United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1978
Amtrak Improvement Act - Amends the Rail Passenger Service Act to authorize appropriations for the National Railroad Passenger Corporation for fiscal year 1979. Directs the Secretary of Transportation, in cooperation with the Corporation, to develop a preliminary recommendation for a route system for the Corporation which will provide an optional intercity railroad passenger system based on current and future market and population requirements. Specifies considerations which the Secretary is to consider in formulating such recommendations and specifies provisions to be included in such report. Directs the Rail Services Planning Office to conduct public hearings on the Secretary's recommendations and to submit its findings to the Secretary. Requires the Secretary to thoroughly consider such material in developing a final recommended route system for the Corporation. Directs the Secretary to submit final recommendations for such basic route system to both Houses of Congress and specified congressional committees. Stipulates that such final recommendations shall be deemed approved only by the adoption by both Houses of a resolution approving such recommendations. Directs the Corporation after such approval to complete the implementation of the basic route system as soon as possible. Amends the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 to establish maximum travel times between points in the Northeast Corridor. Directs the National Railroad Passenger Corporation to develop economical and reliable rolling stock and related equipment designed to be compatible with the track, and operating and marketing characteristics of the Northeast Corridor. Amends the Animal Welfare Act to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to exempt from the requirements of such Act, the transportation of cats and dogs in passenger rail service if the transportation substantially complies with such Act and will result in an increase in reliable and humane transport service for such animals. Directs the Postal Service to utilize the services of the Corporation in the surface transportation of mail so long as it would not result in a deterioration of mail services or increase in cost to the Federal Government. Authorizes the Corporation, notwithstanding the pendency of the route reexamination pursuant to this Act, to contract with a railroad filing a notice of discontinuance to continue such train operations. Stipulates that the Corporation shall not be subject to any State or local law with respect to the construction, maintenance, or repair of structures carrying public roads. Directs the Interstate Commerce Commission in determining the compensation to be paid by the Corporation to other railroads or public transportation agencies for track or facility usage to limit such compensation to the avoidable costs of permitting the Corporation to use the railroad's or agency's tracks or facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1978
Amends the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973 to authorize additional appropriations to the United States Railway Association in order to purchase securities of the Consolidated Rail Corporation.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1978
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals an income tax credit for a portion of the expenses incurred for the residential installations of insulation, solar and other renewable energy equipment, heating improvements and energy-conserving components between April 20, 1977, and January 1, 1986.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1978
Declares it to be the sense of Congress that the National Railroad Passenger Corporation should undertake the provision of basic system intercity rail passenger service by contracting with railroads filing for the discontinuance of such service notwithstanding the pendency of the route reexamination study being conducted by the Secretary of Transportation and without regard to the Criteria and Procedures adopted pursuant to the Rail Passenger Service Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 1978
Amends Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act and the Internal Revenue Code to reduce tax rates below the level established by the Social Security Amendments of 1977 on employment income for both employers and employees and on self-employment income. Increases Federal contributions to the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund, the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund, and the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund established under Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act by 50 percent. Increases the ceiling on the amount of income that is subject to social security taxation to $100,000 in 1979.
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 1978
Expresses Congressional disapproval of the Presidents denial of import relief to the metal fasteners manufacturing industry transmitted to Congress on February 10, 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1978
Maritime Appropriation Authorization Act - Authorizes appropriations in specified amounts to the Department of Commerce for fiscal year 1979 for: (1) vessel construction or reconditioning; (2) the payment of obligations incurred for the operating - differential subsidy; (3) research and development expenses; (4) operating expenses including reserve fleet expenses; (5) financial assistance to State marine schools; and (6) the Merchant Marine Academy.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1978
Railroad Right-of-Way Access Act - Amends the Interstate Commerce Act to authorize common carriers by railroad subject to the provisions of such Act to grant bulk commodity carriers (other than common carriers by railroad under such Act) access to, or joint ownership of, any rights-of-way or other facilities owned or operated by the railroad. Authorizes the Interstate Commerce Commission to require the use of such rights-of-way or facilities which are the subject of such a proposed transaction.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1978
