United States · United States Congress · 16 September 1977
Establishes procedures for taking the decennial census. Establishes a decennial census period beginning two years prior to the decennial census date and ending three years after such date. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce during this period to conduct a trial census which shall be the final test of all the procedures to be used in taking the decennial census. Requires the Secretary to submit a report regarding such trial census to specified committees in Congress prior to conducting such a census. Stipulates that no changes may be made in the content or procedures to be used in taking a decennial census after four months following the date of a trial census. Stipulates that the decennial census shall consist only of: (1) an enumeration of the population; (2) sample surveys of the characteristics of the population and housing of the United States; and (3) supplemental surveys necessary to meet the needs of the Federal, State, or local government for economic and social data. Sets forth restrictions regarding the collection of such data. Allows employees conducting the enumeration of population access to the records of the Federal Government and of State or local governments which are necessary to insure that all individuals and households are counted. Stipulates that such employees may obtain only names and addresses from such records and that such information may only be used for purposes of the enumeration. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct special surveys in a State for the purpose of clarifying the findings of decennial supplemental surveys. Directs the Secretary to prepare a plan specifying procedures to be used for correcting errors in census counts and to submit such plan to specified committees in Congress. Directs the Secretary, beginning in 1985, to conduct a mid-decade census of population. Requires the use of the most recent data, either from the decennial or mid-decade census, in determining eligibility for benefits under Federal programs in which census data is a factor. Requires the Secretary to submit specified reports to Congress prior to the taking of a decennial or mid-decade census. Directs the Secretary to insure that the language and categories of questions used on census forms take into account the needs and preferences of the public and to establish a program to provide information to the public regarding the need for, and operation of, the decennial census. Authorizes the Secretary to establish a program for the training and selection of supervisory employees engaged in decennial census activities. Directs the Secretary to prepare a plan for conducting censuses other than the decennial or mid- decade census and to submit such plan to Congress at least 60 days before the census is begun. Authorizes the Secretary to issue "determination estimates," defined as estimates derived from any data which (1) is not produced as an activity of the decennial census period and (2) is produced to enable the executive branch of the Federal Government to determine the amount of benefit received under a Federal law by a State or local government. Sets forth procedures by which a State or local government may challenge such an estimate. Directs the Secretary to establish a Division of Evaluation within the Bureau of the Census to evaluate censuses and to submit the results of such evaluation to the Secretary and the Director of the Census. Directs the General Accounting Office to review evaluations made by the Division every three years. Directs the Secretary in 1979, in 1983, and in every fifth year thereafter, to conduct a census of agriculture. Directs the Secretary to conduct a census of irrigation and drainage in 1979, 1983, and every tenth year after 1983.
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 1977
Provides for payment of a supplemental tuition allowance to each qualified veteran upon application to the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs. Limits such allowance to no more than $900 with the first $400 of the tuition cost being paid by the veteran, and the Administrator paying 75 percent of the next $1,200 for the school year.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 1977
Amends the Health Programs Extension Act of 1973 to prohibit any entity which receives financial aid from, or enters into any contract with the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare from questioning any applicant for admission as a student about the views of the applicant regarding abortion or sterilization. Prohibits such entity from discriminating against any applicant for study because of the refusal of the applicant to participate in the performance of an abortion or other medical services contrary to the religious beliefs or moral convictions of the applicant.
