United States · United States Congress · 31 March 1977
Ocean Dumping Amendments Act -- Amends the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 to authorize the issuance of interim permits through December 31, 1981, for ocean dumping without regard to preexisting criteria. Limits such interim authorizations to persons already engaged in dumping of similar materials prior to the enactment of the Act, and where such person has no feasible alternative for disposal other than ocean dumping. Stipulates that such interim permits shall be reviewable on an annual basis. Requires that holders of interim permits expend adequate funds for research into alternate methods of material disposal, subject to conditions specified by the Administrator of the Environmental Protections Agency. Requires applicants for permits to pay a processing fee for administrative costs directly incurred in the processing of permits. Directs the Administrator to conduct studies to reduce or eliminate the dumping of radiological, chemical, or biological warfare agents or high-level radioactive wastes into ocean waters. Repeals various authorities of the Secretary of Commerce with respect to evaluation of substantive programs of other agencies.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 1977
Petroleum Marketing Practices Act - Title I: Franchise Protection - Prohibits a franchisor from terminating or failing to renew a franchise unless specified conditions exist. Enumerates the basis upon which a franchisor may terminate or fail to renew a franchise. Exempts trial franchises from the requirements of this Act. Requires that 90 days advance notice of termination or nonrenewal be made in writing and delivered to the franchisee. Directs the Administrator of the Federal Energy Administration to publish in the Federal Register a summary of this Act. Authorizes civil actions in a United States district court against any franchisor who violates any requirement of this Act. Provides for the preemption of State laws unless such law is the same as the applicable provisions of this Act. Title II: Octane Disclosure - Requires the Federal Trade Commission to: (1) establish testing procedures for the determination of the octane rating of automotive gasoline; (2) establish requirements applicable to refiners with respect to the testing of automotive gasoline; (3) establish a certification procedure applicable to the distribution of automotive gasoline; and (4) establish requirements applicable to retailers of gasoline with respect to display of the octane rating of automotive gasoline at the point of sale. Prohibits any person who distributes automotive gasoline from making representations respecting the octane rating of gasoline unless the gasoline has been tested in accordance with the procedures established by the Federal Trade Commission. Grants to the Commission the procedural, investigative, and enforcement powers necessary to make effective the rules required to be prescribed. Makes it an unfair or deceptive act or practice in or affecting commerce under the Federal Trade Commission Act to violate the rules prescribed by this Act. Authorizes judicial review of the rules prescribed under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 1977
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide payment for optometric and medical vision care under the supplementary medical insurance program.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1977
Declares that specified persons previously appointed as temporary hearing examiner's under the Supplemental Security Income program of the Social Security Act shall be considered appointed to career-absolute positions as hearing examiners.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1977
National Climate Program Act - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to coordinate the establishment and operation of a Federal climate program for the collection, analysis, and dissemination of data concerning climatic States and the influence of human activities on climatic dynamics. Empowers the Secretary to establish advisory committees to be composed of experts in climatology and related fields and of representatives of interested Federal departments to more effectively carry out the purposes of this Act. Directs the Secretary to coordinate the activities of the climate program with related Federal programs and with climate research programs of international organizations. Authorizes the Secretary to transfer funds and make grants to governmental bodies and educational and nonprofit institutions to carry out the purposes of this Act. Requires the Secretary to prepare and submit each year to the Office of Management and Budget an updated five-year plan and request for appropriations thereunder for the climate program for such fiscal year. Directs the Secretary to annually prepare and submit to the President for transmittal to the Congress a report on the administration of this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of funds to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1977
Amends the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973 to direct the Consolidated Rail Corporation (Con Rail) to make premium payments in order to maintain insurance policies providing medical or life insurance benefits to employees and retirees under such Act. Entitles the corporation to a loan under such Act to make such payments. Deems such costs to be expenses of the administration of the respective estates of the railroads in reorganization.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1977
Accelerated Depreciation Allowance Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow taxpayers to elect accelerated amortization (twice the allowable depreciation deduction) for manufacturing property placed in service in States having an unemployment rate which is greater than six percent between October 1, 1976 and October 1, 1981.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1977
Permits any Federal employee or Member of Congress who, at the time of retirement, does not elect a reduced annuity in order to provide a survivor annuity to a spouse or other person to make such an election within one year after retiring. Requires such employee to refund to the Government an amount equal to the amount such employee's annuity would have been reduced during the period from the date of retirement to the date of election plus interest. (Amends 5 U.S.C. 8339)
