United States · United States Congress · 13 October 1978
Public Buildings Water Conservation Act - Amends the Public Buildings Act of 1959 to require the Administrator of General Services: (1) to establish a water conservation program for public buildings; (2) to prescribe minimum water efficiency standards for new public buildings; (3) to require, during building construction or repair, the installation of water supply and removal equipment which meets certain water efficiency standards; (4) to promulgate, after consultation with the Director of the National Bureau of Standards, minimum efficiency standards for each type of water supply and removal equipment; (5) to survey existing public buildings to determine the priority for needed water efficient equipment, and (6) to replace existing water equipment in such buildings. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 13 October 1978
Water Conservation in Homes Act - Amends the National Housing Act to provide guaranteed loans for housing improvement including water conservation equipment and systems which are designed to reduce the total water requirements of the structures and are in conformity with specified standards.
United States · United States Congress · 13 October 1978
Water Conservation Amendments Act - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to declare it national policy that the Federal Government shall encourage methods to reduce the total flow of sewage and to reduce unnecessary water consumption. Requires each planning agency receiving a grant for the development of a comprehensive water pollution control program to develop a plan which promotes the reduction of unnecessary water consumption and of the total flow of sewage. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to conduct research in cooperation with State and local government agencies in areas in which drought conditions or threat of drought conditions exist. Directs the Administrator to study methods of irrigation which will result in a reduction of the total flow of sewage and of unnecessary water consumption as part of the agricultural pollution control program. Directs the Administrator to study new methods for the installation of devices to reduce unnecessary water consumption and the total flow of sewage in rural areas. Authorizes the Administrator to enter into contracts and make grants for certain research and demonstration projects relating to the reduction of total sewage flow and unnecessary water consumption. Directs the Administrator to encourage waste treatment management resulting in the reduction of total sewage flow or of unnecessary water consumption, and to reduce grants for treatment works construction where the applicant has failed to demonstrate that methods for such reduction have been studied and adopted when feasible. Makes construction grants for treatment works contingent upon the fulfillment of certain requirements relating to the reduction of unnecessary water consumption. Requires any organization responsible for areawide waste treatment management planning processes to include in such plans a process to identify sources of unnecessary water consumption that contribute to water quality problems and to set forth methods for reduction of such consumption. Permits any State to identify any area in such State where there is a drought, threat of drought, or other condition occurring as a result of unnecessary water consumption, and to request the Administrator to assist in reducing such consumption. Amends the Small Business Act to authorize the making of certain loans for the purpose of installing devices to reduce unnecessary water consumption by small businesses.
United States · United States Congress · 13 October 1978
Water Efficiency Labeling Act - Prohibits the distribution in commerce of any product covered by this Act unless it is labeled with respect to its water consumption rates, under regulations promulgated by the Federal Trade Commission. Prohibits the advertisement of such product which is not consistent with tests prescribed by this Act. Requires the Commission to direct the Director of the National Bureau of Standards to develop water consumption tests for covered products. Directs the Commission to prescribe regulations for the conduct of such tests. Permits the Commission to exempt a product from such tests if water consumption comparisons between different models of such product are not feasible. Requires manufacturers of covered products to conduct water consumption tests and to comply with specified reporting and testing requirements. Requires the Commission to direct the Director of the National Bureau of Standards (1) to determine the minimum amount of water required to operate any type of covered product and (2) to publish these findings in the Federal Register. Requires covered products which are imported to comply with labeling and advertising requirements of this Act. Directs the Commission to conduct a public information program with respect to the use of water consumption labeling. Imposes a civil fine for knowing violation of the requirements of this Act. Establishes a civil cause of action against violators of this Act or any Federal agency allegedly failing to carry out its nondiscretionary responsibilities under this Act. Declares a violation of this Act to be an unfair or deceptive trade practice under the Federal Trade Commission Act. Authorizes appropriations necessary to carry out this Act. Defines terms used in this Act, including "covered products" which means any article which is designed to be dependent on the consumption or flow of water.