United States · United States Congress · 7 September 1977
Provides for the arbitration of disputes between the Postal Service and recognized organizations of Postal Service managerial personnel other than officers, postmasters, and employees engaged in personnel work in Postal Service headquarters. Identifies as subject to arbitration under this Act issues relating to pay policies, fringe benefits, and the determination of whether or not a matter is subject to participation by such organization. Establishes an arbitration board to consider a dispute upon the request of the Postal Service or such recognized organization.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide an income tax credit for expenses incurred in the conversion of farm and ranch land into qualified wind erosion control or wildlife habitat areas. Provides Federal local reimbursement to state and local governments for the real property taxes which would otherwise be collected on such property.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1977
Establishes the Task Force on School Financing and the Taxation of Real Property by State and Local Governments to study and evaluate the taxation of real property, the feasibility of methods designed to reduce the dependence of State and local governments on such taxation, and the effects of Federal taxation and other policies on the financing of public elementary and secondary education.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1977
Constitutional Amendment - Declares the term "person", with respect to due process and equal protections, applicable to human beings irrespective of age, health, function or condition of dependency, including the unborn. Prohibits the deprivation of life of an unborn person, except under law permitting medical procedures required to prevent the death of the mother.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1977
Graduate Educational Access Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to authorize the Commissioner of Education to make grants to institutions of higher education for the use of graduate and professional schools in establishing programs for the correction and prevention of educational deficiencies in minority, low-income, and culturally disadvantaged individuals in order to increase minority enrollment in such schools.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1977
Title I: Boundary Waters Wilderness Area - Redesignates the Boundary Water Canoe Area in Superior National Forest, Minnesota, as the Boundary Water Wilderness Area. Title II: Boundary Waters National Recreation Area - Establishes the Boundary Waters National Recreation Area, Minnesota. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to administer the Area in cooperation with the State of Minnesota. Directs the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Labor, to develop a program to compensate persons who suffer loss of business, loss of property or other associated losses as a result of enactment of this Act. Title III: Effect on Other Laws and Authorities - States that any treaty and specified laws shall continue to apply to lands and waters which are included in the recreation area and the wilderness area. Preserves specified airspace reservation over Superior National Forest. Directs the Secretaries of Agriculture and Transportation to undertake a study of the Safety, noise impact, and cost factors associated with such air space reservation. Sets forth the procedure for the validation of mining claims within the boundaries of the wilderness or national recreation area.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1977
Radiation Health and Safety Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to develop and issue to the States criteria and minimum standards for the accreditation of educational institutions conducting programs for the training of radiologic technologists and medical and dental practitioners. Directs the Secretary to develop and issue to the States criteria and minimum standards for licensure of radiologic technologists. Directs that State and local governments be encouraged to minimize exposure of the public to ionizing radiation from all sources, and establishes procedures for the adoption of appropriate standards. Allows the Secretary to make grants to States in an amount up to two-thirds of the first year and one-third of the second year costs of planning, developing, or establishing programs to carry out the provisions of this Act. Prohibits conducting activities contrary to this Act and subjects violators to a civil penalty of not more than $1,000. Requires the Secretary to submit to Congress every fifth year a report evaluating the implementation of this Act and making recommendations for legislation. States that whenever a performance standard for a class of X-ray system in prescribed, the Secretary shall by regulation prescribe a performance standard applicable to systems of such class prior to the effective date of such standard. Directs the Secretary to carry out a program of inspection of all X-ray systems to which standards apply and which are in actual use in the United States. Authorizes officers or employees duly designated by the Secretary to enter at reasonable times any establishment in which an X-ray system is located and to inspect such system. Directs the Secretary to publish guidelines for the use of X-ray examinations in the diagnosis and treatment of disease.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1977
Congressional Pay Raise Deferral Act - Amends the Federal Salary Act of 1967 and the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 to provide that any adjustment in the rate of pay for Members of Congress proposed during any Congress shall not take effect earlier than the beginning of the next Congress. States that any such pay adjustment proposed in an even-numbered year of any Congress after the congressional elections and before the beginning of the following Congress, shall be considered as occurring during the first session of the following Congress for the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1977
Declares the sense of the Congress that the President and the Secretary of State should take all necessary steps to bring the Baltic States question before the United Nations and to urge the United Nations to request the Soviet Union to withdraw all non-native troops, agents, colonists, and controls from the Republics of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, and to return all Baltic exiles from Siberia and from prisons and labor camps in the Soviet Union. Requires the Secretary of State to do his utmost to bring the matter of the Baltic States to the attention of all nations by means of special radio programs and publications. Declares that the United States should not agree to the recognition of the Soviet Union's annexation of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia. Directs the President to take steps to provide that all maps of Europe show the Republics of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia as independent states. Calls for a return of self-determination to the peoples of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia through free elections conducted under the auspices of the United Nations.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1977