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1977
Requires creditors, under the Truth in Lending Act, to post, at each place of business where they extend credit to consumers, a sign which states clearly and conspicuously the current rates of interest being charged for each category of loan.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1977
Endangered American Wilderness Act - Designates specified lands in the following national forests as components of the National Wilderness Preservation System: (1) Tongass National Forest, Alaska; (2) Coronado National Forest, Arizona; (3) Inyo and Sequoia National Forests, California; (4) Los Padres National Forest, California; (5) Rio Grande National Forest, Colorado; (6) Cibola National Forest, New Mexico; (7) Willamette National Forest, Oregon; (8) Siskiyou National Forest, Oregon; (9) Wasatch and Uinta National Forests, Utah; and (10) Umatilla National Forest, Washington and Oregon. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to review the feasibility and suitability of designating as wilderness specified lands in the following national forests: (1) Coronado National Forest, Arizona; (2) Rio Grande and Gunnison National Forests, Colorado; (3) Lolo and Kootenai National Forests, Montana; (4) Santa Fe and Carson National Forests, New Mexico; and (5) Medicine Bow National Forest, Wyoming. Includes specified lands in the Siskiyou National Forest, Oregon, in the Kalmiopsis Wilderness Area.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1977
Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish by regulation a uniform functional accounting system and statistical system for the purpose of calculating the reasonable cost of services provided by health services institutions. Amends Titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require providers of services to use such uniform accounting and statistical systems in determining the cost of services provided under the provisions of such Titles.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1977
Permits any Federal employee or Member of Congress who, at the time of retirement, does not elect a reduced annuity in order to provide a survivor annuity to a spouse or other person to make such an election within one year after retiring. Requires such employee to refund to the Government an amount equal to the amount such employee's annuity would have been reduced during the period from the date of retirement to the date of election plus interest. (Amends 5 U.S.C. 8339)
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1977
Child Exploitation Prevention Act - Amends the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act to prohibit the sexual exploitation of children by making it unlawful for any individual to (1) cause or permit a child to be photographed or filmed engaged in a sexual act prohibited under this Act; (2) photograph or film a prohibited sexual act; (3) knowingly transport any film or photograph depicting a prohibited sexual act; or (4) receive for sale or sell any such film or photograph, if such individual knows or should know such film or photograph has or may be transported in such a manner as to affect interstate or foreign commerce. Imposes a fine of up to $50,000 and/or imprisonment for up to 20 years for a violation of the sexual exploitation of children provisions of this Act. Imposes a fine of up to $25,000 and/or imprisonment for up to 15 years for a violation of the transportation of photographs and films of children engaged in sexual acts provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1977
Provides for the designation of the library of any nationally accredited law school as a depository library upon request of such law school. (Adds 44 U.S.C. 1916)
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1977
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) and Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to include as "medical and other health services" for which coverage will be provided under Medicare, and as "medical assistance" for which coverage will be provided under Medicaid, that medical or other remedial care furnished by licensed (registered) nurses within the scope of their practices as defined by State law.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1977
Amends the Service Contract Act of 1965 to extend its coverage to professional employees who are paid at a rate not exceeding the rate received by Federal Government employees in grade 15 of the General Schedule. Requires that the minimum fringe benefits and salaries paid to such employees conform to the most recent National Survey of Professional, Administrative, Technical, and Clerical Pay issued by the Department of Labor.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1977
Ocean Dumping Amendments Act -- Amends the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 to authorize the issuance of interim permits through December 31, 1981, for ocean dumping without regard to preexisting criteria. Limits such interim authorizations to persons already engaged in dumping of similar materials prior to the enactment of the Act, and where such person has no feasible alternative for disposal other than ocean dumping. Stipulates that such interim permits shall be reviewable on an annual basis. Requires that holders of interim permits expend adequate funds for research into alternate methods of material disposal, subject to conditions specified by the Administrator of the Environmental Protections Agency. Requires applicants for permits to pay a processing fee for administrative costs directly incurred in the processing of permits. Directs the Administrator to conduct studies to reduce or eliminate the dumping of radiological, chemical, or biological warfare agents or high-level radioactive wastes into ocean waters. Repeals various authorities of the Secretary of Commerce with respect to evaluation of substantive programs of other agencies.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1977
Authorizes the Administrator of General Services to dispose of approximately 30,000 long tons of grade A tin now held in the national and supplemental stockpiles. Stipulates that such disposal shall be made on the domestic market for consumption within the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1977
Authorizes the President of the United States to designate the week beginning November 6, 1977, and ending November 12, 1977, as "National Volunteer Firemen Week."