United States · United States Congress · 13 October 1978
Water Supply Act - Declares development of new water supplies to be in the national interest. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to develop a comprehensive water supply program, to survey water supply capacities, to propose methods of increasing water supplies, and to prepare drought contingency plans. Directs the Administrator of General Services to survey: (1) all federally controlled water storage projects to determine unnecessary water storage capacity; and (2) all federally controlled lands to determine any unnecessary area on which water storage facilities could be constructed. Directs the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to construct water storage projects specifically authorized after enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 13 October 1978
Consumer Product Water Efficiency Act - Prohibits any person from distributing in commerce any covered product unless it meets either the improvement targets or final water efficiency standards established by the Federal Trade Commission in accordance with this Act. Includes under the requirements of this Act any product which is partially or wholly dependent on the consumption or flow of water for its operation or which is designed to consume or to depend wholly or in part on the consumption or flow of water, and which is distributed in commerce to a significant extent, for personal use or consumption by an individual. Includes household appliances, bathroom fixtures, water softeners and water recirculation system within the meaning of the term "covered product. Prohibits the distribution in interstate commerce of covered products unless the product bears a label stating ratio of water consumed by the product to the amount of water to be consumed by the product upon achievement of the final water efficiency standards. Directs the Commission to prescribe water efficiency improvement targets for each type of covered product. Authorizes the Commission, upon the introduction of any new product, to set water efficiency improvement targets, which shall become the minimum mandatory water efficiency standard for such product. Requires the Commission to direct the National Bureau of Standards to develop tests to determine: (1) the actual water efficiency level of the covered product; (2) reasonable water efficiency improvement targets for each covered product; and (3) minimum mandatory water efficiency standards for each covered product. Requires manufacturers of covered products for which any regulation is prescribed to: (1) notify the Commission of any model manufactured to which such regulation applies; (2) conduct any test required in the regulation; (3) provide a label which meets the prescribed regulations; and (4) supply a reasonable number of such covered products to the Commission for testing. Stipulates that any covered product which is offered for importation into the customs territory of the United States and which does not comply with the requirements of this Act shall be refused admission. Allows the Secretary of the Treasury to authorize the importation of any covered product under terms and conditions set by the Secretary. Imposes civil penalties for violations of this Act. Prescribes procedures for civil actions against manufacturers, distributors, or retailers alleged to be in violation of this Act and against Federal agencies which have allegedly failed to perform nondiscretionary duties under this Act. Makes it an unfair or deceptive act or practice within the meaning of the Federal Trade Commission Act to violate the distribution provisions of this Act. Defines the terms used in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 1978
Expresses the concern of Congress for the safety of the residents of the South African black community known as "Crossroads." Urges the South African Government: (1) to reconsider its plan to destroy Crossroads; and (2) to recognize the right of the residents to continue to live in Crossroads.
United States · United States Congress · 17 August 1978
Congressional Oversight Improvement Act - Establishes, as a Congressional office, the Office of Congressional Legal Counsel to be headed by a Congressional Legal Counsel to defend Congress, a House of Congress, committee, subcommittee, Member, officer, or employee of Congress or an agency of Congress in civil actions in which the validity of any official proceeding or action taken by such person or entity is placed in issue or in cases involving subpoenas. Requires that specified representational activities undertaken by the Counsel be authorized by the Joint Leadership Group, House, Senate, or concurrent resolution, or committee affirmation according to the proposed action. Requires the Counsel, upon direction, to bring a civil action to enforce any subpoena issued by a House of Congress, committee or subcommittee authorized to issue such subpoena. Gives the District Court for the District of Columbia original jurisdiction over any civil action brought by a House of Congress or any authorized committee or subcommittee concerning the enforcement or validity of subpoenas. Requires the Counsel to intervene or appear as amicus curiae in the name of Congress, a House of Congress, or an officer, office, agency, committee, subcommittee or chairman of a House of Congress or of Congress in any legal action in any Federal or State court in which the powers and responsibilities of