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United States · Official source
1,522 records where Rep. Pritchard, Joel [R-WA-1] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 31 October 1977
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide payment for occupational therapy services under the supplementary medical insurance program.
United States · United States Congress · 28 October 1977
Civil Rights Act - Prohibits any person engaged in commerce, any person conducting a program which receives Federal assistance, a Federal contractor or subcontractor, or holder of an interest in Federal property from discriminating with respect to employment, housing, credit, or participation in benefits which make such prohibitions applicable, on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religious affiliation or belief, age, handicap, political affiliation or belief, marital status, parental status, or lack of citizenship. Exempts from such prohibitions denial of medical treatment where such denial does not occur because of characteristics of individuals of the above listed status groups. Exempts from such prohibitions (1) employment near Indian reservations in which preference is given to Indians; (2) employment classification or referral by an employer or labor union when the above listed characteristics constitute a bona fide occupational qualification (3) employment by educational institutions with respect to religion under specified circumstances; (4) employment discrimination based on religion when an employer would suffer undue hardship in accommodating religious practices of the individual; (5) age discrimination required by law in order to benefit children or to achieve statutory objectives, or the comply with a bona fide seniority system or employee benefit plan; (6) handicapped discrimination when the handicapped individual could not perform essential job functions without undue hardship to the employer or when the individual does not meet essential eligibility requirements for services, programs, or activities; (7) political discrimination in employment when such individual is elected or appointed to policy making levels of political offices; (8) age discrimination in housing resulting from designation of a certain area for adults; and (9) certain employers with fewer than 15 employees. Authorizes the Attorney General to investigate and enforce complaints of such discrimination. Limits the ability of an individual to institute civil suit based upon such discrimination. Imposes a civil fine for knowing violation of this Act. Imposes a civil fine or imprisonment for willful, repetitions violations of this Act. Repeals nondiscrimination provisions of specified Federal statutes. Supersedes Executive Order 11063 and specified portions of Executive Order 11246. Declares that nondiscrimination and equal opportunity requirements shall not be required under specified statutes and Federal programs. Directs the Attorney General to prescribe regulations for enforcement of this Act. Transfers to the Attorney General the assets of any agency of which all powers, functions, and duties are terminated by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 October 1977
Stipulates that the $5,000 increase in the official expenses allowance for Members of the House of Representatives shall not take effect until the House of Representatives adopts a resolution determining specific guidelines for what constitutes an official expense.
United States · United States Congress · 27 October 1977
Establishes within the House of Representatives a Select Committee on the Committee System to study the establishment, jurisdiction, and operation of House committees.
United States · United States Congress · 25 October 1977
Consumer Representation and Reorganization Act - Establishes as an independent agency within the executive branch an Office of Consumer Representation to be headed by an Administrator appointed by the President by and with the consent of the Senate. Requires the Administrator to transmit to the Congress and the President by February 1 of each year a report on the activities and accomplishments of the Office during the preceding calendar year including a summary of consumer complaints received and actions taken thereon. States the functions of the Office, including to: (1) represent the interests of consumers before Federal agencies and courts to the extent authorized by this Act; (2) encourage and support research, studies, and testing leading to a better understanding of consumer products and improved products, services and consumer information; (3) submit recommendations annually to the Congress and the President on measures to improve the operation of the Federal Government in the protection and promotion of the interests of consumers; (4) cooperate with State and local governments and private enterprise in the promotion and protection of the interests of consumers; and (5) publish and distribute material to inform consumers and Congress of matters of interest to the consumer. Authorizes the Administrator, whenever the result of any Federal agency proceeding or activity may substantially affect an interest of consumers, to intervene as a party or otherwise participate in representing the interests of consumers. Directs the Agency to receive, evaluate, develop, act on, and transmit complaints to the appropriate Federal or non-Federal entities concerning actions or practices which may be detrimental to the interests of consumers. Requires the Agency to maintain a public document room containing an up-to-date listing of all signed consumer complaints of any significance