceeds of such assessments to the States, for State projects; and (4) permit any freestone peach producer not in favor of the programs so supported to receive a refund of his or her assessment. Prescribes civil penalties for handlers who violate this Act. Grants investigative and subpena powers to the Secretary for the enforcement of any plan the Secretary issues. Requires the Secretary to conduct a referendum of producers to ascertain approval of the plan issued. Denies effect to such plan if it fails to receive the approval of at least two-thirds of the producers voting in such a referendum, provided at least 50 percent of the registered producers cast votes. Provides a procedure for the suspension or termination of such a plan.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1978
Agricultural Land Retention Act - Title I: Objectives - Declares that it is in the public interest to retain, protect and improve agricultural land, including land in and around urban areas, to reduce its conversion to nonagricultural uses, and to limit the encroachment of industrial activities. Title II: Research Program - Establishes a three-year Agricultural Land Review Commission to study: (1) agricultural land in the United States; (2) the effects of industrial development, climate and other factors on the productivity of such land; (3) the acquisition of such land by persons not engaged in agricultural activities; and (4) methods of protecting and improving such land, and of reducing the amount of it being converted to nonagricultural uses. Authorizes the Commission to make grants to public and private institutions to do research pursuant to its study. Requires the Commission to report its findings, conclusions and recommendations to the President and to Congress. Title III: Demonstration Programs - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to pay up to 75 percent of the cost and to provide technical assistance to any State pilot project undertaken to demonstrate and test methods of reducing the amount of agricultural land, including land in and around urban areas, being converted to nonagricultural uses. Requires all such projects to be completed within four years after enactment of this Act. Directs the Secretary to report his findings, conclusions and recommendations to the President and to Congress. Title IV: General Provisions - Authorizes for Title II programs the appropriation of $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1979 through 1982. Authorizes for Title III programs the appropriation of $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1979 through 1982.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1978
Sugar Stabilization Act - Sets forth the policy of the Congress with respect to foreign trade in sugar. Title I: International Sugar Agreement - Authorizes the President to prohibit the importation of sugar from any country not a member of the International Sugar Organization, and to otherwise regulate foreign trade in sugar to implement the International Sugar Agreement. Establishes civil penalties for the violations of such regulations. Requires the President to submit to Congress an annual report on the Agreement. Title II: Domestic Sugar Program - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to make an annual estimate of the sugar consumption needs of the United States. Establishes a formula for determining the price objectives of domestic sugar. Authorizes the Secretary to establish a quota for the importation of sugar, and to adjust such quota. Authorizes the Secretary to impose an import fee in order to attain the price objective for sugar. Prohibits the established quota from being filled by direct-consumption sugar, except in specified circumstances. Permits the Secretary to suspend such quota and fees under specified circumstances. Authorizes the Secretary to impose a quota on the importation of "sugar-containing products. Prohibits the importation of sugar, liquid sugar, or "sugar-containing products" after the import quotas have been filled. Prohibits the importation of certain sugar or liquid sugar into the Virgin Islands in excess of 100 pounds annually. Prohibits the exportation of certain sugar from the United States. Regulates the exportation of sugar. Sets forth items to which the sugar quota shall not apply. Title III: General Provisions - Authorizes the Secretary to issue regulations to carry out this Act. Establishes penalties for the violation of such regulations. Requires certain information to be furnished to the Secretary by persons engaged in the manufacture, marketing, transports, or industrial use, of sugar. Prohibits officials engaged in the administration of this Act to invest in sugar. Establishes penalties for the violation of such prohibition. Authorizes the President to suspend the operation of Title II of this Act in a national emergency. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture (1) to conduct surveys and investigations to carry out this Act, and (2) to announce a "daily spot price" for raw sugar in specified circumstances. Terminates the authority of the Secretary under this Act on December 31, 1982.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1978
Amends the Federal Coal Leasing Amendments Act of 1975 to allow the Secretary of the Interior to prescribe the terms and conditions applying to lands added to approved coal lands leases.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1978
Declares (1) that the Department of the Treasury does not possess authority to implement certain proposed firearms transaction reporting regulations, (2) that such proposed additional recordkeeping requirements serve no useful purpose and are wasteful, and (3) that the Department must seek explicit congressional authorization before proposing any rules or regulations for centralizing records required under existing firearms law.
