United States · United States Congress · 27 July 1977
Opportunities for Adoption Act - Requires the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to appoint a Committee on Uniform Adoption Regulations. Directs such Committee to review current conditions, practices, and laws relating to adoption and to propose to the Secretary uniform adoption regulations. Directs the Secretary to make grants to States for allocation to State agencies and to public and private nonprofit adoption agencies to assist such agencies in meeting the costs involved in the adoptive placement of children. Establishes a National Office of Adoption Information and Services. Requires the establishment of a national adoption data, tracking, and analysis system utilizing computers.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 1977
Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to have conducted studies on: (1) toxic or carcinogenic substances in food; and (2) saccharin and other nonnutritive sweeteners. Requires the Secretary to complete such studies within one year and submit reports to the Senate Committee on Human Resources and the House Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce. Prohibits the Secretary from banning or restricting the sale of saccharin for 18 months.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 1977
Amends Titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to provide payment for rural health clinic services under such Titles. Defines the term "rural health clinic services" as the services of physicians and physician extenders and services and supplies furnished as an incident to such services. Defines the terms " rural health clinic" and "physician extender" as used in this Act. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to provide through demonstration projects, reimbursement on a cost basis for services provided by physician-directed clinics in urban medically underserved areas for which payment may be made under Medicare, and for services provided by physician extenders employed by such clinics. Directs the Secretary to carry out demonstration projects to provide reimbursement under the Medicare program for services provided in organized centers offering comprehensive outpatient mental health services.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1977
Directs the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare to conduct a study to assess (1) current technical capabilities to predict the toxic or carcinogenic effect on humans of substances which have induced cancer in animals; (2) public health benefits and risks of food containing such substances; (3) existing means of evaluating such benefits and risks, and the validity of such analysis; (4) instances in which restrictions on such substances do not accord with benefit-risk analysis; and (5) the relationship between Federal regulatory policies concerning the use of such substances for food and nonfood purposes. Directs the Secretary to request the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences, or other public or private nonprofit organizations, to conduct the study. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study of saccharin and other nonnutritive sweeteners to determine (1) any impurities in saccharin; (2) the toxic and carcinogenic effects of such impurities; and (3) the health benefits of saccharin and other nonnutritive sweeteners. Requires the Secretary to report to the House Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce and to the Senate Committee on Human Resources (1) the results of the saccharin study within one year; and (2) the results of the food additives study within 18 months. Prohibits the Secretary from restricting (except for labeling requirements allowed under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act) the sale or distribution of saccharin, or any food, drug, or cosmetic containing saccharin for 18 months. Authorizes the Secretary to promulgate regulations requiring (1) retail establishments where saccharin, or any drug, food, or cosmetic containing saccharin, is sold to display prominently, during the 18 month period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act, a notice of saccharin's possible health risks; and (2) advertising (printed or electronic) of such saccharin products to contain a statement of the possible health risks of saccharin.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1977
Amends the Public Health Service Act to require that the application of a medical school for a capitation grant to be made in fiscal year 1978 be supported by assurances satisfactory to the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare that the school will increase the enrollment of full-time, third-year students in the 1978-1979 school year by the greater of: (1)five percent; or (2) ten students over the number of such students enrolled in school year 1977-1978 or 1976-1977 whichever is greater. Directs the Secretary to assist schools of medicine to meet such requirement by identifying citizens of the United States: (1) who before 1976 were students in a school of medicine not in a State; (2) who have completed at least two years in a school of medicine; and (3) who have successfully completed part I of the National Board of Medical Examiners' examination. Permits the Secretary to waive the increase requirement upon a finding that an increase in the enrollment of third-year students will present the school from providing high quality clinical training for its third-year students because of the inadequate size of the population served by the facility.
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 1977
Directs the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a one year review of toxic and carcinogenic substances including: (1) current capabilities to predict the effect on humans of substances found to induce cancer in animals; (2) the benefits and risks to the public of such substances; (3) the validity of benefit-risk analysis of such substances; and (4) the relationship of Federal regulatory policies concerning the use of such substances for food and for non-food purposes. Directs the Institute to report its findings and legislative and administrative recommendations to the Congress and the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare within one year. Authorizes the continued use of saccharin for eighteen months. Prohibits the Secretary from taking any action under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to prohibit or restrict the sale or distribution (other than requiring labeling) of saccharin.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 1977
Amends Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to qualify an individual who, although employable, is unable to care for his or her personal needs without assistance as a disabled person eligible for the services of a home health aide.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1977
Directs the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a one year review of toxic and carcinogenic substances including: (1) current capabilities to predict the effect on humans of substances found to induce cancer in animals; (2) the benefits and risks to the public of such substances; (3) the validity of benefit-risk analysis of such substances; and (4) the relationship of Federal regulatory policies concerning the use of such substances for food and for non-food purposes. Directs the Institute to report its findings and legislative and administrative recommendations to the Congress and the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare within one year. Authorizes the continued use of saccharin for eighteen months. Prohibits the Secretary from taking any action under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to prohibit or restrict the sale or distribution (other than requiring labeling) of saccharin.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1977
Directs the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a one year review of toxic and carcinogenic substances including: (1) current capabilities to predict the effect on humans of substances found to induce cancer in animals; (2) the benefits and risks to the public of such substances; (3) the validity of benefit-risk analysis of such substances; and (4) the relationship of Federal regulatory policies concerning the use of such substances for food and for non-food purposes. Directs the Institute to report its findings and legislative and administrative recommendations to the Congress and the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare within one year. Authorizes the continued use of saccharin for eighteen months. Prohibits the Secretary from taking any action under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to prohibit or restrict the sale or distribution (other than requiring labeling) of saccharin.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1977
Directs the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a one year review of toxic and carcinogenic substances including: (1) current capabilities to predict the effect on humans of substances found to induce cancer in animals; (2) the benefits and risks to the public of such substances; (3) the validity of benefit-risk analysis of such substances; and (4) the relationship of Federal regulatory policies concerning the use of such substances for food and for non-food purposes. Directs the Institute to report its findings and legislative and administrative recommendations to the Congress and the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare within one year. Authorizes the continued use of saccharin for eighteen months. Prohibits the Secretary from taking any action under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to prohibit or restrict the sale or distribution (other than requiring labeling) of saccharin.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1977
Directs the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a one year review of toxic and carcinogenic substances including: (1) current capabilities to predict the effect on humans of substances found to induce cancer in animals; (2) the benefits and risks to the public of such substances; (3) the validity of benefit-risk analysis of such substances; and (4) the relationship of Federal regulatory policies concerning the use of such substances for food and for non-food purposes. Directs the Institute to report its findings and legislative and administrative recommendations to the Congress and the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare within one year. Authorizes the continued use of saccharin for eighteen months. Prohibits the Secretary from taking any action under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to prohibit or restrict the sale or distribution (other than requiring labeling) of saccharin.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 1977
Product Liability Insurance Tax Equity Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to qualify trusts established for the payment of product liability claims as tax exempt organizations. Allows taxpayers a business income tax deduction for contributions to such trusts only to the extent they exceed the reasonable costs of product liability insurance for the deducting taxpayer.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1977
Consumer Communications Reform Act - Expresses the sense of Congress that the authorization of lines, facilities, or services of specialized carriers which duplicate the lines, facilities, or services of other telecommunications common carriers fosters inefficiencies in the utilization of national telecommunications resources and has an adverse impact on the national objectives of maintaining stability of consumer price levels. Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to provide that no compensatory charges for or in connection with such communication service may be found to be unjust or unreasonable on the ground that it is too low. Prohibits the Federal Communications Commission from holding the charge of a carrier up to a particular level to protect the traffic or revenues from a communication service offered or provided by another carrier if such charge proposed by the carrier is compensatory. Provides that the Commission shall not grant or authorize any construction permit, license, or certificate for the construction, acquisition, or operation of any communication or transmission line or facility, or extension thereof, or any modification or renewal thereof, unless the Commission shall find, after full opportunity for evidentiary hearing on the record, that such permit, license, or certificate, will not result in increased charges or unnecessary duplication or communication lines.
