United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1977
Farm Production Protection Act - Repeals the Federal Crop Insurance Act. Establishes, within the Department of Agriculture, the Farm Production Corporation, with a capital stock of $300,000,000 subscribed by the United States of America. Empowers such Corporation to protect producers of agricultural products against loss of production cost due to unavoidable natural causes.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow to an individual a tax credit of 25 percent of the qualified solar energy equipment expenditures paid or incurred by the taxpayer during the taxable year to the extent that such expenditures do not exceed $8,000. Permits the Administrator of Energy Research and Development to make a loan to a qualified applicant for the installation of solar energy equipment in new residential buildings. Specifies formulas for determining the maximum amount and the interest rate of such a loan, and sets a term at not more than 15 years. Establishes in the Treasury of the United States a solar energy equipment installation loan fund to pay for expenses incurred in carrying out the obligations of the Administrator under the loan program. States that amounts received in repayment of such loans shall be deposited in the installation fund.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1977
Provides that the income tax treatment of certain transportation expenses between the taxpayer's residence and place of work shall be determined without regard to Revenue Ruling 76-453 or any other ruling, regulation or decision reaching the same result.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1977
Public Disclosure of Lobbying Act - Requires organizations which expend more than $1,250 per quarter year or which employ at least one or more individuals who spend a specified amount of time engaged in lobbying activities to register with the Comptroller General and to update such registration annually. Requires the identification of any persons retained for lobbying purposes and the source and amounts of income of such organization as a part of such registration. Requires such organization to file quarterly reports concerning such lobbying activities including: (1) listing of total lobbying expenditures including each expenditure over $35 made to or for the benefit of any Federal officer, congressional employee, or Member of Congress; (2) expenditures made for dinners or receptions; and (3) the issue for which lobbying was carried out identified by bill number or agency involved. Requires the Comptroller General to make copies of each registration and report required by this Act available for public inspection and copying. Requires the Comptroller General to render written advisory opinions upon request of any individual or organization with respect to the requirements of this Act. States that anyone who acts in good faith reliance upon such advisory opinion shall be presumed to be in compliance with this Act. Requires the Comptroller General to enforce this Act using informal methods of conference or conciliation or, if necessary, by referring apparent violations to the Attorney General. Sets forth civil and criminal sanctions for violation of this Act. Repeals the Federal Regulation of Lobbying Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1977
Safe Drinking Water Amendments - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize appropriations for fiscal years 1978 and 1979 to enable the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency: (1) to provide technical assistance, information, and training of personnel in order to improve the safety of public drinking water supplies; (2) to make grants to States to carry out public water system supervision programs; and (3) to make grants to States to carry out underground water source protection programs. Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to authorize appropriations for fiscal years 1978 and 1979 to enable the Administrator to conduct a survey of the quantity, quality, and availability of rural drinking water supplies. Specifies that none of the funds authorized under this Act are to be used for research under Title XIV (Safety of Public Water Systems) of the Public Health Service Act. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to submit a report to Congress analyzing the anticipated cost of compliance with interim and revised national primary drinking water regulations and methods of paying the costs of compliance. Requires the Administrator to submit to Congress a report on the availability of an adequate and dependable supply of safe drinking water to meet present and projected future need. Directs the Administrator to study the effects of specified chemicals and compounds on the safety of drinking water, and means of removing, treating, or otherwise controlling contamination from such substances. Allows the Administrator to extend the date for submission of an application by a State for approval of the State's underground injection control program. Extends through fiscal year 1979 the authority of the Administrator to assure the availability of chemicals needed for water treatment. Makes each Federal agency having jurisdiction over any federally maintained public water system or engaged in any activity which may result in underground injection endangering drinking water, subject to all Federal, State, and local requirements, administrative authorities, and process sanctions respecting safe drinking water. Adds to the definition of "person" for purposes of title XIV (Safety of Public Water Systems), Federal agencies, officers, employees, and agents of any corporation, company, association, State, municipality, or Federal agency. Specifies the rights of citizens, States, and local governments to commence a civil action against any person in violation of title XIV. Authorizes the Administrator to provide technical assistance and to make grants to States or publicly owned water systems to assist in alleviating emergency situations respecting drinking water which may be anticipated to endanger public health.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1977