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1977
Energy and Weather Emergency Adjustment Assistance Act - Title I: Adjustment Assistance for Workers - Entitles to adjustment assistance allowances of specified amounts each of a group of workers certified by the Administrator of the Federal Disaster Assistance Administration upon a determination that: (1) a significant number or proportion of the workers in the group or a subdivision have become totally or partially separated, (2) sales and or production of such firm have decreased absolutely, and (3) critical shortages of energy supplies or unusually severe weather conditions contributed importantly to such work separation and decline in sales and/or production. Provides additional Assistance allowances, including expenses of training programs and seeking new employment, to each of a group of workers qualified for adjustment allowances who are likely to become totally separated on a permanent basis. Title II: Adjustment to Firms - Entitles firms which are found by the Administrator, due to critical energy shortages or unusual weather conditions, to have ceased sales and/or production and totally or partially separated a significant portion or number of workers to (1) funds for repairing physical damage resulting from the adverse conditions and (2) if the firm is a small business and would not otherwise remain competitive, low-interest loans for operating expenses or (3) if the firm is not a small business, guarantees of loans not otherwise available and necessary to remain competitive. Title III: Adjustment Assistance for Communities - Entitles local governments which are found by the Administrator to have incurred extraordinary expenditures amounting to at least five percent of their operating budget or sustained an increase in unemployment within their jurisdiction of at least ten percent due to critical energy shortages or unusual weather conditions to (1) funds to reimburse the cost of repairing damaged public facilities and purchasing or renting emergency equipment and (2) low-interest loans if the adverse conditions result in a substantial revenue loss. Title IV: General Provisions - Authorizes the appropriation for fiscal years 1977 and 1978 of such sums as may be necessary to carry out this Act. Specifies the effective date of this Act and the duration of the administrator's authority under it.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1977
Amends the National Labor Relations Act to provide that the duty to bargain collectively includes bargaining with respect to retirement benefits for retired employees.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1977
Economic Disaster Community Assistance Act - Amends the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 to establish within the Department of Commerce an Office of Aid to Economic Disaster Communities, to carry out the purposes of this Act. Authorizes the President to designate as an economic disaster community, any area, without regard to political or geographic boundaries, where: (1) the average unemployment rate for at least three consecutive months exceeds the average national unemployment rate for the preceding calendar year, (2) the current unemployment rate exceeds the national unemployment rate for the prior month and has increased by at least 100 percent within the past 12 months, or (3) the current unemployment rate is at least six percent and there are such other critical economic conditions as the President determines to warrant assistance under this Act. Directs the appointment of Federal and State coordinating officers for areas designated economic disaster communities. Authorizes all Federal agencies to assist such areas by making available real property, personnel, equipment, and other resources. Authorizes the President, with the concurrence of the Director of the Office, to direct any Federal agency charged with the administration of a Federal grant-in-aid program to modify conditions for assistance in order to facilitate the delivery of aid to economic disaster communities. Establishes a separate Federal Economic Recovery Fund within the Treasury. Directs the heads of Federal agencies and the Director of the Office to select existing Federal grant-in-aid and loan and loan guarantee programs to be assisted by the fund. Authorizes the allocation of fund monies for certain other purposes, including: (1) loans to individuals and businesses to enable them to meet mortgage payments, (2) unrestricted grants to States and local governments to implement local initiatives and projects designed to relieve unemployment and stimulate the economy but which are not eligible for existing grants; (3) relocation assistance for unemployed individuals and their families; (4) housing assistance; (5) unemployment assistance; (6) grants to accelerate Federal, State, or local projects; and (7) grants or loans to nonprofit organizations and loan guarantees to private profitmaking organizations for job creation and holding major employers in the area. Stipulates that areas designated as economic disaster communities shall remain eligible for assistance under this Act for at least one year after which time benefits will be phased out if the area no longer meets eligibility criteria.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1977
