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United States · Official source
6,804 records where Rep. Oberstar, James L. [D-MN-8] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1977
Authorizes the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to study and undertake prevention or mitigation measures for shore damage attributable to high water levels in one or more of the Great Lakes.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1977
Prescription Drug Labeling Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require that in the labeling and advertising of drugs sold by prescription the established name of such drug must appear each time the drug's proprietary name is used. Permits a pharmacist to fill or refill a prescription for a drug identified by its proprietary name with any substitute drug if: (1) the practitioner does not specify in the prescription (in the case of a written prescription) or in transmitting the prescription to the pharmacist (in the case of an oral prescription) that the prescription is to be filled or refilled with only the drug so identified; and (2) the cost of the substitute drug to the patient for whom the prescription is made less than the cost to him of the drug so identified, and any other substitute drug. Directs that if a drug to be dispensed pursuant to a prescription of a practitioner licensed by law to administer the drug is identified in the prescription by its established name, any pharmacist who fills or refills the prescription shall fill or refill it with the substitute drug whose cost to the patient for whom the prescription is made is less than the cost to him of any other substitute drug, except that this provision shall not apply if the practitioner specifies in the prescription (in the case of a written prescription) or in transmitting the prescription to the pharmacist (in the case of an oral prescription) that the prescription is to be filled or refilled with another drug.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1977
Consumer Food Labeling Act - Title I: Truth in Food Labeling Act - Truth in Food Labeling Act - Requires, under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, that the labels on all foods disclose each of their ingredients in order of predominance and the amounts of the ingredients in the food. Title II: Nutritional Labeling Act - Nutritional Labeling Act - Requires any packaged consumer food product to be labeled by the processor in conformity with specified information, including: with respect to processed food products, an analysis of nutritional contents including fat content, vitamin, and protein value, fats and fatty acids, calories, and any other nutritional information deemed appropriate. Requires such label to contain a statement of the nutritional value of the food commodity, and to appear in conspicuous and easily legible type on the package. Provides that the label of any packaged consumer product which has been packaged in a container of any given net content (by weight or volume) and which afterwards is packaged in a container of a different net content, shall conspicuously set forth the amount of difference. States that the appropriate Federal agencies shall prescribe regulations to carry out the purposes of this title. Provides for injunctions in Federal courts to assure compliance with this title. Prescribes a civil penalty of not to exceed $1,000 for any willful violation of this title; such sum to be assessed by the appropriate agency and enforced in a Federal court in the name of the United States. Title III: Open Dating of Perishable Food Act - Open Dating of Perishable Food Act - Provides, under the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act, that no person who manufactures or packages a perishable or semiperishable food in the form in which it is sold by retail distributors to consumers may distribute for purposes of sale a perishable or semiperishable food packaged by him in such form unless he has labeled such packaged to show the pull date for such food and the optimum temperature and humidity conditions for its storage by the ultimate consumer. Provides, with certain exceptions, that no retail distributor may sell, offer to sell, or display for sale any food whose pull date has expired. States that no person may place perishable or semiperishable foods in packages in shipping containers or in wrappings, unless such containers or wrappings are labeled by him to show the pull date. Provides that no person may change, alter, deface or remove before sale to the ultimate consumer any pull date. States that any person who violates any provision of this title shall be imprisoned for not more than one year or fined not more than $5,000, or both. Provides that the United States district courts shall have jurisdiction to restrain violations of this title. Requires the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to submit an annual report to the Congress concerning activities and enforcement of this title. Title IV: Marketing Practices Disclosure Act - Marketing Practices Disclosure Act - Requires that labels on packaged foods contain the names and places of business of the manufacturer, packer and distributor, rather than just one of the three. Title V: Consumer Food Grading Act - Consumer Food Grading Act - Requires the Secretary of Agriculture, after consultation with representatives of consumers, producers, and processors, to develop and promulgate a system of retail quality grade designations for consumer food products expressed in a uniform nomenclature. Authorizes the Secretary to determine the manner in which the system of consumer food grade designations shall be displayed and disseminated to the public. Provides that in developing and updating quality grade standards, consideration shall be given to the nutritional