Child Abuse Prevention Act - Prohibits the sexual exploitation of children by making it unlawful for any individual to (1) cause or permit a child to be photographed or filmed engaged in a sexual act prohibited under this Act; (2) photograph or film a prohibited sexual act; (3) knowingly transport any film or photograph depicting a prohibited sexual act; or (4) receive for sale or sell any such film or photograph, if such individual knows or should know such film or photograph has or may be transported in such a manner as to affect interstate or foreign commerce. Imposes a fine of up to $50,000 and/or imprisonment for up to 20 years for a violation of the sexual exploitation of children provisions of this Act. Imposes a fine of up to $25,000 and/or imprisonment for up to 15 years for a violation of the transportation of photographs and films of children engaged in sexual acts provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1977
Child Abuse Prevention Act - Prohibits the sexual exploitation of children by making it unlawful for any individual to (1) cause or permit a child to be photographed or filmed engaged in a sexual act prohibited under this Act; (2) photograph or film a prohibited sexual act; (3) knowingly transport any film or photograph depicting a prohibited sexual act; or (4) receive for sale or sell any such film or photograph, if such individual knows or should know such film or photograph has or may be transported in such a manner as to affect interstate or foreign commerce. Imposes a fine of up to $50,000 and/or imprisonment for up to 20 years for violation of the sexual exploitation of children provisions of this Act. Imposes a fine of up to $25,000 and/or imprisonment for up to 15 years for a violation of the transportation of photographs and films of children engaged in sexual acts provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1977
Amends the Postal Reorganization Act Amendments of 1976 to extend to June 15, 1977, the period during which the Postal Service is prohibited from: (1) increasing rates and fees to levels exceeding those in effect on the date of enactment of the Act; (2) offering levels and types of services which are less than those available on July 1, 1976; and (3) closing certain postal facilities which were in operation on July 1, 1976.
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 1977
Allows, as a credit against the income tax, 25 percent of the expenditures paid for the installation of solar heating or cooling equipment in any building owned by the taxpayer and used as his residence. Limits the expenditures claimed by any taxpayer, for any building, to $8,000. Prorates the allowable credit among joint owners and tenant stockholders. Prohibits any increase in the structure's basis to the extent that this credit is claimed. Defines "solar heating and cooling equipment" as equipment meeting the criteria of the Solar Heating and Cooling Demonstration Act, with a useful life of at least three years, and which is originally used by the taxpayer. Allows, as a credit against the income tax, 30 percent of the expenditures paid for insulating the taxpayer's residence. Limits the expenditures claimed during this period to $750 for any individual or building. Prorates the allowable credit among joint owners and tenant stockholders. Prohibits any increase in the basis of such residence to the extent that this credit is taken. Allows an investment tax credit for expenditures paid or incurred for insulation and solar energy equipment installed in structures used for a trade or business or held for the production of income. Extends this investment credit to structures used as lodging facilities. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to draft additional criteria defining solar energy equipment for the purposes of the investment tax credit. Allows the amortization, over 60 months, of depreciable shale oil conversion, solar geothermal, and waste energy equipment.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 1977
National Food Stamp Reform Act - Extends the Food Stamp Act of 1964 through fiscal year 1982. Excludes from the definition of "food" which may be purchased with food stamps alcoholic beverages, tobacco, ice cubes, artificial food colorings, powdered and liquid cocktail mixes, carbonated beverages, cooking wines, and chewing gum; and any other food, class of food, food product or condiment which the Secretary of Agriculture, in consultation with the President of the National Academy of Sciences - National Research Council (Food and Nutrition Board), determines to have a negligible or low nutritional value or to be an insignificant enhancement of palatability. Includes residents of federally subsidized housing for the elderly in the definition of "household". Redefines "elderly person" as someone 65 years or older (currently, 60 years of age). Defines "nutritionally adequate diet" as a diet sufficient to feed a family of four persons, consisting of a man and a woman between 20 and 54 years of age, one child between ages nine and eleven and one child between six and eight, and which meets additional specified conditions. Directs the Secretary to establish uniform national standards of eligibility for participation by households in the food stamp program. Requires the income standards of eligibility in every State to be the nonfarm income poverty guidelines prescribed by the Office of Management and Budget, adjusted annually; but limits the standards for Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Guam to those of the 50 States. Sets a 90-day accounting period for certification or recertification of food stamp applicants. Limits the maximum allowable financial resources (liquid and nonliquid assets) of a household to $1,500, except that, for households or two or more persons with one or more members 65 years or older, such resources are