Congress, under the Constitution, are placed in issue. Directs the Counsel to notify the Joint Leadership Group of any legal action in which the Counsel is of the opinion that intervention is in the interest of Congress. Stipulates that the Counsel shall represent a House of Congress or committee or subcommittee in immunity proceedings. Requires the Counsel to notify the Joint Leadership Group and any affected party of any conflict between the representation of such party and the carrying out of this Act, or compliance with professional standards. Sets forth the procedure for resolving such conflict. Relieves the Attorney General of any responsibility with respect to representational service encompassed by this Act upon written notice that the Counsel has undertaken such service. Authorizes appropriations to the Office through fiscal year 1982 to carry out its duties under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 August 1978
Amends the Federal Trade Commission Act to impose certain reporting requirements on United States persons, partnerships, or corporations (and their foreign subsidiaries) with respect to restrictive business practices abroad. Imposes civil penalties of up to $1,000,000 upon a United States firm and up to $25,000 upon any officer or director of such firm, for noncompliance with such reporting requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 17 August 1978
Amends the Federal Trade Commission Act to impose certain reporting requirements on United States persons, partnerships, or corporations (and their foreign subsidiaries) with respect to restrictive business practices abroad. Imposes civil penalties of up to $1,000,000 upon a United States firm and up to $25,000 upon any officer or director of such firm, for noncompliance with such reporting requirements. Directs the President to seek an agreement of the signatory countries of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade to prohibit restrictive trade practices. Expresses the sense of the Congress that such an agreement should impose an obligation on each signatory nation to enact and enforce legislation prohibiting restrictive trade practices within its respective jurisdiction. Amends the Trade act of 1974 to include restrictive business practices by a foreign country or instrumentality affecting United States or requiring United States concerns to engage in such practices within the coverage of such Act. Defines restrictive business practices for the purposes of such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 August 1978
Directs the President to seek an agreement of the signatory countries of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade to prohibit restrictive trade practices. Expresses the sense of the Congress that such an agreement should impose an obligation on each signatory nation to enact and enforce legislation prohibiting restrictive trade practices within its respective jurisdiction. Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to include restrictive business practices by a foreign country or instrumentality affecting United States commerce or requiring United States concerns to engage in such practices within the coverage of such Act. Defines restrictive business practices for purposes of such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 August 1978
Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to provide that each State shall have at least one very high frequency commercial television station located within the State.
United States · United States Congress · 8 August 1978
Department of Education Organization Act - Title I: Findings and Purpose - Declares the purpose of this Act to be to: (1) promote the quality of education; (2) enable the Federal Government to more effectively coordinate its education activities; and (3) prohibit Federal control of education. Title II: Establishment of the Department - Establishes an executive department to be known as the Department of Education, with a Secretary of Education as its head. Establishes within such Department: (1) an Office of Inspector General; (2) a General Counsel; (3) a research and development office; (4) an elementary and secondary education office; (5) a postsecondary education office; (6) an Office for Civil Rights; and (7) an overseas dependents office. Establishes an Intergovernmental Advisory Council on Education. Establishes a Federal Interagency Committee on Education to assure effective coordination of Federal programs affecting education. Title III: Transfers of Functions - Transfers to the Secretary of Education specified functions of the (1) Department of Health, Education, and Welfare; (2) Department of Defense; (3) Department of Justice; and (4) Department of Housing and Urban Development. Title IV: Administrative Provisions - Sets forth the authority of the Secretary of Education. Authorizes to be appropriated such funds as are necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act. Title V: Transitional, Savings, and Conforming Provisions - Redesignates the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare as the Department of Health and Welfare, and the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare as the Secretary of Health and Welfare. Title VI: Effective Date and Interim Appointments - Sets out the effective date of this Act. Authorizes the President of the United States to make initial interim appointments to the Department of Education under specified conditions.