quality and wholesomeness of food products, as well as the acceptability of the products. Requires that any food products sold more than nine months after the promulgation of applicable quality standards in accordance with this title shall either be conspicuously labeled in accordance with such standards or shall be conspicuously labeled "not quality graded by the United States Department of Agriculture". Title VI: Unit Pricing Act - Unit Pricing Act - Provides that no person engaged in business in the sale at retail of any packaged consumer commodity which has been distributed in commerce, or the distribution of which affects commerce, shall sell, offer for sale, or display for sale any such commodity unless: (1) the total selling price of such commodity is plainly marked by a stamp, tag, or label affixed to a principal display panel of the package; and (2) the retail unit price of such commodity is plainly marked by: (a) stamp, tag, or label affixed to a principal display panel of the package, or (b) a label or sign in close proximity to the point of display of such package, which label or sign shall also contain the name and quantity of contents of such commodity. Exempts from the requirement of marking the unit price of commodities: (1) any individual retail outlet which sells or offers for sale packaged consumer commodities and whose total gross sales do not exceed $250,000 annually unless such outlet is one of a number of outlets owned substantially or whose inventory is supplied substantially, by a single person, partnership, or corporation whose total gross sales exceed $500,000 annually; (2) any retail mandatory unit pricing laws and whose laws, in the judgment of the Federal promulgating authority, are in scope and comprehensiveness superior to the requirements of this title; except that retailers (including chainstores and affiliated stores) who operate outlets in any such geographical area shall be subject to the unit pricing requirement of this title if they also operate outlets in one or more other States or political subdivisions. Title VII: New Ingredient Notification Act - New Ingredient Notification Act - Requires a food to carry a label setting forth in a conspicuous manner any change in its ingredients for six months after such change. Title VIII: Misleading Brand Names Act - Misleading Brand Names Act - Expands the meaning of "unfair or deceptive act or practice" under the Federal Trade Commission Act to include advertising a brand name of a product which inherently misleads the public as to the product's value, quantity, quality of contents, or performance.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1977
Comprehensive Oil Pollution Liability and Compensation Act - Title I: Domestic Oil Pollution Liability, Compensation, and Fund - Establishes in the Treasury of the United States a fund for the purpose of paying for otherwise uncompensated losses resulting from oil pollution. Enumerates the sources of monies to be deposited in such fund, including a fee, not to exceed three cents per barrel of oil, imposed upon owners of facilities receiving oil. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to issue obligations to the Secretary of the Treasury at times when fund assets are insufficient to meet fund liabilities. Lists the types of injuries which may be compensated under this Act and the potential claimants who have standing to assert claims involving each such type of damage. Imposes joint, several, and strict liability on the owners and operators of each pollution source. Specifies liability limits, except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct, for ships and other vessels. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish limits on the liability of classes of facilities used for transporting, producing, processing, storing, or transferring oil. Requires the owner or operator: (1) of any such facility; or (2) of any ship which uses such facility or navigable waters of the United States, to establish and maintain evidence of financial responsibility in an amount sufficient to satisfy applicable liability limits. Directs the person in charge of a vessel or facility to immediately notify the Secretary of Transportation of any pollution incident in which the vessel or facility is involved. Specifies procedures whereby the Secretary may, in the absence of such an admission, designate and advertise pollution sources. Directs the Secretary, in instances in which: (1) the owner and operator of a vessel or facility designated by the Secretary deny such vessel's or facility's involvement; (2) the source of the discharge is a public vessel; or (3) the Secretary is unable to designate the pollution source, to advertise procedures for presenting claims directly to the fund. Requires all other claims, with limited exceptions, to be initially presented to the owner or operator, or to such persons' guarantor. Permits claimants to either present a claim to the fund or to bring an action in an appropriate United States district court when an owner or operator and a guarantor deny liability or fail to settle the claim within a specified period. Sets forth procedures for the disposition and appeal of claims submitted to the fund. Requires both the plaintiff and the defendant in a court action brought against an owner, operator, or guarantor to forward copies of all pleadings to the fund. Permits the fund to intervene in such actions. Subrogates any person or governmental entity, including the fund, paying compensation to all the claimant's claims and rights under this Act. Specifies procedures for and the measure of recovery in actions brought by the fund against owners, operators, or guarantors of alleged pollution sources. Declares that the rights and remedies under this Act shall be exclusive with respect to economic loss caused by oil pollution. Sets penalties for persons failing to comply with specified provisions in this Act. Title II: Effective Dates; Conforming Amendments; Severability - Specifies the effective date of this Act. Amends specified laws, including the Deepwater Port Act of 1974 and the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, to conform with the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 1977