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 1977
Recombinant DNA Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to regulate recombinant DNA activities. Requires that all recombinant DNA activities conducted during the interim control period, which shall begin on the tenth day after the date of enactment of this Act, and end eighteen months after such date or on the date on which certain regulations promulgated by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare take effect, whichever occurs first, be carried out in accordance with the physical and biological containment requirements in the recombinant DNA research guidelines of the Department of Health, Education and Welfare published on July 7, 1976. Requires that every individual or entity responsible for conducting any recombinant DNA activity on the date of enactment of this Act, or to be commenced during the interim control period, submit a report with respect to such activity to the Secretary. Requires each facility conducting any recombinant DNA activity to be licensed in accordance with this Act. Requires the Secretary to promulgate regulations with respect to the issuance of such licenses prescribing containment requirements, laboratory safety requirements, and reporting procedures. Directs the Secretary to promulgate regulations to control the conduct of recombinant DNA activities carried on outside of such licensed facilities prescribing containment and personnel safety requirements. Sets forth the procedure for the issuance of licenses to facilities to conduct recombinant DNA activity with respect to the authority of the Secretary and local biohazards committees to issue such licenses. Requires the Secretary to compile a list of recombinant DNA activities authorized by this Act, and to make such list available for public inspection. Prohibits the licensing of any facility unless a local biohazards committee has been established in accordance with this Act with jurisdiction over such facility. Authorizes such committees to issue licenses to certain facilities, and requires such committees to inspect and monitor recombinant DNA activities conducted in such facilities. Authorizes the inspection of facilities conducting recombinant DNA activities by inspectors designated by the Secretary. Establishes civil and criminal penalties for violation of this Act. Sets forth the procedure for disclosure of certain otherwise confidential data if the Secretary or committee determines that the release of such data is necessary to protect against an imminent, unreasonable risk of injury to health or the environment. Establishes the Recombinant DNA Advisory Committee to advise the Secretary in promulgating regulations required by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1977
Grants the court of claims jurisdiction to render judgments against the United States upon claims for losses other than lost profits sustained by producers, processors, manufacturers, distributors, dealers, or other persons resulting from the ban on apparel, fabric, yarn, or fiber containing Tirs phosphate.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1977
Franked Mail Act - Extends from 28 to 60 days the period of time before an election during which a Member of Congress may not, consistent with the policy of Congress, use his or her mail franking privileges if such Member is a candidate for re-election in such election. Declares that the use of such franking privilege for mass mailing outside of a Member's or Member-elect's home district is not within the policy of Congress if such person is a candidate for any other office. Requires franked mail to be sent by the most economical means. Limits the number of pieces of franked mail sent to six times the number of addresses to which such mail may be delivered under existing law. Requires Members of, or Members- elect to, the House of Representatives to submit mail, which is intended to be sent as franked mail under provisions allowing a simplified form of address, to the House Commission on Congressional Mailing Standards for an advisory opinion as to whether such proposed mailing is in compliance with such provisions. Expands the authority of the Commission to cover advisory opinions involving any non-criminal law regarding franked mail. Extends the franking privilege of the surviving spouse of a Member of Congress who dies in office to surviving relatives in the event there is no surviving spouse (such privilege covers only mail relating to the death of such Member mailed within 180 days of death).
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1977
Directs the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a one-year review and evaluation of all available information respecting the toxicity and carcinogenicity of food additives. Directs that the study include: (1) information respecting the ability to predict the effect on humans of food additives found to cause cancer in animals; and (2) information regarding the desirability of weighing risk and benefits when making regulatory decisions respecting such additives. Requires the Institute to report the results of such evaluation to the Congress and the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare. Directs the Secretary to permit the continued use of saccharin as a food, food additive, drug, or cosmetic for the 18-month period following enactment of this Act.
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 · 25 May 1977
Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require the Federal Communications Commission to regulate the rates, terms, and conditions for pole attachments used for wire communication, in any case in which such rates, terms, and conditions are not regulated by any State authority. Stipulates that a just and reasonable rate shall assure the utility of recovery of not less than the additional costs of providing pole attachments nor more than the actual capital and operating expenses of the utility attributable to that portion of the pole used by the attachment.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1977
Legislative Branch Disclosure Act - Requires each Member of Congress, officer, principal assistant to a Member or congressional officer, professional staff member of a congressional committee, and any individual who becomes a candidate in any election for the office of Member of Congress to file annual financial disclosure reports as long as such persons hold such positions. Stipulates that persons who are paid by the Clerk of the House of Representatives shall file such reports with the Clerk and those paid by the Secretary of the Senate shall file with the Secretary. Directs that such reports be retained for seven years and made available to the public. Requires copies of such reports to be filed with the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct or the Senate Select Committee on Ethics. Requires Members to file a copy of such report with the secretary of state of the State which such Member represents. Requires that such reports contain the following information: the source and amount of income; identify and source of specified gifts; amount and identity of reimbursements; identity and amount of each personal liability owed; details with respect to transactions in securities or commodities futures, property held in a trade or business, real property held, and holdings in specified trust accounts. Establishes criminal and civil penalties for failure to file or falsifying such reports.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1977
States that the authority of the Comptroller General to have access to documents and other materials upon request under the Budgeting and Accounting Act, 1921, shall not be limited, with respect to the Department of Justice, to materials pertaining to the receipt and expenditure of public funds but shall extend to all such materials in the possession of the Department.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1977