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1978
Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to furnish Federal financial assistance for construction projects to separate rail-highway crossings where the rail facilities have incurred a substantial increase in use as a result of coal transportation activities with the result of substantial delays in highway travel. Stipulates that the Federal share of such a project shall not exceed 90 percent of its cost. Authorizes appropriations out of the Highway Trust Fund for fiscal years 1979 through 1981 for such projects.
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1978
Uranium Mill Site Restoration Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to make grants to the States of Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, New Mexico, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, and any other State determined to be in a similar situation for the restoration of abandoned uranium mill sites. Directs the Secretary to restore such sites if the States fail to do so and to conduct a pilot study in the city of Salt Lake City, Utah of possible health hazards to persons living or working near such sites. Directs the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to establish regulations and standards to assure that the public safety and health and the environment are not impaired by the remedial action undertaken pursuant to this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1978
Amends the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 to permit the President to waive prohibitions against commodity assistance relating to (1) status as a "friendly country," (2) North Vietnam, (3) diplomatic relations with the United States, (4) seizure of property owned by any United States person, and (5) emigration restrictions; in order to directly benefit needy people. Amends the Food for Peace Act to permit the Commodity Credit Corporation to extend agricultural export credit if the President waives prohibitions against such credit relating to (1) emigration restrictions, and (2) North Vietnam, in order to directly benefit needy people.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 1978
Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to furnish Federal financial assistance for construction projects to separate rail-highway crossings where the rail facilities have incurred a substantial increase in use as a result of coal transportation activities with the result of substantial delays in highway travel. Stipulates that the Federal share of such a project shall not exceed 90 percent of its cost. Authorizes appropriations out of the Highway Trust Fund for fiscal years 1979 through 1981 for such projects.
United States · United States Congress · 11 April 1978
Indian Peaks Wilderness Area and Arapaho National Recreation Area Act - Establishes the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area within the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests, in Colorado. Establishes the Arapaho National Recreation Area within the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and the Colorado Big Thompson project, in Colorado. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to administer the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area. Directs the Secretary to administer the Arapaho National Recreation Area to promote public recreation and enjoyment while utilizing the natural resources of the area. Provides for the acquisition of lands for the Arapaho National Recreation Area. Directs the Secretary to regulate hunting and fishing within the recreation area. Directs the Secretary to cooperate with relevant governmental agencies and private groups in the issuance of permits for facilities and services within the recreation area. Stipulates that jurisdiction over waters within the recreation area shall be determined by existing law. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to study and report to the President and the Congress concerning the feasibility of including the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area within the Rocky Mountains National Park.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1978
Amends the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 to permit the President to waive prohibitions against commodity assistance relating to (1) status as a "friendly country," (2) North Vietnam, (3) diplomatic relations with the United States, (4) seizure of property owned by any United States person, and (5) emigration restrictions; in order to directly benefit needy people. Amends the Food for Peace Act to permit the Commodity Credit Corporation to extend agricultural export credit if the President waives prohibitions against such credit relating to (1) emigration restrictions, and (2) North Vietnam, in order to directly benefit needy people.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1978
Declares that it is the policy of the Congress in the interest of public health to phase out Federal assistance which promotes the production of tobacco and the manufacturing and marketing of tobacco products for human consumption. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to study and report to the President and to the appropriate Congressional committees his findings and recommendations regarding the probable economic effects (particularly on family farmers) of the phasing out of specified Federal tobacco assistance programs.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1978
Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to add Title V: Financing of General Election Campaigns for the House of Representatives - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to maintain in the Presidential Election Campaign Fund, the House of Representatives Election Campaign Account. Sets forth eligibility requirements to be met by candidates for election to the House of Representatives seeking payments from such Account. Limits expenditures from personal funds which may be made by candidates meeting such eligibility requirements. Entitles eligible candidates to specified matching payments. Limits to $150,000 the aggregate payments which may be made to all candidates in an election. Suspends certain expenditure limitations on eligible candidates if any candidate not eligible to receive payments pursuant to this Act makes expenditures or receives contributions in excess of specified amounts. Sets forth the procedure for requesting matching payments. Sets forth procedures to be followed by the Secretary of the Treasury in maintaining the House of Representatives Election Campaign Account. Directs the Federal Elections Commission to conduct examinations and audits of the campaign accounts of eligible candidates. Provides for the participation of the Commission in judicial proceedings arising under this Act. Authorizes appropriations necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1978
Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to furnish Federal financial assistance for construction projects to separate rail-highway crossings where the rail facilities have incurred a substantial increase in use as a result of coal transportation activities with the result of substantial delays in highway travel. Stipulates that the Federal share of such a project shall not exceed 90 percent of its cost. Authorizes appropriations out of the Highway Trust Fund for fiscal years 1979 through 1981 for such projects.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1978
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior should coordinate development of the National Wilderness Preservation System; (2) interested persons should participate in the present roadless area reviews; and (3) future uses of roadless lands be decided as rapidly as possible.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1978
Amends the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 to permit the President to waive prohibitions against commodity assistance relating to (1) status as a "friendly country," (2) North Vietnam, (3) diplomatic relations with the United States, (4) seizure of property owned by any United States person, and (5) emigration restrictions; in order to directly benefit needy people. Amends the Food for Peace Act to permit the Commodity Credit Corporation to extend agricultural export credit if the President waives prohibitions against such credit relating to (1) emigration restrictions, and (2) North Vietnam, in order to directly benefit needy people.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1978
Agricultural Credit Act - Title I: Amendments to the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act - Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to establish a low-income farm ownership loan program for owners or operators of small or family farms, and to extend eligibility for farm ownership, equipment and operating loans to farm cooperatives. Provides loans for agricultural, animal, or poultry waste pollution abatement and control facilities. Increases the maximum allowable total principal indebtedness for real estate loans which may be outstanding by any one borrower to $200,000, or $300,000 in the case of a guaranteed loan. Removes the $500,000 ceiling from the aggregate principal of loans made using the Agricultural Credit Insurance Fund. Raises the ceiling on the annual aggregate amount of water and waste facility grants from $300,000 to $400,000, and increases from 50 percent to 75 percent the percentage of the development cost of such facilities which a grant may cover. Increases the amount of indebtedness which may be outstanding for operating loans for an individual from $50,000 to $100,000, or in the case of a guaranteed loan, $200,000. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to purchase the guaranteed portion of any rural development loan using funds from the Rural Development Insurance Fund and the guaranteed portion of all other loans with funds from the Agricultural Credit Insurance Fund. Replaces the current provision for an up to five-year renewal of an operating loan with a provision for the consolidation or rescheduling of outstanding loans for payment over a period not to exceed seven years from the date of such consolidation or rescheduling. Authorizes the Secretary to make loans and grants, and approve transfers and assumptions under such Act in connection with property securing a loan made, insured, or held by the Secretary notwithstanding the fact an area ceases to be eligible for assistance under the Act. Authorizes the Secretary to provide a procedure for appeal and review of determinations by a county committee that a loan