United States · United States Congress · 12 October 1978
Specifies that each State entitled to more than one Representative in the 99th Congress or any subsequent Congress shall establish a number of districts equal to the number of Representatives to which that State is entitled. Directs the districts to be established as soon as practicable after the latest decennial census, but in no case later than three years. Sets forth the standards for establishing districts in order to insure fair and effective representation in the House of Representatives. Declares that any State legislature may establish by law standards for establishing fair and effective districts. Sets forth judicial procedures to insure compliance with this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 1978
Two-Step Budget Process Act - Title I: Amendments to the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 - Requires that the contents of the first concurrent resolution of the budget be separated into two titles. Prescribes a two-step process for the consideration of amendments to such budget resolution by which amendments to the first title must be considered and disposed of prior to the consideration of amendments to the second title. Title II: Miscellaneous Provisions - States that such amendments are enacted as an exercise of Congressional rulemaking power.
United States · United States Congress · 5 October 1978
Constitutional Amendment - Requires Congress to assure that the total outlays of the Government, during any fiscal year, do not exceed the total receipts of the Government during such fiscal year. States that by the fourth fiscal year after the ratification of this amendment the budget shall be balanced. Permits expenditures to exceed national revenues in time of declared emergency, but states that such expenditures shall never exceed receipts by more than ten percent. Provides that during the fifth fiscal year beginning after the ratification of this amendment and for the next 19 succeeding fiscal years thereafter, the total receipts of the Government shall exceed outlays by an amount equal to five percent of the Federal indebtedness at the beginning of the fifth year fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 5 October 1978
Establishes the Claude Pepper Senior Citizen Congressional Intern program which authorizes each Member of Congress to hire each year one senior citizen intern to serve within the District of Columbia for one of two two-week periods. Specifies that such intern shall be compensated at a rate not to exceed $300 per week.
United States · United States Congress · 4 October 1978
Constitutional Amendment - Provides that total expenditures shall not exceed total revenues for any fiscal year. Authorizes the suspension of such prohibition in time of war or by a vote of two-thirds of the members of the Senate and the House. Directs the amount of any annual deficit be considered an expenditure of the United States in the following fiscal year. Permits the Congress to apportion any annual deficit over the four following fiscal years, or to include such deficit in the gross Federal debt. Directs the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to reduce the public debt of the United States through open-market operations.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1978
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States, while seeking to improve relations with the People's Republic of China, shall continue to maintain full diplomatic relations with the Republic of China and shall not alter its Mutual Defense Treaty with such country.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 1978
Endangered Species Act Amendments - Amends the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to revise the procedures to be followed by the Secretary of the Interior in issuing regulations under the Act. Establishes an intergovernmental review board for the purpose of considering an application, upon the recommendation of the Secretary of Interior, for exemption from the requirement of the Act that Federal agencies take no action which would jeopardize the continued existence of any endangered species. Specifies that the review board shall make its recommendations to the Endangered Species Committee, established by this Act. Establishes the Endangered Species Committee to make a final determination whether or not to grant an exemption to the requirements of this Act. Specifies that this decision shall be made within 90 days of receiving the recommendation of the review board. Prohibits the Endangered Species Committee from granting an exemption if the Secretary of State has determined the proposed agency action to be in violation of any international obligation. Sets forth the procedure for judicial reviews of the Endangered Species Committee decisions. Declares that the President may grant exceptions to the requirements of this Act in the case of major disaster areas. Authorizes the Secretary to approve and assist in the implementation of any State program for the conservation of endangered and threatened species. Declares that no civil penalty shall be imposed for violation of the requirements of this Act if committed on a good-faith belief that the violator was acting to protect himself, a family member, or any other individual from bodily harm. Exempts certain raptors legally held in captivity on the effective date of this Act from certain restrictions of the Act relating to possession and dealing in endangered species. Authorizes appropriations necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 August 1978
Regional Development Act - Title I: Establishment, Administration, and General Programs of Regional Commissions - Directs the President to designate development regions within the United States with the concurrence of the States in which such regions will be wholly or partially located. Directs that the designation of such regions be based upon findings: (1) that a geographic, cultural, historic, and economic relationship exists between the areas within such region; (2) that the region is within contiguous States with the exception of Alaska, Hawaii, California, Texas, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands; and (3) that the region would benefit from a unified approach to economic development. Authorizes the establishment of a regional development commission for each development region, consisting of the Governors of each State with territory in the region and a Federal co-chairman appointed by the President. Directs that such commissions: (1) study, initiate, coordinate, and plan public and private development programs for their respective regions; and (2) make appropriate recommendations to the President, Federal, State, and local legislatures and administrative agencies. Directs local planning be carried out by local development districts. Defines such districts as nonprofit entities certified to each regional development commission by officers of the States in which they are located. Authorizes the President to make grants to the regional development commissions to provide for their technical and