Campaign Financing Act -- Title I: Public Financing of Congressional General Election Campaigns - Entitles to payments under this Act Congressional candidates who agree to certain reporting and recordkeeping procedures and who certify that (1) he and his authorized committees will not incur campaign expenses in excess of certain limitations, (2) he has qualified to have his name placed on the election ballot in an election for Congressional office, and (3) he has received contributions in excess of a certain sum and no person has given more than $100 toward the amount so certified. Sets the amount of payments to an eligible candidate at the amount of contributions received up to a specified maximum. Stipulates that sums given by any one contributor totalling over $100 shall be disregarded for purposes of matching grants. Restricts use of funds forwarded under this Act to defraying campaign expenses either directly or through repayment of campaign loans. Specifies a limit on the amount of personal funds which a candidate may spend in connection with a Congressional campaign and remain eligible to matching grants. Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to specify spending limits for candidates receiving payments under this Act. Waives such limits for candidates whose opponents are not receiving matching payments and have spent sums in excess of the limit imposed for candidates receiving payments. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to establish a separate Congressional General Election Payment Account in the Presidential Election Campaign Fund and to deposit certain sums in such account in accordance with specified guidelines. Requires repayment of excess payments and unexpended payments. Penalizes use of funds for other than campaign purposes. Authorizes the Federal Election Commission to institute repayment actions in district courts. Specifies the administrative authority of the Commission in carrying out this Act. Title II: Public Financing of Presidential General Election Campaigns - Raises the general election spending limit for Presidential candidates who are eligible to receive public funds under either the Presidential Election Campaign Fund Act or the Presidential Primary Matching Payment Account Act. Sets limits on the amount which a State party committee may spend in connection with the general election campaign of its Presidential candidate. Provides an alternative method for determining the amount of money to which candidates are entitled under the Presidential Election Campaign Fund Act based upon amount of contributions received after the final primary. Specifies conditions for candidates electing such method. Permits Presidential candidates eligible to receive payment under the Presidential Election Campaign Fund Act to receive additional small contributions from individual contributors up to a specified limit. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to reduce the maximum amount which a multicandidate committee may contribute to any candidate or his committees. Specifies the effective date of the provisions of this Act and guidelines with respect to deposit in the Congressional General Election Campaign Fund during 1977.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1977
Administrative Rule Making Reform Act - Requires a Federal agency preparing to hold a rule making session to make a reasonable effort to inform those likely to be affected by the proposed rule making. Requires that if the affected group is large, representatives of such group must be notified. Requires, in addition to present requirements, that the notice of rule making include the projected effective date of the rules, the purpose of the rule making, the text of the proposed rules, and the technical or other studies on which the agency intends to rely in the rule making proceedings. Applies the requirements of this Act to all rule making sessions except (1) those specifically authorized to be kept secret in the interest of national security, and (2) those relating to agency management. Requires public notice and public opportunity for comment of all rule making proceedings under this Act unless the agency finds that the rules to be proposed are emergency rules or are of routine or insignificant impact in which case the rule must be published with reasons for its adoption. Requires Federal agencies to give interested persons at least 45 days to participate in the rule making. Requires the agency to maintain a file of each proceeding to be made available to the courts, Congress, and to the public in connection with review of the rule. Limits the period for public comment to a maximum of 90 days. Requires a copy of all proposed rules to be sent to Congress. States that such rule, other than an emergency rule, shall not become effective if it is disapproved within 90 days by both Houses of Congress, or it is disapproved within 60 days by one House and no action is taken on the disapproval resolution by the other House. Provides that either House of Congress may, by resolution, require any agency to reconsider and resubmit any rule to which this Act applies. Requires that such proposed rule be repromulgated anew in accordance with all the provisions of this Act unless it is reconsidered and resubmitted to Congress within 180 days after the adoption of the resolution requiring such reconsideration. Requires the Administrative Conference of the United States to study Congressional review of agency rule making under this Act and report the effect of such review on such rule making before July 1, 1982. Authorizes to be appropriated $200,000 to finance such study. Makes this Act effective on the first day of the first session of the Ninety-fifth Congress. Terminates the Congressional review required by this Act at the adjournment of the Ninety-seventh Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1977
Safe Drinking Water Amendments - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize appropriations for fiscal years 1978 and 1979 to enable the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency: (1) to provide technical assistance, information, and training of personnel in order to improve the safety of public drinking water supplies; (2) to make grants to States to carry out public water system supervision programs; and (3) to make grants to States to carry out underground water source protection programs. Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to authorize appropriations for fiscal years 1978 and 1979 to enable the Administrator to conduct a survey of the quantity, quality, and availability of rural drinking water supplies. Specifies that none of the funds authorized under this Act are to be used for research under Title XIV (Safety of Public Water Systems) of the Public Health Service Act. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to submit a report to Congress analyzing the anticipated cost of compliance with interim and revised national primary drinking water regulations and methods of paying the costs of compliance. Requires the Administrator to submit to Congress a report on the availability of an adequate and dependable supply of safe drinking water to meet present and projected future need. Directs the Administrator to study the effects of specified chemicals and compounds on the safety of drinking water, and means of removing, treating, or otherwise controlling contamination from such substances. Allows the Administrator to extend the date for submission of an application by a State for approval of the State's underground injection control program. Extends through fiscal year 1979 the authority of the Administrator to assure the availability of chemicals needed for water treatment. Makes each Federal agency having jurisdiction over any federally maintained public water system or engaged in any activity which may result in underground injection endangering drinking water, subject to all Federal, State, and local requirements, administrative authorities, and process sanctions respecting safe drinking water. Adds to the definition of "person" for purposes of title XIV (Safety of Public Water Systems), Federal agencies, officers, employees, and agents of any corporation, company, association, State, municipality, or Federal agency. Specifies the rights of citizens, States, and local governments to commence a civil action against any person in violation of title XIV. Authorizes the Administrator to provide technical assistance and to make grants to States or publicly owned water systems to assist in alleviating emergency situations respecting drinking water which may be anticipated to endanger public health.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1977
Authorizes the Administrator of General Services to accept land, buildings, and equipment, without reimbursement, for the John Fitzgerald Kennedy Library in Boston, Massachusetts, as part of the National Archives system. Provides that such acceptance shall not occur until after the expiration of 60 days of continuous congressional session following the date on which a report is submitted by the Administrator to Congress on any such proposed Presidential archival depository.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 1977
Broadcast License Renewal Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to set the term of a broadcast station license, or renewal, at five years. Provides that any license granted may be renewed upon its expiration, if the Commission finds that the public interest, convenience, and necessity would be served by the renewal of such license. Allows appeals from decisions and orders of the Commission to be taken to the United States court of appeals for the circuit in which such broadcast facility is located. Sets guidelines for expeditious action on applications for renewal of broadcasting station licenses by limiting material required to be filed. Requires the Commission to examine the renewal process and report within six months on methods of reducing and consolidating filings and supporting documents.