limited to $2,250. Specifies holdings excluded from the determination of such resources. Requires household income for purposes of the food stamp program to be the gross income of the household less: (1) a deduction of $25 a month for any household in which there is at least one elderly person; and (2) an additional deduction equal to 15 percent of all earned income to compensate for taxes, mandatory deductions, and work expenses. Includes in gross income: (1) all monetary payments to or on behalf of any household member except payments made for medical costs; (2) all income tax refunds and Federal income tax credits; (3) the value of all in-kind items; and (4) the value of all benefits received under any publicly or privately funded assistance program. Excludes from gross income: (1) payments for medical costs made on behalf of the household; (2) compensation for services performed by a student residing with the household who is not yet 18; (3) Uniform Relocation Assistance payments; (4) infrequent or irregular quarterly income; (5) all loans except deferred repayment education loans; and (6) the cost of producing self-employed income. Authorizes the Secretary to establish temporary emergency eligibility standards for households which are victims of a disaster. States that no household shall be eligible for participation in the Food Stamp program which includes an able- bodied adult between the ages of 18 and 65 who: (1) incurs a reduction of income as a result of voluntarily reducing his or her number of hours of employment without good cause; (2) fails to register for employment at a State or Federal employment office; (3) has refused to accept employment or public work within 30 miles of the person's principal residence; (4) fails to actively seek employment; or (5) is enrolled in an institution of post-secondary education as a substitute for full-time employment. Excludes from this class of ineligible individuals mothers with dependent children, primary or secondary school students, post-secondary level students or trainees' employed part-time, enrollees in a drug addiction or alcoholic treatment program, and persons working at least 30 hours per week. States that refusal to work at a plant site because of a strike or other labor dispute shall be deemed to be a refusal to accept employment. Declares that no person shall be eligible who is not a citizen or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence. States that no minor shall be considered a household member if such minor resides in a household in which no other member has a legal duty to support him unless: (1) the individual who had such a duty is financially unable to perform it; or (2) no individual with such duty exists. Requires each household receiving food stamps to report its income at least once each month. Declares that no household that knowingly transfers liquid or nonliquid assets for the purpose of qualifying or attempting to qualify for the food stamp program shall be eligible to participate in the program for a minimum of 90 days. States that no person who receives supplementary security income benefits under title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) of the Social Security Act. State supplementary payments under such title, or payments under specified provisions of title II (Old Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of such Act, shall be considered a member of a household for any month, if for such month, such individual resides in a State in which the Supplemental Security Income benefit has been increased specifically to include the bonus value of food coupon allotments. Requires food coupons to be designed with spaces for the user to sign upon receipt and redemption. Requires coupon users to present suitable identification; including signature and photograph, when redeeming coupons at approved food stores. States that the value of the food coupon allotment to which eligible households will be entitled shall be an amount sufficient to allow a household to purchase a nutritionally adequate diet. Requires the semi-annual adjustment of the value of an allotment based on changes in the cost of food. Establishes as the charge a household shall pay for its coupon allotment the lesser of: (1) the percentage of its income which would be expended for food by an average household of its size and income range in the same region of the country; or (2) 30 percent. Provides, under the requirements for State plans for the administration of the food stamp program, for closer State supervision of eligibility by households. Requires the State agencies administering the program to conduct nutrition education programs for recipients. Directs each State agency to establish an earnings clearance system for the purpose of checking the actual income and assets of a household against those reported by the household. Provides that if a State agency does not comply with the provisions of the Food Stamp Act, the Secretary may refer the matter to the Attorney General with a request for an injunction, or he may direct that there be no further issuance of coupons in the political subdivisions where such failure has occurred until such time as satisfactory corrective action has been taken. Establishes a national system for providing information to State agencies in order to assist them in preventing households from receiving food stamps in more than one State or in more than one political subdivision within a State. Sets a civil penalty not in excess of $10,000 for each violation of the Food Stamp Act of 1964 or regulations issued pursuant to it by specified persons, including State agencies. Directs the Secretary to pay to each State agency out of funds appropriated by Congress an amount equal to 75 percent of all direct costs of State food stamp program investigations, prosecutions, and State activities related to recovering losses sustained in the food stamp program. Specifies information to included in the Secretary's annual report in addition to information already given.