Title I: Wildlife Restoration Fund - Amends the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act to: (1) make available to any State so much of the appropriation apportioned to it for any fiscal year for hunter education or public target range programs, which remain unexpended at the close of such fiscal year, for use in such programs during the succeeding fiscal year; (2) authorize the Secretary of the Interior to use any such funds, which remain unexpended at the close of such succeeding fiscal year, to assist one or more States in carrying out projects within their hunter education or public target range programs during the two fiscal years following such succeeding fiscal year; (3) authorize the Secretary to use any funds not expended for such projects before the close of such two- fiscal-year period to carry out the Migratory Bird Conservation Act; (4) require that certain revenues from taxes imposed on bows, arrows, and component parts of ammunition for firearms which accrue to the Wildlife Restoration Fund after fiscal year 1975 be apportioned among the States; (5) authorize the Secretary to pay funds to and cooperate with certain agencies of American Samoa in carrying out wildlife restoration projects; (6) include hunter education and public target range programs in Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, and the Virgin Islands within the projects which may be funded by the Secretary under the Act; (7) authorize each State to use certain funds apportioned to it under the Act to pay not more than 75 percent of the cost of a hunter education or public target range program, or both; and (8) set forth requirements with respect to the expenditure of Federal funds for public target ranges. Title II: Tax on Sale of Component Parts of Firearm Ammunition - Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to impose a tax on specified component parts of ammunition for firearms, and to exempt such articles from tax when purchased with funds appropriated for the military department.
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 1977
National Consumer Cooperative Bank Act - Title I: National Consumer Cooperative Bank - Establishes the National Consumer Cooperative Bank to: (1) encourage the development of cooperatives eligible for its assistance by providing specialized credit and technical assistance; (2) maintain broad-based control of the Bank by its voting stockholders; (3) encourage broad-based ownership control and active participation by members in eligible cooperatives; (4) assure that the net savings from operations and the operations of borrowers from the Bank are made available or accounted for to the stockholders or members; and (5) assist in improving the quality and availability of goods and services to consumers. Authorizes the creation of no less than four nor more than twelve corporate regional banks. States that the Bank shall have the power to make and service loans, commitments for credit, guarantees, furnish financially related services, technical assistance, and issue obligations. Enumerates additional powers necessary to carry out its powers and duties. Requires the Bank to hold an annual meeting of stockholders. Permits the Bank to obtain funds through the public or private sale of its bonds, debentures, notes, and other evidences of indebtedness. Authorizes the Bank to make loans to eligible organizations which shall be repayable in not more than 40 years. States that the objective of the Bank shall be to provide the type of credit needed by eligible borrowers, at the lowest reasonable cost on a sound business basis, taking into account the cost of money to the Bank. Defines "eligible cooperatives" for purposes of assistance under this title. Title II: Self-Help Development Fund - Establishes in the Treasury a Consumer Cooperative Self-Help Development Fund. Permits the Cooperative Bank and Assistance Administration to make a capital investment advance out of the Fund to any eligible cooperative if the Administration determines that the applicant's initial or supplemental capital requirements exceed its ability to obtain a Title I loan from the Bank or other sources, and the membership of the applicant consists substantially of low-income persons. Title III: Cooperative Technical Assistance - Directs the Cooperative Bank and Assistance Administration to make available information and services concerning the organization or reorganization of cooperatives to best achieve the objectives of this Act and to best provide the means through which various types of goods, services, and facilities can be made available to members and patrons. States that such assistance may include investigations, surveys, and director and management training and assistance. Title IV: The Cooperative Bank and Assistance Administration and General Provisions - Establishes the Cooperative Bank and Assistance Administration. Directs the Administration to assure that the objectives of this Act are carried out. States that until the stock of the Bank held by the United States has been fully retired the Bank shall be exempt from any form of taxation. Requires the Administration and the Board to report annually to the appropriate committees of Congress on the activities of the Administration and on the Bank's capital, operations, financial condition, the self-help development fund, and to make recommendations for legislation to improve its services.