Surface Transportation Assistance Act - Title I: Federal Aid Highway Act - Amends the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956 to revise and extend the authorization for appropriations for the Interstate Highway System through fiscal year 1992. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to apportion such amounts in a specified manner for fiscal year 1980. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1982 for specified highway programs. Stipulates that the Federal share of railroad-highway crossing demonstration projects under the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1973 shall be 95 percent of the cost of such a project. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to make grants to States for traffic control signalization projects designed to conserve motor fuel and decrease traffic congestion. Sets forth the Federal Share of such programs and the method by which such amounts are to be apportioned. Increases the Federal share for specified highway programs. Directs the Secretary to allocate funds made available for pavement marking demonstration programs in a manner deemed by the Secretary most appropriate to expedite the completion of pavement markings on all highways. Authorizes the reapportionment of funds not used by a State for the Interstate System to another State which has obligated all of its apportionment. Sets forth restrictions on the Secretary's authority to withdraw approval for the construction of routes on the Interstate System. Amends the Appalachian Regional Development Act of 1965 to increase the Federal share for construction projects on the Appalachian development highway system. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out access control demonstration projects designed to demonstrate whether preserving the capacity of existing highways to move traffic safely by acquiring and controlling the right of access to such highways is a cost effective alternative to the construction of new highways. Authorizes appropriations for such purpose through fiscal year 1982 out of the Highway Trust Fund. Title II: Highway Safety Act - Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1982 for specified highway safety programs. Amends the Highway Safety Act of 1973 to authorize appropriations through fiscal year 1982 for projects to eliminate hazards relating to rail-highway crossings. Title III: Urban Mass Transportation Act Amendments - Amends the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964 to authorize appropriations through 1982 for specified projects under such Act. Authorizes general appropriations to carry out the provisions of such Act through fiscal year 1988.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1977
Amends the Federal Trade Commission Act to make it an unfair or deceptive act or practice for any retailer to disseminate any advertisement for goods or services which does not include a consumer information telephone number.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1977
National Driver Registration Act - Title I: General Provisions - Authorizes appropriations in such amounts as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act. Abolishes the register of individuals who have had their drivers' licenses revoked presently maintained in the Department of Commerce. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to determine whether any information contained in such register should be maintained in the National Driver Register created by this Act. Title II: National Driver Register - Establishes a National Driver Register in the Department of Transportation. Requires the chief motor vehicle official in each State to transmit a report to the Secretary for inclusion in the Register containing specified information regarding any individual who: (1) was denied a motor vehicle operator's license; (2) was issued a license which has been canceled, revoked or suspended; (3) has been found guilty of operating a motor vehicle while under the the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance; (4) or has been found guilty of another traffic offense which the Secretary, by regulation, has determined warrants listing in the Register. Authorizes the release of information contained in the Register to authorized persons. Requires the chief motor vehicle official in each State prior to issuing or reissuing a motor vehicle operator's license to submit a request to the Secretary regarding any information which may be contained in the Register regarding such individual. Prohibits the Secretary from approving projects on the Federal-aid highway system for a State which has not complied with the requirements of this Act. Authorizes individuals conducting approved research projects to use material contained in the Register subject to privacy restrictions under Federal law. Title III: National Driver Register Commission - Establishes the National Driver Register Commission to advise the Secretary with respect to the efficiency and effectiveness of the Register.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 1977
Amends Title IV, part A (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) of the Social Security Act to permit States to select any age between 18 and 21 under which a dependent child attending school may be eligible for aid.
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 1977
Title I: - Navigation Development Act - Authorizes the project for replacement of locks and dam 26, Mississippi River, Alton, Illinois and Missouri. Makes the following inland and intracoastal waterways subject to this Act: (1) Allegheny River, (2) Apalachicola-Chattahoochee and Flint Rivers, (3) Arkansas River, (4) Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, (5) Columbia River, (6) Willamette River, (7) Cumberland River, (8) Green and Barren Rivers, (9) Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, (10) Lower Mississippi River, (11) Upper Mississippi River, (12) Missouri River, (13) Black Warrior-Tombigbee-Mobile Rivers, (14) Ohio River, (15) Monongahela River, (16) Illinois Waterway, (17) Kanawha River, (18) Kentucky River, (19) Tennessee River, (20) Kaskaskia River, (21) Alabama-Coosa River, (22) Quachita-Black River, (23) Pearl River, (24) White River, (25) Red River, and (26) Atchafalaya River. Title II: - (No provisions contained in Title II of this Act as introduced). Title III: - Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation, in consultation with the Secretaries of Commerce, the Treasury, and the Army, to study the imposition of any fuel tax on inland waterway users, alternate or supplemental charges, and related matters. Permits the National Transportation Policy Study Commission to study matters which the Secretary of Transportation is directed to study.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 1977