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 1977
Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to make real estate and operating loans available to private domestic corporations and partnerships controlled by farmers and ranchers engaged primarily in farming or ranching who, individually or as to their principal stockholders and partners, are United States citizens. Excepts ability to obtain credit for guaranteed loans from the eligibility requirement that applicants for real estate or operating loans must be unable to obtain sufficient credit elsewhere to finance their actual needs at reasonable rates and terms. 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. States that special consideration for: (1) water and waste facilities loans may be given rural areas having a population of more than 5,500; and (2) soil and water conservation, pollution control and private business enterprise loans may be given to rural areas having a population of more than 25,000. Revises the maximum interest rate on real estate loans other than guaranteed loans under such Act from five percent to a rate determined by the Secretary not to exceed the current average market yield on outstanding marketable obligations of the United States. 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 under such Act for an individual from $50,000 to $100,000 or in the case of a guaranteed loan, $200,000. States that the interest rates on such loans which are guaranteed shall be the rate agreed upon by the borrower and lender. 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. 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 such Act. Authorizes the Secretary to provide a procedure for appeal and review of determinations by a county committee that a loan applicant is not unable to obtain sufficient credit elsewhere to finance his actual needs at reasonable rates and terms. Provides for congressional authorization of program levels under such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1977
Energy Conservation Tax Incentives Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow limited, nonrefundable income tax credits for individuals who: (1) install qualified insulation in their residences; (2) install qualified solar heating and cooling equipment in dwelling units used by them, or leased to others as residences; (3) replace the heating system in any dwelling with a reversible, compressible refrigerant system (i.e., a heat pump system); or (4) purchase personal or family electric highway vehicles between 1976 and 1982.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1977
Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize appropriations for fiscal years 1978 and 1979 to enable the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency: (1) to provide technical assistance, information, and training of personnel in order to improve the safety of public drinking water supplies; (2) to make grants to States to carry out public water system supervision programs; and (3) to make grants to States to carry out underground water source protection programs. Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to authorize appropriations for fiscal years 1978 and 1979 to enable the Administrator to conduct a survey of the quantity, quality, and availability of rural drinking water supplies. Specifies that none of the funds authorized under this Act are to be used for research under Title XIV (Safety of Public Water Systems) of the Public Health Service Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1977
Safe Drinking Water Amendments - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize appropriations to extend through fiscal year 1979, for Federal aid to State public water system supervision programs. Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to extend appropriations for the rural water survey through fiscal year 1979. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to submit a report to Congress analyzing the anticipated cost of compliance with interim and revised national primary drinking water regulations and methods of paying the costs of compliance. Requires the Administrator to submit to Congress a report on the availability of an adequate and dependable supply of safe drinking water. Directs the Administrator to provide training for personnel of State and local agencies which have primary enforcement responsibility of public water systems. Allows the Administrator, under specified conditions, to make a grant to a State that has not assumed primary enforcement responsibility for public water systems within the State. Allows the Administrator to extend the date for submission of an application by a State for approval of the State's underground injection control program. Extends through fiscal year 1979 the authority of the Administrator to assure the availability of chemicals needed for water treatment. Makes each Federal agency having jurisdiction over any federally maintained public water system or engaged in any activity which may result in underground injection endangering drinking water, subject to all Federal, State, and local requirements, administrative authorities, and process sanctions respecting safe drinking water. Adds to the definition of "person" for purposes of title XIV (Safety of Public Water Systems), Federal agencies, officers, employees, and agents of any corporation, company, association, State, municipality, or Federal agency. Specifies the rights of citizens, States, and local governments to commence a civil action against any person in violation of title XIV. Directs the Administrator to prepare and make reasonably available to the public, an economic assessment statement before publication of notice of proposed rulemaking respecting the safety of public water systems.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the carryover basis provisions enacted by the Tax Reform Act 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.
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 1977
Amends the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 to prohibit any cost-of-living adjustments to the salaries of Senators and Representatives which take effect before October 1, 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 1977
National Agricultural Land Policy Act -- Title I: Objectives -- Declares the policy of the Federal Government, in cooperation with State and local governments, to use all practicable methods to retain, protect and improve agricultural land, 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 organizations 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 being converted to nonagricultural uses. Requires all such projects to be completed within five years after enactment of this Act. Directs the Secretary to report his findings, conclusions and recommendations to the President and to Congress. Title IV: Funding -- Authorizes for Title II programs the appropriation of $15,000,000. Authorizes for Title III programs the appropriation of $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1978 through 1982.