arranged in meaningful and useful categories together with annotations of Agency actions. Requires the Office to gather and disseminate to the public information concerning: (1) the functions and duties of the Office; (2) consumer products and services; (3) problems encountered by consumers; and (4) notices of Federal hearings, proposed and final rules, and other pertinent activities of Federal agencies. Directs the Office to encourage and support, through both public and private entities, the development and application of information on consumer products and services. Authorizes Federal agencies to perform, at the request of the Administrator, tests regarding products, services, or any matter affecting the interests of consumers. Authorizes each Federal agency, upon the written request of the Administrator, to furnish or allow access to all documents, papers, and records in its possession which the Administrator deems necessary for the performance of his functions. Requires every Federal agency, in considering any action which may substantially affect the interest of consumers, to notify the Agency of such action. Transfers to the Office of Consumer Representation the functions, funds, records, and property of other Federal offices the duties of which now fall within what this Act designates as the jurisdiction of the Office of Consumer Representation. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to report to Congress functions performed by Federal programs which overlap, duplicate, or conflict with the functions performed by the office. Terminates the Office of Consumer Representation five years after the effective date of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 1977
Consumer Representation and Reorganization Act - Establishes as an independent agency within the executive branch an Office of Consumer Representation to be headed by an Administrator appointed by the President by and with the consent of the Senate. Requires the Administrator to transmit to the Congress and the President by February 1 of each year a report on the activities and accomplishments of the Office during the preceding calendar year including a summary of consumer complaints received and actions taken thereon. States the functions of the Office, including to: (1) represent the interests of consumers before Federal agencies and courts to the extent authorized by this Act; (2) encourage and support research, studies, and testing leading to a better understanding of consumer products and improved products, services and consumer information; (3) submit recommendations annually to the Congress and the President on measures to improve the operation of the Federal Government in the protection and promotion of the interests of consumers; (4) cooperate with State and local governments and private enterprise in the promotion and protection of the interests of consumers; and (5) publish and distribute material to inform consumers and Congress of matters of interest to the consumer. Authorizes the Administrator, whenever the result of any Federal agency proceeding or activity may substantially affect an interest of consumers, to intervene as a party or otherwise participate in representing the interests of consumers. Directs the Agency to receive, evaluate, develop, act on, and transmit complaints to the appropriate Federal or non-Federal entities concerning actions or practices which may be detrimental to the interests of consumers. Requires the Agency to maintain a public document room containing an up-to-date listing of all signed consumer complaints of any significance arranged in meaningful and useful categories together with annotations of Agency actions. Requires the Office to gather and disseminate to the public information concerning: (1) the functions and duties of the Office; (2) consumer products and services; (3) problems encountered by consumers; and (4) notices of Federal hearings, proposed and final rules, and other pertinent activities of Federal agencies. Directs the Office to encourage and support, through both public and private entities, the development and application of information on consumer products and services. Authorizes Federal agencies to perform, at the request of the Administrator, tests regarding products, services, or any matter affecting the interests of consumers. Authorizes each Federal agency, upon the written request of the Administrator, to furnish or allow access to all documents, papers, and records in its possession which the Administrator deems necessary for the performance of his functions. Requires every Federal agency, in considering any action which may substantially affect the interest of consumers, to notify the Agency of such action. Transfers to the Office of Consumer Representation the functions, funds, records, and property of other Federal offices the duties of which now fall within what this Act designates as the jurisdiction of the Office of Consumer Representation. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to report to Congress functions performed by Federal programs which overlap, duplicate, or conflict with the functions performed by the office. Terminates the Office of Consumer Representation five years after the effective date of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 1977
States that during the period following the enactment of this Act until December 31, 1978, neither the Secretary of the Interior nor the Attorney General shall withhold water delivery from any beneficiary of a Federal reclamation project for purposes of achieving conformity with acreage limitations or residency requirements of reclamation law.