United States · United States Congress · 7 August 1978
States that the Territory of American Samoa shall be represented in the United States Congress by a nonvoting delegate to the House of Representatives. Sets forth the procedure for the election of such delegate.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1978
Amends the Clayton Act to prohibit any professional football league from granting to its member clubs an exclusive right to exhibit football games if such right includes a territorial limit and if a league rule would prohibit a home area that had a club from acquiring another club in the event the original club moves to a different site within the territorial limit.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1978
Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to invalidate agreements preventing the broadcast of a professional sports game, by means of television, at the same time and in the same area in which the game is to be played if all tickets to such game have been sold 72 hours before gametime. Invalidates any agreement which would prevent the television broadcast of any professional football game in the original home area of a team the playing site of which has been moved from the original home area under an agreement prohibiting the location of a different franchise in such original area. Repeals this amendment effective February 1, 1981.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 1978
Presidential Records Act - States that the United States shall reserve and retain complete ownership, possession, and control of all Presidential records. Requires the President to assure that the performance of official Presidential duties is adequately documented and that documentary materials be appropriately maintained. Permits the President to dispose only of such records which have no administrative, historical, informational, or evidentiary value if the President obtains the views, in writing, of the Archivist of the United States concerning the proposed disposal schedule of such records, and copies of such schedule and the Archivist's views are submitted to Congress at least 60 days in advance of the proposed disposal. Requires the Archivist to assume custody, control, and preservation of and access to the records of a President upon the conclusion of the President's term of office. Requires the Archivist to place such records in a Presidential archival depository or another archival facility operated by the United States. Authorizes the Archivist to designate, after consultation with the President, a director for each depository or facility. Permits restrictions on access to Presidential records for up to ten years if such documents have been validly classified as secret, relate to a Federal appointment, certain trade secrets or other commercial information obtained under privileged circumstances, consist of confidential communications requesting or submitting advice between the President and his advisers or between advisers, or contain personal information, disclosure of which would constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy. Establishes limits on the duration of the restriction of disclosure of Presidential records. Subjects Presidential records to subpena or other judicial process for the purposes of any criminal investigation or proceeding. States that such records shall be available to an incumbent President and to either House of Congress. Makes the records of a former President available to such former President or the designated representative of such former President. Applies all provisions of this Act to Vice-Presidential, as well as Presidential records.
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 1978
Appoints a committee of Members of the House of Representatives and Senate to attend the funeral of the late Honorable William M. Ketchum of California. Adjourns the House of Representatives as a mark of respect for the late Mr. Ketchum.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1978
Public Accounting Regulatory Act - Requires the Securities and Exchange Commission (Commission) to establish a National Organization of Securities and Exchange Commission Accountancy (Organization). Requires each independent public accounting firm which furnishes audit reports with respect to any financial statement, report, or other document required to be filed with the Commission under any Federal securities law, and each principal in such a firm, to register with the Organization. Prohibits any firm or principal not registered from furnishing audit reports with respect to any such financial statement, report, or other document required to be filed with the Commission. Requires the Organization to assess and collect from each independent public accounting firm registered under this Act annual dues based upon each firm's annual revenues. Directs that such dues be used to permit the Organization to operate on a self-financing basis. Requires all records of the Organization to be available for public inspection during normal business hours, except for working papers and related files concerning the review or investigation of an independent public accounting firm under this Act. Requires the Organization to establish procedures for the registration of independent public accounting firms and the principals in such firms. Requires each firm seeking registration under this Act to submit an application containing specified information. Requires the Organization to conduct a continuing program of reviews of independent public accounting firms registered under this Act. Sets forth methods for conducting such reviews. Suspends or revokes the registration of any firm which refuses to cooperate in such investigations. Directs the Organization or the Commission, on its own initiative, to take such disciplinary action as may be required, in the public interest and for the protection of investors, against any independent public accounting firm registered under this Act or any