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 1977
Creates a House select committee which shall conduct an investigation of all records, memorandums, papers, documents, books, and other information of any standing or select committee of the House or officer of the House respecting expenses incurred by or on behalf of any such committee or its members or employees.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 1977
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide payment for optometric and medical vision care under the supplementary medical insurance program.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1977
Amends the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973 to direct the Consolidated Rail Corporation (Con Rail) to make premium payments in order to maintain insurance policies providing medical or life insurance benefits to employees and retirees under such Act. Entitles the corporation to a loan under such Act to make such payments. Deems such costs to be expenses of the administration of the respective estates of the railroads in reorganization.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1977
Rural Water Program Assessment Act - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct a study to develop information on Federal, State, regional, and local programs with respect to water resources which have an impact on life in rural areas. Directs the Secretary to identify areas with shortages or deficiencies in water supply and to describe methods to alleviate such shortages or deficiencies. Directs the Secretary to report the results of such study to the House Committee on Agriculture and the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry. Authorizes the appropriation of $25,000 for the study.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1977
Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish by regulation a uniform functional accounting system and statistical system for the purpose of calculating the reasonable cost of services provided by health services institutions. Amends Titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require providers of services to use such uniform accounting and statistical systems in determining the cost of services provided under the provisions of such Titles.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1977
Amends the Occupational Safety and Health Act to exclude from coverage (1) employers with ten or fewer employees; and (2) employees not employed on a regular basis for 30 or more consecutive days. Requires that a warning rather than a citation be given for a first instance violation, other than a willful or serious violation, to an employer who has not employed more than 25 employees at any time during the 30 days prior to an inspection or investigation. Prohibits the imposition of a civil penalty against an employer for a nonserious violation if (1) such employer has not previously received a citation for the same violation; and (2) the inspection upon which such citation was based resulted in the issuance of citations for ten or or fewer violations of a nonserious nature.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1977
Amends the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 to permit a person that may be liable for an industrial accident involving bodily injury to sue an employer for contribution, indemnification, or other relief if such employer's failure to comply with any Federal, State, or common law requirement relating to industrial safety caused or contributed to such injury. Stipulates that worker's compensation laws or similar State statutes shall not act as a bar to such a suit. Permits the defendant in a subrogation suit brought by an employer under workers' compensation laws or similar State statutes to raise as a defense the employer's contributory fault if such fault involves failure to comply with any Federal, State or common law requirements concerning industrial safety.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1977
Food Additive Safety Amendments - States that a food additive shall be deemed safe if the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare (1) makes a finding, based on recommendations of an advisory committee, that the public benefit from permitting the use of such additive would exceed the public risk which might result from such use; (2) gives notice in the Federal Register of such a finding and invites public comment thereon; and (3) issues a final order not earlier than 120 days of such publication in the Federal Register of such findings. Specifies factors the Secretary must take into consideration when evaluating a food additive. Deems saccharin a safe food additive unless the Secretary declares it unsafe under the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1977
Creates a Select House Committee on Population to conduct an investigation and study of: (1) the major adverse effects of current population growth throughout the world; (2) approaches which have been shown to be effective in coping with excessive population growth; and (3) means to encourage countries with excessive population growth rates to adopt methods proven to be successful in reducing population growth rates.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1977
Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to pay a specified sum to a certain corporation in full settlement of such corporation's claims against the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1977
Biomedical Research Extension Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to extend through fiscal year 1978 the assistance programs for: medical libraries; cancer control programs; the National Cancer Institute; heart, blood vessel, lung, and blood disease prevention and treatment programs; the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute; and the National Research Service awards. Allows an increase in payments made under this Act to national cancer research and demonstration and national heart research centers and demonstration centers in any fiscal year in which there is an increase in the cost of such centers as reflected in the Consumer Price Index. Appoints the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Advisory Council and removes the Director of the National Science Foundation from such Council. Reduces from five to three the number of years that a national research and demonstration center for heart, blood vessel, lung and blood diseases may receive support and extensions of support under the Public Health Service Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1977