applicant is able to obtain sufficient credit elsewhere to finance his actual needs at reasonable rates and terms. Increases from $15,000 to $25,000 the amount of a claim that can be compromised without approval of the Administrator of the Farmers Home Administration. Authorizes the Secretary to grant a moratorium upon the payment by an individual of interest and principal on a loan, if there is a showing of temporary inability to continue making payments which is beyond the individual's control. Title II: Emergency Agricultural Credit Adjustment Act - Authorizes the Secretary to insure or guarantee loans for the purpose of making payment of principal and interest installments or refinancing, in whole or in part, equipment or operating loans, giving preference to owners of small or family farms. Permits the Secretary to guarantee up to 90 percent of such loans. Limits the total principal balance outstanding on insured or guaranteed loans to $400,000. Allows the total outstanding principal indebtedness of any borrower to reach $150,000 without approval of the senior State official of the Farmers Home Administration. Limits the total principal amount of all outstanding loans under this title during 1978 to $2,000,000,000 and during 1979 to $4,000,000,000. Terminates such program on December 31, 1979. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Extends the Emergency Livestock Credit Act through September 30, 1979. Renames the Farmers Home Administration the Farm and Rural Development Administration.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1978
Amends the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 to permit the President to waive prohibitions against commodity assistance relating to (1) status as a "friendly country," (2) North Vietnam, (3) diplomatic relations with the United States, (4) seizure of property owned by any United States person, and (5) emigration restrictions; in order to directly benefit needy people. Amends the Food for Peace Act to permit the Commodity Credit Corporation to extend agricultural export credit if the President waives prohibitions against such credit relating to (1) emigration restrictions, and (2) North Vietnam, in order to directly benefit needy people.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1978
Agriculture Emergency Act - Title I: Agricultural Export Expansion - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1954 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to establish abroad between six and 25 United States Agricultural Trade Offices, for the purpose of developing, maintaining, and expanding international markets for United States agricultural commodities. Changes the title of Agricultural Attaches to Agricultural Counselors, and requires each Counselor to submit to the Secretary an annual report detailing the social, political and economic factors affecting agriculture and agricultural trade in the country or area to which such Counselor is assigned. Establishes in the Department of Agriculture: (1) an Assistant Secretary for Commodity Programs, to perform duties related to agricultural stabilization and conservation; and (2) an Under Secretary for International Affairs to perform duties related to foreign agriculture. Amends the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act to direct the Secretary to provide Corporation financing to exporters of agricultural commodities who wish to extend deferred payment terms, not to exceed three years, to foreign buyers in order to meet foreign competition and to make additional export sales. Title II: Agricultural Credit - Subtitle A: Amendments to the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act - Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to provide loans to any farm owners or tenants for the purposes of meeting Federal, State, or local requirements for agricultural, animal, or poultry waste pollution abatement and control facilities. Establishes a low-income farm ownership loan program for owners or operators of small or family farms, and extends eligibility for real estate and operating loans to private domestic corporations and partnerships primarily engaged in farming or ranching. Extends eligibility for operating loans to farm cooperatives. Increases the maximum allowable total principal indebtedness for real estate loans which may be outstanding by any one borrower to $200,000, or $300,000 in the case of a guaranteed loan. Removes the $500,000 ceiling from the aggregate principal of loans made using the Agricultural Credit Insurance Fund. Increases the amount of indebtedness which may be outstanding for operating loans for an individual from $50,000 to $100,000, or in the case of a guaranteed loan, $200,000. Authorizes the Secretary to purchase the guaranteed portion of any rural development loan using funds from the Rural Development Insurance Fund and the guaranteed portion of all other loans with funds from the Agricultural Credit Insurance Fund. Replaces the current provision for an up to five-year renewal of an operating loan with a provision for the consolidation or rescheduling of outstanding loans for payment over a period not to exceed seven years from the date of such consolidation or rescheduling. Authorizes the Secretary to make loans and grants, and approve transfers and assumptions under such Act in connection