United States · United States Congress · 4 October 1977
Declares it the sense of the House of Representatives that the President should request South Africa to permit an impartial or international organization to investigate the death of Steve Biko and the circumstances and conditions of all South Africans currently held under the Terrorism Act and Internal Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 October 1977
Amends the Public Health Service Act to prohibit a school of medicine from recovering a capitation grant in fiscal years 1978 and 1979 unless its grant application contains or is supported by assurances satisfactory to the Secretary of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare that the school will increase by six percent over the number of students currently enrolled in specified classes its enrollment of full time, third-year students in school years 1978-1979 and 1979-1980. Excludes from the determination of the number of full-time, third-year students enrolled in a school those full time, third-year students who were not second-year students in such school and who: (1) are not citizens of the United States; (2) were previously enrolled in a school of medicine which is in a State and which is not accredited by the appropriate bodies; (3) were first enrolled after October 12, 1976, in a school of medicine not in a State; (4) were previously enrolled in a school of medicine to which the requirements of this Act apply; or (5) were previously enrolled in a school of dentistry or a school of osteopathy. Sets forth the reasons for which the Secretary may waive the requirement of increased enrollment established by this Act. Stipulates that a school of medicine which did not comply with such increase requirements shall not be eligible to receive a capitation grant in fiscal year 1980. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to public or nonprofit institutions which provide graduate or specialized training in public health. Allows such funds to be granted to individuals with work experience in health services who are studying preventive medicine or dentistry. Increases the amounts authorized to be appropriated for grants for public health studies from $8,000,000 to $9,000,000 for fiscal year 1979, and from $9,000,000 to $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1980. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study and report to specified committees of the House and the Senate on the quality of training provided by foreign medical schools, the need of this country for personnel trained in such schools, and the effectiveness of licensing conditions in this country in assuring that the health care provided by graduates of such schools is of high quality. Authorizes the Secretary to insure loans for students who have been accepted for enrollment at an eligible institution of health care education. Authorizes the insurance of loans made to individuals who have previously had a Federally insured student loan and who agree to expend such funds solely for the repayment of interest due on such loans. Stipulates that interest payments on such loans may be deferred. Raises the annual interest rate on the unpaid principal balance of such a loan to 12 percent. Authorizes the disbursing agent of Saint Elizabeths Hospital, Washington, D.C., subject to approved by the Secretary of the Treasury, to invest in public debt securities any funds in the hospital's account which are not currently needed.
United States · United States Congress · 3 October 1977
Provides that an unremarried former spouse of a Federal employee who was married to such employee for five years or more shall be entitled to a portion of such employee's annuity and to a portion of the annuity of any surviving spouse of such employee.
United States · United States Congress · 3 October 1977
Family Violence Prevention and Treatment Act - Title I: General Provisions - Sets forth the findings of Congress and declares the purposes of this Act. Defines terms used in this Act. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the provisions of this Act in fiscal year 1978 and 1979. Title II: Coordinating Council on Family Violence - Establishes within the executive branch an independent organization known as the Coordinating Council on Family Violence (Council). Specifies the membership of the Council. States that the functions of the Council shall be: (1) to identify, assess, and coordinate all Federal programs related to problems of family violence in order to eliminate duplication of effort, inefficient use of resources, and lack of strategic objectives and priorities; and (2) to stimulate new programs within member agencies of the Council where necessary to fill gaps in services, funding, research, or demonstration programs. Directs the Council to make recommendations to the President and the Congress at least annually with respect to the coordination of overall policy and development of objectives and priorities. Title III: National Center for Community Action Against Family Violence - Directs the Director of ACTION to establish a National Center for Community Action Against Family Violence. States that the purpose of the Center shall be to provide information and technical assistance to local community groups which need assistance with organizing or operating existing or proposed programs dealing with family violence. Describes the functions of the Center including: (1) the development and maintenance of an information clearinghouse for services available for the treatment and prevention of family violence; (2) the establishment of a toll-free telephone number for the provision of information and counseling; (3) the development of a volunteer force to provide service through community centers dealing with family violence; (4) the making of grants to support and train volunteers; and (5) the development of a campaign to educate the public about the problems of family violence and resources available to deal with such problems. Sets forth procedures for the execution of such functions. Title IV: Amendments to the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act - Requires State plans under the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act to include provisions for the reporting of forms of family violence in addition to child abuse and neglect. Title V: Evaluation and Research - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to provide a specified sum for each of the two years following the enactment of this Act to evaluate the impact of community programs assisted by HEW on the prevention and treatment of family violence.