Health Services Extension Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 1978 for grants to: (1) States for comprehensive public health services; (2) hypertension programs; (3) planning, development and operation of migrant health centers; (4) planning, development and operation of community health centers; (5) training and research of family planning projects; (6) infant sudden death syndrome programs; (7) hemophilia programs; and (8) blood separation centers. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to take into account unusual local conditions which are a barrier to access to personal health services when defining a medically underserved population. Authorizes the Administrator of the National Credit Union Administration to make insured loans to eligible students. Changes the definition of eligible institution for the purpose of student assistant programs to mean a school of medicine, osteopathy, dentistry, optometry, pharmacy, podiatry, veterinary medicine, or public health within the United States that received a grant, or that the Secretary determines met the requirements for a grant for the preceding fiscal year. Extends to all educational loans obtained by an individual for costs at a school of medicine, osteopathy, dentistry, veterinary medicine, optometry, pharmacy, or podiatry the program of loan forgiveness by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare under specific employment agreements. Includes tuition and fees in traineeship awards made to students in schools of public health. Requires a school of medicine to reserve positions in the school year for students transferring from foreign schools of medicine. Directs the Secretary to identify those students who were enrolled either in foreign medical schools or in schools in the United States which prepare a student for entrance into the third year of medical school in the United States, and who passed part I of the National Board of Medical Examiners' examination. Directs the Secretary to apportion positions among schools of medicine in the United States to accommodate such students. Requires each area health center to provide a medical residency training program in general internal medicine, family medicine, or general pediatrics. Directs that grants for training in emergency medicine include the cost of graduate medical education traineeships for individuals who intend to specialize in the practice of emergency medicine. Directs that grants be made and contracts entered into for the improvement of programs of recruitment, training, and retraining of allied health personnel. Includes all public or nonprofit private entities capable of carrying out allied health special projects in the definition of entities eligible for grants for such projects. Establishes an Indian Health Scholarship Program under the national Health Service Corps Scholarship program. Directs the Secretary to make computations for certain nursing school programs based on the school year during which grants were applied. Amends the Community Mental Health Centers Act to extend through fiscal year 1978 appropriations for: (1) planning and operation of community health centers; and (2) the National Center for Prevention and control of Rape. Increases from two to three the number of grants that a community mental health center is authorized to receive under sections of law in effect prior to the 1975 amendments to this Act without meeting the new requirements of this Act. Amends the Social Security Act to authorize appropriations for maternal and child health and crippled children's services for fiscal year 1978, and for each fiscal year thereafter. Amends the Social Security Amendments of 1972 to extend, through fiscal year 1980, the authority of the Secretary to pay States under the Medicaid program for the compensation or training of inspectors of long term care facilities. Authorizes appropriations for home health services and home health services training under the Social Security Act for fiscal year 1978. Amends the Comprehensive Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Prevention, Treatment, and Rehabilitation Act of 1970 to authorize State plans required to be submitted under that Act to contain provisions relating to drug abuse or mental health. Amends the Drug Abuse Office and Treatment Act of 1972 to require that the Director of the Office of Drug Abuse Policy not be an employee of any department or agency of the United States engaged in any drug traffic prevention function. Amends the Health Professions Educational Assistance Act of 1976 to permit individuals who received scholarships under the Public Health and National Health Service Corps Scholarship Program before September 30,1977, to use periods of residency or internship served in a facility of the Public Health Service to satisfy obligations incurred under that Program.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1977
Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize appropriations through fiscal year 1978 for: health systems agencies; State health planning and development agencies; centers for health planning; construction of State medical facilities; area health services development; health services, research, evaluation, and demonstration activities supported by such Act; and the National Center for Health Statistics. Amends the Social Security Act to prohibit reimbursement to a State for Medicaid expenditures unless services were provided by an entity which: (1) is a health maintenance organization; and (2) less than one-half of the membership consists of individuals who are recipients of Medicaid or Medicare. Extends to September 30, 1977, the authorizations of appropriations for grants to health maintenance organizations. Authorizes assistance to public entities desiring to be designated as health systems agencies. Includes as gross income, for purposes of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, any interest paid on a loan to a State for medical facilities after such facilities are sold by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1977
Raises the amount of capital stock of the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation authorized by the Federal Crop Insurance Act from $100,000,000 to $400,000,000. Increases the maximum compensation of members of the FCIC Advisory Committee and of members of the Board of Directors who are not otherwise employed by the Government to no greater than the daily rate for GS-18. Eliminates county crop insurance committees and associations of producers from the administration of the insurance program. Makes insurance available to producers of rice as well as of wheat, cotton, grain sorghum, corn, and barley wherever they are grown commercially. Provides for a three-year period during which the Corporation must accept all eligible producers who want insurance; after which it may limit or refuse insurance under adverse circumstances to producers who have not availed themselves of the opportunity to enter the program. Authorizes insurance against prevented planting losses caused by floods. Provides for a 25 percent Federal subsidy of each participant's premium. Removes the $12,000,000 limitation on funds that may be made available by direct appropriation and creates within the United States Treasury a separate revolving fund available, without fiscal year limitation, for administrative and operating expenses of the Corporation and for other purposes. Grants the Corporation discretionary borrowing authority. Authorizes the Government to reimburse the Corporation for the depletion of premium reserves paid in by farmers caused by administrative and operating expenses.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1977