principal in such a firm. Directs the Commission to review each disciplinary action and to affirm, reverse, or alter such action as appropriate. States that any disciplinary action shall be subject to review in the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia. Directs the Commission to have responsibility for oversight of the Organization to assure that the activities of the Organization are conducted so as to build public confidence in audits performed by independent public accounting firms and the adequacy of financial statements of publicly owned corporations. Gives the Commission power to approve, deny, alter, propose, or repeal any bylaw or operating procedure of the Organization. Requires the Commission to take the following action; (1) compile, in consultation with appropriate organizations designated by the Commission, listings of needed generally accepted accounting principles and auditing standards which have not been developed and issued; (2) furnish the listings compiled under this subsection together with priorities and timetables, to such appropriate organizations; (3) monitor the progress of such organizations against the appropriate timetables, and in cases in which progress is slow or the results are unsatisfactory, develop and issue the needed auditing standards and accounting principles; and (4) develop and issue uniform accounting principles as needed. Directs the Commission to require each publicly owned corporation which is incorporated under the laws of any State and which files financial statements, reports, or other documents with the Commission under any Federal securities law to establish an audit committee. Directs each such committee to be composed of directors of the corporations. Requires each such audit committee to be responsible for the selection of an independent public accounting firm to audit financial statements, reports, or other documents of the corporation, after satisfying itself that such firm has not compromised its independence as a result of other services it provides to such corporation. Subjects any independent public accounting firm to liability for any damages sustained by any private party as a result of such party's reliance on an audit report by such firm with respect to a financial statement, report, or other document filed with the Commission under any securities law, if such accounting firm was negligent in the preparation of such audit report.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1978
Rehabilitation Amendments - Amends the formula for allocating funds among the States for basic vocational rehabilitation services under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1978
Standards for No-Fault Motor Vehicle Accident Benefits Act - Title I: Standards for State No-Fault Benefits - Authorizes any State to establish a plan for no-fault benefits for motor vehicle accident victims in accordance with the basic standards set forth in this Act. Specifies levels for medical expense, work loss, replacement services loss, and funeral and death benefits which must be met by approved State plans. Sets forth limitations on deductibles. Requires each person obligated to provide compulsory coverage to carry liability insurance for the payment of tort liability damages for injury in any case in which loss is in excess of the approved limitations, and in other specified cases. Stipulates that an approved State plan must require each insurer to make available coverages to provide for specified benefits in excess of any limitations under this Act. Requires any State plan to prohibit any claimant from maintaining a civil action in tort against any person, with respect to an injury as to which no-fault benefits are payable, unless such person is or may be liable in tort in accordance with specified exceptions set forth in this Act and also in such plan. Permits any approved State plan to establish a mechanism to assess the individual responsibility of motor vehicle operators, and a procedure for the imposition of tort penalties for such individual. Stipulates that any such plan shall require each owner of a motor vehicle registered in such State to maintain compulsory coverage in accordance with the approved plan. Requires each owner of a motor vehicle operated in such State to maintain compulsory coverage while the vehicle is operated in such State if coverage is not provided under any other approved no-fault plan. Declares that any approved State plan shall entitle any victim, any survivor of a victim, or provider on behalf of a victim to basic no-fault benefits under such plan depending on specified conditions relating to residence and place of injury of the victim. Sets forth priorities for the determination of which insurer will pay benefits if two or more obligations to pay no-fault benefits apply to an injury. Establishes a procedure for the payment of no-fault benefits. Requires any approved State plan to authorize a claimant to maintain a civil action against an insurer or program for the payment of overdue benefits and any interest penalty. Requires such plan to include the payment of attorney's fees and costs of litigation within the recovery available to claimants in such actions. Directs the State insurance commissioner to establish a program to assure that basic no-fault benefits are promptly available, with respect to any victim who is entitled to such benefits under the approved plan of such State. Sets forth conflict of law resolutions which must be included in each approved State plan with respect to the determination of benefits, the right to maintain civil actions in tort, reimbursement and compliance with compulsory coverage requirements. Requires that any approved State plan restrict the cancellation, nonrenewal, and modification of insurance in accordance with this Act. Requires that such plans include programs for the medical and vocational rehabilitation of victims. Directs that all benefits that an individual receives, or is entitled to receive, with