United States · United States Congress · 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 · 26 September 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 · 26 September 1977
Declares it the sense of Congress that the President should request South Africa to permit an impartial or international organization to investigate the death of Steve Biko and the circumstances and conditions of all South Africans currently held under the Terrorism Act and Internal Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 1977
Bikeway Transportation Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to make grants for 80 percent of the cost to States and municipalities of bikeway construction projects in urbanized areas or connecting such areas with national, State, or local parks, seashores or recreational areas. Requires such bikeway projects to be in accordance with a continuing comprehensive transportation planning process carried on cooperatively by States and local communities and in accordance with construction standards established by the Secretary.
United States · United States Congress · 8 September 1977
Reemployment Services Act - Amends the Wagner-Peyser Act to direct the Secretary of Labor to establish an outreach program for the provision of technical and management assistance through the United States Employment Service to State public employment offices for the following: (1) implementation of annual management plans, (2) implementation of improved employment services, (3) implementation of pilot programs assisted by the Service, and (4) evaluation of the cost-effectiveness and potential improvements in performance associated with changes in priorities, programs and objectives. Directs the Secretary to establish within the Service a national clearinghouse for employment service information. Sets forth requirements for State public employment service annual management plans, including (1) provisions for the identification of employment opportunities, and for job placement and counseling, for specified categories of workers, (2) a program to encourage the active participation of employers in the public employment office system, and (3) conformity with certain budgeting principles. Directs the Secretary, through the Service, to implement a financial assistance program for certain job placement projects under State public employment offices. Directs the Secretary to carry out a comprehensive examination of the merits and the cost-effectiveness of establishing a nationwide job bank system and of the feasibility and effectiveness of establishing a system of Federal public employment offices in lieu of the system of State offices established under the Wagner-Peyser Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 September 1977
Child Health Assurance Act - Amends Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require early, periodic screening of physical and mental defects in children under the age of 21 who are members of families eligible for Aid to Families with Dependent Children. Establishes a Child Health Assurance Program under Medicaid. Requires State Medicaid plans to include child health assessments and primary care to specified individuals under the age of 21. Directs that child health care assessments be provided only by a health care provider who enters into an agreement with the State agency responsible for the administration of the Medicaid plan to: (1) provide to specified individuals periodic health assessments; (2) provide a minimum range of diagnostic and treatment services; (3) arrange for referrals where necessary; (4) be readily accessible on an ongoing basis; (5) provide for timely followup services; (6) make required reports to the State or Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare. Allows an individual who has received a health assessment to remain eligible for all care and services provided under the State plan for six months after such individual's family has become ineligible for Medicaid or Aid to Families with Dependent Children. Sets forth requirements which a State Medicaid program must meet in administering a Child Health Assurance Program. Provides for reimbursement for payments made by the States in providing services under the program. Allows the Secretary to reduce, by 20 percent, a State's Medicaid funds if the State does not comply with the standards promulgated for the Child Health Assurance Program. Allows the Secretary to make additional payments to States that have met specified criteria for good performance of the State's Child Health Assurance Program. Repeals the previous provision of the Social Security Act relating to appropriations for Child Health Care Assurance programs.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1977
Unemployment Compensation Reform Act - Title I: Unemployment Compensation Cost Equalization Program - Unemployment Compensation Cost Equalization Act - Entitles, under the Social Security Act, States whose rates of insured unemployment is at least six percent to partial reimbursement on an ascending sliding scale of unemployment compensation costs incurred above a certain amount. Title II: Federal-State Extended Unemployment Compensation Act - Federal-State Extended Unemployment Compensation Act - Replaces the Federal-State Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 1970 with an extended unemployment benefit program which includes both regular extended benefits of up to 13 weeks and supplemental extended benefits of up to 13 additional weeks. Directs that benefits be made available when unemployment exceeds specified trigger levels which are similar to those used under present law. Revises the method for determining unemployment rates for the purpose of such triggers. Provides for 50 percent Federal funding of regular extended benefits and for full Federal funding of supplemental benefits. Title III: Financing Amendments for Unemployment Compensation Programs - Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to extend the payback period of a State having an outstanding balance of loans and to permit a State to pay as little as 20 percent of the outstanding balance in a year upon determining that the State is taking sufficient steps to restore the fiscal soundness of its trust fund. Waives any repayment requirement for States in which the insured unemployment rate exceeds a specified level. Restricts the penalty tax in a State which defaults to only insured employers and provides that the rate of such tax shall remain constant even if the outstanding balance owed is not entirely repaid.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow certain individuals to compute the amount of the deduction for retirement savings on the basis of the earned income of their spouses.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1977
Amends the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to designate a specified segment of the Delaware River as a component of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to authorize any taxpayer to elect to have any portion of any overpayment of tax or any contribution in money which the taxpayer forwards with the return for such taxable year be available, as the taxpayer may designate on such return, for the National Endowment for the Arts or the National Endowment for the Humanities.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1977