administrative expenses. Authorizes the President to make supplemental grants to development regions eligible for specified Federal grant-in-aid programs but unable to supply the required matching funds. Sets forth provisions governing such grants. Enumerates the administrative powers of the regional commissions. Requires a State to maintain its average level of expenditures in a development region for the last two fiscal years in order to be eligible for assistance under this Act. Conditions all financial assistance on the recommendation of the regional commissions. Enumerates factors to be considered by the commissions in recommending assistance for development programs and projects. Requires the commissions to approve or disapprove applications for assistance within 45 days of their receipt. Requires the commissions to gather information through public hearings. Establishes criminal penalties for violations of the conflict of interest provisions of this Act governing the regional commissions and their employees. Requires each commission to make an annual report to the President, Congress and the Governors of each state with territory in its region. Requires public access to all scientific or technical developments financed in whole or in part under the authority of this Act. Empowers the district courts to order such access in actions brought by the Attorney General. Title II: Regional Development Programs and Projects - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare to make grants for: (1) vocational education facilities and demonstration projects in any development region; and (2) health and nutrition demonstration projects. Authorizes the regional commissions, with the assistance of the Secretary of Transportation, to make grants for the planning of regional transportation networks and the funding of transportation demonstration projects. Authorizes the regional commissions to make grants for energy demonstration projects and programs. Title III: Appalachian Programs and Projects - Designates the Appalachian region, encompassing specified counties of several States, as a development region. Sets forth provisions governing the submission of plans, investment programs, and development projects for the Appalachian region and their approval by the regional commission. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to assist the Appalachian regional commission in the construction of highways and access roads. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to provide financial assistance to landowners through agreements of not more than ten years for soil conservation and development. Authorizes the Secretary to provide technical and financial assistance to timber development in the Appalachian region. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to provide financial assistance for the restoration of areas damaged by deleterious mining practices. Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to provide financial assistance for planning and other preliminary expenses for low and moderate income housing projects. Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to provide financial assistance for: (1) multicounty demonstration health facilities, services, and projects; (2) nutrition demonstration projects; (3) sewage treatment works; and (4) vocational education facilities and demonstration projects. Authorizes the Appalachian regional commission to fund energy demonstration projects. Title IV: Miscellaneous Provisions - Authorizes the appropriation of specified sums for fiscal years, 1979 through 1984 to carry out the provisions of this Act. Repeals the Appalachian Regional Development Act of 1965 and Title V of the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965. States that this Act shall take effect on October 1, 1979, and terminate on October 1, 1985.
United States · United States Congress · 9 August 1978
Expresses the sense of Congress that the Environmental Protection Agency, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and the Federal courts should expedite all remaining administrative and judicial proceedings with respect to the Seabrook Nuclear Station project (New Hampshire), and that all licensing and permitting procedures for the construction and operation of nuclear generating stations should be reviewed and modified to improve the efficiency of such procedures.
United States · United States Congress · 7 August 1978
Entitles certain unremarried former spouses of members of the uniformed services to medical and dental benefits under the Civilian Health and Medical Plan of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS).
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1978
Longshoremen's and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act Amendments - Amends the Longshoremen's and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act to (1) specifically include ship cleaners, lashers, and ship carpenters within the coverage of the Act; (2) specifically exclude certain tasks from the definition of "longshoring operations" which are covered by the Act; (3) delete the requirement that the injury for which compensation is sought have occurred upon the navigable waters of the United States; (4) extend the existing limits on the amount of disability compensation to death compensation; (5) require that injured employees select an attending physician from a panel chosen by the employer rather than any physician as is currently allowed; (6) specify guidelines for the evaluation of physical impairments by physicians; (7) allow a determination of total disability only if the employee is unable to earn any wages in any employment, except for certain specified types of injuries; (8) disallow death benefits for the permanently disabled who die of causes unrelated to the original injury; (9) limit increases in disability compensation tied to wage increases to a maximum of three percent a year; (10) limit the total compensation payable to an employee for an injury to $100,000 except in cases of permanent total disability or death; (11) repeal the statutory presumptions related to claims under the Act; and (12) allow a compensation order to be set aside by a court if not in accordance with law.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 1978
Amends the Rules of the House of Representatives to transfer the responsibility for investigating Communist and subversive organizations affecting the internal security of the United States to a standing Committee on Internal Security established by this Resolution. Confers upon such committee the responsibility for investigating all organizations within the United States aimed at overthrowing or altering the Government of the United States by force, insurrection or other unlawful means or inciting or employing violence to obstruct the authority of the Federal Government with respect to matters of internal security of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 1978
Anti-Inflation Tax Reduction and Reform Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide cost-of-living adjustments for the individual income tax rates and withholding tables.