with property securing a loan made, insured, or held by the Secretary notwithstanding the fact an area ceases to be eligible for assistance under the Act. Authorizes the Secretary to provide a procedure for appeal and review of determinations by a county committee that a loan applicant is able to obtain sufficient credit elsewhere to finance his actual needs at reasonable rates and terms. Increases from $15,000 to $25,000 the amount of claims that can be compromised without approval of the Administrator of the Farmers Home Administration. Authorizes the Secretary to grant a moratorium upon the payment by an individual of interest and principal on a loan, upon a showing of temporary inability to continue making payments, beyond the individual's control. Subtitle B: Emergency Agricultural Credit Adjustment Act - Directs the Secretary to insure, guarantee, or make direct loans for the purpose of making payment of principal and interest installments or refinancing, in whole or in part, equipment or operating loans, giving preference to owners or operators of small or family farms. Requires the Secretary to guarantee 100 percent of the principal and interest of any such loan. Limits the total principal balance outstanding on insured or guaranteed loans to $200,000. Allows the total outstanding principal indebtedness of any borrower to reach $150,000 without approval of the senior State official of the Farmers Home Administration. Limits the total principal amount of all outstanding loans under this title during 1978 to $1,500,000,000, and during 1979 to $3,000,000,000. Terminates such program on December 31, 1979. Subtitle C: Miscellaneous Provisions - Extends the Emergency Livestock Credit Act through September 30, 1979. Title III: Wheat, Feed Grains, and Cotton Price Supports, Set-Aside and Release Prices - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to provide for the 1978 and 1979 crops of the following commodities a sliding-scale of established prices, keyed to voluntary five percent increments above the required acreage set-aside level, ranging: (1) for wheat, from $3.00 per bushel for a 20 percent set-aside up to $5.00 per bushel for a 50 percent set-aside; (2) for corn, from $2.10 for a ten percent set-aside up to $3.49 for a 50 percent set-aside; and (3) for upland cotton, from 54 cents per pound for a 20 percent set-aside up to 85 cents per pound for a 50 percent set-aside. Sets the 1979 established price for a 50 percent set-aside of all three commodities at the January, 1979 parity price for the 1979 crops. Prohibits: (1) the Secretary from providing for the redemption of stored wheat and feed grains loans unless the market price for such commodities is not less than parity; (2) the calling of such loans until the market price for wheat and feed grains is at least 105 percent of parity; and (3) the Commodity Credit Corporation from selling its stocks of wheat and feed grains for less than the parity price of such commodities. Title IV: Sugar - Amends the Food and Agriculture Act of 1977 to increase the price support for the 1978 through 1980 crops of sugar beets and sugarcane to a minimum of 65 percent of parity, but not less than 17 cents per pound raw sugar equivalent. Title V: Meat Imports - Sets formulae for quotas on the importation of specified meat products as of January 1, 1979. Prohibits the annual importation of specified kinds of cattle in excess of the smaller of either: (1) the average number of such livestock imported during the period January 1, 1973, through December 31, 1977; or (2) 960,000 head. Title VI: National Farmer and Rancher Board - Establishes the National Farmer and Rancher Board, composed of bona fide farmers and ranchers from eight agricultural regions of the United States who shall be elected to such Board by agricultural producers according to specified procedures. Limits the duties of such Board to advising, consulting with, and making written recommendations to the President, the Secretary of Agriculture, and the Secretaries and Administrators of other specified departments and agencies on matters pertaining to the family farm and/or the production and marketing of agricultural commodities. Title VII: Congressional Review of Embargoes or Sale Suspensions - Amends the Food and Agriculture Act of 1977 to require notification of Congress of any embargo or suspension of a commercial export sale of specified commodities, and to permit Congress to halt such embargo by adoption of a resolution of disapproval within 60 days after notification. Title VIII: Government Purchases - Declares that it is the sense of Congress that all departments, agencies, and instrumentalities of all three branches of the United States Government use their resources and facilities to the maximum extent practicable to purchase agricultural products produced in the United States. Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1964 to exclude from food stamp coverage any food labeled imported. Title IX: Agricultural Tax Provisions - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an investment tax credit for buildings and structural components used in the business of farming. Grants an exemption from the excise tax for any trailer or semitrailer used for farming purposes or for transporting horses or livestock, whose gross vehicle weight is 10,000 pounds or less. Entitles aerial applicators to a refund of gasoline and special fuels taxes. Repeals the carryover basis provisions of the Tax Reform Act of 1976 which provide that beneficiaries receiving property from a decedent's estate will retain the decedent's basis in the property. Restores prior law which "stepped up" or "stepped down" the property's basis to its market value at the time of death without imposing tax consequences on the appreciation or depreciation the property underwent while held by the decedent. Allows a deduction from income for State estate taxes in the case of income in respect of a decedent. Title X: Natural Gas for Essential Agricultural Purposes - Directs the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to prohibit curtailment by a natural gas company of natural gas for essential agricultural, food processing, and food packaging purposes for which natural gas is necessary. Requires the Secretary to determine the purposes for which natural gas is necessary. Title XI: Increase Farm Storage Loan Ceiling - Amends the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act to increase the farm storage loan ceiling from $50,000 to $100,000. Title XII: Regulatory Reform - Authorizes either House of Congress by resolution to disapprove, in whole or in part, any rule or regulation prescribed by the head of any Federal department or agency. Requires the heads of all Federal departments and agencies to submit a comprehensive review and evaluation of their programs and activities so that the Congress may determine if the merits of each program or activity support its continuation or diminution rather than its termination.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1978
Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to furnish Federal financial assistance for construction projects to separate rail-highway crossings where the rail facilities have incurred a substantial increase in use as a result of coal transportation activities with the result of substantial delays in highway travel. Stipulates that the Federal share of such a project shall not exceed 90 percent of its cost. Authorizes appropriations out of the Highway Trust Fund for fiscal years 1979 through 1981 for such projects.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1978
Small Town Safe Drinking Water Assistance Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to make grants to small public water systems for the purpose of enabling such systems to meet national primary drinking water regulations.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1978
Flexible Parity Act - Title I: Wheat - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to provide for the 1978 crop of wheat a sliding-scale of established prices, keyed to voluntary five percent increments above the required acreage set-aside level, ranging from $3.00 per bushel for a 20 percent set-aside up to $5.04 per bushel for a 50 percent set-aside. Title II: Feed Grains - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to provide for the 1978 crop of feed grains a sliding-scale of established prices, keyed to voluntary five percent increments above the required acreage set-aside level, ranging from $2.10 for a ten percent set-aside up to $3.45 for a 50 percent set-aside. Title III: Upland Cotton - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to provide for the 1978 crop of upland cotton a sliding-scale of established prices, keyed to voluntary five percent increments above the required acreage set-aside level, ranging from 54 cents per pound for a 20 percent set-aside up to 84 cents per pound for a 50 percent set-aside. Title IV: Grain Release Prices - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949: (1) to prohibit the Secretary of Agriculture from providing for the redemption of stored wheat and feed grains loans unless the market price for such commodities is not less than parity; (2) to prohibit the Secretary from calling such loans until the market price for wheat and feed grains is at least 105 percent of parity; and (3) to prohibit the Commodity Credit Corporation from selling its stocks of wheat and feed grains for less than the parity price of such commodities.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1978
Agriculture Refinance Act - Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to permit insured loans of up to $1,000,000 to farm owners and operators for refinancing existing indebtedness incurred between January 1, 1973, and December 31, 1977. Allows a repayment period for refinancing loans of 40 years for real estate loans, 12 years for equipment loans, and five years for operating loans. Defers the first payment for the interest and principal of such loans for five years for real estate loans, for three years for equipment loans, and for two years for operating loans.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1978