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 1977
Victims of Crime Act - Directs the Attorney General to make grants to qualified State programs for the compensation of victims of crime. Specifies requirements for program certification, including that the program: (1) offer compensation for personal injuries suffered as a result of certain State and Federal crimes; (2) offer compensation to surviving dependents of persons whose deaths resulted from being victim to such a crime; (3) require cooperation with law enforcement agencies as a condition for recovery; (4) grant claimants the right to a hearing; and (5) subrogate the State to any claim the victim or dependent has against the perpetrator to the extent of the amount compensated by the State. States that grants made under this Act shall total 50 percent of the allowable compensation paid to victims and dependent survivors of victims of State crimes designated by the State as appropriate for compensation under its program and 100 percent of the allowable compensation paid to victims and dependent survivors of victims of crimes which would constitute designated State crimes except for the fact that the crime is subject to exclusive Federal jurisdiction. Limits compensation with respect to any single claim to: (1) loss resulting from medical and related treatment, physical and occupational therapy and rehabilitation, and past and anticipated future earnings up to $200 per week; and (2) a total of $50,000. Establishes an Advisory Committee on Victims of Crime to advise the Attorney General with respect to the administration of this Act and the compensation of victims of crime.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 1977
Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to pay a specified sum to certain individuals in full settlement of such individuals' claims against the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 1977
Peace Act - Title I : Department of Peace - Establishes the Department of Peace (1) to develop policies and programs to foster peace; (2) to coordinate activities in the United States Government affecting peace; (3) to cooperate with other governments in related research and planning; (4) to encourage cultural exchange programs; and (5) to encourage private institutions and groups to work for the peaceful resolution of international conflict. Transfers to the Secretary of Peace all functions of the Agency for International Development; the Arms Control and Disarmament Agency; the Peace Corps; the International Agricultural Development Service, Department of Agriculture; and related functions of the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Agriculture. Amends the United Nations Participation Act of 1945 to direct the Secretary of Peace to advise the President as to United Nations appointments. Transfers to the Secretary the functions of the Secretary of State relating to United Nations agencies. Title II : National Peace Academy - George Washington Peace Academy Act - Establishes George Washington Peace Academy, under the supervision of the Secretary of Peace, to prepare citizens for positions promoting international peace and understanding. Authorizes the appropriation to the Academy of such sums as are necessary to carry out this Act annually. Title III : Joint Committee on Peace and International Cooperation - Establishes a Joint Congressional Committee on Peace and International Cooperation to make a continuing study of matters relating to the Department of Peace, to study means to coordinate programs with this Act, and to file annual recommendations with Congress with respect to the Department of Peace. Authorizes the appropriation of $200,000 annually from the contingent fund of the Senate for the expenses of the committee.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 1977
Removes the time limitation within which programs of education for veterans must be completed. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 1662)
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 1977
Designates the new Poe lock on the Saint Marys River at Sault Sainte Marine, Michigan, as the "John A. Blatnik lock."