Investment Policy Act - Title I: Findings and Definitions - States that the lack of a national policy on investment can adversely affect the economic health and well-being of the Nation. Title II: Declaration of National Policy - Declares that it is the policy and responsibility of the Federal Government to provide incentives to assure maximum investment in private enterprise. Title III: Federal Agency Coordination and Cooperation - Requires the Council on Wage and Price Stability shall submit an Investment Policy Report to Congress which shall include information on levels of capital investment available, trends in such levels, and reviews of economic programs affecting capital investment. Requires the President to transmit to Congress as a part of the economic report such other recommendations as desirable or necessary to achieve the policy declared in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1977
Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to prohibit the sale, offering for sale, or distribution of certain detergents containing excessive amounts of phosphorus for use within the Great Lakes Region. Defines the Great Lakes Region to include the States of New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. Stipulates that the maximum allowable amounts of phosphorus in such detergents shall not exceed (1) 0.5 percent in the case of machine laundry detergents and household cleaning agents; (2) 11 percent in the case of machine dishwashing detergents; and (3) 20 percent in the case of chemical water conditioners for machine laundry use. Authorizes the Administrator to exempt certain cleaning or water conditioning agents where compliance is deemed unreasonable, impractical, or not feasible. Imposes civil penalties of up to $10,000 for each violation of the prohibitions contained in this Act. Stipulates that illegal agents or conditioners shall be liable to be proceeded against and condemned in United States district courts. Establishes procedures for condemnation and disposal of such illegal products. Authorizes the Administrator to make inspections within reasonable limits in order to enforce the provisions of this Act. Directs the Administrator to study the feasibility of applying such regulations on a nationwide basis.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1977
Asbestos Health Hazards Compensation Act - Title I: General Provisions - Sets forth the findings and declares the purpose of this Act. States that there is a significant number of persons who suffer disability or death from employment-related diseases caused by the inhalation or ingestion of asbestos and/or the inhalation of asbestos coupled with the inhalation of cigarette tobacco smoke. States that it is the purpose of this Act through the exercise of the power of Congress to regulate commerce among the several States and with foreign nations to provide a schedule of equitable, comprehensive, and exclusive benefits to affected persons who become disabled as a result of an asbestos-related disease and to the dependents of affected persons who die from such diseases. Title II: Claims for Benefits Accruing on or before December 31, 1979 - Directs the Secretary of Labor to make payments of benefits in respect of disability of any affected person due to asbestos-related disease and in respect of the death of any affected person whose death was due to asbestos-related disease. Requires the Secretary by regulation to prescribe standards for determining whether an affected person is disabled due to asbestos-related disease; or whether the death of an affected person was due to such disease. Sets forth the manner in which benefits are to be paid pursuant to the provisions of this Act. Title III: Claims for Benefits Accruing after December 31, 1979 - States that the responsibility for funding the payment of benefits for all claims accruing or arising on or after January 1, 1980, shall be borne equally by the "responsible parties," as such term is defined in this Act, and the United States. Establishes within the Department of Labor the Asbestos Health Hazards Compensation Fund. States that all valid claims for benefits under this Title shall be satisfied from such Fund. Establishes a Board of Directors for the Fund and sets forth the duties of such Board. Provides for the development and maintenance of the Fund by means of equal contributions from the responsible parties and the United States. Vests in the Secretary the responsibility, with the advice and concurrence of the Director of the Internal Revenue Services, of assuring that such contributions are collected from the responsible parties. Prohibits an employer from discharging or discriminating against any asbestos-afflicted employee because such person has filed a claim for benefits under this Act. Establishes procedures for the relief of persons discharged or discriminated against because of a claim for benefits pursuant to this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1977
Radiation Health and Safety Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to develop and issue to the States criteria and minimum standards for the accreditation of educational institutions conducting programs for the training of radiologic technologists and medical and dental practitioners. Directs the Secretary to develop and issue to the States criteria and minimum standards for licensure of radiologic technologists. Directs that State and local governments be encouraged to minimize exposure of the public to ionizing radiation from all sources, and establishes procedures for the adoption of appropriate standards. Allows the Secretary to make grants to States in an amount up to two-thirds of the first year and one-third of the second year costs of planning, developing, or establishing programs to carry out the provisions of this Act. Prohibits conducting activities contrary to this Act and subjects violators to a civil penalty of not more than $1,000. Requires the Secretary to submit to Congress every fifth year a report evaluating the implementation of this Act and making recommendations for legislation. States that whenever a performance standard for a class of X-ray system in prescribed, the Secretary shall by regulation prescribe a performance standard applicable to systems of such class prior to the effective date of such standard. Directs the Secretary to carry out a program of inspection of all X-ray systems to which standards apply and which are in actual use in the United States. Authorizes officers or employees duly designated by the Secretary to enter at reasonable times any establishment in which an X-ray system is located and to inspect such system. Directs the Secretary to publish guidelines for the use of X-ray examinations in the diagnosis and treatment of disease.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1977
Prohibits the shipment in interstate or foreign commerce of any fur or leather, raw or in finished form, from animals trapped in any State or foreign country which has not banned the manufacture, sale, or use of such traps. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to publish a list of such States and foreign countries. Sets forth penalties for violations of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 1977