Federal Railroad Safety Authorization Act - Amends the Federal Railroad Safety Act of 1970 to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 1979 for expenses of the Office of Safety, State safety programs, expenses of the Federal Railroad Administration and for conducting safety research and development programs. Sets forth limitations on the use of such funds for railroad research and development programs under such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 December 1977
Regional Energy Development Act - Chapter I: Introductory - Declares that energy shortages and the high cost of energy have created economic hardships in the Northeastern States, which would especially benefit from regional cooperation with the United States through an entity capable of financing and otherwise promoting increased energy supply and energy conservation in the "Northeastern States" of Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts. Chapter II: Organization, Management, Powers - Authorizes the creation of a corporation for profit, which will not be an agency or establishment of the Federal government. Directs the President to appoint incorporators who reside in the Northeastern States to serve as the initial Board of Directors of the Corporation, and to take whatever actions are necessary to establish the Corporation. Stipulates that a Northeastern State shall become a member of the Corporation when such State shall subscribe for State stock, contribute initial capital in the amount of $1 per capita, and enact supporting legislation. Allows the Corporation to become operational if at least three States become members before December 31, 1978. Authorizes States that are contiguous to members to join the Corporation in the same manner. Authorizes the Corporation to participate in joint ventures with public or private groups and to operate through subsidiaries. Requires the Corporation to submit annual reports and audits to the President, Congress, Governors and legislatures of Member States. Directs the Governors, on a rotating basis, to designate independent persons to evaluate the performance of the Corporation every two years. Chapter III: Projects and Programs of the Corporation - Authorizes the Corporation to participate in financing any project related to solving the loans, guarantees or equity investments. Stipulates that before any financial assistance is provided, the Board of Directors of the Corporation must find that: (1) the project is expected to have a beneficial impact on the energy problems of the region; (2) the investment together with other Corporation activities will not materially impair the credit of the Corporation; (3) private capital is unavailable or insufficient; and (4) unless this limitation is specially waived, the Corporation will not operate the project on a continuing basis or invest more than 50 percent of the total cost. Authorizes rejection of each project by the Governor of the Member State in which it is located. Charges the Board with reviewing periodically the allocation of Corporation resources among the Member States to assure a measure of equity in the distribution of benefits. Limits the Corporation's investment in any one project to the greater of 10 percent of its borrowing authority or $200,000,000. Chapter IV: Financing - Stipulates that capital subscriptions from the States ($1 per capita initial contribution) and private investors shall determine the borrowing authority of the Corporation according to a formula of $15 borrowing backed by Federal guarantees for each $1 capital contribution. Authorizes the contribution of additional capital by the States after the the initial subscription. Authorizes the issuance of capital securities to States and private investors in a form determined by the Board. Permits the Corporation to issue its own obligations which shall be general obligations payable out of any revenues. Prohibits the Corporation from pledging credit of the United States or the credit of Member States. Chapter V: Guarantee of Obligations - Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to guarantee obligations of the Corporation. Permits the Secretary to agree with the Corporation that the United States will purchase the product of its projects, if necessary, in the event market conditions preclude private sale. Chapter VI: State Legislation - Requires Member States, upon joining the Corporation, to enact legislation: (1) assuring decisions within 90 days of application on request for permits required for Corporation projects; (2) exempting the property, income and operations of the Corporation from State and local taxation; and (3) specifying that insofar as the provisions of any State, general, special, or local law may be inconsistent with this Act, the provisions of this Act and the legislation enacted under this Chapter are controlling. Chapter VII: Miscellaneous - Specifies terms of construction and separability of the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 29 November 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) remove the adjusted gross income limitation on the credit for the elderly; (2) increase the amount of the credit; and (3) provide an annual cost-of-living adjustment for the credit.
United States · United States Congress · 29 November 1977
Expresses the sense of the Congress that Anwar el Sadat and Menachem Begin be commended for the steps they have taken towards peace in the Middle East.
United States · United States Congress · 3 November 1977
Comprehensive Medical Eye Center Act - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish a program to identify needs and review problem areas of comprehensive medical eye care centers. Includes in such programs the authority to make grants for expansion of facilities and the hiring and training of personnel. Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary to create, within the National Eye Center Commission to assess present eye care facilities and develop a formula for upgrading and expansion of comprehensive medical eye care services, teaching, and research programs.