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 1977
Amends the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 to stipulate that divorced and surviving divorced spouses of individuals eligible for annuities under such Act shall be entitled to receive benefits under such Act in the same amount as they would have received under the Social Security Act if all the employment of the individual was subject to such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 1977
Intergovernmental Consumer Assistance Act - Amends the Intergovernmental Cooperation Act by adding the following title: Title VII: Intergovernmental Cooperation with Respect To Consumer Assistance and Protection . Authorizes appropriations of $5,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, $7,500,000 for fiscal year 1976, and 1977 for the establishment and strengthening of consumer protection offices of State and local governments. Requires the Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations to assist the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare in carrying out the purposes of this Act by compiling information on and studying the effectiveness of existing State and Federal consumer protection offices and agencies. Directs the Secretary to allot each possession $10,000 for the three fiscal years and to allot each State the sums of $50,000, $75,000, and $90,000 for each of the three fiscal years, respectively. Provides that allotments shall be made to each State and possession which has submitted an adequate consumer protection plan that has been approved by the Secretary. Sets forth the required contents for each consumer plan. Provides that the Federal share of the cost of carrying out a plan submitted by a consumer protection office shall not exceed 75 percent. Authorizes the Secretary to withhold Federal funds for failure to comply with the approved consumer plan. Requires the Secretary to submit a detailed report as part of the annual report of the Department of HEW on the administration of this Act. Designates this Act as the "Intergovernmental Consumer Assistance and Protection Act".
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 1977
Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to authorize the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to approve user charge systems based upon ad valorem taxation if such system results in distribution of operation and maintenance costs to user classes in proportion to the total waste water loading of treatment works by such user classes.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 1977
Amends the National Foundation on the Arts and Humanities Act to direct the Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts to institute a program to acquire and make available to communities for cultural activities unused and underused railroad passenger depots. Directs the Chairman to establish an advisory council for consultation with respect to carrying out this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of $1,000,000 for fiscal year 1972, and such sums as may be necessary for each succeeding fiscal year, for purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt highway vehicles from the highway use tax where 80 percent of their use is involved in the initial transportation of unprocessed farm and forest products.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 1977
Establishes the price support of milk, under the Agricultural Act of 1949, at 100 percent of parity, and declares that such support shall be provided through purchases of milk and the products of milk.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow physicians, dentists and optometrists annual tax exclusions, decreasing from $20,000 to $5,000 over their first five years of medical practice in areas certified by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare as having an insufficient number of practicing physicians.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt farming vehicles from the highway motor vehicle excise tax, excepting vehicles owned by corporations with gross annual receipts exceeding $950,000, or which derive more than 50 percent of their gross receipts from nonfarming activities.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 1977
Prescription Drug Patent Licensing Act - Requires that whenever the Federal Trade Commission, upon complaint made to it by a qualified applicant for a license under a drug patent, determines through an investigation and hearing that such application for license was not granted and that the price quoted to druggists by the patentee is more than 500 percent of the total cost of production, the Commission shall order the patentee to grant an unrestricted license to any qualified applicant to make, use, and sell such drug. States that the Commission may delay such order up to five years to provide a fair return on the patentee's invested capital. (Adds 35 U.S.C. 294)
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the earned income tax credit to handicapped persons who maintain households, whether or not they have children residing there.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 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 registered professional nurses within the scope of their practices as defined by State law.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 1977
Provides that any portion of any public or private retirement, annuity or endowment payment made to any person (including monthly social security insurance benefits), attributable to any dependent of such person, shall not be included in computing annual income for the purpose of determining eligibility for a service pension or a non-service-connected disability pension paid by the Veterans' Administration.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 1977
Amends Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to increase from $9.00 to $10.50 the amount to be used in determining the minimum primary insurance amount to which an individual shall be entitled. Directs that the increase shall coincide with the 1975 and 1976 cost-of-living in benefits computed under the regular formula.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 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 · 16 February 1977