Stocks Management and Reserve Act -- Title I: Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to establish, maintain and dispose of a separate reserve of wheat, corn and other enumerated feed grains through storage contracts with producers. Limits such reserves to no less than 25 million tons nor more than 35 million tons. Specifies how the Secretary may establish such reserves through the Commodity Credit Corporation. Title II: Amends the Agriculture Act of 1949 to set the loan level per bushel of wheat at $2.25 for the 1977 crop and $2.35 for the 1978 through 1981 crops. Sets the loan level per bushel of corn at $1.75 for the 1977 crop and $2.00 for the 1978 through 1981 crops. Sets a formula for the adjustment of the respective loan rates under specified circumstances. Requires the Secretary to set a fair and reasonable loan level on each crop of barley, oats, and rye. Title III: Amends the Agriculture Act of 1949 to authorize the President (1) to enter into negotiations with other nations to develop an international system of food reserves to provide for humanitarian food relief needs, and (2) to establish and maintain an International Emergency Food Reserve, as a contribution of the United States toward the development of such a system, to be made available in the event of food emergencies in foreign countries. Requires for such reserve minimum stocks of two million tons, allowing an increase up to six million tons pursuant to an international agreement. Requires periodic rotation of such stocks to avoid spoilage and deterioration.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 1977
Regional Presidential Primaries Act - Directs that five regional primaries be held each Presidential election year. Sets forth guidelines for such primaries relative to: (1) date; (2) content of ballots; (3) qualifying for placement on ballots; (4) eligibility for voting; and (5) scope of voter choice. Requires allocation of State convention delegates on the basis of percentage of votes received within the State. Requires each delegate to vote for the candidate for whom he was appointed until: (1) two ballots have been taken; (2) such candidate receives less than 20 percent of votes cast; or (3) such candidate releases him.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 1977
Exempts courses which lead to a standard college degree from the "85-15" rule whereby the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs is required to disapprove enrollment of any eligible veteran, not already enrolled, in any course offered by an educational institution where more than 85 percent of the students enrolled have their fees paid by either the Veterans' Administration or the institution itself. Limits application of the "85-15" rule to proprietary (that is, private) profit or proprietary nonprofit educational institutions. Grants the Administrator discretion to permit a veteran or an eligible person to continue a course of training, without mitigating circumstances, for a reasonable length of time beyond the approved length for the course before progress will be considered unsatisfactory. Consolidates existing provisions of title 38, United States Code, relating to the certification of courses required before educational assistance allowances will be paid to otherwise eligible veterans or eligible persons. Exempts from the required two-year minimum of operation prior to approval: (1) any course which is available only to active duty military personnel, civilian employees of the military departments, and dependents of such personnel and employees; (2) any course meeting general criteria of past compliance with regulations, specified academic standards, a 50-percent placement rate (if vocational), and recommendation by the appropriate State approving agency, if the Administrator determines such course should be approved; and (3) any course offered by a branch or extension of an approved institution if the course is identical to a course offered at the main campus of the institution. Prohibits, as of December 1, 1976, the execution of a power of attorney, by an educational assistance allowance payee, giving an attorney-in-fact authority to negotiate a benefit check.
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 1977
National Historic Preservation Act - Title I: Assistance for the Preservation of Historic Structures under Certain Housing Laws - Amends the National Housing Act to authorize the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to insure financial institutions against losses resulting from loans for the purpose of preserving historic structures regardless of whether they are residential. Redefines the term "historic structures" to include buildings which are listed in a State inventory of historic places or so designated under a statute of a State or unit of local government. Increases the limit on the size of a loan financing a historic structure preservation which may be insured under this Act. Amends the Housing Act of 1964 to authorize the Secretary to make loans to finance the rehabilitation of historic structures. Redefines the term "historic structures" to include buildings which are listed in a State inventory of historic places or so designated under a statute of a State or unit of local government. Permits increases, up to 20 percent in the amount of a loan allowed under this Act, if such increase in necessary for architectural rehabilitation of historic structures. Title II: Authorization of Matching Assistance for the Preservation of Historic Structures under Certain Housing Laws and the Act of October 15, 1966 - Permits the making of matching grants to States for historic preservation projects regardless of whether such projects receive federally-insured or guaranteed loans or direct loans. Title III: Short Title - States that this Act may be cited as the National Historic Preservation Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 1977