United States · United States Congress · 27 October 1977
Regional Energy Development Act - Chapter I: Introductory - Declares that energy shortages and the high cost of energy have created economic hardships in the Northeastern States, which would especially benefit from regional cooperation with the United States through an entity capable of financing and otherwise promoting increased energy supply and energy conservation in the "Northeastern States" of Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts. Chapter II: Organization, Management, Powers - Authorizes the creation of a corporation for profit, which will not be an agency or establishment of the Federal government. Directs the President to appoint incorporators who reside in the Northeastern States to serve as the initial Board of Directors of the Corporation, and to take whatever actions are necessary to establish the Corporation. Stipulates that a Northeastern State shall become a member of the Corporation when such State shall subscribe for State stock, contribute initial capital in the amount of $1 per capita, and enact supporting legislation. Allows the Corporation to become operational if at least three States become members before December 31, 1978. Authorizes States that are contiguous to members to join the Corporation in the same manner. Authorizes the Corporation to participate in joint ventures with public or private groups and to operate through subsidiaries. Requires the Corporation to submit annual reports and audits to the President, Congress, Governors and legislatures of Member States. Directs the Governors, on a rotating basis, to designate independent persons to evaluate the performance of the Corporation every two years. Chapter III: Projects and Programs of the Corporation - Authorizes the Corporation to participate in financing any project related to solving the loans, guarantees or equity investments. Stipulates that before any financial assistance is provided, the Board of Directors of the Corporation must find that: (1) the project is expected to have a beneficial impact on the energy problems of the region; (2) the investment together with other Corporation activities will not materially impair the credit of the Corporation; (3) private capital is unavailable or insufficient; and (4) unless this limitation is specially waived, the Corporation will not operate the project on a continuing basis or invest more than 50 percent of the total cost. Authorizes rejection of each project by the Governor of the Member State in which it is located. Charges the Board with reviewing periodically the allocation of Corporation resources among the Member States to assure a measure of equity in the distribution of benefits. Limits the Corporation's investment in any one project to the greater of 10 percent of its borrowing authority or $200,000,000. Chapter IV: Financing - Stipulates that capital subscriptions from the States ($1 per capita initial contribution) and private investors shall determine the borrowing authority of the Corporation according to a formula of $15 borrowing backed by Federal guarantees for each $1 capital contribution. Authorizes the contribution of additional capital by the States after the the initial subscription. Authorizes the issuance of capital securities to States and private investors in a form determined by the Board. Permits the Corporation to issue its own obligations which shall be general obligations payable out of any revenues. Prohibits the Corporation from pledging credit of the United States or the credit of Member States. Chapter V: Guarantee of Obligations - Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to guarantee obligations of the Corporation. Permits the Secretary to agree with the Corporation that the United States will purchase the product of its projects, if necessary, in the event market conditions preclude private sale. Chapter VI: State Legislation - Requires Member States, upon joining the Corporation, to enact legislation: (1) assuring decisions within 90 days of application on request for permits required for Corporation projects; (2) exempting the property, income and operations of the Corporation from State and local taxation; and (3) specifying that insofar as the provisions of any State, general, special, or local law may be inconsistent with this Act, the provisions of this Act and the legislation enacted under this Chapter are controlling. Chapter VII: Miscellaneous - Specifies terms of construction and separability of the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 1977
Declares that there be no reduction of customs duties on textile or apparel products and that such products be excluded from the current Tokyo Round of Multilateral Trade Negotiations in Geneva.
United States · United States Congress · 11 October 1977
Tuition Tax Relief Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals alternative, limited income tax credits or deductions for the tuition paid for the primary, secondary or higher education of the taxpayer, his spouse, or his dependents.
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 1977
Amends the Department of Transportation Act and the Regional Rail Reorganization Act to revise the time periods during which Federal financial assistance shall be available for rail service assistance programs under such Acts. Stipulates that any in-kind benefits for rail service assistance programs which a State may provide for any period in excess of the State's share of project costs for that period shall be applied toward that State's share in any subsequent period. Stipulates that, whenever the costs of an approved project exceed the amount of rail freight service assistance to which a State is entitled, the Secretary of Transportation is authorized to provide assistance in any subsequent period to cover the costs of such project. Makes projects eligible for rail service assistance under such Acts if the railroad line involved: (1) is subject to an abandonment proceeding before the Interstate Commerce Commission; (2) is classified as "potentially subject to abandonment" under the Interstate Commerce Act; (3) serves agricultural producing and marketing activities and meets other specified criteria; or (4) serves areas in which fossil fuel natural resources are located and meets other specified criteria. Stipulates that, in order to be eligible for assistance, the State, carrier, or other successor carrier performing the rail service on such a line must maintain collective bargaining agreements, employment levels, and working conditions in effect on such line. Requires that financially assisted programs under such Acts include, as a minimum, the upgrading of all tracks involved to class II standards, as defined by the Administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration. Amends the Interstate Commerce Act to require carriers by railroad subject to such Act to submit to the Interstate Commerce Commission a diagram of any line or railroad which provides rail service in areas in which agricultural producing and marketing activities or fossil fuel natural resources are located and the costs of such service. Authorizes a railroad carrier planning to submit an application for the abandonment or discontinuance of a line or a State in which such a line is located to petition the Rail Services Planning Office for the initiation of a corrective action proceeding with respect to such a line. Directs the Office, if it finds that the avoidable cost of providing rail freight service on such a line together with a reasonable return on the value of the line exceeds the revenues attributable to the line, to commence a proceeding to develop a corrective action program. Directs the Interstate Commerce Commission to suspend any proceeding regarding an application for abandonment or discontinuance of such a rail line. Stipulates that a corrective action program shall be established as a result of negotiations between the parties affected, or if necessary, by binding arbitration. Stipulates that such a program may include operating subsidies, changes in marketing practices, rates, operation, frequency and quality of service, maintenance schedules, taxes, or intermodal transportation service. Stipulates that such an agreement shall be embodied in an order by the Rail Services Planning Office. Sets forth the Federal share for the costs of such a program. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to appoint a panel of arbitrators to supervise corrective action proceedings pursuant to this Act. Authorizes appropriations for such corrective action programs for each of the fiscal years 1979 through 1982. Prohibits the Secretary from withholding approval of a State rail freight program or project solely on the grounds that the State initiated the program or project without the Secretary's prior approval. Stipulates that, of the funds authorized to be appropriated for rail service assistance programs under the Department of Transportation Act, no more than $10,000,000 shall be made available for planning grants for each of the fiscal years 1976 through 1980. Authorizes the Interstate Commerce Commission, in issuing a certificate for the abandonment or discontinuance of a rail line, to include in such a certificate a direction awarding trackage rights to another common carrier by railroad or to a State or political subdivision thereof for all or any portion of the lines of the applicant's railroad located within such State which the Commission determines are required solely for purposes of providing freight service at stations on a line which would no longer have such service due to issuance of such a certificate. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to publish a preliminary report setting forth alternative proposals, based on specified criteria with respect to the amount and type of rail carrier equity and other financing to be effected through the Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Fund or other funding mechanisms. Requires the Secretary, by May 15, 1978, after affording interested persons an opportunity to comment on such proposals, to prepare and submit to Congress a final report regarding such alternatives. Amends the Rail Passenger Service Act to prohibit the National Railroad Passenger Corporation, with respect to experimental intercity rail passenger service routes, from reducing the frequency of such service to a level below the lesser of (1) one train per day, or (2) the level of service provided at the time of the initiation of the route. Amends the Hours of Service Act to establish maximum hours of service for individuals engaged in installing, repairing, or maintaining rail signal systems.
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 1977
Full Employment and Balanced Growth Act - Title I: Establishment of Goals, Planning, and General Economic Policies - Amends the Employment Act of 1946 to declare that all adult Americans able, willing, and seeking work have the right to useful paid employment at fair rates of compensation. States that, in moving toward the goal of full employment, it shall be an objective to maintain trends in the ratio of private employment civilian public employment and first priority is to expand conventional private jobs through policies made available under this Act. Directs the President in each annual Economic Report to recommend numerical goals for employment, production, and purchasing power, as well as policies to support these goals and achieve balanced growth and full employment. Requires the preparation of a Full Employment and Balanced Growth Plan, prepared with the assistance of Economic Advisers and in consultation with the Office of Management and Budget. Requires that such plan set forth foreseeable social and economic goals; provide estimates of unmet social and economic needs; identify available and needed resources; and contain long-term economic goals including (1) full employment goals set at the number of jobs to be provided in order to reduce unemployment to the minimum level of functional unemployment consistent with efficient job search and labor mobility, (2) full production goals set at levels of output estimated to be yielded by achievement of full employment goals, and (3) full purchasing power goals set at levels estimated to be necessary for attaining and maintaining full employment and production while contributing to an equitable distribution of purchasing power. States that in achieving such goals the President shall include the objective of holding the annual rate of price increases to levels consistent with reasonable price stability. Requires the full employment goal to be consistent with an adult unemployment rate not in excess of three percent. Requires that the plan propose priority policies and programs to support full employment and balanced growth and enumerates sectors of the economy to be included in such policies and programs. Directs the President to submit proposals improving the efficiency and economy of the Federal Government. Requires the Presidents' Budget and Economic Report to set forth the level and composition of Federal expenditures, tax policy, and monetary policy consistent with and in promotion of the goals and policies contained in this Act. Directs the Federal Reserve Board to report to the President and Congress, identifying the extent to which the Federal Reserve will support the economic goals recommended by the President. Stipulates that each Economic Report contain a comprehensive set of anti-inflation policies to supplement monetary and fiscal policy. Establishes an Advisory Committee on Full Employment and Balanced Growth to advise and assist the Council of Economic Advisers. Directs the Council of Economic Advisers to prepare the Full Employment and Balanced Growth Plan and to consult with the Advisory Committee. Title II: Countercyclical, Structural, and Youth Employment Policies - Directs the President to transmit to Congress within 90 days of the enactment of this Act a proposal, together with necessary legislation, establishing permanent supplementary employment policies and programs required to reduce high unemployment arising from cyclical movements in the economy. Specifies types of programs which should be considered by the President in establishing component parts of such proposal and the means to be utilized in coordinating them. Requires the President to also transmit to Congress within such period legislation creating a permanent grant program related to the stabilization and needed growth of State and local budgets. Directs the President to transmit to Congress within 180 days of the enactment of this Act (1) a comprehensive regional and structural employment proposal designed to reduce chronic underutilization of human and capital resources in