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to authorize payment for specified services performed by chiropractors, including x-rays and physical examinations, and related routine laboratory tests.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 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 · 16 February 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a refundable income tax credit for 50 percent of the wages paid new employees during the taxable years for work done in the United States. Limits the credit taken to $80,000. Limits the number of employees for whom credit may be taken to ten new employees, or the maximum number of employees paid by the taxpayer during the calendar quarter ending the previous June 30th, whichever number is less. Directs the Secretary to submit reports to Congress, in 1978 and 1980 assessing the impact of this credit.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 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 · 7 February 1977
Amends Title XI (General Provisions and Professional Standards Review) of the Social Security Act to require the inclusion of professional registered nurses in Professional Standards Review Organizations of medical professionals in carrying out the functions of such review organizations pursuant to such Title. Requires the inclusion of two professional registered nurses on the Statewide Professional Standards Review Councils. Requires the inclusion of three professional registered nurses on the National Professional Standards Review Council. Includes professional registered nurses in that class of health care practitioners which may not be held civilly liable for action taken in compliance with or reliance upon norms of care and treatment applied by a Professional Standards Review Organization.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1977
Fishery Conservation Zone Transition Act - Approves Agreements Concerning Fisheries Off the Coasts of the United States with Bulgaria, Romania, the Republic of China, the German Democratic Republic, the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, and Poland as governing international fishery agreements. Amends the Fishery Conservation and Management Act of 1976 (1) to establish transition measures concerning foreign fishing permits and permit fees; and (2) to exempt 1977 permit applications by foreign nations pursuant to governing international fishery agreements from the requirement of written comments on such application from the appropriate Regional Fishery Management Council.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1977
Urban Trees Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to make grants, on a matching basis, to the States, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and Guam in order to provide financial assistance to urban areas for arboriculture programs. Defines "arboriculture" as the planting, growing, maintenance, and protection of trees and shrubs. Authorizes appropriations of up to $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1978 to carry out such grant program. Requires that grants under this Act be made in accordance with an urban arboriculture plan for the selection, planting, and maintenance of trees agreed upon in advance by the Secretary and the State forester or other appropriate official. Authorizes the Secretary to provide technical assistance to urban areas for arboriculture programs under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1977
Amends the Arms Export Control Act to eliminate maintenance of internal security as a purpose for which military sales may be made. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961: (1) to eliminate maintenance of internal security as a purpose for which military assistance may be furnished; and (2) to prohibit furnishing military education and training for internal security.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1977
Declares the support of the House of Representatives for the President's intentions (1) to proceed with a comprehensive nuclear test ban treaty, (2) to seek ratification of the SALT II agreement, and (3) to seek an agreement with the Soviet Union for major reductions in atomic weapons.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1977
Federal Employees' Political Activities Act - Revises provisions prohibiting Federal employees, Postal Service employees, and District of Columbia employees from engaging in political activities. Continues proscriptions against employees using their official authority or influence to interfere with the result of any election or to coerce the political action of any person. Modifies provisions relating to the solicitation and offering of political contributions by Federal employees. Prohibits employees from: (1) giving or offering to give a political contribution to any individual either to vote or refrain from voting; (2) soliciting or receiving a political contribution to vote or refrain from voting; (3) knowingly giving a political contribution to a superior; (4) knowingly soliciting or receiving a political contribution from another employee with respect to whom such employee is a superior; (5) knowingly soliciting or receiving a political contribution in specified facilities; or (6) knowingly soliciting or receiving a political contribution from or giving a political contribution to an employee, Member of Congress or officer of a uniformed service. Places additional restrictions on specified employees of the Internal Revenue Service, the Department of Justice and the Central Intelligence Agency. Prohibits employees, with specified exceptions, from engaging in political activities while on duty, while wearing a uniform or official insignia identifying their position, or in designated areas. Establishes the Board on Political Activities of Federal Employees to decide cases regarding violations of this Act. Directs the Civil Service Commission to investigate reports and allegations of prohibited activity. Requires the Commission to give notice to the Board and the employees involved of apparent violations, except when the conduct of specified officials is involved, in which case the Commission is directed to refer the matter to the Attorney General and to report to Congress and the President. Directs the Board to render a final decision on the apparent violation on the basis of the record after a hearing conducted by a hearing examiner, which record shall include the recommended decision of the hearing examiner and any exception to such decision filed by the employee. Permits an employee upon whom a penalty is imposed by an order of the Board to seek judicial review. Specifies penalties for violation of the prohibitions contained in this Act. Directs the Commission to establish a continuing program to inform all employees of their rights of political participation and to educate employees with respect to those activities which are prohibited. Creates a specific criminal offense for extortion of political contributions from Federal personnel.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 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 · 20 January 1977