Public Grazing Lands Improvement Act - Requires that an inventory of rangeland conditions and trends be taken in 11 contiguous western states and Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to manage and improve public rangelands so that they become as productive as feasible in accordance with the rangeland management objectives established through the land use planning process prescribed in the Federal Land Policy and Management Act. Provides for the funding of such improvements. Announces the formula to be used by the Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior in setting fees for domestic livestock grazing on public lands. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to issue ten year grazing leases or permits except when he has determined, on a case-by-case basis, that the establishment of a shorter term is in the interest of sound land management policy. Allows for private adoption of excess wild horses or burros when rangeland inventories indicate overpopulation of such animals in an area where a demand for private adoption exists. Permits the donation of adopted burros and horses to individuals who have provided humane conditions and care for such animals for a period of one year.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1978
Agricultural Trade Act - Title I: Establishment of United States Agricultural Trade Offices - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1954 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to establish abroad not less than six nor more than 25 United States Agricultural Trade Offices, for the purpose of developing, maintaining, and expanding international markets for United States agricultural commodities. Title II: Intermediate Commercial Credit - Amends the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act to require the Corporation to finance, under its export credit sales program, export sales of agricultural commodities out of its own private stocks on credit terms in excess of three years, but not more than ten years. Title III: Reorganization - Establishes in the Department of Agriculture: (1) an Assistant Secretary for Commodity Programs, to perform duties related to agricultural stabilization and conservation; and (2) an Under Secretary for International Affairs to perform duties related to foreign agriculture. Title IV: Agricultural Counselors - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1954 to change the title of Agricultural Attaches to Agricultural Counselors, and to require each Counselor to submit to the Secretary an annual report detailing the social, political and economic factors affecting agriculture and agricultural trade in the country or area to which such Counselor is assigned. Title V: General Provisions - Requires the Secretary to transmit to Congress annual reports on the activities and accomplishments of the Department, especially those of the United States Agricultural Trade Offices, in developing, maintaining, and expanding foreign markets for United States agricultural commodities.
United States · United States Congress · 15 December 1977
Declares that it is the policy of the Congress in the interest of public health to phase out Federal assistance which promotes the production of tobacco and the manufacturing and marketing of tobacco products for human consumption. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to study and report to the President and to the appropriate Congressional committees his findings and recommendations regarding the probable economic effects (particularly on family farmers) of the phasing out of specified Federal tobacco assistance programs.
United States · United States Congress · 15 December 1977
Petitions the President and the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) increase price supports to bring commodity prices up to parity; (2) provide diversion payments for devoting land to conservation practices; (3) implement the critical lands and graze-out programs; (4) prevent Government dumping of surplus grain and dairy products into already depressed markets; (5) re-implement fully the summer-fallow provisions of the Agriculture and Consumer Protection Act of 1973; and (6) maximize agricultural exports.
United States · United States Congress · 22 November 1977
Declares it the sense of Congress that the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare should not include in the National Guidelines for Health Planning any guidelines which would directly or indirectly cause the closing of any small, rural hospital which is the only hospital providing primary care services to a local community.
United States · United States Congress · 3 November 1977
Declares that it is the policy of the Congress in the interest of public health to phase out Federal assistance which promotes the production of tobacco and the manufacturing and marketing of tobacco products for human consumption. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to study and report to the President and to the appropriate Congressional committees his findings and recommendations regarding the probable economic effects (particularly on family farmers) of the phasing out of specified Federal tobacco assistance programs.
United States · United States Congress · 1 November 1977
Grants a Federal Charter to the Gold Star Wives of America. Stipulates that the purpose of such organization is to honor the memory of those who made the supreme sacrifice in the service of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 27 October 1977
Stipulates that the $5,000 increase in the official expenses allowance for Members of the House of Representatives shall not take effect until the House of Representatives adopts a resolution determining specific guidelines for what constitutes an official expense.