certain areas of the country and in groups within the labor force, and (2) legislation providing institutional means to encourage public and private investment in areas with substantial unemployment and to provide an alternative source of capital funds for local and State governments to finance public facilities. Directs the President to transmit to Congress legislation creating a comprehensive youth employment program which utilizes existing resources and facilities and provides additional employment programs. Directs the President to provide job opportunities through reservoirs of federally operated public employment projects and approved private nonprofit employment projects to the extent, and only to the extent, that willing able adults are not otherwise provided job opportunities. Establishes, within the Department of Labor, a Full Employment Office to assist in creating such employment opportunities. Directs the President to transmit to Congress a proposal, together with such legislation as is necessary, on how the income maintenance and employment policies can be integrated to insure that employment is substituted for income maintenance to the maximum extent feasible. Title III: Policies and Procedures for Congressional Review - Requires the Joint Economic Committee to carry out overall review of executive branch policies under this Act. Requires the Committee on the Budget of the Senate and the Committee on the Budget of the House of Representatives to review the fiscal policy, economy in government policies, and Federal budget priorities recommended by the President. Requires the Joint Economic Committee to review and make recommendations to Congress on annual numerical goals for employment, production, and purchasing power proposed by the President. Provides for Congressional review of the Full Employment and Balanced Growth Plan, including reports to the Joint Economic Committee from the Standing Committees of Congress on matters that relate to the plan, public hearings before the Joint Economic Committee, and consideration of State and local views on the plan. Establishes a Division of Full Employment and Balanced Growth within the Congressional Budget Office to assist the Joint Economic Committee in the discharge of its duties under this Act. Provides that the provisions of this title, with specified exceptions, be incorporated into the rules of the House of Representatives and Senate, respectively. Title IV: General Provisions - Makes general provisions with respect to nondiscrimination, labor standards, and authorizations of appropriations.
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 · 12 September 1977
Rail Amendments - Amends the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 to extend the railroad redeemable preference share Federal purchase program under such Act. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to prepare and publish alternative proposals for the amount and type of rail carrier equity and other financing to be effected through the Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Fund or through any other funding mechanism based on specified criteria. Directs the Secretary to allow interested parties an opportunity to comment on such proposals and to prepare and transmit a final report to Congress by May 15, 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 1977
Sellers of Travel or Travel Services Registration Act - Amends the International Travel Act of 1961 to establish within the Department of Commerce a National Travel Service Registration Advisory Council. Directs the Secretary of Commerce, after consultation with such Council, to establish minimum criteria for travel services registration certificates. Prohibits any individual from engaging in the business of selling travel or travel services beginning one year after the enactment of this Act unless such individual has received a travel services registration certificate. Prohibits common carriers, persons engaged in the selling of travel or travel services, or intrastate direct air carriers regulated by State agencies from entering into contracts for the provision of travel to others with any person who is not a holder of a travel services registration certificate. Directs the Secretary, after consulting with the Council, to prescribe rules and regulations regarding the form and content of travel services registration certificates. Prohibits the Secretary from issuing such a certificate to an individual who does not meet the minimum qualification criteria or has been convicted of a felony. Stipulates that such certificates shall be nontransferable and shall expire on the second anniversary of their issuance. Directs the Secretary to grant renewals of such certificates if the individual continues to meet the minimum qualification criteria. Authorizes the Secretary, after a hearing, to suspend a certificate if the holder ceases to satisfy the qualification criteria or engages in specified prohibited actions. Grants the Secretary subpoena power to carry out the provisions of this Act. Sets forth provisions for judicial review of civil actions arising under this Act. Establishes criminal and civil penalties for violation of this Act. Stipulates that the Congress hereby preempts the field of engaging in the business of selling travel or travel services.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 1977
Amends the Hours of Service Act to establish maximum on-duty and minimum off-duty hours for railroad employees. Sets forth the conditions under which specified travel and meal periods shall be considered as on-duty or off-duty time.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1977
Olympic Summer Games Authorization Act - Authorizes appropriations for the planning and construction, under the supervision of the Department of Commerce, of sports facilities related to the Olympic summer games of 1984.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1977
Commuter Rail Passenger Service Continuation Act - Amends the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973 to require Con Rail to continue providing commuter rail services where an adequate subsidy is available. Requires the Corporation to provide additional commuter service if adequate compensation is provided by a State or a local or regional transportation authority. Authorizes the United States Railway Association to reimburse ConRail, or a State or local subsidizer, for un-insurable losses up to $50,000,000 if the Rail Service Planning Office has certified that ConRail, after due diligence, has been unable to obtain insurance to cover such losses. Increases the aggregate principal amount of obligations which may be issued by the Association. Stipulates that the date of initiation of a program to correct deferred maintenance on railroad facilities shall be used to establish the Federal financial assistance period. Amends the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964 to increase the Federal share of the costs of providing rail passenger service (emergency operating assistance) during the 18 month period following the first 360 days of such mandatory operation.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1977
Olympic Summer Games Authorization Act - Authorizes appropriations for the planning and construction, under the supervision of the Department of Commerce, of sports facilities related to the Olympic summer games of 1984.