United States · United States Congress · 17 October 1977
National Historic Preservation Policy Act - Title I: Declaration of National Historic Preservation Policy - Declares that it is the duty of the Federal Government, in cooperation with other nations, the States, local communities, and private organizations and individuals, to promote the preservation and conservation of the historic, architectural, archeological, and cultural properties of the United States and of the international community of Nations. Title II: National Historic Preservation Program - Renames the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation as the Council on Historic Preservation. States that such Council is to administer specified Acts which relate to the historic preservation responsibilities of the Secretary of the Interior and the National Park Service. Requires the Council, in furtherance of the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, to establish a program to nominate historic and cultural properties of universal significance to the World Heritage Committee. Directs the Council to promote nominations to the National Register of Historic Places of any properties proposed for sale, transfer, demolition or substantial alteration as a result of any Federal agency action, to provide training, information and advice concerning techniques for the preservation of historic and cultural properties, to establish a program for the emergency acquisition of property included in the National Register and threatened with immediate demolition, to evaluate other Federal agencies programs and make recommendations to further coordination, and to report to the President and Congress on the national historic preservation program. Requires all Federal agencies, in cooperation with the appropriate State historic preservation officer, to nominate to the National Register all eligible districts, sites, buildings, structures and objects under the jurisdiction or control of such agency or that may be affected by agency action, and to assume responsibility for the preservation of such properties included or eligible to be included in the National Register. Allows the transfer of control of such properties to the Secretary of the Interior. Title III: Maritime Preservation Program - Directs the Council to establish a separate section of properties significant in American maritime history, architecture, archaeology, and culture within the National Register and accompanying programs of matching grants-in-aid and demonstration grants-in-aid to States and local governments and nonprofit organizations whose purpose is the preservation of such properties. Subjects grants to terms and conditions as the Council deems appropriate. Directs the Council to: (1) issue rules and regulations providing, but not limited to, a requirement that each grant recipient obligate all funds by January 1, 1981; (2) submit annual reports on the maritime heritage preservation program to Congress; and (3) report to the President and Congress on the effectiveness and future needs of the program by January 31, 1981. Establishes the Maritime Heritage Fund, which shall cover $50,000,000 each fiscal year 1978 through 1981, from revenues under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act. Requires for each fiscal year the National Trust for Historic Preservation receive ten percent of the appropriation for its maritime preservation activities; up to 25 percent may be used for demonstration grants; and the number of members appointed to the Council by the President be increased to 13, one of whom shall have experience in maritime preservation. Title IV: Administrative Provisions - Provides for the administration of the Historic Preservation Fund for fiscal years 1978 through 1981. Requires each Federal agency to expend appropriated funds for the maintenance of properties included in the National Register under its jurisdiction or control.
United States · United States Congress · 14 October 1977
International Emergency Food Reserve Act - Authorizes the President: (1) to enter into negotiations with other nations to develop an international system of food reserves for humanitarian food relief needs; and (2) to establish and maintain an International Emergency Food Reserve as a contribution of the United States toward the development of such a system. Requires for such Reserve minimum stocks of two million tons, allowing an increase up to six million tons pursuant to an international agreement.
United States · United States Congress · 13 October 1977
Tax Reduction Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to lower individual and corporate income tax rates.
United States · United States Congress · 11 October 1977
Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to prohibit the admission into the United States of an alien who is likely to become a public charge unless a United States citizen posts a $5,000 bond on behalf of such alien. Terminates the liability of the sponsor upon the death of the alien, or three years after such bond is given.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that State and local government retirement systems shall be tax exempt organizations. Exempts these systems from the reporting requirements pertaining to deferred compensation. Treats all such systems as qualified pension plans under the code.