Amends Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to provide a claimant who has been denied benefits thereunder with the opportunity to obtain informal reconsideration of his claim. Requires the maintenance of a written summary of reconsideration proceedings. Grants a claimant the right to a hearing on the denied claim if the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare affirms the denial upon review. Requires the hearing to be conducted pursuant to the requirements for an 'adjudication" under the Administrative Procedure Act under an administrative law judge (ALJ). Directs the Secretary to appoint ALJ's to conduct such hearings. Sets forth criteria under which the ALJ in charge of a hearing must remand a disputed claim to the appropriate regional commissioner of the Social Security Administration.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1977
Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to specifically encompass pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions within the prohibition against sex discrimination in employment, including discrimination with respect to fringe benefit plans.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1977
Comprehensive Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act - Title I: Educational Assistance Program Amendments - Redefines the qualifying service period of an "eligible veteran" to be the period from August 4, 1964 to January 1, 1977; and redesignates as an "eligible peacetime post-Korean veteran" anyone whose qualifying service period fell between January 31, 1955, and August 5, 1964; and entitles both "eligible veterans" and "eligible peacetime post-Korean veterans" to all benefits, services and loans available under the educational assistance program. Extends from 36 to 45 months the period of eligibility for receiving educational assistance (this provision currently exist, 38 U.S.C. 1661 (a)). Sets conditions for extending the ten-year delimiting period for receipt of assistance up to a maximum of two additional years. Provides that counseling offered by the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to veterans eligible for educational assistance may include assisting any veteran: (1) to select the occupation or training objective suitable to personal circumstances, characteristics, financial resources, dependent responsibilities and other relevant factors; (2) to select the occupation or training objective which will provide reasonable opportunities for employment and with job satisfaction after development of the required job skills; (3) to select the educational institution that will effectively assist in attaining educational or vocational objectives; and (4) to develop a program of education that will lead to a recognized and predetermined educational, vocational, technical, or professional objective within the veteran's period of entitlement. Directs the Administrator to take such measures as may be necessary, including denial of applications or disapproval of courses, to insure that no aspect of the educational assistance program is used for the purpose of income supplementation, unemployment compensation, or adjusted compensation. Allows continued payments to veterans enrolled in institutions not complying with provisions of the Act if such veterans are not at fault for the noncompliance. Provides an accelerated educational assistance allowance, not to exceed twice the ordinary monthly amount, to be granted, after appropriate counseling, to an eligible veteran or person who demonstrates need for the acceleration. Stipulates the categories of persons most likely to need a program of acceleration. Limits any program of accelerated assistance allowances to five years. Title II: War Orphans' and Widows' Educational Assistance Program Amendments - Allows the ten-year period of eligibility for educational assistance for the spouse of a veteran with a service-connected disability to run from the wedding date of the spouse and such veteran. Entitles eligible war orphans and widows to accelerated educational assistance allowances. Title III: Administration of Educational Benefits - Extends the coverage of existing administrative provisions of the educational assistance program to all branches and extensions of an educational institution. Directs the Administrator to establish between the Administration, the State approving agencies and nationally recognized accrediting agencies and associations, an exchange of information pertaining to activities of educational institutions, especially to the enforcement of approval standard and enrollment restrictions and fraudulent and other criminal activities on the part of persons connected with the institution; and directs the Administrator to furnish the U.S. Attorney General, the Department of Defense, the Department of Health, Education and Welfare, the Federal Trade Commission, the Federal Communications Commission and other Federal, State and local agencies such information and assistance as may be necessary to preclude abuses or enhance the effectiveness of the programs established hereunder. Requires educational institutions to transmit to State approving agencies catalogs or bulletins certified as true, current and correct both in content and policy by an authorized school official. Requires the State approving agencies to find as a condition of approval, adequate standards of progress established and