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 · 25 July 1977
Olympic Summer Games Authorization Act - Authorizes appropriations for the planning and construction, under the supervision of the Department of Commerce, of sports facilities related to the Olympic summer games of 1984.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 1977
State Rail Freight Assistance Act - Amends the Department of Transportation Act and the Regional Rail Reorganization Act to revise the time periods during which Federal financial assistance shall be available for rail service assistance programs under such Acts. Stipulates that any in-kind benefits for rail service assistance programs which a State may provide for any period in excess of the State's share of project costs for that period shall be applied toward that State's share in any subsequent period. Stipulates that, whenever the costs of an approved project exceed the amount of rail freight service assistance to which a State is entitled, the Secretary of Transportation is authorized to provide assistance in any subsequent period to cover the costs of such project. Makes projects eligible for rail service assistance under such Acts if the railroad line involved is subject to an abandonment proceeding before the Interstate Commerce Commission or is classified as "potentially subject to abandonment" under the Interstate Commerce Act. Prohibits the Secretary from withholding approval of a State rail freight program or project solely on the grounds that the State initiated the program or project without the Secretary's prior approval. Stipulates that of the funds authorized to be appropriated for rail service assistance programs under the Department of Transportation Act, no more than $10,000,000 shall be made available for planning grants for each of the fiscal years 1976 through 1980. Increases the authorization for appropriations for rail service assistance programs under the Department of Transportation Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 1977
State Rail Freight Assistance Act - Amends the Department of Transportation Act and the Regional Rail Reorganization Act to revise the time periods during which Federal financial assistance shall be available for rail service assistance programs under such Acts. Stipulates that any in-kind benefits for rail service assistance programs which a State may provide for any period in excess of the State's share of project costs for that period shall be applied toward that State's share in any subsequent period. Stipulates that, whenever the costs of an approved project exceed the amount of rail freight service assistance to which a State is entitled, the Secretary of Transportation is authorized to provide assistance in any subsequent period to cover the costs of such project. Makes projects eligible for rail service assistance under such Acts if the railroad line involved is subject to an abandonment proceeding before the Interstate Commerce Commission or is classified as "potentially subject to abandonment" under the Interstate Commerce Act. Prohibits the Secretary from withholding approval of a State rail freight program or project solely on the grounds that the State initiated the program or project without the Secretary's prior approval. Stipulates that of the funds authorized to be appropriated for rail service assistance programs under the Department of Transportation Act, no more than $10,000,000 shall be made available for planning grants for each of the fiscal years 1976 through 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 1977
Inland Navigation Improvement Act - Authorizes the Secretary of the Army acting through the Chief of the Corps of Engineers, to replace locks and dam 26, Mississippi River, Alton, Illinois, in accordance with the project report dated July 31, 1976. Authorizes the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of the Corps of Engineers, to replace as a part of such project, the terrestrial wildlife habitat inundated by project construction, and to manage such lands for wildlife mitigation purposes. Authorizes the Secretary to construct a project-related recreation development near Ellis Island, Missouri, on a cost-sharing basis with Missouri. Directs that such recreation area be administered in accordance with the Federal Water Project Recreation Act. Establishes the Mississippi River navigation channel above Alton, Illinois, at nine feet. Prohibits the Secretary or other Federal officials from studying the feasibility of deepening the navigation channels in the Minnesota River, Minnesota; Black River, Wisconsin; Saint Croix River, Minnesota and Wisconsin; the Mississippi River north of Cairo, Illinois; Kaskaskia River, Illinois; and Illinois River, Illinois. Directs the President to study the alternative of rehabilitating the present lock and dam structure at Alton, Illinois. Permits the President to proceed with new construction if he finds the rehabilitation alternative not to be in the best interests of the United States. Requires the President to report to Congress if such rehabilitation appears feasible. Permits the President, in the latter instance, to proceed with the new construction, if Congress fails to act within 120 days. Creates an Upper Mississippi River System Council consisting of the Secretary of Transportation, the Secretary of Agriculture, the Chair of the Council on Environmental Quality, the Secretary of the Army, the Secretary of the Interior, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Governors of Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, and Illinois. Directs the Council to prepare a comprehensive master plan for the management of the Upper Mississippi River system. Directs the Council in such preparation to cooperate with appropriate State and local agencies. Requires such master plan: (1) to identify the economic, recreational, and environmental objectives of the Upper Mississippi River system; and (2) to recommend guidelines for such objectives. Requires the guidelines of such master plan to include channel maintenance, minimizing dredging volumes, uses of dredged material barge fleeting, water quality, fish and wildlife protection, wilderness preservation, and fish and wildlife refuge management. Authorizes the Council to carry out necessary studies, including those concerning the environmental and economic effects of present and projected traffic levels. Requires the Council to utilize, to the fullest extent possible, the Upper Mississippi River Resources Management (GREAT) study. Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to provide for the Secretary of the Interior to study the carrying capacity of the System, its ecological impact, the impact of navigation expansion, operation and maintenance programs, wildlife loss mitigation, the environmental impact of a second lock at Alton, Illinois, the relationship of navigation expansion to national transportation policy, and the impact on rail service. Prohibits the Secretary of the Army from undertaking the rehabilitation, replacement, or construction of locks and dams which will increase the traffic capacity of the upper Mississippi River system, until Congress has approved the master plan. Authorizes the appropriation of $20,000,000 for master plan. Directs the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers and in concurrence with the Secretary of Transportation, to promulgate final regulations implementing nonstructural improvements to minimize congestion on the Illinois River and the Mississippi River. Requires the Secretary of Transportation to establish, after hearings and notice in the Federal Register, a system of user charges intended to recover a portion of Federal navigation-related costs of the operation, maintenance, new construction, and rehabilitation of inland waterways. Bases the assessment of such charges upon: (1) the annual operation, construction, and rehabilitation costs of inland waterways; (2) the volume of traffic; (3) seasonal and peak demand periods; and (4) other factors. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to utilize as mechanisms of such system: (1) license fees; (2) congestion charges; (3) ton-miles charges; (4) lockage fees; and (5) cargo capacity. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to allow vessels using the inland waterways to deduct from user charges any Federal tax (including a tax on fuels) which may be imposed exclusively on vessels after enactment of this Act. Requires that final rates be adequate to recover 100 percent of the Federal navigation-related expenditures for operation, maintenance, new construction, and rehabilitation of inland waterways. Sets forth procedures for implementation of such charges over a five year period. Imposes a fine of $5,000 per day for failure to pay user charges, and prohibits the violator from using any lock in the inland water system during the period of such violation. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury, in cooperation with the Secretary of the Army, to submit to Congress three years after the implementation of a system of user charges, a report describing the economic impact and effectiveness of such charges.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 1977
Amends the Railroad Safety Act of 1970 to direct the Secretary of Transportation to establish a Railroad Safety Advisory Committee to make recommendations to the Secretary with respect to rail safety. Requires the Secretary to submit a copy of any proposed safety rule or regulation to the Committee and to afford the Committee a reasonable opportunity to submit a report of its comments before its publication. Authorizes State agencies to carry out investigative and surveillance activities in connection with railroad safety laws and regulations. Authorizes such an agency, with respect to violations of railroad safety laws or regulations within such State, to apply to the United States district court in the district where such violation occurred for injunctive relief.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 1977
Tuition Tax Relief Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals alternative, limited income tax credits or deductions for the tuition paid for the primary, secondary or higher education of the taxpayer, or the taxpayer's spouse spouse and dependents.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1977
Interstate Horseracing Act - Title I: Findings and Policy - Declares that it is the policy of the Federal Government to assure the continued flow of revenue to the several States from pari-mutuel wagering on horseracing, and to protect and further the horseracing industry in the United States. Title II: Regulation of Interstate Off-track Wagering - Prohibits any person or State from accepting any interstate off-track wager. Establishes civil penalties for violation of such prohibition, and confers jurisdiction on the district courts of the United States over any cause of action arising out of a violation of such prohibition.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1977
Amends the Tariff Schedules of the United States to repeal the duty imposed on articles assembled abroad with components produced in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1977
Amends Titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require automatic sprinkler systems in all skilled nursing facilities and intermediate care facilities certified for participation in the Medicare or Medicaid programs unless a waiver of such requirement is granted in accordance with conditions set forth in this Act. Establishes a program of low-interest Federal loans to assist such facilities in constructing or purchasing and installing automatic sprinkler systems.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1977