Postal Service Act - Provides for congressional oversight of decisions of the Postal Rate Commission respecting rates and fees for postal service and mail classification. Limits to two percent of its operating expenses the amount of expenditures which the Postal Service may make for contingencies and prohibits the use of such contingency fund for repayment of past losses. Authorizes appropriations to offset any revenue loss caused by a failure of Congress to authorize postal rates proposed by the Commission, to continue post offices which are no longer self sustaining, to pay for research and development, and to continue the frequency of mail delivery service in effect on June 1, 1977. Sets the maximum size and weight for all parcel mail at 100 inches in girth and length combined and 70 pounds. Abolishes the Board of Governors of the Service and transfers the duties and responsibilities of such Board to the Postmaster General. Makes the Postmaster General an officer appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate and makes the Deputy Postmaster General an officer appointed by the Postmaster General. Subjects the management and disposal of surplus property by the Service to the same regulations controlling the management and disposal of surplus property applicable to other government agencies. Prohibits the Service from commencing any capital investment project costing more than $200,000,000 until the Service transmits a report on such project to specified congressional committees and has received the recommendations of such committees concerning such project.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1977
Comprehensive Veterans' Employment Training and Supportive Services Act - Directs the Secretary of Labor to provide (1) such comprehensive, coordinated, and interrelated programs as are deemed necessary to facilitate training, readjustment, and rehabilitation, and (2) career, veterans benefits and rights, and personal adjustment and motivational counseling to promote the productive employment of Vietnam era veterans, especially disabled veterans.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1977
Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act Amendments - Amends the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act to revise interagency coordination procedures with respect to fish and wildlife conservation for approval of federally assisted projects for the impoundment, diversion, or control of waters. Extends requirements under such Act to: (1) projects on the Continental shelf; (2) projects for offshore mineral development; and (3) projects by wholly owned Government corporations. Requires the Federal department or agency carrying out the project: (1) to ascertain the probable effect of the project on fish and wildlife through consultation with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Marine Fisheries Service of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the State agencies having administrative authority concerning the affected fish and wildlife; (2) to request a report of the views, objections, and recommendations of the Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary of Commerce, and the State agency on such project concerning the conservation, development, and improvement of fish and wildlife in connection with such projects; (3) to give public notice of consideration of any project under this provision; and (4) to provide an opportunity for public participation in the planning of such project. Requires that any written report made by the Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary of Commerce, or the State agency on such project be based on the studies and findings of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Marine Fisheries Service in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the State fish and wildlife agency with respect to the effects of the project, the means to prevent or minimize fish and wildlife loss, and the need for additional preconstruction and postconstruction investigations. Prohibits any Federal agency from using monetary estimates of wildlife losses as primary justification for adopting or rejecting a recommendation in such a report. Requires the appropriate Federal agency to give full consideration to such reports. Prohibits such agency from carrying out, financing, authorizing, or seeking authorization of such a project until the Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary of Commerce, and the concerned State agencies have been advised of the disposition of each recommendation and have concurred in such disposition. Declares that failure of the Secretaries and the State to respond within 90 days of the receipt of such notification shall be deemed concurrence. Authorizes the affected agency to proceed after receiving a negative report from either the Secretaries or the State after detailing reasons for the rejection of specific recommendations and, if requested by the State fish and wildlife agency, holding a public hearing on such rejection. Requires the Secretary of the Interior, Secretary of Commerce, or State agency if a lack of concurrence persists, to furnish Congress with a statement of the specific issues and recommendations which are the subject of the disagreement. Sets forth the procedure in case of any project subject to Federal permit or license where modification of project plans or operation is recommended by either of the Secretaries or the State agency. Directs that the cost of: (1) preventing, mitigating, and compensating fish and wildlife loss; (2) enhancing facilities for anadromous fish; and (3) maintaining wetland enhancement measures be funded by the Federal department or agency constructing the project. Directs the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Marine Fisheries Service, and the State fish and wildlife agency to consider the need for postconstruction evaluation and modification in recommendations made by such agencies. Requires that all reports, findings, and determinations made under such Act be made promptly available to the public. Requires the Federal department or agency carrying out projects under such Act: (1) to transfer to the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service funds necessary to carry out studies and investigations; and (2) to include requests for estimated funds necessary to carry out such studies and reports in the budgetary requests for each fiscal year. Repeals exemptions from such procedures for water impoundment projects where the maximum surface area is less than ten acres or for programs primarily for land management. Directs any Federal agency which is carrying out a water project to provide the Secretaries of the Interior and Commerce, and, where appropriate, the State fish and wildlife agency, with an annual report with respect to: (1) means to prevent, mitigate, or compensate fish and wildlife loss; and (2) progress made in the fish and wildlife features of such project. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to transmit such reports, with comments, to Congress. Directs the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Marine Fisheries Service, or the State fish and wildlife agency, to transmit to the Federal department or agency carrying out a water project a report of any postconstruction evaluation and recommendations. Authorizes such Federal department or agency to implement such recommendations. Requires such agency to report to Congress the response to such recommendations. Directs that revenue from the operation of such waters, lands, or interests, be made available to such State agency or the Secretary of the Interior to supplement project funds for fish and wildlife management. Specifies the information required in reports for the acquisition of waters, land, and interests therein by Federal agencies for fish and wildlife components of such Federal construction projects which the Secretary of the Interior is required to submit to Congress. Permits a citizen to bring a civil action in a district court of the United States against persons or governmental instrumentalities for violation of the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act or regulations issued thereunder, or against any Federal department or agency for failure to perform its duties under such Act. Declares that the jurisdiction of the district court shall be without regard to the amount in controversy or citizenship. Sets forth notice costs to any party other than a Federal agency or department. Repeals requirements for notification of the Secretary of the Interior by the Secretary of Agriculture with respect to wildlife components of watershed flood protection projects. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to promulgate rules and regulations necessary to carry out such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1977
Authorizes each Member of the House of Representatives, including the Resident Commissioner from Puerto Rico and the Delegates from Guam, the Virgin Islands, and the District of Columbia, to hire for two week of each year two senior citizen interns to serve within the District of Columbia. Makes available to each Member for the purpose of hiring such interns an annual gross allowance of $600.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 1977
Entitles employees of the Bureau of Indian Affairs or the Indian Health Service to an annuity if separated from service after completing 25 years of service or after becoming 50 years of age and completing 20 years of service before December 31, 1989, if such employee is not otherwise entitled to other full retirement benefits and is not an Indian entitled to an employment preference by law.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 1977
Repeals the McSweeney-McNary Act of 1928 and amends the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 to substitute for the existing reforestation and forest products research program a new program of investigations, experiments, tests, and other activities necessary to obtain, analyze, demonstrate, and disseminate scientific information about protecting, managing, and utilizing forest and rangeland renewable resources in rural, suburban, and urban areas. Specifies the content of renewable resource management, environmental, protection, utilization, and assessment research fields. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to establish forest and rangeland research facilities and to make competitive grants to public and private institutions and agencies and to individuals to further such research activities. Directs the Secretary to make and keep current a comprehensive survey and analysis of the present and prospective conditions of and requirements for the renewable resources of the forests and rangelands of the United States and of the supplies of such renewable resources. Authorizes such appropriations as may be necessary.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 1977
Forest Resources Extension Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture, in cooperation with State extension directors, to conduct educational programs for professionals in forestry and related fields disseminating the results of forestry research. Requires, within one year of the enactment of this Act, a report to the appropriate Congressional Committee outlining a coordinated five-year plan to follow in carrying out this Act. Authorizes, in addition to any sums already authorized, annual appropriations of $15,000,000 to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 1977
Amends the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 to consolidate specified existing programs of cooperative forest resources assistance under such Act. Authorizes appropriations: (1) up to $25,000,000, annually, for rural forestry assistance; (2) not more than $50,000,000, annually, for the forestry incentive program; (3) as may be necessary for insect, and disease, and environmental pollutant control; (4) as may be necessary for urban and community forestry assistance; (5) up to $5,000,000, annually, for fire prevention and control in rural communities; (6) up to $15,000,000, annually, for fire prevention and control in rural areas generally; (7) up to $60,000,000, annually, for fire prevention and control on non- Federal forest and rural lands; (8) up to $5,000,000, annually, for forest resources management and planning assistance; and (9) up to $10,000,000, annually, for cooperative technology implementation programs. Permits the Secretary of Agriculture to make consolidated payments to a State in lieu of functional cost-sharing mechanisms, formulas, or agreements. Establishes within the Treasury of the United STates special emergency funds: (1) for insect, disease, and environmental pollutant control for lands within urban and community areas, and for lands outside such areas and for Federal lands; and (2) for rural fire disasters. Requires annual reports to Congress on these programs.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 1977
Indian and Alaska, Native Housing and Community Development Act - Creates, in the Department of Housing and Urban Development, an Office of Indian and Alaska Native Affairs, through which the Secretary of HUD shall carry out functions relating to Indian and Alaska Native Housing and Community Development. Creates the Office of Assistant Secretary for Indian and Alaska Native Affairs. Directs the Assistant Secretary to submit certain reports to Congress, and conduct an annual conference on Indian and Alaska Native Housing.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 1977
Declares that it is the sense of the Congress that the United States Postal Services should not reduce the frequency of mail delivery service for any user of the mails below the frequency of such service which was in effect for such user of June 1, 1977.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1977
Amends the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 to eliminate deductions from annuities under such Act on account of military pensions, disability compensation or other gratuitous benefits given under any other Acts of Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 1977