Establishes within the House of Representatives the Commission on South Korean Influence to conduct an investigation into alleged South Korean influence-buying in Congress. Vests exclusive jurisdiction to investigate such alleged South Korean influence buying in the Commission. Directs the House Committee on standards of Official Conduct to cease its investigation into such matter.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 1977
Amends Titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to provide payment for rural health clinic services under such Titles. Defines the term "rural health clinic services" as the services of physicians and physician extenders and services and supplies furnished as an incident to such services. Defines the terms " rural health clinic" and "physician extender" as used in this Act. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to provide through demonstration projects, reimbursement on a cost basis for services provided by physician-directed clinics in urban medically underserved areas for which payment may be made under Medicare, and for services provided by physician extenders employed by such clinics. Directs the Secretary to carry out demonstration projects to provide reimbursement under the Medicare program for services provided in organized centers offering comprehensive outpatient mental health services.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1977
Amends the Clayton Antitrust Act to entitle the United States, natural persons, and State attorney generals acting as parens patriae for persons residing within the State to bring civil actions under such Act for injury in fact, whether direct or indirect. States that this amendment shall apply to any civil action pending on June 9, 1977, or filed thereafter.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1977
Amends the Public Health Service Act to require that the application of a medical school for a capitation grant to be made in fiscal year 1978 be supported by assurances satisfactory to the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare that the school will increase the enrollment of full-time, third-year students in the 1978-1979 school year by the greater of: (1)five percent; or (2) ten students over the number of such students enrolled in school year 1977-1978 or 1976-1977 whichever is greater. Directs the Secretary to assist schools of medicine to meet such requirement by identifying citizens of the United States: (1) who before 1976 were students in a school of medicine not in a State; (2) who have completed at least two years in a school of medicine; and (3) who have successfully completed part I of the National Board of Medical Examiners' examination. Permits the Secretary to waive the increase requirement upon a finding that an increase in the enrollment of third-year students will present the school from providing high quality clinical training for its third-year students because of the inadequate size of the population served by the facility.
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 1977
Amends Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require payment to States of 90 percent of the total amount expended under State plans for early and periodic screening and diagnosis, (EPSDT) and 100 percent of the total amount for treatment of defects and conditions discovered through such screening and diagnosis. Institutes a program for distribution of coupons to individuals entitled to medical assistance EPSOT which identify services to which an eligible individual is entitled. Requires an annual compilation of providers and institutions which will provide services under EPSDT and further requires such institutions to provide to the maximum extent feasible all authorized services to individuals so entitled.
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 1977
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Federal Communications Commission should maximize local primary radio broadcast service in any proceeding respecting the provision of class I-A and I-B radio service. Prohibits the operation of a standard broadcast station with power in excess of 50,000 watts.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 1977
Social Security Rights Act - Requires that procedures be established for the expedited replacement of undelivered benefit checks under title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act. Requires that decisions (and reconsiderations) on initial benefit claims be made within 90 days. Requires that payment of benefits on approved claims begin no later than the day regularly fixed for delivery of benefit checks in the second month following the month in which the claim was approved.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 1977
Unemployment Compensation Cost Equalization Act - Entitles, under the Social Security Act, states whose rates of insured unemployment is at least six percent to partial reimbursement on an ascending sliding scale of unemployment compensation costs incurred above a certain amount.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1977
Voluntary Standards and Accreditation Act - Title I: National Standardization - Requires the Federal Trade Commission to promulgate rules relating to the procedures and practices of standards-development organizations, testing laboratories, and certification agencies, and the use of product listings and certificates of approval in marketing. Requires the Commission, when promulgating rules under this title, to give all interested persons an opportunity for oral presentations of data, views, and arguments, and a single opportunity to present rebuttal testimony in writing. Permits the Commission to exempt the activities of a standards-development organization, testing laboratory, or certification agency from the requirements of the newly promulgated rules. Permits the Commission to enforce the procedures set forth pursuant to this Act upon its own initiative or upon a written petition filed with it by any interested person. States that any violation of this title or failure to comply with any Commission rule promulgated under this title shall be prosecuted as an unfair trade practice pursuant to the Federal Trade Commission Act. Directs the Commission to notify by publication in the Federal Register, the Secretary of Commerce and all Federal departments and agencies which use the publications of a standards-development organization, of any violation of this title by such an organization or by a certification agency. Directs a department or agency notified by the Commission that an organization is in violation of this title to cease using the services of such organization unless such organization complies within a period determined by the Commission. Subjects to the provisions of this Act any private organization that: (1) develops standards; (2) sponsors the activity of developing or adopting standards; (3) tests, inspects, or certifies products; or (4) sells or uses standards, product listings, or certificates of approval. Directs the Commission to specifically advise an organization that voluntarily submitted its rules for review and does not comply with the new rules, on the procedure such organization may undertake to come into compliance. Authorizes the Secretary to grant financial assistance to nonprofit standards-development organizations to insure representation of consumer, small business, and other interests in decisions. Requires all Federal agencies to utilize standards set by certified private agencies whenever possible in order to avoid duplication of