clearly defined, and to find that an institution and its programs of education are in every aspect, portion, element, and division in full compliance with the law. Revises the criteria for approval of nonaccredited courses. Requires all advertising, promotion, sales techniques, claims and personnel employed by or representing the institution and branches or extensions offering nonaccredited courses to be in compliance with all applicable State and Federal licensing regulations and laws. Permits the Administrator to disapprove any institution of program of education approved as accredited if it fails to comply with any of specified provisions of law. Makes any advance payment of initial educational assistance or subsistence allowance conditional, and denies such advance payments to those entitled to receive accelerated payments. Requires the application for conditional advance payments to indicate that the eligible veteran or person had requested such, that it is necessary and appropriated to meet specific expenses, and that such expenses shall reasonably equal or exceed the amount of conditional advance payment. Requires the Administrator to set up an appeals procedure for administrative proceedings involving property loss resulting from a decision to terminate or modify an eligible veteran's or person's educational benefits. Increases from $3 and $4 to $8 and $10 respectively the fees paid to educational institutions in reimbursement for reports and certifications. Directs the Administrator to refer to the U.S. Attorney General any deliberate, premeditated, or willful misconduct or illegal action of a significant nature or involving a significant sum of money stemming from overpayments occasioned by a false or misleading report by an educational institution. Sets new conditions for the enrollment of an eligible veteran or person in a program of correspondence or residence-correspondence. Denies approval of enrollment in an institution in any way affiliated with a proprietary institution or profitmaking operation which affects any program of education provided eligible veterans and persons unless such program meets all the requirements of the law. Requires the Administrator to notify any eligible veteran or eligible person of any available vocational assistance alternatives and of any legal recourse when it disapproves an institution or discontinues anyone's educational assistance. Requires the Administrator, upon determination that the interruption of failure of a person's program was due in whole or in part to problems of personal adjustment, to advise such person of available counseling services and vocational, educational and psychological assistance. Establishes with the Veterans Administration an Interagency Veterans' Advisory Task Force to advise and assist the Administrator, among other things, in: (1) the review of the effectiveness and coordination of all rights and services authorized for veterans; (2) the development and implementation of studies of the effectiveness of laws applicable to veterans and eligible persons; (3) the monitoring and evaluation and preclusion of abuses of veterans' adjustment assistance programs; (4) the investigation of allegations indicating that veterans are being denied rights, benefit,or assistance; and (5) the appraisal of Federal laws, appropriations, and policies meeting the readjustment needs of veterans. Directs the Task Force to serve as a national clearinghouse for information and assistance relating to the needs of veterans, and to serve as an advocate for the correction of problems and the preclusion of abuses. Establishes within the Task Force a section on enforcement and implementation of laws, a section on the evaluation and accreditation of military experience, and an Advisory Committee to take over the duties and responsibilities of the current advisory committee, with special emphasis on the inclusion and participation of veterans receiving or requiring readjustment assistance. Empowers the Task Force and its sections to issue subpenas. Requires the Task Force to report to Congress within one year of enactment its findings and recommendations for post-Vietnam era readjustment assistance programs. Sets maximum aggregate education loan amounts for eligible persons with no, one, two, or more dependents. Title IV: Miscellaneous Veterans Program Amendments - Requires the Veterans' Administration to adjust its adjudication criteria and under no circumstances to determine eligibility for veterans' benefits for ex-servicemen with other than honorable discharges with either less lenient or more restrictive criteria and procedures that those used by the various military departments in the review and upgrading of other than honorable discharges. Title V: Employment and Training of Disabled and Vietnam-era Veterans - Creates within the Department of Labor a separate agency to be known as the Veterans' Employment Service which shall be headed by an Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans' Employment. Title VI: Veterans' Administration: Miscellaneous Amendments - Directs the Administrator to initiate a comprehensive outreach and information program to inform veterans of the programs and services made available by this Act. Directs the veterans' representatives to carry out such outreach and information assistance services. Requires both the Administrator and the veterans' representatives especially to assist veterans whose educational benefits have ended because of the expiration of their delimiting period to obtain alternative means of completing their education and training.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1977
Amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 to make insurance against damage caused by the movement of frozen water into property located along shorelines available under the national flood insurance program.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1977
Amends the National Labor Relations Act to stipulate that, subject to specified provisions, it shall not be an unfair labor practice for a labor organization or its agents to engage in, or induce any individual employed by any person to engage in, a strike, refusal to perform services, or threat thereof (1) at the site of the construction, alteration, painting, or repair of a building or other structure; and (2) directed at any of several persons in the construction industry who are either joint venturers or in the relationship of contractor and subcontractor in the performance of such construction, alteration, painting or repair. States that nothing in this Act shall be construed to permit a strike, refusal to work, or threat thereof (1) in violation of an existing collective bargaining contract; (2) in furtherance of a labor dispute concerning only working conditions of individuals employed at other common construction sites; (3) directed at a person who is not engaged primarily in the construction industry and who, through its employees, is installing or servicing its own products or is doing construction work at one of its prior facilities; or (4) which presently otherwise constitutes an unfair labor practice. Prohibits common construction site picketing or threats thereof for specified purposes, including (1) to remove or exclude from such site any individual on the ground of sex, race, creed, color, or national origin; (2) to cause or attempt to cause discrimination on the basis of labor union membership; or (3) to force, require, or persuade any person to refrain or cease from dealing in products or systems of another processor or manufacturer. Requires a labor organization, before engaging in an activity permitted by this Act, to give prior notice to certain persons and receive written authorization from the national or international labor organization with which it is affiliated. Sets forth separate prerequisites in the case of activities to be conducted with respect to sites located at military installations or at Federal facilities or installations a major purpose of which is, or will be, the development, production, testing, or firing of munitions, weapons, missles, or space vehicles.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1977
Amends the Social Security Act to provide that, if the delivery day for benefit checks under titles II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) and XVI (Supplemental Security Income Program) falls on a Saturday, Sunday or legal public holiday, benefit checks for such month shall be mailed for delivery on the first day preceding such designated day which is not a Saturday, Sunday or legal public holiday, without regard to whether the delivery of such checks is made in the same calendar month for which such benefit checks are issued.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1977
Child Exploitation Prevention Act - Amends the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act to prohibit the sexual exploitation of children by making it unlawful for any individual to (1) cause or permit a child to be photographed or filmed engaged in a sexual act prohibited under this Act; (2) photograph or film a prohibited sexual act; (3) knowingly transport any film or photograph depicting a prohibited sexual act; or (4) receive for sale or sell any such film or photograph, if such individual knows or should know such film or photograph has or may be transported in such a manner as to affect interstate or foreign commerce. Imposes a fine of up to $50,000 and/or imprisonment for up to 20 years for a violation of sexual exploitation of children provisions of this Act. Imposes a fine of up to $25,000 and/or imprisonment for up to 15 years for a violation of the transportation of photographs and films of children engaged in sexual acts provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1977
Maritime Appropriation Authorization Act - Authorizes appropriations in specified amounts to the Department of Commerce for fiscal year 1978 for: (1) vessel construction and rehabilitation; (2) the payment of obligations incurred for operating-differential subsidy; (3) research and development expenses; (4) reserve fleet expenses; (5) the Merchant Marine Academy; and (6) financial assistance to State marine schools.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1977
Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to make and insure loans under such Act for the solar heating or cooling of residential structures on family farms.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1977