Pregnant Women's Assistance Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to public and nonprofit private entitles: (1) to assist in the operation of projects to provide counseling to pregnant women on their legal rights and the services available to help them carry the fetus to term, and to raise and care for the child; and (2) to assist in the development of information about such rights and services, and on family planning and population growth.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1977
Amends the Great Lakes Pilotage Act of 1960 to limit the liability of United States registered vessel pilots or authorized Association of United States Registered Pilots to $1,000 for any injury or damage which results from such pilots' negligence in navigating any vessel in waters of the Great Lakes under United States jurisdiction.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1977
Federal Photovoltaic Utilization Act - Establishes a photovoltaic energy commercialization program for the accelerated procurement of photovoltaic solar electric systems in new and existing Federal facilities, primarily for use by the Department of Defense. Authorizes the Federal Energy Administrator to make contracts for the acquisition of such photovoltaic systems to meet target levels specified in the Act. Directs the Administrator, together with the Administrator of the Energy Research and Development Administration, to jointly establish a photovoltaic systems evaluation and purchase program designed to insure that such systems reflect the most advanced technology. Establishes an advisory committee to assist in the establishment and conduct of the program. Authorizes the appropriation of $25,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1977 through 1981 for design and engineering activities to carry out the program authorized by this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of $100,000,000 for fiscal year 1978 for photovoltaic system acquisition.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1977
Amends the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 to stipulate that the benefits payable to surviving parents of railroad employees shall not be less than those which the parent would have received under Social Security.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1977
Amends the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 to entitle certain disabled spouses of railroad employees to an annuity and to entitle certain spouses of disabled railroad employees to an annuity.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1977
Franchising Termination Practices Reform Act - Requires a franchisor to notify a franchisee at least 90 days in advance of the franchisor's intention to terminate the franchise and to state the reasons for termination. Prohibits a franchisor from cancelling a franchise or failing to renew a franchise unless the franchisor is effecting a market area withdrawal or the franchisor has good cause for failure to renew and has given proper notice. Makes any franchisor who has violated the requirements of this Act civilly liable to the aggrieved franchisee.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1977
Directs the Secretary of Defense to place a plaque and a permanent display of medals, ribbons, and tributes of the Vietnam era on the crypt at the National Cemetery at Arlington, Virginia, reserved for an unknown American serviceman who lost his life in Southeast Asia. Directs the Secretary to perform the duties required by this Act even though the remains of such serviceman have not yet been placed in the crypt.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1977
Amends the Supplemental Appropriations Act, 1974, to increase to three the number of Lyndon Baines Johnson congressional interns which may be hired by each Member of the House of Representatives. Authorizes the payment of additional compensation to such interns from the clerk-hire allowance.
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 1977
Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Amendments - Repeals provisions stipulating that nothing in certain sections of the United States Code relating to interception of communications shall be construed to limit the power of the President to take measures to protect national security. Directs that applications for authorizations to intercept communications in connection with specified national security crimes be made to the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia. Authorizes interception of communications with respect to violations of the Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938 and the Export Administration Act of 1969. Sets at 90 days the period for which interception of communications for national Security purposes may be conducted. Authorizes, with respect to such interceptions, waiver of notice to persons surveilled. Excepts national security wiretaps from provisions allowing persons intercepting communications pursuant to a court order to disclose the contents of such communication and of derivative evidence while under oath.
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt certain gambling activities conducted by tax exempt organizations from treatment as unrelated business activities.
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 1977
Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to increase from 50 to 90 the percentage of the cost of a water or waste project which the Department of Agriculture may fund by a grant to a local association. Requires that such a grant be in an amount that will leave the average domestic user payment rate in the area served by the project at no more than: (1) one percent of the median family income of the area if such income fails in the lowest 25 percentile of the national median income; (2) one-and-one-half percent, if the median income falls in the 26 to 49 percentile; (3) two percent, if the median income falls in the 50 to 74 percentile; or (4) two-and- one-half percent, if the median income is above the 75 percentile of the national median income. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to seek State and Federal assistance if the maximum amount of a grant will be insufficient to result in the applicable user cost limitation prescribed. Specifies conditions under which the Secretary may increase the amount of a grant. Revises the priorities for recipients of such grants to accord the highest priority to specified municipalities or public agencies which have a hazardous public health situation (currently, such priority is accorded to municipalities or public agencies which already have community water supply or waste disposal systems, when due to unanticipated occurrences such systems are suddenly inadequate to serve the community needs).