United States · United States Congress · 3 October 1977
Provides that an unremarried former spouse of a Federal employee who was married to such employee for five years or more shall be entitled to a portion of such employee's annuity and to a portion of the annuity of any surviving spouse of such employee.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1977
National Aquaculture Organic Act - Directs the Secretary of Commerce, after consultation with the Secretaries of the Interior and of Agriculture and certain other Federal and State officials, to establish a National Aquaculture Development Plan. Requires that such plan identify each aquatic species which can be cultured on a commercial or other basis (priority aquatic species), and contain a program of aquaculture development for such species. Stipulates that each such program shall be implemented either individually, jointly, or collectively by the Secretaries of Commerce, Agriculture and the Interior according to responsibilities vested in the respective Secretaries by law, or on the basis of departmental expertise and resources. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to review annually each aquatic species not identified as a priority species and the program established for each priority species. Requires the Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of the Interior, or the Secretary of Agriculture, in implementing the aquaculture development programs, to: (1) provide advisory, educational, and technical assistance to public and private organizations; (2) cooperate with persons and agencies regarding the development of aquaculture technology; (3) produce and sell seed stock when necessary; and (4) prescribe rules and regulations necessary to carry out such program. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to: (1) establish 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) conduct a study to determine which existing capture fisheries could be adversely impacted by competition from commercial aquaculture enterprises aided under 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 Secretaries of Commerce, Agriculture, and the Interior, according to their powers under this Act, to carry out their functions through grants or contracts. Limits the amount of any such grant to one-half of the estimated cost of the project. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce 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 $500,000,000. 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 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 of Commerce to make disaster loans to any person if such person's aquaculture facility or stock is damaged or destroyed as a result of a natural disaster, or if such person's stock is damaged or destroyed by disease, pollution or contamination. Authorizes the Secretary to establish a program to provide essential property or liability insurance to owners of aquaculture facilities at reasonable rates upon a determination that the issuance of such insurance is necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act. Establishes a Federal Aquaculture Assistance Fund to enable the Secretary to guarantee obligations, make disaster loans, and implement the insurance program established under this Act. Authorizes appropriations to the Departments of Commerce, Agriculture, and the Interior to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 1977
Declares that the President should establish a Commission on Domestic and International Hunger and Malnutrition which should: (1) collect and generate information and resources on food, hunger, malnutrition and related concerns; (2) assess current programs affecting domestic and international hunger and malnutrition; (3) analyze and report its findings and recommendations to the President, the Congress, and the public; and (4) assist the President and the Congress in implementing its recommendations.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 1977
Expresses the sense of the Congress that any right to, title to, or interest in the property of the United States Government agencies in the Panama Canal Zone or any real property and improvements thereon located in the zone should not be conveyed, relinquished, or otherwise disposed of to any foreign government without specific authorization of such conveyance, relinquishment, or other disposition by any Act of Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1977
Veterans Education Reform Act -- Permits the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to discontinue educational assistance to an eligible veteran or survivor or dependent of a veteran if the Administrator finds that the institution of higher learning concerned has failed to enforce its regularly prescribed standards and practices as approved by the appropriate State approving agency with respect to such veteran or person. Denies the Administrator any authority to prescribe educational standards or practices with respect to any institution of higher learning empowered to award a standard college degree. Requires the Administrator to provide individual educational and career counseling and other appropriate services to facilitate the education of any veteran or person whose educational assistance has been discontinued under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1977