Amends the Tariff Schedules of the United States to increase for a five-year period the customs duty on specified hand tools.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1977
Reduces the rate of interest on emergency agricultural loans under the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act from five to one percent annually on the portion of a loan equal to the amount of the actual disaster loss, or $50,000, whichever is less. Sets the interest rate on any amount of a loan in excess of the actual disaster loss or in excess of $50,000 at five percent annually. Prohibits credit tests on any amount of a loan up to an amount equal to the actual disaster loss or $50,000; and limits, with a general exception, any loan made or insured under this Act to the amount of the actual disaster loss or $50,000, whichever is less. Increases the loan term to 20 years.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1977
Title I: National Wildlife Refuge System - National Wildlife Refuge System Organic Act - Establishes a National Wildlife Refuge System and classifies component units into the following areas: (1) National Wildlife Refuge; (2) National Wildlife Area; (3) National Wildland; (4) National Waterfowl Production Area; (5) National Marine and Estuarine area; and (6) National Urban Wildlife Area. Directs the Secretary of the Interior: (1) to undertake a continuing review of all estuaries and coastal and marine waters and lands which should be recommended to Congress for inclusion within the System; and (2) to review every roadless area of 5,000 or more contiguous acres for possible preservation as wilderness areas. Designates 30 specified areas in the State of Alaska as national wildlife refuges or wildlands. Provides for the administration of the System, empowering the Secretary to acquire lands, accept donations, and enter into contracts. Enumerates additional powers and responsibilities of the Secretary under this Act. Sets restrictions on the disposal of lands within the System and enumerates the procedures for any such disposal. Requires the Secretary to implement a systematic program for the development and maintenance of plans to guide the administration and management of the system. Directs the Secretary to establish a national planning, training and research academy to be known as the J. Clark Saylor II National Wildlife Refuge Training Academy. Imposes penalties for violations of this Act. Title II: Administrative and Temporary Provisions - Makes technical and conforming amendments to the Fish and Wildlife Act of 1965. Provides for a review of, and the making of recommendations regarding inclusion of, lands in the System. Establishes a Bureau of National Wildlife Refuges in the Department of the Interior and sets forth its responsibilities in administering the National Wildlife Refuge System.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1977
Authorizes Representative Parren J. Mitchell to appear as a witness before the Superior Court of Baltimore City, State of Maryland, in response to the summons served to him.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1977
Declares that the House of Representatives does not favor energy action numbered 9, which would exempt motor gasoline from mandatory petroleum price controls.
United States · United States Congress · 17 January 1977
Allows recipients of grants under the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to utilize such grants for the construction of public buildings and facilities. Permits the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to modify the geographic boundaries of a metropolitan area upon the request of the Governor of the State in which such area is located, in order to specify the portions of such area which are not essentially metropolitan.
United States · United States Congress · 17 January 1977
Directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish a pilot program to compensate persons in Minnesota for damage to livestock caused by the wild eastern timber wolf since such wolf was listed as an endangered or threatened species. Stipulates that such compensation shall be equal to the fair market value of the damaged livestock or the medical expenses incurred to restore such livestock. Limits such compensation to damage occurring between October 1, 1977, and September 30, 1981. Sets forth the formula for determination of the Federal share of such compensation. Authorizes the appropriation of $600,000 to carry out such program. Directs the Secretary to study the type and extent of damage caused by such wolf and means of reducing or eliminating such damage.
United States · United States Congress · 17 January 1977
Bridge Safety Act - Title I: Bridge Program - Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to approve Federal participation in a State project to repair or replace unsafe highway bridges under a needs formula as established in this Act. Stipulates that the Federal share of any such project shall not exceed 90 percent of its cost. Amends the Highway Safety Act of 1976 to authorize appropriations out of the Highway Trust Fund of $180,000,000 for the period beginning July 1, 1976, and ending September 30, 1976, and $720,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 1977 through 1990 for such purpose. Title II: Extension of Highway Trust Fund and Certain Related Provisions - Amends the Highway Revenue Act of 1956 to extend appropriations under such Act for the Highway Trust Fund through fiscal year 1990. Amends the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 to extend such fund through fiscal year 1990. Postpones specified excise tax reductions under the Internal Revenue Code of 1954.