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1977
Deep Seabed Hard Minerals Act - Prohibits the development of hard mineral resources of the deep seabed by persons subject to the jurisdiction of the United States except: (1) as authorized pursuant to this Act: (2) as authorized under a license issued by a reciprocating foreign state: or (3) as authorized by international agreement. Authorizes the issuance of licenses by the Secretary of Commerce to develop deep seabed mineral resources, in accordance with prescribed conditions. Stipulates that licenses shall remain in force for ten years or as long as commercial recovery from the block of land mineral resources continues. Authorizes the Secretary to establish procedures for the issuance of licenses. Requires the establishment of objective environmental standards for operations licensed under this Act. Sets forth a table of minimum annual expenditures per licensed block until commercial recovery from such block is initiated. Requires notification by each licensee to the Secretary after completion of exploration activities prior to the granting of an authorization to the licensee to begin commercial recovery. Requires that such request be made no earlier than six months, and no later that three months, prior to the projected commencement of such activity. Withdraws the following areas from licensing: (1) areas relinquished by the applicant under a license issued under this Act within the prior three years; (2) areas subject to a prior application or outstanding license; and (3) areas which would increase the licensees' holding to more than 30 percent of the deep seabed in a 250-kilometer circular area. Requires that licensees relinquish 75 percent of any block within ten years of the license date. Requires compliance with subsequent international agreements which may supersede the requirements of this Act. Stipulates that licensees suffering a measurable economic loss as a result of any international agreement shall be entitled to compensation from the United States. Authorizes the Secretary to establish reasonable licensing fees, not to exceed $100,000. Stipulates that United States district courts shall have original jurisdiction of cases arising under this Act, without regard to diversity of citizenship or amounts involved. Imposes a civil penalty of $10,000 per day for violations of this Act. Imposes a criminal penalty of $25,000 per day for willful and knowing violation of this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary for the administration of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1977
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 · 17 May 1977
Amends the Interstate Commerce Act to prohibit common carriers subject to Part 1 of such Act (railroads, and combined rail and water carriers) form establishing a rate for any commodity for export which is different from the established rate for the similar domestic movement of such commodity unless the carrier simultaneously establishes export rates for that commodity from the same point of origin to all port ranges served by such carrier.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1977
National Agricultural Land Policy Act -- Title I: Objectives -- Declares the policy of the Federal Government, in cooperation with State and local governments, to use all practicable methods to retain, protect and improve agricultural land, to reduce its conversion to nonagricultural uses, and to limit the encroachment of industrial activities. Title II: Research Program -- Establishes a three-year Agricultural Land Review Commission to study: (1) agricultural land in the United States; (2) the effects of industrial development climate and other factors on the productivity of such land; (3) the acquisition of such land by persons not engaged in agricultural activities; and (4) methods of protecting and improving such land, and of reducing the amount of it being converted to nonagricultural uses. Authorizes the Commission to make grants to public and private organizations to do research pursuant to its study. Requires the Commission to report its findings, conclusions and recommendations to the President and to Congress. Title III: Demonstration Programs -- Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to pay up to 75 percent of the cost and to provide technical assistance to any State pilot project undertaken to demonstrate and test methods of reducing the amount of agricultural land being converted to nonagricultural uses. Requires all such projects to be completed within five years after enactment of this Act. Directs the Secretary to report his findings, conclusions and recommendations to the President and to Congress. Title IV: Funding -- Authorizes for Title II programs the appropriation of $15,000,000. Authorizes for Title III programs the appropriation of $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1978 through 1982.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1977
Amends the Indochina Migration and Refugee Assistance Act of 1975 to extend through 1980 assistance: (1) to refugees from Cambodia, Vietnam, and Laos; (2) to State and local public agencies providing assistance for such aliens; (3) for transportation to, and resettlement in, other areas of the United States; and (4) for employment assistance rendered to such aliens. Directs that funds appropriated under this Act be made available to State or local public agencies to reimburse them for the non-Federal share of costs under Titles IV (Grants to States for Aid and Services to Needy Families with Children and for Child Welfare Services) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act. Limits the amount of assistance to be provided for a State or local public agency in fiscal years 1979, and 1980 for providing cash or medical assistance to aliens from Cambodia, Vietnam, and Laos. Requires the President to submit a report to specified Committees of Congress on the status of such refugees at regular intervals until December 31, 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1977
Cigarette Health Protection Tax Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to substitute a health protection tax on cigarettes manufactured in or imported into the United States for the present tax. Sets forth graduated tax rates based on the tar and nicotine content of each cigarette. Directs the Federal Trade Commission to determine the tar and nicotine content of each brand of cigarettes manufactured in or imported into the United States, and to certify these findings to the Secretary of the Treasury.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1977
Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to include tobacco products within the definition of food as contained in such Act thereby subjecting such products to the same regulation as food under such Act.
![Official portrait of Rep. Oberstar, James L. [D-MN-8]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/o000006_200.jpg)