Requires that whoever uses or carries a firearm during the commission of a Federal felony, or whoever is convicted by a State court of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year and used or carried a firearm transported in, or affecting, interstate or foreign commerce during the commission of such crime shall, in addition to the punishment provided for the commission of such crime, be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of not less than five nor more than ten years. Requires in the case of a second or subsequent conviction the imposition of a term of imprisonment of not less than ten years, or to life imprisonment. Stipulates that the execution or imposition of any term of imprisonment under this Act (1) may not be suspended, (2) may not run concurrently; and (3) may not include probation.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1977
Encourages the Federal Communications Commission to insure that the quality and quantity of over-the-air broadcasting service which is now available to the public is not impaired by the operation of pay television. Expresses the sense of Congress that the development of pay television should be regulated in a manner consistent with the maintenance of free broadcasting.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1977
Recombinant DNA Research Act - Amends Title IV (National Research Institutes), of the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to regulate research with regard to recombinant DNA. Requires the Secretary, within 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, to promulgate regulations to implement the license requirements of this Act. Stipulates that such regulations shall: (1) prescribe physical and biological containment requirements for recombinant DNA research projects; (2) prescribe requirements respecting laboratory safety techniques to be followed by personnel involved in recombinant DNA research projects; (3) prescribe requirements respecting the establishment and operation of institutional review committees for recombinant DNA research; and (4) prescribe requirements respecting reports to be made by persons engaged in recombinant DNA projects. Prohibits anyone from engaging in a recombinant DNA research project 180 days after enactment of this Act unless such person holds a license to engage in such research or is under the direct supervisions of a person holding such a license. Prescribes the terms and conditions that an application for such a license and the license issued by the Secretary shall contain. States that such license shall be valid for up to 24 months and may be reviewed. Directs the Secretary to publish in the Federal Register a detailed description of the research project for which the license was issued or renewed. Directs the Secretary to designate not more than ten centers for the conduct of research projects involving recombinant DNA which require the highest level of physical containment measures. Requires the Secretary to prescribe the information that an application for designation as a research center shall contain. Allows the Secretary to make grants to designated nonprofit private centers to enable such centers to meet the cost of complying with requirements for designation as a maximum containment research center. Authorizes agents designated by the Secretary to inspect any laboratory in a State in which recombinant DNA research is being conducted. Stipulates that such agents are not required to obtain a search warrant from any judicial officer prior to the inspection. Directs the inspector prior to leasing the premises to give the individual in charge of the laboratory a preliminary report indicating any violations of the licensing requirements. Requires the inspector to send a final written report to the agent in charge of the laboratory within 30 days of the completion of the inspection. Authorizes the Secretary, after reasonable notice and opportunity for a hearing, to revoke the license of a person who has violated the terms and conditions of such license or has failed or refused to permit an authorized inspection. Makes any person violating such licensing requirements liable to the United States for a civil penalty in an amount not to exceed $1,000 for each violation. Allows a person who is aggrieved by an order of the Secretary assessing a civil penalty, to file a petition for judicial review with the circuit court in which such person resides or transacts business. Prohibits, with specified exceptions, any State or political subdivision thereof from establishing or continuing any requirement with respect to recombinant DNA research projects which is different from requirements established by the Secretary. Establishes the Recombinant DNA Research Advisory Committee to make recommendations to the Secretary related to the effective administration of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1977
Amends rule XVI of the Rules of the House of Representatives to apply the ten minutes of debate rules to a motion to recommit with instructions on the adoption of a simple resolution or conference report after the previous question has been ordered.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1977
Regulatory Reform Act - Requires the President to submit to Congress a plan recommending reforms with respect to the regulation of: (1) energy, the environment, housing, and occupational health and safety by specified Federal agencies by April 30, 1979; (2) transportation and communications by specified Federal agencies by April 30, 1981; (3) banking and finance, international trade, and Government procurement by specified Federal agencies by April 30, 1983; and (4) food, consumer health and safety, economic trade practices, and labor- management concerns by specified Federal agencies by April 30, 1985. States that each such plan shall include recommendations for reform of such specified agencies and shall report on the cumulative impact of all Government regulatory activity reviewed, up to that date, on specific industry groupings. States that if the President fails to submit such plans by the specified dates, the Senate and House Committees on Government Operations shall draft their own plans to be submitted to Congress for action. Requires the Comptroller General and the Congressional Budget Office to, contemporaneously with the development of the President's plan, submit a report assessing the purpose, effects, efficiency, and cost effectiveness of each agency included in the plans submitted by the President. States that if no comprehensive regulatory reform legislation is enacted by August 1 of the year following the year in which a comprehensive plan has been submitted by the President, then all agencies affected thereby shall have no authority to issue any new rules not essential for preserving the public health and safety; if such reform is not enacted by October 1 of such year, such agency shall have no authority to enforce any rule not essential for preserving the public health and safety; if no such reform is enacted by December 31 of such year, such agency shall be terminated on such date. States that all rules of such terminated agency essential for preserving the public health and safety shall remain effective and shall be enforced by the Department of Justice. Requires the President to submit subsequent plans in the manner and in the order and frequency set forth by this Act every ten years.