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 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 · 6 April 1977
Clean Air Act Amendments - Amends the Clean Air Act to authorize the appropriation of $200,000,000 for each of the three fiscal years after the date of enactment of this Act. Requires employees of the Environmental Protection Agency to disclose known financial interests in persons subject to the Act or in applicants for financial assistance under the Act. Prohibits persons who are employees, officials, stockholders, or otherwise associated with major air pollution sources or their trade associations from serving as officers or employees of the Environmental Protection Agency or as public members of the National Commission on Air Quality. Imposes criminal penalties for knowing violations of such requirements. Title I: Amendments Relating Primarily to Stationary Sources -Directs the Administrator to designate radioactive pollutants, cadmium, arsenic, and polycyclic organic matter as air pollutants to be regulated under the Act unless a finding is made that such substances will not contribute to air pollution likely to endanger public health. Directs the Administrator to promulgate a national primary ambient air quality standard for nitrogen dioxide over a short-term period, absent a finding that such a standard is not required to protect public health. Directs the Administrator to revise and reissue criteria relating to short-term concentrations of nitrogen dioxide and related substances. Directs the Administrator to investigate the relationship between sulfates and public health and welfare. Redefines the term "air pollutant" to include physical, chemical, biological, and radiological substances. Revises the basis for air quality and emission control standards under the Act to regulate air pollution which may reasonably be anticipated to endanger public health or welfare. Directs the Administrator to prepare economic impact statements for various standards and regulations issued pursuant to this Act. Details information required to be included in such statements. Authorizes the Administrator or the States, subject to the approval of the Administrator, to issue delayed compliance orders to existing stationary sources unable to meet specified deadlines. Stipulates that such delayed compliance orders shall not result in postponement of original limitations for more than five years. Authorizes issuance of similar orders for primary nonferrous smelters. Stipulates that such orders may waive the requirement that continuous emission control systems be utilized in cases of economic hardship. Requires that primary nonferrous smelter orders not result in a postponement of applicable emission requirements beyond January 1, 1988. Requires sources subject to such orders to use the best practicable system of emission reduction. Authorizes the assessment of noncompliance penalties against stationary sources not in compliance with applicable emission limitations. Authorizes exemptions from such requirements based on energy requirements, demonstration of innovative technology, impossibility of compliance, or insignificance of the violation. Establishes criteria for determining the amount of such penalty, not to exceed $5,000 per day for each days' violation. Extends compliance dates for sources subject to coal conversion requirements in accordance with provisions of the Energy Supply and Environmental Coordination Act of 1974. Stipulates that compliance date extensions shall not be effective for sources in regions where national primary air quality standards are being violated as a result of the emissions of such sources. Stipulates that emission limitations under this Act shall require application of a system of continuous emission reduction, and that alteration of stack heights or other dispersion techniques shall not affect the degree of emission limitation required under the Act. Directs the Administrator to study the effects of the release of halocarbons and other substances on the stratosphere. Requires a National Academy of Sciences study and report on activities which may affect or modify the stratosphere or ozone in the stratosphere and on possible control methods. Directs the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to establish a research and monitoring program to detect potentially harmful changes in the stratosphere. Directs the Administrator to regulate substances which may reasonably be anticipated to affect the stratosphere. Requires States to submit plans for prevention of significant deterioration of air quality in clean air regions, subject to approval by the Administrator. Establishes guidelines for classification of such regions. Imposes limitations on projected increases in ambient concentrations of pollutants for each class of such regions. Requires that new sources constructed in such regions acquire permits to be issued after public hearings and a finding that emissions from such facility will not contribute to air pollution in excess of the appropriate limits. Directs the Administrator to convene a conference on air quality monitoring every three years. Directs the Administrator to issue guidelines to States with respect to monitoring and control of pollutants other than particulates and sulfur dioxide for purposes of prevention of significant air quality deterioration. Establishes a National Commission on Air Quality to conduct studies and investigations of specified air pollution issues. Authorizes the appropriations of $5,000,000 for such Commission studies. Directs the Administrator to provide training assistance to qualified personnel as part of the comprehensive research and development program established by the Act. Authorizes the appropriation of $7,500,000 per fiscal year for the three fiscal years beginning after the date of enactment of this Act. Directs the Administrator to periodically review air quality criteria published pursuant to the Act, with the assistance of recommendations from a seven-member independent scientific review committee. Revises procedures for establishment of new source performance standards to allow for greater input from States in the listing of categories of sources and pollutants for regulation under such provisions. Requires that alternative technological systems and technological innovations be considered where likely to result in equivalent reductions of emissions. Authorizes the Administrator to grant variances from new source standards for the use of technological innovations. Waives rights of governmental immunity in the case of Federal facilities subject to air pollution control requirements. Stipulates that nothing in the Act shall be construed as restricting States, localities, and interstate entities from seeking judicial relief against Federal instrumentalities under State or local air pollution laws. Authorizes the Administrator to waive the requirement that State air pollution control agencies maintain previous levels of spending as a condition of receiving Federal aid where appropriate. Authorizes temporary emergency suspensions from clean air standards for economic or energy- related emergencies of a short-term nature. Directs the Administrator to develop regulations to prevent visibility impairment in clean air regions. Title II: Amendments Relating Primarily to Mobile Sources - Directs the Administrator to study, with the assistance of the National Academy of Sciences, the necessity for indirect source controls to meet the objectives of the Act. Imposes limitations on the use of indirect source controls unless necessary to meet national primary ambient air quality standards for mobile source-related pollutants. Defines the term "indirect source" to include various facilities which may attract mobile sources of air pollution. Authorizes the Administrator to grant extensions of compliance dates for State transportation control plans in accordance with prescribed criteria. Revises emission standards for light duty motor vehicles to extend for three years from model year 1977 to 1980 the compliance date for carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon standards. Imposes interim standards of 1.5 grams per mile for hydrocarbons and 15 grams per mile for carbon monoxide for model years 1977 thorough 1979. Extends the compliance date for nitrogen oxides standards for such vehicles from model year 1978 to 1981. Extends the 2.0 gram per mile interim standard for nitrogen oxides through model year 1980. Authorizes annual suspensions of emission standards for any model year before 1985 by the Administrator if prescribed criteria are met. Directs the Administrator to study the effects on health and welfare of emission of sulfuric acid mist and other unregulated pollutants from motor vehicles. Directs the Administrator to prescribe regulations to limit emissions of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides from heavy-duty vehicles or engines manufactured after model year 1979. Requires continuing studies on the effects of emissions from heavy-duty vehicles. Directs the Administrator to study the possibility of increased use of cost-effectiveness analyses in order to achieve clean air objectives. Directs the Administrator to study the effects on health and welfare of particulate emissions from mobile sources. Requires that motor vehicle emission control regulations provide for nonconformance penalties to be assessed against manufacturers where vehicles fail to meet required standards. Stipulates that air craft emission regulations issued under this Act may be disapproved by the Secretary of Transportation if found to create a hazard to aircraft safety. Requires that motor vehicle emission control systems used to meet air pollution control requirements shall not contribute to an unreasonable risk to public health, welfare, or safety. Requires that State implementation plans provide for annual inspection and maintenance of light- duty vehicles in regions where transportation control measures are applicable. Stipulates that requirements imposed in such testing and inspection program shall be no less stringent than those in effect in New Jersey on the date of enactment of this provision. Revises requirements imposed upon motor vehicle manufactures with respect to warranties applicable to vehicle emission control systems. Directs the Federal Trade Commission to study the impact on competition of various warranties imposed by this Act with respect to such emission control systems. Imposes civil penalties for violations of antitampering provisions of the Act. Stipulates that the cost of emission control for vapor recovery with respect to mobile source fuels shall be borne by owners of retail outlets. Exempts independent small business marketers from such requirements for a two-year period, pending results from a Federal Trade Commission Study on the effects of such requirements on small business marketers. Establishes procedures to allow the Administrator to disapprove instructions for high altitude adjustments of motor vehicles where emission control performance resulting from such adjustments is inadequate. Requires that the Administrator prescribe fill pipe standards in conjunction with any vapor recovery regulations issued under the Act. Directs the Administrator to study onboard hydrocarbon control technology and carbon monoxide intrusion into sustained-use motor vehicles. Directs the Administrator to issue regulations governing the testing of fuels and fuel additives. Authorizes States to adopt and enforce more stringent motor vehicle emission control standards. Title III: Miscellaneous Amendments - Authorizes States to redesignate air quality control regions. Requires the approval of the Administrator and the consent of affected States where emissions from such region may significantly affect another State. Requires State implementation plans to establish procedures for adequate consultation with local and regional governmental entities. Authorizes delegation of functions