United States · United States Congress · 17 January 1977
Terminates the authority of Members of Congress and Delegates to Congress from the various territories to make appointments to the various service academies. Terminates the authority of the Secretaries of the military departments to appoint members of the reserve components of the armed forces to the academies except under certain circumstances. Directs the Board of Visitors of the Military, Naval, and Air Force academies to inquire into the admission policy and procedure of these academies on their annual visit and to send their annual report to the Congress as well as the President. Directs the Board of Visitors of the Coast Guard and Merchant Marine academies to inquire into specified subject areas including admission policies and procedures on their annual visit and to report to the Congress as well as the President regarding their findings. Amends the Merchant Marine Act, 1936 to accomplish the purposes of this Act with respect to the Merchant Marine Academy.
United States · United States Congress · 13 January 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 · 6 January 1977
Amends the Rules of the House of Representatives to remove the 25-member limit to the number of sponsors of any House of Representatives bill. Permits the addition or deletion of any Member's name as the sponsor of any legislation by a request made by a Member to the Speaker on behalf of such Member.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Financial Disclosure Act - Requires the President, Vice President, Members of Congress and candidates for those offices, justices and judges of the United States, Presidential nominees, officers and employees of the United States compensated at a rate equal to or in excess of the rate prescribed for the grade of GS-15, and members of the uniformed services compensated at a rate equal to or in excess of the monthly rate prescribed for grade O-6 to file in each calendar year, with the Comptroller General and other specified executive or administrative officers, a financial statement for the preceding calendar year if such individual has occupied or been a candidate for the office or position for more than 90 days in such calendar year. Specifies the content of such financial statements. Makes mandatory the inclusion in such report of all items held not only by the individual, but by the spouse, and dependents of such person, and those acting on the individual's behalf. Permits the President to exempt any individual in the Central Intelligence Agency, the Defense Intelligence Agency, and the National Security Agency, or other person engaged exclusively in intelligence activities from the requirement to file a report with the Comptroller General if such disclosure would reveal the identity of an undercover Federal agent. Makes failure to file and falsifying reports punishable by a fine and/or imprisonment. Requires the head of each agency, the Clerk of the House of Representatives, the Secretary of the Senate, and the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to submit annually to the Comptroller General a complete list of individuals required to file such a report. Requires the Comptroller General to refer to the Attorney General the names of all individuals who the Comptroller General have reasonable cause to believe has failed to file or falsified such report, and that if such an individual is a Member of Congress, that the name be referred to the appropriate Congressional committees. Requires the Comptroller General to make such reports available to the public for all purposes not excluded under this Act. Makes the House of Representatives, the Senate, the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts, the Chairman of the Civil Service Commission and the head of each agency responsible for the review of such reports in accordance with any law or regulation regarding conflicts of interest or confidential financial information. Directs the Comptroller General to conduct audits of each specified group at varying intervals, and gives the Comptroller General subpena power for the purpose of conducting such audits. Requires the Civil Service Commission and the Department of Justice to recommend to Congress such legislation as may be necessary in the area of financial conflicts of interest among Federal employees and officers.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 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 this 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 a 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 Secretary 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. Directs that the cost of: (1) preventing, mitigating, and compensating fish and wildlife loss; and (2) enhancement of facilities for anadromous fish, be funded by the Federal department or agency constructing or assisting 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 this Act be made promptly available to the public. Requires the Federal department or agency carrying out projects under this 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 Secretaries of the Interior and Commerce 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 and flood protection projects.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Amends the Local Public Works Capital Development and Investment Act of 1976 to increase the amount authorized to be appropriated under such Act to $6,000,000,000.