effort. Directs all standards-development organizations, testing laboratories, and certification agencies subject to regulation by the Commission to establish appeals bodies to consider complaints filed by interested persons. States that such appeals bodies shall have no powers of enforcement except those given to them by the organizations' creating such bodies. Title II: International Standardization - Establishes an Institute of Standards and Accreditation within the National Bureau of Standards of the Department of Commerce to develop the resources, facilities, and expertise necessary to assist the Secretary and the Commission in the exercise of their responsibilities under this Act. Requires the Secretary, through the Institute, to provide for and assist appropriate participation by private nonprofit organizations in international standardization activities as representatives of the United States. Requires the Secretary to make arrangements for direct governmental participation in such international standardization activities where the Secretary determines private participation is insufficient or cannot be established. Directs the Secretary to list each international standards and certification agreement developed pursuant to this title unless to do so would not be in the public interest. Establishes an interagency committee on international standardization policy and a public committee on international standardization policy to provide policy guidance to the Secretary in carrying out his duties under this title. Establishes procedures for petitioning the Secretary to delist a particular international standard or certification and for judicial review of the Secretary's determinations. Title III: Testing Laboratory Accreditation - Requires the Secretary, through the Institute, to set forth procedures to establish a voluntary national laboratory accreditation program to accredit certification laboratories for a class of technology or a specific product if the establishment of such laboratory is found to be in the public interest. Directs the Secretary to establish criteria committees to establish criteria to accredit such laboratories. Sets forth procedures for the development of such criteria and the accreditation of such laboratories. Establishes procedures for the removal, withdrawal, or termination of accreditation. Title IV: National Standards Management Board - Establishes as an independent instrumentality in the executive branch, a National Standards Management Board to develop the necessary rules, procedures, policies, and criteria to manage and coordinate national standards-development activities. Directs the Board to develop rules and policies to be used by the Institute when accrediting standards-development organizations and approving national standards. Title V: Miscellaneous Provisions - Directs the Secretary to appoint a Director of the Institute of Standards and Accreditation to supervise the Institute, its equipment, and its functions.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1977
Authorizes each Member of the House of Representatives, including the Resident Commissioner from Puerto Rico and the Delegates from Guam, the Virgin Islands, and the District of Columbia, to hire for two week of each year two senior citizen interns to serve within the District of Columbia. Makes available to each Member for the purpose of hiring such interns an annual gross allowance of $600.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 1977
Stocks Management and Reserve Act -- Title I: Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to establish, maintain and dispose of a separate reserve of wheat, corn and other enumerated feed grains through storage contracts with producers. Limits such reserves to no less than 25 million tons nor more than 35 million tons. Specifies how the Secretary may establish such reserves through the Commodity Credit Corporation. Title II: Amends the Agriculture Act of 1949 to set the loan level per bushel of wheat at $2.25 for the 1977 crop and $2.35 for the 1978 through 1981 crops. Sets the loan level per bushel of corn at $1.75 for the 1977 crop and $2.00 for the 1978 through 1981 crops. Sets a formula for the adjustment of the respective loan rates under specified circumstances. Requires the Secretary to set a fair and reasonable loan level on each crop of barley, oats, and rye. Title III: Amends the Agriculture Act of 1949 to authorize the President (1) to enter into negotiations with other nations to develop an international system of food reserves to provide for humanitarian food relief needs, and (2) to establish and maintain an International Emergency Food Reserve, as a contribution of the United States toward the development of such a system, to be made available in the event of food emergencies in foreign countries. Requires for such reserve minimum stocks of two million tons, allowing an increase up to six million tons pursuant to an international agreement. Requires periodic rotation of such stocks to avoid spoilage and deterioration.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 1977
Declares it the sense of the House of Representatives that the President of the United States (1) should propose an immediate suspension of underground nuclear explosions to remain in effect so long as the Soviet Union abstains from conducting underground explosions, and (2) should set forth promptly a new proposal to the Government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and other nations for a permanent treaty to ban all nuclear explosions.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1977
Natural Gas Act Amendments - Amends the Natural Gas Act to direct the Federal Power Commission to establish a national ceiling price for natural gas which allows for an average rate of return on investment by natural gas companies of 18 percent. Authorizes the Commission to establish higher ceiling prices in the cases of high-cost production. Stipulates that higher prices shall be presumed necessary for high-cost independent producers within specified limits. Directs the Commission to collect and verify information on natural gas reserves and production costs. Directs the Commission to report to the Congress and the President such information, together with recommendations and economic analyses of natural gas pricing policies. Directs the Commission to prohibit the curtailment of adequate supplies of natural gas for essential agricultural purposes. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to determine which agricultural uses shall be deemed essential. Directs the Commission to establish procedures governing allocation of increased rates and charges of natural gas pipeline companies amongst various user classes. Stipulates that residential and small business users of natural gas shall be accorded priority treatment in such cost allocation. Authorizes the Commission to order temporary compliance with delivery obligations where contract disputes threaten to halt delivery of natural gas supplies. Imposes additional requirements for exploration and development of oil and gas leases on Federal lands. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to terminate lease agreements upon failure of the lessee to comply with essential terms of the agreement. Stipulates that persons who have been so terminated shall be ineligible to receive future oil and gas rights on Federal lands.