respect to an injury, from specified government programs be subtracted in calculating basic no-fault benefits. Restricts the right of reimbursement of insurers for certain no-fault benefits paid or obligated. Declares certain individuals ineligible for no-fault benefits under any State approved plan. Sets forth the procedure for calculating work loss. Title II: Review Panel and Process; Alternative No-Fault Plan - Establishes within the Department of Transportation the Standards for No-Fault Benefits Review Panel to evaluate the performance and effect of approved State plans. Sets forth the procedure for certification and review of State plans. Specifies the requirements which must be met by alternative no-fault plans. Declares that an alternative no-fault plan may take effect in a State only if the Review Panel issues a declaration that such State does not have an approved State plan. Title III: Definitions and Miscellaneous Provisions - Stipulates that no district court of the United States shall have jurisdiction over any civil action for the payment of no-fault benefits unless the United States is a party.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 1978
Directs that Federal Employees Group Life Insurance be made available at any time before retirement to any otherwise eligible Member of Congress or congressional employee who is not covered by such insurance. Stipulates that no Member or employee who is already covered by such insurance shall be required to provide medical evidence of insurability as a condition for optional additional insurance.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 1978
Directs that Federal Employees Group Life Insurance be made available at any time before retirement to any otherwise eligible Member of Congress or congressional employee who is not covered by such insurance. Stipulates that no Member or employee who is already covered by such insurance shall be required to provide medical evidence of insurability as a condition for optional additional insurance.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1978
Amends the Local Public Works Capital Development and Investment Act of 1976 to increase the amount authorized to be appropriated to carry out such Act to $10,000,000,000.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1978
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 · 12 April 1978
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide identical income tax rates for single persons and married couples filing joint returns. Limits the earned income that must be reported by a married individual filing a separate return to the amount actually earned by that individual.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1978
Small Business Development Center Act - Authorizes the Small Business Administration to make grants to universities to assist them in developing centers to provide small businesses with a broad range of advice, information, and assistance. Limits the amount of such grant to no more than 75 percent of the cost of eligible activities in the operation or development of the center, except for grants to regional centers assisting State centers in research or other high cost activities. Establishes a Small Business Management and Technical Assistance Division within the Small Business Development Center program through a Deputy Associate Administrator. Establishes a Small Business Development Center Advisory Board composed of 14 members to advise and confer with the Deputy Associate Administrator for Management and Technical Assistance. Authorizes the Administration to make grants to universities, organizations, and business concerns to support research to solve problems which affect small business concerns.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1978
Solar Energy Transition Act - Directs each Federal agency to use and encourage the use of solar energy technologies. Requires each agency to review the programs, projects, and policies it is administering and assess the feasibility of alternative approaches utilizing solar energy technologies. Directs the Secretary of Energy to develop guidelines and otherwise assist the Federal agencies in the review required by this Act. Establishes the National Solar Energy Advisory Council to advise the Secretary in the performance of his duties under this Act. Directs the Secretary to report to the President and Congress annually starting April 20, 1980 on the progress of the Federal Government and the nation in converting to solar energy.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1978
Expresses the condemnation of the House of Representatives of the kidnapping of Aldo Moro. Declares it the sense of the House of Representatives that (1) Italy deserves the support of the United States, and (2) the President should instruct the Permanent Representative to the United Nations to press for consideration of solutions to the problem of terrorism in all appropriate forums.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1978
Directs that orders of a State court or a court of the District of Columbia relative to the custody of children of divorced or separated parents be given full faith and credit by every other State and the District of Columbia until such issuing court no longer has under the law of the State in which it is located, or declines to exercise, jurisdiction over modifications of such orders. Permits a court to refuse to recognize a custody order obtained by a parent or other person who removed the child from a State in order to conceal the child from the other parent or from a person acting as a parent.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1978