to units of local government by the Administrator under applicable implementation plan provisions. Directs the Administrator to conduct continuing evaluations of potential shifts or losses of unemployment which may be caused by air pollution control measures. Requires investigations of such specific instances upon written requests to the Administrator by affected employees. Establishes additional procedures for promulgation of rules and regulations under the Act. Establishes guidelines for judicial review of administrative actions under the Act. Prohibits discharge or discrimination against employees who participate in proceedings under the Act. Requires the Administrator to consult with State agencies prior to inspection and monitoring of stationary sources, except where the Administrator has reason to believe that information contained in such notice may be used to inform the stationary source about such proposed action. Requires consultation with States and localities prior to Federal actions to alleviate air pollution emergencies. Imposes criminal penalties of up to $5,000 per day for willful violations of such emergency orders. Directs the Administrator to establish procedures for abatement of interstate air pollution. Establishes a Task Force on Environmental Cancer and Heart and Lung Disease to coordinate research control efforts with respect to human cancer and heart and lung disease that is associated with environmental pollution. Directs the Administrator, in cooperation with the National Academy of Sciences, to study the problems associated with fine particulate matter. Directs the Administrator to establish a uniform, nation-wide air quality monitoring system. Directs the Council on Environmental Quality to assess the feasibility of utilizing economic measures to supplement or replace regulatory controls imposed by the Act. Requires that State implementation plans prohibit sources utilizing intermittent control systems to meet delayed compliance interim requirements from temporarily reducing the pay of any employee as result of the use of such system. Establishes procedures for Congressional review and disapproval of regulations prescribed by the Administrator under the Act. Directs the Administrator to make recommendations for simplification of administration of the Act. Requires State implementational plans to prohibit conflicts of interest in State regulatory agencies in accordance with regulations promulgated by the Administrator. Requires that such regulations provide for (1) disclosure of known financial interests and (2) prohibitions against employees, officials, stockholders, or persons otherwise associated with major air pollution sources or their trade associations from serving as officers or employees of State or local air pollution control regulatory authorities.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1977
Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to promulgate national standards for clinical laboratories. Defines the terms "laboratory" and "clinical laboratory" for purposes of this Act. Directs the Secretary to develop job-related proficiency and practical examinations for clinical laboratory personnel. Directs the development of standards for the proficiency testing of clinical laboratories. Applies such standards to: (1) clinical laboratories engaged in interstate commerce; and (2) any other clinical laboratories located in States which do not have primary enforcement responsibility as provided for by this Act for the regulation of such laboratories. Delegates to States the responsibility for primary enforcement of the national standards for clinical laboratories in certain instances. Directs the Secretary to establish a system for the licensure of clinical laboratories subject to such standards. States that such licenses shall specify the categories of tests and procedures which laboratories perform and shall be valid for a period not to exceed 24 months. Sets forth the requirements for issuance, renewal, and revocation of a license. Provides judicial review for any person aggrieved by the revocation of the license of his laboratory. Applies the national standards to Federal clinical laboratories under the jurisdiction of the Secretary and to all other laboratories, except those under the jurisdiction of the Armed Forces or the Veterans' Administration or those under any agency which has equally stringent standards in effect. Prohibits the solicitation or acceptance of specimens for laboratory tests or procedures by a clinical laboratory which is required to be licensed by the Secretary and which either does not have such a license or is not permitted under such license to perform the planned test or procedure. Establishes a penalty consisting of a fine or imprisonment or both for the violation of such prohibition. Prohibits false or fraudulent billing practices in connection with services provided under the Social Security Act. Establishes a penalty consisting of a fine or imprisonment or both for the violation of such prohibition. Prohibits an employer from taking action against an employee who has assisted or participated in an investigation of such employer pursuant to this Act. Establishes a procedure for investigating and correcting employers' retaliatory actions against employees. Authorizes the Secretary to provide grants and technical assistance to States enforcement of standards established for the regulation of clinical laboratories. Establishes an advisory council on clinical laboratories in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare to advise the Secretary with respect to national standards promulgated under this Act, the implementation and administration of clinical laboratory regulation, and the coordination between Federal and State regulatory programs. Directs the Secretary to establish within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare an Office of Clinical Laboratories which shall: (1) establish a uniform regulatory policy for the administration of the functions authorized by this Act and the Medicaid and Medicare programs of the Social Security Act; and (2) provide guidance for the laboratory components of other health programs administered and enforced by the Secretary. Amends the Social Security Act to prohibit reimbursement under the Medicare, Medicaid, or Maternal and Child Health and Crippled Childrens' Services programs for any portion of the cost of a clinical laboratory service which represents a commission, finders fee, or rent which is above the market value of the facility. Prohibits the making of any grant or reimbursement by the Secretary, or the award of any contract under the Medicare or Medicaid programs of the Social Security Act, unless the laboratory meets the licensing requirements established by the Secretary. Raises the status of the offense of defrauding the Medicare and Medicaid programs from that of a misdemeanor to that of a felony. Increases the maximum fine for such offenses from $10,000 to $25,000. Increases the maximum term of imprisonment from one to five years for such offenses. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study of existing regulations governing the qualifications of clinical laboratory supervisors, technologists, and technicians, and of the regulatory bodies established to develop and enforce such regulations. Requires such study: (1) to assess the need for national standards for certifying laboratory technical personnel and certifying entities; (2) to project the numbers of laboratory personnel who will be needed in 1980, 1985, and 1990; and (3) to analyze the costs to laboratories of compliance with such national standards should they be promulgated as a result of such study. Directs the Secretary to study the financial arrangements entered into by hospitals reimbursed for the provision of health services under the Medicare and Medicaid programs with persons who provide clinical laboratory services in such hospitals. Directs the Secretary to report the findings of such study to Congress within six months, and that the study include recommendations for such corrective legislation as the Secretary determines to be necessary.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1977
Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize appropriations for fiscal years 1978 and 1979 to enable the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency: (1) to provide technical assistance, information, and training of personnel in order to improve the safety of public drinking water supplies; (2) to make grants to States to carry out public water system supervision programs; and (3) to make grants to States to carry out underground water source protection programs. Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to authorize appropriations for fiscal years 1978 and 1979 to enable the Administrator to conduct a survey of the quantity, quality, and availability of rural drinking water supplies. Specifies that none of the funds authorized under this Act are to be used for research under Title XIV (Safety of Public Water Systems) of the Public Health Service Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1977
Safe Drinking Water Amendments - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize appropriations to extend through fiscal year 1979, for Federal aid to State public water system supervision programs. Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to extend appropriations for the rural water survey through fiscal year 1979. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to submit a report to Congress analyzing the anticipated cost of compliance with interim and revised national primary drinking water regulations and methods of paying the costs of compliance. Requires the Administrator to submit to Congress a report on the availability of an adequate and dependable supply of safe drinking water. Directs the Administrator to provide training for personnel of State and local agencies which have primary enforcement responsibility of public water systems. Allows the Administrator, under specified conditions, to make a grant to a State that has not assumed primary enforcement responsibility for public water systems within the State. Allows the Administrator to extend the date for submission of an application by a State for approval of the State's underground injection control program. Extends through fiscal year 1979 the authority of the Administrator to assure the availability of chemicals needed for water treatment. Makes each Federal agency having jurisdiction over any federally maintained public water system or engaged in any activity which may result in underground injection endangering drinking water, subject to all Federal, State, and local requirements, administrative authorities, and process sanctions respecting safe drinking water. Adds to the definition of "person" for purposes of title XIV (Safety of Public Water Systems), Federal agencies, officers, employees, and agents of any corporation, company, association, State, municipality, or Federal agency. Specifies the rights of citizens, States, and local governments to commence a civil action against any person in violation of title XIV. Directs the Administrator to prepare and make reasonably available to the public, an economic assessment statement before publication of notice of proposed rulemaking respecting the safety of public water systems.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1977
Requires the Congressional Record for the House of Representatives to contain an accurate and verbatim account of remarks actually delivered on the floor of the House together with supporting data. Limits revisions of verbatim remarks in the Record to the correction of grammatical and typographical errors which do not change the meaning, content, or substance of those remarks. Entitles Members to insert in the Records remarks not actually delivered on the floor. Stipulates that such insertions always be clearly distinguishable from verbatim remarks.