Prohibits rules promulgated by any Federal agency (except an emergency rule which must become immediately effective to prevent serious injury or the substantial frustration of legislative policies or intent) from becoming effective until such proposed rules have been submitted to Congress and a 60-day period has lapsed thereafter. Prevents such rules from becoming effective if disapproved by either House of Congress within such 60-day period. Permits disapproved of emergency rules. Prohibits the submission to Congress of any rule identical to one which has been disapproved unless submitted pursuant to new legislative authority which has been enacted affecting the agency's powers with respect to the subject matter of such rule. Renders agency rules dealing with emergency or routine matters or which will have an insignificant impact effective without publication of advance/notice of proposed rule making proceedings in the Federal Register as is currently required. Renders any rule granting an exemption to another rule or which is exempt from public notice and comment requirements effective immediately.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to authorize any taxpayer to elect to have any portion of any overpayment of tax or any contribution in money which the taxpayer forwards with the return for such taxable year be available, as the taxpayer may designate on such return, for the National Endowment for the Arts or the National Endowment for the Humanities.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1977
Congressional Pay Raise Deferral Act - Amends the Federal Salary Act of 1967 and the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 to provide that any adjustment in the rate of pay for Members of Congress proposed during any Congress shall not take effect earlier than the beginning of the next Congress. States that any such pay adjustment proposed in an even-numbered year of any Congress after the congressional elections and before the beginning of the following Congress, shall be considered as occurring during the first session of the following Congress for the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1977
Consumer Controversies Resolution Act - Declares that it is the purpose of this Act to assure all consumers convenient access to a consumer controversy resolution mechanism which is effective, fair, inexpensive, and expeditious and to facilitate better representation of consumer interests. Defines the terms used in this Act. Directs the Federal Trade Commission to establish an office of Consumer Redress. Directs the Commission to perform enumerated duties, including: (1) payment to the States of funds to assist in the development, establishment, or improvement of State consumer controversy resolution systems; (2) review of the operation of each State plan for the resolution of controversy involving consumers which has been approved under this Act; and (3) articulation and evaluation of the goals for a model State system of consumer controversy resolution. Provides for the allocation to States of monies appropriated for financial assistance pursuant to this Act. Specifies purposes for which such funds be used including public education and publicity relating to the availability and proper use of consumer controversy resolution mechanisms and settlement procedures. Requires each recipient of assistance under this Act to keep such records as the Federal Trade Commission shall prescribe. Directs the Commission to submit an annual report to the President and Congress. Authorizes to be appropriated not more than $5,000,000 for fiscal year 1978, $20,000,000 for fiscal year 1979.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 1977
Displaced Homemakers Act - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish a minimum of 50 Multipurpose Service Centers for displaced homemakers. States that each Center shall provide specified services, including: (1) job counseling; (2) job training and job placement; (3) health education and counseling; (4) financial management; (5) legal counseling and referral; and (6) outreach information with respect to Federal assistance programs. Sets forth factors to be considered by the Secretary in selecting Center sites. Directs the Secretary to designate a public or nonprofit private organization to administer a Center once its site has been chosen. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants in accordance with specified guidelines to such organizations for the purpose of establishing and maintaining Centers. Directs the Secretary to prepare and furnish to Congress biennial evaluations which are to include a thorough assessment of each Center and recommendations concerning the administration and expansion of such Centers at the local, State, and Federal levels. Directs the Secretary to prepare and furnish to the Congress a study to determine the feasibility of, and appropriate procedures for, allowing displaced homemakers to participate in: (1) programs established under the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act of 1973; (2) work incentive programs under the Social Security Act; (3) related Federal employment, education, and health assistance programs; and (4) programs established, or benefits provided, under Federal and State unemployment compensation laws.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 1977
Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to prohibit the admission into the United States of an alien who is likely to become a public charge unless a United States citizen posts a $5,000 bond on behalf of such alien. Terminates the liability of the sponsor upon the death of the alien, or three years after such bond is given.
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 1977
Declares that service during World War I by any female citizen of the United States as a member of a telephone operating unit of the Army Signal Corps shall be considered active duty in the Army for purposes of all laws administered by the Veterans' Administration.