Older Americans Long-Term Care Act - Title I: Long-Term Care for the Elderly and the Disabled - Establishes a program of long-term comprehensive services for the elderly financed by the Federal Government and the States. Establishes within the Department of the Treasury a Federal Long-Term Care Trust Fund for such program. Requires a State to establish a State Long-Term Care Agency in order to receive funds under this Act. Requires such State agency to create within the State a system of Community Long-Term Care Centers. Title II: Miscellaneous Provisions - Sets forth the relationship between the program established by this Act and certain programs under the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1978
Expresses the condemnation by the Congress of the March 11, 1978, attack on Israel by the Palestine Liberation Organization, and the expressed intention of the PLO to continue such attacks and to disrupt the peace efforts between Israel and Egypt. Requests the President to make the disapproval of the Congress known to governments approving the PLO attack. Expresses Congressional approval of the peace efforts between Israel and Egypt. Urges other Middle East countries to join such efforts. Declares negotiation to be the best way to bring peace to the Middle East.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1978
Amtrak Improvement Act - Amends the Rail Passenger Service Act to authorize appropriations for the National Railroad Passenger Corporation for fiscal year 1979. Directs the Secretary of Transportation, in cooperation with the Corporation, to develop a preliminary recommendation for a route system for the Corporation which will provide an optional intercity railroad passenger system based on current and future market and population requirements. Specifies considerations which the Secretary is to consider in formulating such recommendations and specifies provisions to be included in such report. Directs the Rail Services Planning Office to conduct public hearings on the Secretary's recommendations and to submit its findings to the Secretary. Requires the Secretary to thoroughly consider such material in developing a final recommended route system for the Corporation. Directs the Secretary to submit final recommendations for such basic route system to both Houses of Congress and specified congressional committees. Stipulates that such final recommendations shall be deemed approved only by the adoption by both Houses of a resolution approving such recommendations. Directs the Corporation after such approval to complete the implementation of the basic route system as soon as possible. Amends the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 to establish maximum travel times between points in the Northeast Corridor. Directs the National Railroad Passenger Corporation to develop economical and reliable rolling stock and related equipment designed to be compatible with the track, and operating and marketing characteristics of the Northeast Corridor. Amends the Animal Welfare Act to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to exempt from the requirements of such Act, the transportation of cats and dogs in passenger rail service if the transportation substantially complies with such Act and will result in an increase in reliable and humane transport service for such animals. Directs the Postal Service to utilize the services of the Corporation in the surface transportation of mail so long as it would not result in a deterioration of mail services or increase in cost to the Federal Government. Authorizes the Corporation, notwithstanding the pendency of the route reexamination pursuant to this Act, to contract with a railroad filing a notice of discontinuance to continue such train operations. Stipulates that the Corporation shall not be subject to any State or local law with respect to the construction, maintenance, or repair of structures carrying public roads. Directs the Interstate Commerce Commission in determining the compensation to be paid by the Corporation to other railroads or public transportation agencies for track or facility usage to limit such compensation to the avoidable costs of permitting the Corporation to use the railroad's or agency's tracks or facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1978
Federal Acquisition Act - Title I: Acquisition Methods and Regulatory Guidance - Requires Federal agencies to procure goods and services utilizing methods prescribed in this Act as directed by rules promulgated by the Office of Federal Procurement Policy (Office). Title II: Acquisition by Competitive Sealed Bids - Sets criteria for use of the competitive sealed bid method of acquisition. Requires bid invitations to indicate what factors, in addition to price, will be considered in evaluating bids. Title III: Acquisition by Competitive Negotiation - Permits the use of the competitive negotiation method of procurement when the competitive sealed bid method is inappropriate under this Act. Permits procurement through negotiation with a single source if a contract stems from the acceptance of an unsolicited proposal or if such procurement practice is in the best interest of the Government. Requires contractors to submit price data for analysis prior to any negotiated award, change, or modification of any contract valued at over $500,000 in order to facilitate determination of the reasonableness of its offers. Requires contractors party to a single-source award or negotiated contract to submit cost information bearing on the reasonableness of the offered price. Gives agencies the power to inspect plants and records of a contractor up to three years after final payment has been made under a contract to ascertain the accuracy of price and cost data submitted under this Act. Title IV: Acquisition by Competitive Small Purchase Procedures Method - Permits the use of the competitive small purchase procedures method of procurement when contracts valued at not more than $10,000 are involved and if such procedure would be advantageous to the Government. Title V: General Provisions - Prohibits the use of cost-plus-a-percentage-of-cost contracting under this Act. Prohibits the employment of any agent on a contingent fee basis to solicit or secure a contract made with the Government. Disallows the making of any