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 1977
Establishes within the House of Representatives a Standing Committee on Intelligence to oversee and make continuing studies of the intelligence activities and programs of the United States Government, and to submit to the House proposals for legislation. Directs referral to the Committee of all matters relating to the Central Intelligence Agency and its Director, intelligence activities of all other Government departments and agencies, organization or reorganization of such departments and agencies related to intelligence activities, and authorizations for appropriations for specified departments and agencies. Amends rules X of the Rules of the House of Representatives to establish a procedure whereby certain legislation reported by the Committee may be referred to other standing committees for consideration, and conversely from other standing committees to the Committee. Requires the Committee to obtain an annual report from the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, the Secretaries of State and of Defense, and the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation reviewing the intelligence activities of the agency or departments, and of foreign countries directed at the United States. Sets forth procedures whereby the Committee may disclose publicly any information in its possession which will serve the public interest. Requires the Committee to notify the President of any such proposed disclosure if the information has been previously classified, submitted to it by the executive branch, and if the executive branch has requested that such information by kept secret. Permits the Committee, upon objection by the President to disclosure, to refer the question to the House for consideration. Authorizes the House to (1) approve the public disclosure, (2) disapprove the public disclosure, or (3) leave the final determination to the Committee. Allows the Committee to make certain information regarding lawful intelligence activities which has been classified, available to other committees or Members under specified circumstances. Requires the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct to investigate an unauthorized disclosures. Prohibits the appropriation of funds for any fiscal year beginning after September 30, 1978 for specified intelligence activities of Federal departments or agencies unless such funds have been authorized by a House bill or joint resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1977
Declares that specified persons previously appointed as temporary hearing examiner's under the Supplemental Security Income program of the Social Security Act shall be considered appointed to career-absolute positions as hearing examiners.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1977
Amends the Controlled Substances Act to extend for three years the authorization for appropriations for the Department of Justice to carry out the control and enforcement provisions of such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1977
Declares that the House Select Committee on Assassinations shall continue in operation for the duration of the Ninety-fifth Congress. Authorizes the select committee to bring, defend, and intervene in lawsuits and make applications to courts in carrying out its purpose.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1977
Declares that the expenses of investigations and studies by the House Select Committee on Ethics, not to exceed $283,000, shall be paid out of the contingent fund of the House.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1977
Food Additive Safety Amendments - States that a food additive shall be deemed safe if the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare (1) makes a finding, based on recommendations of an advisory committee, that the public benefit from permitting the use of such additive would exceed the public risk which might result from such use; (2) gives notice in the Federal Register of such a finding and invites public comment thereon; and (3) issues a final order not earlier than 120 days of such publication in the Federal Register of such findings. Specifies factors the Secretary must take into consideration when evaluating a food additive. Deems saccharin a safe food additive unless the Secretary declares it unsafe under the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1977
Designates service as a Member of the Women's Air Forces Service Pilots as active duty for the purposes of all laws administered by the Veterans' Administration.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1977
Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to public and nonprofit private entities which are engaged in the development of new schools of veterinary medicine to assist in such development. Requires applying schools to demonstrate that there is a reasonable indication that non-Federal financial resources for development will be available and that Federal assistance will accelerate the date on which the school will be able to begin its teaching program.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1977
Amends Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to provide a claimant who has been denied benefits thereunder with the opportunity to obtain informal reconsideration of his claim. Requires the maintenance of a written summary of reconsideration proceedings. Grants a claimant the right to a hearing on the denied claim if the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare affirms the denial upon review. Requires the hearing to be conducted pursuant to the requirements for an 'adjudication" under the Administrative Procedure Act under an administrative law judge (ALJ). Directs the Secretary to appoint ALJ's to conduct such hearings. Sets forth criteria under which the ALJ in charge of a hearing must remand a disputed claim to the appropriate regional commissioner of the Social Security Administration.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1977
Biomedical Research Extension Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to extend through fiscal year 1978 the assistance programs for: medical libraries; cancer control programs; the National Cancer Institute; heart, blood vessel, lung, and blood disease prevention and treatment programs; the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute; and the National Research Service awards. Allows an increase in payments made under this Act to national cancer research and demonstration and national heart research centers and demonstration centers in any fiscal year in which there is an increase in the cost of such centers as reflected in the Consumer Price Index. Appoints the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Advisory Council and removes the Director of the National Science Foundation from such Council. Reduces from five to three the number of years that a national research and demonstration center for heart, blood vessel, lung and blood diseases may receive support and extensions of support under the Public Health Service Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1977
Health Services Extension Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 1978 for grants to: (1) States for comprehensive public health services; (2) hypertension programs; (3) planning, development and operation of migrant health centers; (4) planning, development and operation of community health centers; (5) training and research of family planning projects; (6) infant sudden death syndrome programs; (7) hemophilia programs; and (8) blood separation centers. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to take into account unusual local conditions which are a barrier to access to personal health services when defining a medically underserved population. Authorizes the Administrator of the National Credit Union Administration to make insured loans to eligible students. Changes the definition of eligible institution for the purpose of student assistant programs to mean a school of medicine, osteopathy, dentistry, optometry, pharmacy, podiatry, veterinary medicine, or public health within the United States that received a grant, or that the Secretary determines met the requirements for a grant for the preceding fiscal year. Extends to all educational loans obtained by an individual for costs at a school of medicine, osteopathy, dentistry, veterinary medicine, optometry, pharmacy, or podiatry the program of loan forgiveness by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare under specific employment agreements. Includes tuition and fees in traineeship awards made to students in schools of public health. Requires a school of medicine to reserve positions in the school year for students transferring from foreign schools of medicine. Directs the Secretary to identify those students who were enrolled either in foreign medical schools or in schools in the United States which prepare a student for entrance into the third year of medical school in the United States, and who passed part I of the National Board of Medical Examiners' examination. Directs the Secretary to apportion positions among schools of medicine in the United States to accommodate such students. Requires each area health center to provide a medical residency training program in general internal medicine, family medicine, or general pediatrics. Directs that grants for training in emergency medicine include the cost of graduate medical education traineeships for individuals who intend to specialize in the practice of emergency medicine. Directs that grants be made and contracts entered into for the improvement of programs of recruitment, training, and retraining of allied health personnel. Includes all public or nonprofit private entities capable of carrying out allied health special projects in the definition of entities eligible for grants for such projects. Establishes an Indian Health Scholarship Program under the national Health Service Corps Scholarship program. Directs the Secretary to make computations for certain nursing school programs based on the school year during which grants were applied. Amends the Community Mental Health Centers Act to extend through fiscal year 1978 appropriations for: (1) planning and operation