United States · United States Congress · 26 October 1977
Amends the Federal Land Policy and Management Act to prohibit the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior from increasing the grazing fee for the 1978 grazing year in order to allow Congress sufficient time to analyze the Secretaries' report and recommendations with respect to the value of grazing on public lands and the fee to be charged for domestic livestock grazing on such lands.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 1977
States that during the period following the enactment of this Act until December 31, 1978, neither the Secretary of the Interior nor the Attorney General shall withhold water delivery from any beneficiary of a Federal reclamation project for purposes of achieving conformity with acreage limitations or residency requirements of reclamation law.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 1977
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to construct hydroelectric powerplants at specified locations. Stipulates that the power generated by such facilities shall be delivered to the Secretary of Energy for distribution and marketing through existing Federal hydroelectric power marketing systems. Authorizes appropriations in specified amounts for the construction of each facility under this Act. Authorizes appropriations in such amounts as may be required by the Secretary of Energy to interconnect such facilities.
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 · 14 September 1977
Exempts disaster payments made in connection with the 1977 crops of wheat, feed grains, upland cotton, and rice from the payment limitations contained in the Agricultural Act of 1970 and the Agricultural Act of 1949.
United States · United States Congress · 7 September 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that income received from nonmember telephone companies shall not be used in determining whether mutual and cooperative telephone companies qualify as tax exempt organizations.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 1977
Declares that it is the sense of the Congress that the United States Postal Services should not reduce the frequency of mail delivery service for any user of the mails below the frequency of such service which was in effect for such user of June 1, 1977.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1977
Amends the National Trails System Act to include historic trails, in addition to recreation and scenic trails, within the National Trails System. Defines historic trails as those trails which follow as closely as possible and practicable the original trails or routes of travel of national historical significance. Designates the Oregon National Historic Trail and Travelway in the States of Oregon and Washington, as a unit of the National Trails System. Sets forth the criteria for the qualification of a trail as a National Historic Trail.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1977
Amends the National Trails System Act to include historic trails, in addition to recreation and scenic trails, within the National Trails System. Defines historic trails as those trails which follow as closely as possible and practicable the original trails or routes of travel of national historical significance. Designates the Oregon National Historic Trail and Travelway in the States of Oregon and Washington, as a unit of the National Trails System. Sets forth the criteria for the qualification of a trail as a National Historic Trail.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that income received from nonmember telephone companies shall not be used in determining whether mutual and cooperative telephone companies qualify as tax exempt organizations.
United States · United States Congress · 2 June 1977
Authorizes the President of the United States to designate the week beginning on the Sunday preceding the fourth Thursday in November of each year as "National Family Week".
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 1977
Social Security Reform Amendments - Repeals the earnings limitation under title II (Old Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act. Provides benefits under such title to husbands, widowers, and fathers on the same basis as wives, widows, and mothers who presently receive benefits. Eliminates the five- month waiting period for disability benefits. Continues the benefit entitlement under such title through the month of the beneficiary's death. Permits individuals 65 years of age or older to elect an exemption from Social Security coverage and payment of Social Security coverage and payment of Social Security taxes. Eliminates marriage or remarriage of a beneficiary as a factor in terminating or reducing the amount of benefits available. Authorizes direct payments to physicians and other providers at their option under the supplementary medical insurance program of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1977
Amends the National Trails System Act to include historic trails, in addition to recreation and scenic trails, within the National Trails System. Defines historic trails as those trails which follow as closely as possible and practicable the original trails or routes of travel of national historical significance. Designates the Oregon National Historic Trail and Travelway in the States of Oregon and Washington, as a unit of the National Trails System. Sets forth the criteria for the qualification of a trail as a National Historic Trail.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1977
Provides that the recipient of a veterans' pension or dependency and indemnity compensation will not have the amount of such pension or compensation reduced because of cost-of-living increases in social security benefits, railroad retirement annuities, or other retirement benefits.
![Official portrait of Rep. Johnson, James P. (Jim) [R-CO-4]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/j000148_200.jpg)