contract for a period of more than five years unless an exception has been made by the Office under this Act. Sets forth limitations for the making of advance payments. Gives title to the product of a contractor to the Government as security for partial and progress payments made pursuant to a Government contract. Directs the reconsideration and revision, if necessary, of specifications at least every three years. Title VI: Delegation of Authority - Permits agency heads to delegate specified authority conferred under this Act. Permits one agency to delegate acquisition functions to another agency to facilitate joint acquisitions. Title VII: Protests - Authorizes the Comptroller General to decide protests of awards under this Act. Permits the Comptroller General to declare a protested award or proposed award illegal. Requires protest proceedings to be as informal as possible. Title VIII: Applicability of Subsequent Laws - Prohibits the interpretation of any law passed subsequent to the enactment of this Act as amending this Act unless such law explicitly refers to this Act. Title IX: Amendments and Repeals - Makes technical and conforming amendments.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1978
Declares it the sense of Congress that the United States should encourage the United Nations to hold a World Alternate Energy Conference to consider alternate ways to meet the world's energy needs and to establish an International Alternate Energy Commission to encourage worldwide use of alternate energy sources.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1978
Elephant Protection Act - Prohibits the import, export, possession, transport, or sale of any elephant product. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to administer this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to issue permits for acts herein prohibited for scientific purposes. Establishes civil and criminal penalties for violation of this Act. Establishes rewards for persons providing information regarding violations of this Act. Requires the Secretaries of the Interior, Treasury, and the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to enforce this Act, and to promulgate regulations for such enforcement. Permits citizens suits to enforce this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1978
Directs that orders of a State court or a court of the District of Columbia relative to the custody of children of divorced or separated parents be given full faith and credit by every other State and the District of Columbia until such issuing court no longer has under the law of the State in which it is located, or declines to exercise, jurisdiction over modifications of such orders. Permits a court to refuse to recognize a custody order obtained by a parent or other person who removed the child from a State in order to conceal the child from the other parent or from a person acting as a parent.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1978
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 · 21 February 1978
Authorizes the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution to acquire the Museum of African Art. Establishes a Commission for the Museum of African Art to assist the Board in the operation and development of the Museum. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 February 1978
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to permit payment for eye care, eyeglasses, hearing aids and related examinations, dental care and dentures under the supplementary medical insurance program. Increases the government contribution to the Federal Supplementary Insurance Trust Fund by twice the amount of premiums that are presently paid into the Fund each month, while decreasing the portion of the Fund comprised fo premiums from one-half to one-third. Excludes from the coverage of the supplementary medical insurance program expenses relating to referrals of individuals by a doctor of optometry for the diagnosis or detection of eye diseases.
United States · United States Congress · 14 February 1978
Nongame Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to make grants to any State to assist such State in developing a comprehensive fish and wildlife resource management plan. Directs the Secretary to prescribe by regulation standards to provide that management plans developed by the States under this Act result in the conservation of fish and wildlife. Sets forth the procedure by which the Secretary shall consider for approval State management plans. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to States having approved nongame fish and wildlife conservation programs to assist such States in implementing such programs. Establishes limitations on the amount of such grants and the procedure for allocation among States. Sets forth the terms and conditions of such grants.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1978
Amends Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act and the Internal Revenue Code to reduce tax rates below the level established by the Social Security Amendments of 1977 on employment income for both employers and employees and on self-employment income. Increases Federal contributions to the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund, the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund, and the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund established under Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act by 50 percent. Increases the ceiling on the amount of income that is subject to social security taxation to $100,000 in 1979.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1978
Amends rule XXI of the Rules of the House of Representatives to prohibit the inclusion in any appropriation bill or amendment thereto of a provision which changes existing law or imposes any limitation not contained in existing law.
![Official portrait of Rep. Moss, John E. [D-CA-3]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/m001035_200.jpg)