of community health centers; and (2) the National Center for Prevention and control of Rape. Increases from two to three the number of grants that a community mental health center is authorized to receive under sections of law in effect prior to the 1975 amendments to this Act without meeting the new requirements of this Act. Amends the Social Security Act to authorize appropriations for maternal and child health and crippled children's services for fiscal year 1978, and for each fiscal year thereafter. Amends the Social Security Amendments of 1972 to extend, through fiscal year 1980, the authority of the Secretary to pay States under the Medicaid program for the compensation or training of inspectors of long term care facilities. Authorizes appropriations for home health services and home health services training under the Social Security Act for fiscal year 1978. Amends the Comprehensive Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Prevention, Treatment, and Rehabilitation Act of 1970 to authorize State plans required to be submitted under that Act to contain provisions relating to drug abuse or mental health. Amends the Drug Abuse Office and Treatment Act of 1972 to require that the Director of the Office of Drug Abuse Policy not be an employee of any department or agency of the United States engaged in any drug traffic prevention function. Amends the Health Professions Educational Assistance Act of 1976 to permit individuals who received scholarships under the Public Health and National Health Service Corps Scholarship Program before September 30,1977, to use periods of residency or internship served in a facility of the Public Health Service to satisfy obligations incurred under that Program.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1977
Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize appropriations through fiscal year 1978 for: health systems agencies; State health planning and development agencies; centers for health planning; construction of State medical facilities; area health services development; health services, research, evaluation, and demonstration activities supported by such Act; and the National Center for Health Statistics. Amends the Social Security Act to prohibit reimbursement to a State for Medicaid expenditures unless services were provided by an entity which: (1) is a health maintenance organization; and (2) less than one-half of the membership consists of individuals who are recipients of Medicaid or Medicare. Extends to September 30, 1977, the authorizations of appropriations for grants to health maintenance organizations. Authorizes assistance to public entities desiring to be designated as health systems agencies. Includes as gross income, for purposes of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, any interest paid on a loan to a State for medical facilities after such facilities are sold by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1977
Clean Air Act Amendments - Amends the Clean Air Act to authorize the appropriation of $200,000,000 for each of the three fiscal years after the date of enactment of this Act. Requires employees of the Environmental Protection Agency to disclose known financial interests in persons subject to the Act or in applicants for financial assistance under the Act. Imposes criminal penalties for knowing violations of such disclosure requirements. Title I: Amendments Relating Primarily to Stationary Sources -Directs the Administrator to designate radioactive pollutants, cadmium, arsenic, and polycyclic organic matter as air pollutants to be regulated under the Act unless a finding is made that such substances will not contribute to air pollution likely to endanger public health. Directs the Administrator to promulgate a national primary ambient air quality standard for nitrogen dioxide over a short-term period, absent a finding that such a standard is not required to protect public health. Directs the Administrator to revise and reissue criteria relating to short-term concentrations of nitrogen dioxide and related substances. Directs the Administrator to investigate the relationship between sulfates and public health and welfare. Redefines the term "air pollutant" to include physical, chemical, biological, and radiological substances. Revises the basis for air quality and emission control standards under the Act to regulate air pollution which may reasonably be anticipated to endanger public health or welfare. Directs the Administrator to prepare economic impact statements for various standards and regulations issued pursuant to this Act. Details information required to be included in such statements. Authorizes the Administrator or the States, subject to the approval of the Administrator, to issue delayed compliance orders to existing stationary sources unable to meet specified deadlines. Stipulates that such delayed compliance orders shall not result in postponement of original limitations for more than five years. Requires sources subject to such orders to use the best practicable system of emission reduction. Authorizes the assessment of noncompliance penalties against stationary sources not in compliance with applicable emission limitations. Authorizes exemptions from such requirements based on energy requirements, demonstration of innovative technology, impossibility of compliance, or insignificance of the violation. Establishes criteria for determining the amount of such penalty, not to exceed $5,000 per day for each day's violation. Extends compliance dates for sources subject to coal conversion requirements in accordance with provisions of the Energy Supply and Environmental Coordination Act of 1974. Stipulates that compliance date extensions shall not be effective for sources in regions where national primary air quality standards are being violated as a result of the emission of such sources. Stipulates that emission limitations under this Act shall require application of a system of continuous emission reduction, and that alteration of stack heights or other dispersion techniques shall not affect the degree of emission limitation required under the Act. Directs the Administrator to study the effects of the release of halocarbons and other substances on the stratosphere. Requires a National Academy of Sciences study and report on activities which may affect or modify the stratosphere or ozone in the stratosphere and on possible control methods. Directs the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to establish a research and monitoring program to detect potentially harmful changes in the stratosphere. Directs the Administrator to regulate substances which may reasonably be anticipated to affect the stratosphere. Requires States to submit plans for prevention of significant deterioration of air regions, subject to approval by the Administrator. Establishes guidelines for classification of such regions. Imposes limitations on projected increases in ambient concentrations of pollutants for each class of such regions. Requires that new sources constructed in such regions acquire permits to be issued after public hearings and a finding that emissions from such facility will not contribute to air pollution in excess of the appropriate limits. Directs the Administrator to convene a conference on air quality monitoring every three years. Directs the Administrator to issue guidelines to States with respect to monitoring and control of pollutants other than particulates and sulfur dioxide for purposes of prevention of significant air quality deterioration. Establishes a National Commission on Air Quality to conduct studies and investigations of specified air pollution issues. Authorizes the appropriation of $17,000,000 for such Commission studies. Directs the Administrator to provide training assistance to qualified personnel as part of the comprehensive research and development program established by the Act. Directs the Administrator to periodically review air quality criteria published pursuant to the Act, with the assistance of recommendations from a seven-member independent scientific review committee. Revises procedures for establishment of new source performance standards to allow for greater input from States in the listing of categories of sources and pollutants for regulation under such provisions. Requires that alternative technological systems and technological innovations be considered where likely to result in equivalent reductions of emissions. Authorizes the Administrator to grant variances from new source standards for the use of technological innovations. Waives rights of governmental immunity in the case of Federal facilities subject to air pollution control requirements. Stipulates that nothing in the Act shall be construed as restricting States, localities, and interstate entities from seeking judicial relief against Federal instrumentalities under State or local air pollution laws. Authorizes the Administrator to waive the requirement that State air pollution control agencies maintain previous levels of spending as a condition of receiving Federal aid where appropriate. Authorizes temporary emergency suspensions from clean air standards for economic or energy-related emergencies of a short-term nature. Directs the Administrator to develop regulations to prevent visibility impairment in clean air regions. Title II: Amendments Relating Primarily to Mobile Sources - Directs the Administrator to study, with the assistance of the National Academy of Sciences, the necessity for indirect source controls to meet the objectives of the Act. Imposes limitations on the use of indirect source controls unless necessary to meet national primary ambient air quality standards for mobile source-related pollutants. Defines the term "indirect source" to include various facilities which may attract mobile sources of air pollution. Authorizes the Administrator to grant extensions of compliance dates for State transportation control plans in accordance with prescribed criteria. Revises emission standards for light duty motor vehicles to extend for three years from model year 1977 to 1980 the compliance date for carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon standards. Imposes interim standards of 1.5 grams per mile for hydrocarbons and 15 grams