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 1977
States that this Congress should expeditiously determine the future telecommunications policy of this Nation. Calls for a moratorium on further steps by the Federal Communications Commission to implement new decisions which change basic structural concepts of the national telecommunications system until the Ninety-fifth Congress has completed its study on the matter and determined what the national policy should be.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 1977
Young Families' Housing Act - Graduated Payment Mortgage Insurance Act - Amends the National Housing Act to permit the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to insure, on a regular basis, mortgages and loans with provisions for varying rates of amortization corresponding to anticipated variations in family income. Sets a percentage limit on the mortgage value ratio of mortgages which will be insurable under this Act. Prescribes eligibility requirements for such insurance. States that mortgages or loans insured pursuant to this Act shall not be subject to State usury laws in most cases. Individual Housing Account Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a deduction for amounts paid in cash into an individual housing account. Defines the term "individual housing account" for the purposes of this Act. Limits annual tax deductions to $2,500 and lifetime deductions to $10,000. Makes provisions for tax treatment upon distribution of such accounts. Exempts individual housing accounts from taxation under the Internal Revenue Code.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 1977
Exempts courses which lead to a standard college degree from the "85-15" rule whereby the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs is required to disapprove enrollment of any eligible veteran, not already enrolled, in any course offered by an educational institution where more than 85 percent of the students enrolled have their fees paid by either the Veterans' Administration or the institution itself. Limits application of the "85-15" rule to proprietary (that is, private) profit or proprietary nonprofit educational institutions. Grants the Administrator discretion to permit a veteran or an eligible person to continue a course of training, without mitigating circumstances, for a reasonable length of time beyond the approved length for the course before progress will be considered unsatisfactory. Consolidates existing provisions of title 38, United States Code, relating to the certification of courses required before educational assistance allowances will be paid to otherwise eligible veterans or eligible persons. Exempts from the required two-year minimum of operation prior to approval: (1) any course which is available only to active duty military personnel, civilian employees of the military departments, and dependents of such personnel and employees; (2) any course meeting general criteria of past compliance with regulations, specified academic standards, a 50-percent placement rate (if vocational), and recommendation by the appropriate State approving agency, if the Administrator determines such course should be approved; and (3) any course offered by a branch or extension of an approved institution if the course is identical to a course offered at the main campus of the institution. Prohibits, as of December 1, 1976, the execution of a power of attorney, by an educational assistance allowance payee, giving an attorney-in-fact authority to negotiate a benefit check.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 1977
Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to permit the People's Republic of China to participate in United States credit and investment programs.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 1977
Amends the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945 to permit the Bank to extend credit to the Peoples Republic of China. Eliminates the avoidance of arms races between countries not menaced by Communist China from the factors considered by the President in determining whether the prohibitions against credit extensions by the Export-Import Bank for defense sales to developing countries should be waived in the national interest.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1977
Stocks Management and Reserve Act -- Title I: Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to establish, maintain and dispose of a separate reserve of wheat, corn and other enumerated feed grains through storage contracts with producers. Limits such reserves to no less than 25 million tons nor more than 35 million tons. Specifies how the Secretary may establish such reserves through the Commodity Credit Corporation. Title II: Amends the Agriculture Act of 1949 to set the loan level per bushel of wheat at $2.25 for the 1977 crop and $2.35 for the 1978 through 1981 crops. Sets the loan level per bushel of corn at $1.75 for the 1977 crop and $2.00 for the 1978 through 1981 crops. Sets a formula for the adjustment of the respective loan rates under specified circumstances. Requires the Secretary to set a fair and reasonable loan level on each crop of barley, oats, and rye. Title III: Amends the Agriculture Act of 1949 to authorize the President (1) to enter into negotiations with other nations to develop an international system of food reserves to provide for humanitarian food relief needs, and (2) to establish and maintain an International Emergency Food Reserve, as a contribution of the United States toward the development of such a system, to be made available in the event of food emergencies in foreign countries. Requires for such reserve minimum stocks of two million tons, allowing an increase up to six million tons pursuant to an international agreement. Requires periodic rotation of such stocks to avoid spoilage and deterioration.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1977
Authorizes each Member of the House of Representatives, including the Resident Commissioner from Puerto Rico and the Delegates from Guam, the Virgin Islands, and the District of Columbia, to hire for two week of each year two senior citizen interns to serve within the District of Columbia. Makes available to each Member for the purpose of hiring such interns an annual gross allowance of $600.