Solar Energy for Homes Act - Authorizes the administrators of Federal housing programs, established under title II or III of the National Housing Act or (of) title V of the Housing Act of 1949, to increase the amount of loans made on single- or multi-family dwelling units by up to 20 percent where such increase reflects the cost of solar energy equipment. Amends the National Housing Act to authorize home improvement loans for the cost of acquisition and installation of solar energy system. Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to authorize the use of community development block grants for payments to assist in the acquisition and installation of solar energy equipment.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1977
Guarantees automatically any loan to a qualified veteran for the purchase and installation of solar heating and/or cooling in a dwelling which he owns and occupies. Exempts such loans from the existing $17,500 maximum amount of guaranty entitlement, and sets the amount of such entitlement at either: (1) the reasonable total cost of such purchase and installation, or (2) 20 percent of the value of the structure in which such system is to be installed, whichever is less. States that the original principal amount of such a loan shall not exceed the amount of guaranty entitlement so set.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1977
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to implement specified measures which will encourage the use of transportation modes other than personal motor vehicles for travel to and in national parks. Directs the Secretary to establish information programs to inform the public of park access opportunities. Requires that the Secretary develop projects for transportation services for access to parks with the cooperation of State and local transportation agencies, the Secretary of Transportation and the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. Lists parks which shall be considered for such projects and sets forth criteria for determining which parks shall be selected. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to monitor such projects and to report to Congress his findings and recommendations for future projects within three years of the effective date of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1977
Prohibits the consideration of any cost of living increase of Old Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance benefits after May 1977 for purposes of determining the eligibility for or amount of assistance which any individual or family is provided under specified Federal housing programs.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide a deduction for State and local taxes imposed on the furnishing or sale of electrical energy, water, sewage disposal services, gas, or telephone services.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1977
Child Exploitation Prevention Act - Amends the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act to prohibit the sexual exploitation of children by making it unlawful for any individual to (1) cause or permit a child to be photographed or filmed engaged in a sexual act prohibited under this Act; (2) photograph or film a prohibited sexual act; (3) knowingly transport any film or photograph depicting a prohibited sexual act; or (4) receive for sale or sell any such film or photograph, if such individual knows or should know such film or photograph has or may be transported in such a manner as to affect interstate or foreign commerce. Imposes a fine of up to $50,000 and/or imprisonment for up to 20 years for a violation of the sexual exploitation of children provisions of this Act. Imposes a fine of up to $25,000 and/or imprisonment for up to 15 years for a violation of the transportation of photographs and films of children engaged in sexual acts provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1977
Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to make loans through the Agricultural Credit Insurance Fund to agricultural producers in the United States who sustain losses incurred on or after January 1, 1973, as a direct result of their food crops, animal feedcrops, livestock (including poultry), or livestock products being quarantined or condemned by a Federal or State official because such crops, livestock or products contain quantities of toxic chemicals dangerous to the public health. Sets a maximum loan amount of $100,000, a term of seven years, and leaves the interest rate to the Secretary's discretion. Requires repayment of the loan up to the amount of the compensation within three months of the receipt of any compensation for losses for which the loan was made. Permits the Secretary to postpone all but a nominal amount of principal and interest payments for up to three years.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1977
Provides for the designation of the library of any nationally accredited law school as a depository library upon request of such law school. (Adds 44 U.S.C. 1916)
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1977
Amends the Railroad Retirement Act and Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to exempt individuals suffering from multiple sclerosis from the requirement that an individual be entitled to disability benefits for at least 24 consecutive months in order to qualify for hospital insurance benefits under the Medicare program.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1977