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a limited tax credit in an amount of $250 for each individual who is at least 65 years of age before the beginning of the taxable year, whose principal place of abode during the taxable year is the principal residence of the taxpayer, and who is not a lodger with the taxpayer.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a refundable income tax credit for 50 percent of the wages paid new employees during the taxable years for work done in the United States. Limits the credit taken to $80,000. Limits the number of employees for whom credit may be taken to ten new employees, or the maximum number of employees paid by the taxpayer during the calendar quarter ending the previous June 30th, whichever number is less. Directs the Secretary to submit reports to Congress, in 1978 and 1980 assessing the impact of this credit.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1977
Requires that any plan for reorganization of the Executive Branch submitted by the President to Congress specify the improvements in management, delivery of Federal services, and increases in efficiency in Government operations which are expected to result from such reorganization. Permits the President to amend any such plan at any time during the 30-day period during which such plan is in committee without affecting the time limits otherwise applicable to congressional consideration of such plan. Permits any such plan to deal with more than one logically consistent subject matter and permits submission of such plans under present law until four years after the enactment of this Act. (Amends 5 U.S.C. 903; 905)
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1977
Investment Tax Credit Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an additional investment tax credit for machinery and equipment placed in service on existing manufacturing plants or in nearby areas.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1977
Redesignates the Boundary Waters Canoe Area in Superior National Forest, Minnesota, as the Boundary Waters Wilderness Area. Specifies restrictions relating to timber harvesting, mining, and use of recreational vehicles within such area. Increases to one and one-quarter percent of the fair appraised value the amount payable to the State of Minnesota with respect to lands within the Superior National Forest.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1977
Calls for the consideration of the relationship between the violence depicted on television and violence in society by those persons responsible for television programming and broadcasting in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 1977
Stipulates that sales of natural gas by small, independent producers shall be exempt from regulation by the Federal Power Commission. Requires that prices of such sales be at a level which adequately compensates the seller for current costs, including an adequate return on investment. Defines the term "small producer" to include independent producers (1) not affiliated with natural gas pipeline companies or larger producers; (2) whose total sales do not exceed 10 million Mcf per year, and (3) whose average production per well does not exceed 100 Mcf per day on an annual basis.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 1977
Health Services Extension Act - Amends the public Health Service Act to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 1978 for grants: (1) to States for comprehensive public health services; (2) for hypertension programs; (3) for planning, development and operation of migrant health centers; (4) for planning, development and operation of community health centers; (5) for training and research of family planning projects; (6) for infant sudden death syndrome programs; (7) for hemophilia programs; and (8) for blood separation centers. Amends the Community Mental Health Centers Act to extend through fiscal year 1978 appropriations for: (1) planning and operation of community health centers; and (2) the National Center for Prevention and Control of Rape. Amends the Social Security Act to authorize appropriations for maternal and child health and crippled children's services for fiscal year 1978, and for each fiscal year thereafter. Authorizes appropriations for home health services and home health services training under the Social Security Act for fiscal year 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 1977
Biomedical Research Extension Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to extend through fiscal year 1978 the assistance programs for: cancer control programs; the National Cancer Institute; heart, blood vessel, lung, and blood disease prevention and treatment programs; the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute; and the National Research Service awards.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 1977
Health Planning, Health Services Research, Statistics, and Medical Libraries Extension Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize appropriations through fiscal year 1978 for health systems agencies, State health planning and development agencies, centers for health planning, construction of State medical facilities, area health services development, health services, the National Center for Health Statistics, and medical libraries.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1977
Requires that whoever uses or carries a firearm during the commission of a Federal felony, or whoever is convicted by a State court of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year and used or carried a firearm transported in, or affecting, interstate or foreign commerce during the commission of such crime shall, in addition to the punishment provided for the commission of such crime, be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of not less than five nor more than ten years. Requires in the case of a second or subsequent conviction the imposition of a term of imprisonment of not less than ten years, or to life imprisonment. Stipulates that the execution or imposition of any term of imprisonment under this Act (1) may not be suspended, (2) may not run concurrently; and (3) may not include probation.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1977
Energy-Related Unemployment Compensation Act - Directs the Secretary of Labor to reimburse States for unemployment compensation paid to a member of a group of employees certified by the Secretary as having a significant number or proportion of members totally or partially unemployed, or threatened with such unemployment, primarily due to the inability of an employer to obtain an adequate supply of natural gas. Sets forth certification procedures and procedures and standards for review of determinations relative to State certification petitions.