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 1977
Recombinant DNA Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to regulate recombinant DNA activities. Requires that all recombinant DNA activities conducted during the interim control period, which shall begin on the tenth day after the date of enactment of this Act, and end eighteen months after such date or on the date on which certain regulations promulgated by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare take effect, whichever occurs first, be carried out in accordance with the physical and biological containment requirements in the recombinant DNA research guidelines of the Department of Health, Education and Welfare published on July 7, 1976. Requires that every individual or entity responsible for conducting any recombinant DNA activity on the date of enactment of this Act, or to be commenced during the interim control period, submit a report with respect to such activity to the Secretary. Requires each facility conducting any recombinant DNA activity to be licensed in accordance with this Act. Requires the Secretary to promulgate regulations with respect to the issuance of such licenses prescribing containment requirements, laboratory safety requirements, and reporting procedures. Directs the Secretary to promulgate regulations to control the conduct of recombinant DNA activities carried on outside of such licensed facilities prescribing containment and personnel safety requirements. Sets forth the procedure for the issuance of licenses to facilities to conduct recombinant DNA activity with respect to the authority of the Secretary and local biohazards committees to issue such licenses. Requires the Secretary to compile a list of recombinant DNA activities authorized by this Act, and to make such list available for public inspection. Prohibits the licensing of any facility unless a local biohazards committee has been established in accordance with this Act with jurisdiction over such facility. Authorizes such committees to issue licenses to certain facilities, and requires such committees to inspect and monitor recombinant DNA activities conducted in such facilities. Authorizes the inspection of facilities conducting recombinant DNA activities by inspectors designated by the Secretary. Establishes civil and criminal penalties for violation of this Act. Sets forth the procedure for disclosure of certain otherwise confidential data if the Secretary or committee determines that the release of such data is necessary to protect against an imminent, unreasonable risk of injury to health or the environment. Establishes the Recombinant DNA Advisory Committee to advise the Secretary in promulgating regulations required by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1977
Declares it the sense of Congress that the President should declare a moratorium on United States manufacture of chemical weapons (lethal and incapacitating nerve and mustard agents and "binary agents') and order the destruction of certain United States stockpiles of such weapons. Urges other nations to destroy their stockpiles. Urges the Conference of the Committee on Disarmament to conclude a treaty banning the manufacture and possession of such weapons.
United States · United States Congress · 2 June 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 · 1 June 1977
Franchising Termination Practices Reform Act - Requires a franchisor to notify a franchisee at least 90 days in advance of the franchisor's intention to terminate the franchise and to state the reasons for termination. Prohibits a franchisor from cancelling a franchise or failing to renew a franchise unless the franchisor is effecting a market area withdrawal or the franchisor has good cause for failure to renew and has given proper notice. Makes any franchisor who has violated the requirements of this Act civilly liable to the aggrieved franchisee.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1977
Amends Titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require automatic sprinkler systems in all skilled nursing facilities and intermediate care facilities certified for participation in the Medicare or Medicaid programs unless a waiver of such requirement is granted in accordance with conditions set forth in this Act. Establishes a program of low-interest Federal loans to assist such facilities in constructing or purchasing and installing automatic sprinkler systems.