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 1978
Beverage Container Reuse and Recycling Act - Prohibits the sale of carbonated beverages in beverage containers by retailers and distributors unless such containers carry a refund value of not less than five cents. Requires that retailers and distributors pay the amount of the affixed refund value of brands of beverages bought and sold by such retailers or distributors. Prohibits States from imposing any tax on the collection or return of refund values established by this Act. Prohibits distributors and retailers from selling beverages in metal beverage containers with detachable openings. Imposes penalties of up to $1,000 and/or 60 days imprisonment for violation of the provisions of this Act. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to monitor the rate of reuse and recycling as a result of this Act. Stipulates that the labeling of refund values shall be required within three years of the date of enactment of this Act. Stipulates that the prohibition on detachable metal openings shall take effect one year after the date of enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 1978
Amends the Migratory Bird Hunting Stamp Act to set the fee for Federal migratory-bird hunting and conservation stamps at $5, and authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to raise such fee to $7.50 if funds in the migratory bird conservation fund have been obligated. Directs the Secretary to prohibit the hunting of migratory birds in any State which fails to approve an acquisition of water fowl habitat within a reasonable time.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 1978
Amends the Fishery Conservation and Management Act of 1976 to include within the definition of fishing under such Act fish processing at sea. Defines the terms United States fish processors and United States harvested fish for purposes of this Act Provides that United States harvested fish transferred to foreign ships for processing at sea shall be considered as part of the total allowable level of foreign fishing in any fishery subject to the exclusive fishery control of the United States. Includes certain tariffs on fish and fish products imposed by a foreign nation as a factor to be considered in determining the individual foreign fishing allocations in such United States' fisheries. Revises certain fishing permit requirements for specified foreign fish processing ships at sea in certain United States' fisheries. Permits the transfer of United states harvested fish to any foreign ship, within the United States' fishery conservation zone, having the fishing permit required by such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1978
Animal Welfare Act Amendments - Amends the Animal Welfare Act to prohibit coursing (an event which involves the pursuit by one or more dogs of another live animal).
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1978
Endangered Species Act Amendments - Amends the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to establish an Endangered Species Committee. Directs the Committee to review applications submitted by Federal agencies regarding proposed agency actions to determine whether an exemption from the requirement of the Act that Federal agencies take no actions which would jeopardize endangered species or their critical habitats should be granted. Stipulates that such an exemption may be granted only after a public hearing and findings that: (1) there is no reasonable and prudent alternative to the agency action; (2) the action is of regional or national significance; (3) the benefits of the action clearly outweigh the benefits of alternative courses of action consistent with conserving the species or its critical habitat; and (4) the action is in the public interest. States that no final determination of the Committee regarding an exemption shall be considered a major Federal action purposes of the National Environmental Policy Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 1978
Amends Title II (Old Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to require States having agreements for coverage of their employees under the system of insurance established by such Title to make payments and reports on a calendar-quarter basis.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1978
Investment Incentive Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to restore part of the pre-1969 tax treatment of capital gains by repealing the capital gains item of tax preference for the minimum tax; lowering the corporate alternative tax to 25 percent of net capital gain; and lowering the alternative individual tax to 25 percent of net capital gain.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1978
Entitles former spouses of members of the armed forces who were married to the member for at least ten years to a portion of that member's retired or retainer pay. Entitles such former spouses to a portion of the annuity of the surviving spouse of such member. Stipulates that such a member may not elect not to provide an annuity under the Survivor Benefit Plan without the consent of the member's spouse and any former spouses.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1978
Uranium Mill Site Restoration Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to make grants to the States of Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, New Mexico, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, Wyoming and any other State determined to be in a similar situation for the restoration of abandoned uranium mill sites. Directs the Secretary to restore such sites if the States fail to do so and to conduct a pilot study in the city of Salt Lake City, Utah of possible health hazards to persons living or working near such sites. Directs the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to establish regulations and standards to assure that the public safety and health and the environment are not impaired by the remedial action undertaken pursuant to this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1978