per mile for carbon monoxide for model years 1977 through 1979. Extends the compliance date for nitrogen oxides standards for such vehicles from model year 1978 to 1981. Extends the 2.0 gram per mile interim standard for nitrogen oxides through model year 1980. Authorizes annual suspensions of emission standards for any model year before 1985 by the Administrator if prescribed criteria are met. Directs the Administrator to study the effects on health and welfare of emission of sulfuric acid mist and other unregulated pollutants from motor vehicles. Directs the Administrator to prescribe regulations to limit emissions of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides from heavy-duty vehicles or engines manufactured after model year 1979. Requires continuing studies on the effects of emissions from heavy-duty vehicles. Directs the Administrator to study the possibility of increased use of cost-effectiveness analyses in order to achieve clean air objectives. Directs the Administrator to study the effects on health and welfare of particulate emissions from mobile sources. Requires that motor vehicle emission control regulations provide for nonconformance penalties to be assessed against manufacturers where vehicles fail to meet required standards. Stipulates that aircraft emission regulations issued under this Act may be disapproved by the Secretary of Transportation if found to create a hazard to aircraft safety. Requires that motor vehicle emission control systems used to meet air pollution control requirements not contribute an unreasonable risk to public health, welfare,or safety. Requires that State implementation plans provide for annual inspection and maintenance of light-duty vehicles in regions where transportation control measures are applicable. Stipulates that the cost of emission control for vapor recovery with respect to mobile source fuels shall be borne by owners of retail outlets. Exempts independent small business marketers from such requirements for a two-year period, pending results from a Federal Trade Commission Study on the effects of such requirements on small business marketers. Establishes procedures to allow the Administrator to disapprove instructions for high altitude adjustments of motor vehicles where emission control performance resulting from such adjustments is inadequate. Requires that the Administrator prescribe fill pipe standards in conjunction with any vapor recovery regulations issued under the Act. Directs the Administrator to study onboard hydrocarbon control technological and carbon monoxide intrusion into sustained-use motor vehicles. Directs the Administrator to issue regulations governing the testing of fuels and fuel additives. Authorizes States to adopt and enforce more stringent motor vehicle emission control standards. Title III: Miscellaneous Amendments - Authorizes States to redesignate air quality control regions. Requires the approval of the Administrator and the consent of affected States where emissions from such region may significantly affect another State. Requires State implementation plans to establish procedures for adequate consultation with local and regional governmental entities. Authorizes delegation of functions to units of local government by the Administrator under applicable implementation plan provisions. Directs the Administrator to conduct continuing evaluations of potential shifts or losses of unemployment which may be caused by air pollution control measures. Requires investigation of such specific instances upon written request to the Administrator by affected employees. Establishes additional procedures for promulgation of rules and regulations under the Act. Establishes guideline for judicial review of administrative actions under the Act. Prohibits discharge or discrimination against employees who participate in proceedings under the Act. Requires the Administrator to consult with State agencies prior to inspection and monitoring of stationary sources, except where the Administrator has reason to believe that information contained in such notice may be used to inform the stationary source about such proposed action. Requires consultation with States and localities prior to Federal actions to alleviate air pollution emergencies. Imposes criminal penalties of up to $5,000 per day for willful violation of such emergency orders. Directs the Administrator to establish procedures for abatement of interstate air pollution. Establishes a Task Force on Environmental Cancer and Heart and Lung Disease to coordinate research and control efforts with respect to human cancer and heart and lung disease that is associated with environmental pollution. Directs the Administrator, in cooperation with the National Academy of Sciences, to study the problems associated with fine particulate matter. Directs the Administrator to establish a uniform, nation-wide air quality monitoring system. Directs the Council on Environmental Quality to assess the feasibility of utilizing economic measures to supplement or replace regulatory controls imposed by the Act. Requires that State implementation plans prohibit sources utilizing intermittent control systems to meet delayed compliance interim requirements from temporarily reducing the pay of any employee as result of the use of such system. Establishes procedures for Congressional review and disapproval of regulations prescribed by the Administrator under the Act. Directs the Administrator to make recommendations for simplification of administration of the Act. Requires State implementation plans to prohibit conflicts of interest in State regulatory agencies.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1977
Recombinant DNA Research Act - Amends Title IV (National Research Institutes), of the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to regulate research with regard to recombinant DNA. Requires the Secretary, within 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, to promulgate regulations to implement the license requirements of this Act. Stipulates that such regulations shall: (1) prescribe physical and biological containment requirements for recombinant DNA research projects; (2) prescribe requirements respecting laboratory safety techniques to be followed by personnel involved in recombinant DNA research projects; (3) prescribe requirements respecting the establishment and operation of institutional review committees for recombinant DNA research; and (4) prescribe requirements respecting reports to be made by persons engaged in recombinant DNA projects. Prohibits anyone from engaging in a recombinant DNA research project 180 days after enactment of this Act unless such person holds a license to engage in such research or is under the direct supervisions of a person holding such a license. Prescribes the terms and conditions that an application for such a license and the license issued by the Secretary shall contain. States that such license shall be valid for up to 24 months and may be reviewed. Directs the Secretary to publish in the Federal Register a detailed description of the research project for which the license was issued or renewed. Directs the Secretary to designate not more than ten centers for the conduct of research projects involving recombinant DNA which require the highest level of physical containment measures. Requires the Secretary to prescribe the information that an application for designation as a research center shall contain. Allows the Secretary to make grants to designated nonprofit private centers to enable such centers to meet the cost of complying with requirements for designation as a maximum containment research center. Authorizes agents designated by the Secretary to inspect any laboratory in a State in which recombinant DNA research is being conducted. Stipulates that such agents are not required to obtain a search warrant from any judicial officer prior to the inspection. Directs the inspector prior to leasing the premises to give the individual in charge of the laboratory a preliminary report indicating any violations of the licensing requirements. Requires the inspector to send a final written report to the agent in charge of the laboratory within 30 days of the completion of the inspection. Authorizes the Secretary, after reasonable notice and opportunity for a hearing, to revoke the license of a person who has violated the terms and conditions of such license or has failed or refused to permit an authorized inspection. Makes any person violating such licensing requirements liable to the United States for a civil penalty in an amount not to exceed $1,000 for each violation. Allows a person who is aggrieved by an order of the Secretary assessing a civil penalty, to file a petition for judicial review with the circuit court in which such person resides or transacts business. Prohibits, with specified exceptions, any State or political subdivision thereof from establishing or continuing any requirement with respect to recombinant DNA research projects which is different from requirements established by the Secretary. Establishes the Recombinant DNA Research Advisory Committee to make recommendations to the Secretary related to the effective administration of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1977
Amends Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to reduce the requirements for eligibility for disability benefits for blind persons. Requires that a blind individual have at least six quarters of coverage to be eligible for disability benefits. Sets forth a method of computing the average monthly wage of a blind individual for the purpose of determining such individual's primary insurance amount. Provides that in no case shall such amount be less than the amount which would be determined without regard to an individual's blindness. States that no reductions will be made from the benefits to which a person is entitled because of such person's refusal to accept State-approved rehabilitative services under the Vocational Rehabilitation Act. Continues the payment of such benefits as long as blindness lasts, the amount of an individual's earnings notwithstanding.
![Official portrait of Rep. Preyer, Richardson [D-NC-6]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/p000520_200.jpg)