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 1977
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide payment for certain clinical psychologists' services under the supplementary medical insurance program.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1977
Supplemental Security Income Reform Amendments - Amends Title XVI (Supplemental Security Income Program) of the Social Security Act to set benefits under such title at the poverty level. Allows each spouse in an eligible couple to receive such benefits in his or her own right. Reduces from 65 to 60 the age of eligibility for such benefits. Provides for the issuance of duplicate benefit checks where the initial checks are lost or delayed. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish an outreach program to assure that all individuals eligible for supplemental security income benefits under such title will be fully informed of the availability and nature of benefits and of the steps to be taken in obtaining them. Requires that any application for benefits under this title shall be acted upon by the Secretary within 30 days after it is filed.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1977
Authorizes and requests the President to designate 1979 as "Thomas A. Edison Centennial Year. Establishes the Thomas A. Edison Centennial Commission. Stipulates that such Commission shall terminate on September 30, 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1977
National Flood Insurance Program Amendatory Act - Amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 to make additional flood insurance coverage available to every insured upon renewal and every applicant for insurance on certain residential properties. Requires the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to enter into negotiations with the owners of real property located in flood-risk areas or covered by flood insurance under the Act whenever such property sustains specified damage of a substantial nature. Stipulates that the Secretary shall offer to pay as the purchase price the difference between the insurance proceeds and the fair market value of the property as of a date immediately prior to the identification of the area as a special flood hazard area. Authorizes the Secretary to make loans to the owners of certain damaged single-family dwellings for the purpose of elevating such dwellings when repair is deemed impossible or undesirable by reason of the structure's location within a regulatory floodway. Authorizer appropriations to carry out the purchase and loan programs established under this Act. Requires reimbursement of expenses incurred by owners or lessees of real property in connection with the services of surveyors or engineers or engineers in the effecting of a wholly or partly successful appeal of flood elevation determinations which adversely affect such property.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1977
Universal Voter Registration Act - Establishes the positions of Administrator and Assistant Administrator of Voter Registration within the Federal Election Commission. Specifies the duties of the Administrator, including (1) establishing and administering a voter registration program in accordance with this Act; (2) providing for the collection, analysis, and publication of voter registration information in coordination work the Secretary of Commerce; and (3) providing information and technical assistance to State and local officials concerning voter registration. Requires each State and local government to permit any individual who is eligible under applicable State and Federal law to register to vote in any Federal election to register on the date of a Federal election at the appropriate polling place. States that any individual so registering shall, if required by State or local authorities, establish his identity by (1) executing an affidavit containing certain information and (2) submitting either an affidavit executed by a person who is registered to vote at the polling place involved and is present at such polling place with the individual seeking registration or one of any forms of identification approved by the Commission. Directs the Commission to make grants for approved voter registration outreach programs to States which comply with the election day registration requirements of this Act. Conditions the amount of such grants on whether a State has a similar election day registration program in effect with respect to State and local elections. Stipulates that a registration outreach program may include projects relating to registration by mail, registration through the use of mobile units, or bilingual registration, and those projects otherwise designed to improve voter registration methods and procedures. List the purposes for which grant funds may be used. Sets forth criminal penalties for any person who knowingly and willfully (1) register, or attempts to register, to vote under this Act for the purpose of voting more than once in any Federal election; (2) conspires with any person for the purpose of enabling such person to make false registration to vote in a Federal election under this Act or for the purpose of enabling or encouraging any individual to make such false registration to vote in a Federal election; or (3) falsifies any information with respect to the name, residence, or age of such person, or any other information for the purpose of establishing eligibility to register to vote in a Federal election under this Act. Directs the Commission to institute actions to prevent any violation for this Act. Requires Federal courts to expedite consideration of actions involving a violation of, or a constitutional challenge to, any provision of this Act. Prohibits commercial use of any list compiled by a State or local government of individuals registered to vote in a Federal election.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to authorize the Secretary of the Treasury to disclose the mailing address of taxpayers, upon written request, to officers of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health for epidemiologic and mortality studies or worker populations, and for health care and referral of workers.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1977
Amends the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 to extend the coverage of such Act to individuals 65 or over, and to make unlawful seniority systems and employee benefit plans which require the retirement of individuals 40 or over.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1977