National Aquaculture Organic Act - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish a National Aquaculture Development Plan. Requires that such plan (1) identify each aquatic species which can be cultured on a commercial basis (priority aquatic species), and (2) contain a program of aquaculture development for such priority aquatic species. Directs the Secretary of Commerce or the Secretary of the Interior, whichever is appropriate, to review annually each aquatic species not identified as a priority species and the program established for each priority species. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to (1) establish and maintain an aquaculture information center, (2) maintain an inventory of public and private aquaculture being carried out in the United States, (3) arrange for the mutual exchange of information relating to aquaculture with foreign nations, and (4) submit an annual report to Congress on the implementation of the provisions of this Act. Establishes the Interagency Committee on Aquaculture comprised of the heads of various Federal agencies to insure that there is a continuing exchange of information relating to the aquacultural programs and projects of the various agencies and to review on a continuing basis the relevant programs and projects of all Federal agencies. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce or the Secretary of the Interior to carry out any function under this Act through grants or contracts. Limits the amount of any grant made available under this Act to one-half of the estimated cost of the project for which the grant was made. Authorizes either Secretary to guarantee obligations issued for the financing of any aquaculture facility within the United States. Stipulates that the aggregate unpaid principal amount of all such guaranteed obligations shall not exceed $100,000,000. Authorizes the Secretary to collect a fee for guaranteed obligations not to exceed one-half of one percent per annum of the outstanding principal balance of the obligation. Sets forth the allowable interest rate, maturity date, and default procedures relating to such loans. Authorizes the appropriate Secretary to issue notes or obligations to the Secretary of the Treasury if the monies in the loan fund are insufficient to pay such a loan in the event of default. Authorizes the Secretary to make disaster loans available to individuals who have guaranteed loans under this Act. Establishes within the Treasury a Federal Aquaculture Assistance Fund for the purpose of guaranteeing loans or making disaster loans available under this Act. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish an insurance program for persons with guaranteed loans under this Act. Authorizes appropriations to the Secretaries of Commerce and the Interior to carry out the various provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1977
Ocean Dumping Amendments Act -- Amends the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 to authorize the issuance of interim permits through December 31, 1981, for ocean dumping without regard to preexisting criteria. Limits such interim authorizations to persons already engaged in dumping of similar materials prior to the enactment of the Act, and where such person has no feasible alternative for disposal other than ocean dumping. Stipulates that such interim permits shall be reviewable on an annual basis. Requires that holders of interim permits expend adequate funds for research into alternate methods of material disposal, subject to conditions specified by the Administrator of the Environmental Protections Agency. Requires applicants for permits to pay a processing fee for administrative costs directly incurred in the processing of permits. Directs the Administrator to conduct studies to reduce or eliminate the dumping of radiological, chemical, or biological warfare agents or high-level radioactive wastes into ocean waters. Repeals various authorities of the Secretary of Commerce with respect to evaluation of substantive programs of other agencies.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1977
Excludes cost-of-living increases in Social Security benefits from consideration as household income for purposes of determining: (1) eligibility for participation in the food stamp program; (2) the charge for issuing a coupon allotment to a household; and (3) eligibility for any Federal program administered by the Department of Agriculture which provides for the donation or distribution of surplus agricultural commodities to low-income persons.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1977
Amends the program of Aid to Families with Dependent Children of Title IV and Title XVI (Supplemental Security Income for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled) of the Social Security Act to assure that recipient of aid and benefits under such Titles do not have the amount of such and or benefits reduced because of increases in the amount of benefits under Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1977
Amends Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to assure the individuals otherwise eligible for benefits under such Title do not lose such eligibility, or have the amount of such benefits reduced, because of increases in the amount of benefits under Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of such Act.
![Official portrait of Rep. Murphy, John M. [D-NY-17]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/m001098_200.jpg)