United States · United States Congress · 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
Alcohol Fuel Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code: (1) to allow the election of a deduction with respect to the amortization, based on a 60-month period, of any qualified facility producing alcohol from coal, wood, waste, or agricultural products for primary use as a motor fuel; (2) to exempt from specified excise taxes the sale of any gasoline or fuel at least ten percent of which is alcohol; and (3) to allow the tax-free withdrawal from bonded premises of distilled spirits to the extent such spirits are alcohol produced by a qualified alcohol-producing facility for primary use as motor fuel.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 1977
Declares that service during World War I by any female citizen of the United States as a member of a telephone operating unit of the Army Signal Corps shall be considered active duty in the Army for purposes of all laws administered by the Veterans' Administration.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1977
Investment Policy Act - Title I: Findings and Definitions - States that the lack of a national policy on investment can adversely affect the economic health and well-being of the Nation. Title II: Declaration of National Policy - Declares that it is the policy and responsibility of the Federal Government to provide incentives to assure maximum investment in private enterprise. Title III: Federal Agency Coordination and Cooperation - Requires the Council on Wage and Price Stability shall submit an Investment Policy Report to Congress which shall include information on levels of capital investment available, trends in such levels, and reviews of economic programs affecting capital investment. Requires the President to transmit to Congress as a part of the economic report such other recommendations as desirable or necessary to achieve the policy declared in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 1977
Small Business Impact Statement Act - Directs the head of each Federal agency to prepare a small business impact statement in connection with each rule made by such agency unless the agency head, with the approval of the Office of Advocacy of the Small Business Administration determines that such rule will not have a substantial effect on a significant number of small business. Sets forth information which must be present in each small business impact statement. Prescribes steps which each agency head must follow in preparing any small business impact statement including publication of the statement in the Federal Register.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 1977
Amends the General Education Provisions Act to extend its provisions requiring due process before termination of Federal assistance to local educational agencies to include terminations of aid to State agencies, institutions of higher learning, community colleges, schools, agencies offering a preschool program, or other educational institutions. Enlarges such due process requirements to include termination of Federal assistance programs for any reason. Changes existing due process requirements under such Act to a requirement of a finding of noncompliance with a specific Federal law after an administrative hearing. Exempts from the requirements of this Act certain provisions of the Higher Education Act of 1965 dealing with higher education student opportunity grants.
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 1977
Directs the Secretary of the Interior and Secretary of Agriculture to institute a comprehensive revision of the regulations governing the allocation of use for white water rivers to insure a fair allocation of use among all potential users.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1977
Urban Grant University Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to authorize appropriations for, and establish a program of grants to, urban universities for (1) development of urban-oriented educational, research, or service programs; and (2) assistance in carrying out such programs. Establishes a five year comprehensive grant to a university qualifying as an "urban grant university" and establishes criteria for such designation. Creates an Urban University Advisory Council to (1) review, along with the Commissioner of Education, "urban grant university " applications; (2) advise the Commissioner; and (3) make recommendations to the President and to the Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 9 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 · 25 May 1977
Declares that service during World War I by any female citizen of the United States as a member of a telephone operating unit of the Army Signal Corps shall be considered active duty in the Army for purposes of all laws administered by the Veterans' Administration.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1977