Emergency Foreign Business Practices Act - Title I: Findings, Purposes, and Definitions - Sets forth the findings, purposes, and definitions of this Act. Title II: Office of Foreign Business Practices - Establishes an Office of Foreign Business Practices in the Department of Commerce to administer this Act. Title III: Commission on Foreign Business Practices - Establishes a Commission on Foreign Business Practices to study the adequacy of measures employed to assure that foreign business practices are consistent with the goals of this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of $2,000,000 for such purpose. Title IV: Disclosure of Improper Payments - Requires each United States person to report any payment to any foreign public official in connection with any official action of such official or any sale or contract with a foreign government. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to establish bookkeeping procedures for such purposes. Directs the Secretary to disseminate such reports to the Attorney General, the Secretary of State, and the Internal Revenue Service. Permits dissemination of such reports to law enforcement officials of foreign governments. Exempts sales of defense articles under the Arms Export Control Act form this Act. Title V: Remedies and Penalties - Authorizes any person injured by any improper payment to institute a civil action for treble damages plus costs and attorney's fees in a United States district court. Imposes penalties for violation of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 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 · 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 · 23 May 1977
National Community-Based Organizations Youth Job Creation and Training Act - Directs the Secretary of Labor to enter into contracts with national community-based organizations for the provision of: (1) comprehensive employment services and jobs for unemployed persons, particularly youths; (2) career education and counseling services for secondary school students; (3) career education for unemployed persons; or (4) work-study projects in community improvement for unemployed youths. Directs the head of each agency exercising authority under specified programs to assure that special consideration will be given to national community-based organizations in providing employment services and job opportunities pursuant to such programs. Amends the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act of 1973 to direct the Secretary to provide work experience during all months of the year to youth in urban and rural areas. Amends the work incentive program provisions of the Internal Revenue Code to permit a tax credit with respect to wages paid certain previously unemployed employees during the first 12 months of employment.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1977
State Rail Freight Assistance Act - Amends the Department of Transportation Act and the Regional Rail Reorganization Act to revise the time periods during which Federal financial assistance shall be available for rail service assistance programs under such Acts. Stipulates that any in-kind benefits for rail service assistance programs which a State may provide for any period in excess of the State's share of project costs for that period shall be applied toward that State's share in any subsequent period. Stipulates that, whenever the costs of an approved project exceed the amount of rail freight service assistance to which a State is entitled, the Secretary of Transportation is authorized to provide assistance in any subsequent period to cover the costs of such project. Makes projects eligible for rail service assistance under such Acts if the railroad line involved is subject to an abandonment proceeding before the Interstate Commerce Commission or is classified as "potentially subject to abandonment" under the Interstate Commerce Act. Prohibits the Secretary from withholding approval of a State rail freight program or project solely on the grounds that the State initiated the program or project without the Secretary's prior approval. Stipulates that of the funds authorized to be appropriated for rail service assistance programs under the Department of Transportation Act, no more than $10,000,000 shall be made available for planning grants for each of the fiscal years 1976 through 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1977
Postal Reorganization Act Amendments - Changes the organizational structure of the United States Postal Service by: (1) naming the Postmaster General chief executive officer and vesting in the Postmaster General the powers formerly held by the Board of Governors; (2) revising the procedures for adjustment of rates and services whereby the Postal Service is authorized to request the Congress to authorize appropriations to defray the estimated costs of the Postal Service for the fiscal year, to request a recommended decision of the Postal Rate Commission, or to propose a change in the nature of postal services; (3) requiring that all proposed capital investments by the Postal Service be reviewed by the Post Office and Civil Service Committees of the Senate and the House of Representatives; and (4) requiring the Postal Rate Commission to submit to the President annually a separate budget for its operating expenses. Prohibits reducing the frequency of mail delivery service below the frequency which was in effect on April 21, 1977.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1977
Amends the Postal Reorganization Act Amendments of 1976 to extend to June 15, 1977, the period during which the Postal Service is prohibited from: (1) increasing rates and fees to levels exceeding those in effect on the date of enactment of the Act; (2) offering levels and types of services which are less than those available on July 1, 1976; and (3) closing certain postal facilities which were in operation on July 1, 1976.
![Official portrait of Rep. Rooney, Fred B. [D-PA-15]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/r000423_200.jpg)