Electric Utility Act Title I: Improving Efficiency of, and Preserving Competition in, Generation and Transmission of Electricity - Amends the Federal Power Act to authorize the Federal Power Commission to take additional action to increase the transmission capacity of electric generating facilities. Requires the use of central dispatch generating systems in all areas where technologically and economically feasible. Directs the Commission to require utilities to report anticipated shortages of electric energy and to accommodate such shortages in a manner designed to insure continuity of service to retail and wholesale customers. Establishes preliminary proceedings on proposed new utility rate schedules to allow the Commission to authorize such schedules on an interim basis. Prohibits utilities from proposing rate increases while the Commission has pending before it a schedule filed by the same utility, except under extraordinary circumstances. Prohibits increases or automatic adjustments resulting in increases in rate schedules without consideration of such increases in an evidentiary hearing. Requires review of legitimate automatic adjustment clauses by the Commission at least every two years. Authorizes the Commission to issue orders prohibiting unfair methods of competition by public utilities. Authorizes the Commission to review plans for operation of bulk power facilities and to require that such facilities be constructed in a manner consistent with antitrust laws. Directs the Commission to prescribe standards of electric utility reliability. Directs the Commission to prescribe rules encouraging the cogeneration of electric energy with other forms of energy. Revises the prohibition against interlocking directorates contained in such Act to include additional occupations which may not be held by officers or directors of public utilities without approval by the Commission. Title II: Coordination of Planning of Bulk Power Facilities - Requires that electric utilities which control bulk power facilities prepare an annual long-range plan for the use of each such facility. Establishes areawide planning councils to review such plans and submit area plans for bulk power facilities to the Commission. Title III: Improving Efficiency of Use of Electricity - Limits the applicability of the provisions of this title to sales of electric energy by electric utilities for purposes other than resale. Establishes national minimum standards for State-regulated electric utility rates. Stipulates that such rates shall reflect actual costs of providing electric service to each consumer class. Authorizes lower rates for electric energy for essential needs of residential electric consumers, as defined by the State regulatory authority. Stipulates that promotional, political, or institutional advertising costs incurred by public utilities, with specified exceptions, shall not be chargeable to electric consumers. Authorizes electric utilities to recover reasonable costs incurred for pollution control facilities from electric consumers. Prohibits increases or automatic adjustments resulting in increases in State-regulated electric utility rates without consideration of such increases in an evidentiary hearing. Stipulates that automatic adjustment clauses shall be subject to review by the State regulatory authority at least every two years. Requires State regulated electric utilities to promptly implement alternative load management techniques which have been determined to be practicable and cost-effective. Requires such utilities to inform electric consumers of existing rate schedules on and annual basis. Requires notification within 30 days of any proposed changes in rate schedules. Requires such utilities to furnish data on amount of actual electric energy consumption upon request by a specific consumer. Imposes minimum procedures upon such utilities to be followed prior to termination of electric service. Stipulates that nonregulated utilities shall be subject to the same requirements imposed by this title upon State-regulated utilities. Prohibits any rate increases by electric utilities except in accordance with such requirements. Establishes procedures for administration and enforcement of the provisions of this title. Authorizes State regulatory agencies or electric consumers to intervene in any proceeding under this title. Title IV: Consumer Representation and Assistance to State Agencies - Amends the Energy Conservation and Production Act to authorize the Federal Energy Administrator to make grants to State utility regulatory commissions to: (1) improve staffing; (2) encourage the development of innovative rate structures; and (3) to provide for programs to meet requirements with respect to participation in proceedings. Authorizes the appropriation of $40,000,000 per fiscal year for improved staffing. Authorizes the appropriation of $5,000,000 per fiscal year for each of the remaining purposes of this title. Establishes procedures for equitable allotment of sums appropriated under this title among the States in accordance with prescribed guidelines. Amends the Federal Power Act to establish an independent Office of Public Counsel in the Federal Power Commission to represent consumer interests in proceeding before the Commission. Authorizes the appropriation of the following sums to the Office: $500,000 for fiscal year 1978; $2,000,000 for fiscal year 1979; $2,200,000 for fiscal year 1980; and $2,400,000 for fiscal year 1981. Authorizes compensation of other parties in Commission proceedings whose views might not otherwise be adequately represented without such assistance. Stipulates that the total amount of such assistance shall not exceed $2,000,000 to all persons in any fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1977
New Jersey Pine Barrens National Ecological Reserve Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to provide grants to the State of New Jersey for the development of a plan for the conservation of natural resources in the Pine Barrens area in New Jersey. Sets requirements for such grants, including the establishment of a management commission. Requires the Secretary to publish specified guidelines for the contents of such plan. Authorizes the Secretary, upon approval of the New Jersey plan, to establish the Pine Barrens National Ecological Reserve, to acquire lands within the reserve and to transfer such lands and other Federal lands to the State, and to make grants to the management commission for the acquisition of land in the reserve, compensation to landowners, and payments in lieu of taxes to local governments. Allows the Secretary to retain a reversionary right in such transferred lands and authorizes him to establish a federally-managed National Ecological Reserve upon the failure or nonsubmission of the plan. Requires the establishment of a Pinelands Citizens Advisory Committee, prior to approval of the State plan, to consult with the management commission established under such plan.
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 1977
Truth in Government Accounting Act - Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to prepare and make public annual consolidated financial statements for all expenditures of the United States utilizing the accrual method of accounting.
![Official portrait of Rep. Maguire, Andrew [D-NJ-7]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/m000058_200.jpg)