Deep Seabed Hard Minerals Act - Prohibits the development of hard mineral resources of the deep seabed by persons subject to the jurisdiction of the United States except: (1) as authorized pursuant to this Act: (2) as authorized under a license issued by a reciprocating foreign state: or (3) as authorized by international agreement. Authorizes the issuance of licenses by the Secretary of Commerce to develop deep seabed mineral resources, in accordance with prescribed conditions. Stipulates that licenses shall remain in force for ten years or as long as commercial recovery from the block of land mineral resources continues. Authorizes the Secretary to establish procedures for the issuance of licenses. Requires the establishment of objective environmental standards for operations licensed under this Act. Sets forth a table of minimum annual expenditures per licensed block until commercial recovery from such block is initiated. Requires notification by each licensee to the Secretary after completion of exploration activities prior to the granting of an authorization to the licensee to begin commercial recovery. Requires that such request be made no earlier than six months, and no later that three months, prior to the projected commencement of such activity. Withdraws the following areas from licensing: (1) areas relinquished by the applicant under a license issued under this Act within the prior three years; (2) areas subject to a prior application or outstanding license; and (3) areas which would increase the licensees' holding to more than 30 percent of the deep seabed in a 250-kilometer circular area. Requires that licensees relinquish 75 percent of any block within ten years of the license date. Requires compliance with subsequent international agreements which may supersede the requirements of this Act. Stipulates that licensees suffering a measurable economic loss as a result of any international agreement shall be entitled to compensation from the United States. Authorizes the Secretary to establish reasonable licensing fees, not to exceed $100,000. Stipulates that United States district courts shall have original jurisdiction of cases arising under this Act, without regard to diversity of citizenship or amounts involved. Imposes a civil penalty of $10,000 per day for violations of this Act. Imposes a criminal penalty of $25,000 per day for willful and knowing violation of this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary for the administration of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1977
Department of Education Act - Establishes an executive department to be known as the Department of Education to be administered by a Secretary of Education. States that the principal function of such Department is to promote the cause and advance of education throughout the United States. Transfers to the Secretary specified functions of the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare and the Commissioner of Education and various educational responsibilities of other Federal agencies and instrumentalities. Creates the Federal Interagency Committee on Education, the National Advisory Commission on Education, and the Office of the Inspector General within the Department of Education. Redesignates the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, and the Secretary of such Department as the Department of Health and Welfare, and the Secretary of Health and Welfare.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1977
Declares that service during World War I by any female citizen of the United States as a member of a telephone operating unit of the Army Signal Corps shall be considered active duty in the Army for purposes of all laws administered by the Veterans' Administration.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow certain individuals to compute the amount of the deduction for retirement savings on the basis of the earned income of their spouses.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1977
Mobile Teachers' Retirement Assistance Act - Establishes a Federal-State program to permit teachers to perform out-of- State educational service without loss of retirement benefits for such service. Entitles a qualified State retirement system, which credits a teacher for out-of-State service to Federal aid of 50 percent of the total cost to the system of such out-of-State credit. Specifies the requirements which a State retirement system must meet in order to qualify for Federal aid under this program. Limits the amount of the Federal aid to a State retirement system to an amount providing not more than ten years of out-of-State service credit. Directs the Commissioner of Education to make a grant to each qualified State retirement system of an amount equal to two percent of such system's Federal aid received under this Act for the costs of administration.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1977
Amends rule III of the Rules of the House of Representatives to require each employee of the House to file an annual statement disclosing the name of each Member who is a relative of such employee.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1977
Amends rule XI of the Rules of the House of Representatives to prohibit the consideration of any report from the Committee on Rules, relating to the consideration of any bill or resolution, which does not allow for the offering of germane amendments under the five-minute rule. Prohibits the consideration of specified resolutions reported from the Committee on Rules which do not allow for the offering of germane amendments under the five-minute rule.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1977
Amends the Supplemental Appropriations Act, 1972 to require that the fixing or adjustment of any allowance payable out of the House contingency fund for Members, officers, and committees of the House of Representatives be submitted to the entire House for approval by resolution. Repeals certain appropriations made by the Supplemental Appropriations Act, 1972 and the Legislative Branch Appropriation Act, 1977.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1977
Amends rule III of the Rules of the House of Representatives to require the Clerk to make available for public inspection all records under the Clerk's control respecting expenditures incurred on or after January 5, 1977, by any Member or committee of the House.