Amateur Sports Act - Title I: Declaration of Policy - Makes findings and states that the policy of Congress is to promote amateur athletics and protect the right of amateur athletes to participate in athletic competition. Title II: Olympic Committee Reorganization - Amends the corporate charter of the Olympic Committee to (1) provide for a principal place of business of the United States Olympic Committee (Corporation); (2) set forth the objectives and purposes of the Corporation; (3) set forth the powers of the Corporation; (4) provide reasonable representation for specified individuals and organizations in establishing and maintaining provisions for the governance and conduct of its affairs; and (5) subject to civil liability any person who uses an Olympic designation without authority to promote a private financial interest. Permits contributors or suppliers of goods or services to use the name of the United States Olympic Committee or its designation to advertise that such goods or services have been furnished to, approved, or selected by the Corporation. Requires the Corporation to establish in its constitution and bylaws provisions for the resolution of disputes involving the opportunity of an amateur athlete or other specified individuals to participate in sanctioned athletic competitions. Authorizes the Corporation to recognize as a national governing body any amateur sports organization (but only one for each sport) which submits an application for recognition and complies with eligibility requirements. Sets forth such eligibility requirements. Sets forth the duties and powers of a national governing body and the requirements which an amateur sports organization must meet to hold an athletic competition or sponsor athletes in competition and be sanctioned by a national governing body. Grants to the Corporation the power of review over the actions of any national governing body and invests a United States district court with jurisdiction to enjoin any action of a national governing body inconsistent with the terms of the Corporate charter. Sets forth procedures for the Corporation in (1) processing a complaint against a national governing body by an individual athlete or an amateur sports organization; (2) revoking recognition of a national governing body; and (3) replacing an incumbent national governing body. Provides for arbitration of a determination of the Corporation. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to lend financial assistance to the Corporation in developing amateur athletics in the United States. Authorizes appropriations for carrying out the work of the national governing bodies. Directs the Secretary to conduct a feasibility study to determine the most appropriate means of providing funding to the Corporation for the construction and operation of training centers and sports medicine research facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1978
Polar Living Marine Resources Conservation Act - Directs the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, to establish a comprehensive program for the study, monitoring, and assessment of polar living marine resources and the marine environment of the Arctic and Southern Oceans. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants and enter into contracts to obtain assistance in carrying out such program. Requires the Secretary to consult with other Federal agencies with responsibilities for polar living marine resources research and protection to ensure that the study and assessment under this Act is coordinated and that the program is consistent with international conventions or treaties. Requires the Secretary to submit annual reports to the Congress and the President concerning this Act. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1978
Polar Living Marine Resources Conservation Act - Directs the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, to establish a comprehensive program for the study, monitoring, and assessment of polar living marine resources and the marine environment of the Arctic and Southern Oceans. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants and enter into contracts to obtain assistance in carrying out such program. Requires the Secretary to consult with other Federal agencies with responsibilities for polar living marine resources research and protection to ensure that the study and assessment under this Act is coordinated and that the program is consistent with international conventions or treaties. Requires the Secretary to submit annual reports to the Congress and the President concerning this Act. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1978
Toxic Substances Control Act Amendments - Title I: Toxic Substances Injury Assistance - Amends the Toxic Substances Control Act to authorize the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to make grants to States for up to 75 percent of the amounts paid by such States in toxic substances injury assistance to qualified individuals and businesses. Stipulates that priority shall be given in granting assistance to actions principally involving polybrominated biphenyls. Imposes conditions upon applicants for assistance under this title. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants to States for the establishment and operation of medical programs designed to monitor adverse effects of chemical substances. Authorizes the Administrator to make payments to individuals for actual medical expenses incurred as a result of exposure to injurious chemical substances. Authorizes the appropriation of $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1977, 1978, and 1979, to the Administrator for grants and payments under this title. Title II: Authorization for Appropriations - Amends the Toxic Substances Control Act to increase the amounts authorized to be appropriated to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency under such Act to $50,000,000 for fiscal year 1978 and $100,000,000 for fiscal year 1979.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1978
Amends the Great Lakes Fisheries Act of 1956 to require the United States Section of the Great Lakes Fishery Commission to prepare a preliminary report containing (1) a description of each Great Lakes fishery, (2) a description and an assessment of Great Lakes conservation and management being implemented by the States involved in the fishery, (3) an evaluation of each Great Lakes fishery maximum yield, water and air pollution effects on such fisheries, and potential for new fisheries, and (4) recommendations for conservation and management actions which should be implemented by the Great Lakes States. Stipulates that each Great Lakes State which establishes and implements a fisheries monitoring program meeting the requirements of this Act shall be eligible for funds appropriated pursuant to this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of $50,000,000 to construct the Great Lakes fish hatcheries. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to provide for the construction, and to select the locations, of such fish hatcheries.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1978
Amends the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act of 1973 to provide that any mandatory allocation regulation of crude oil, residual fuel oil, or refined petroleum products which requires a cash transfer arrangement to reduce disparities in the crude oil acquisition costs of domestic refiners shall not be effective if such arrangement (1) allows for adjustments for residual fuel oil or other petroleum products, and (2) such adjustment is not available on an equal basis in each region or area of the United States. Prohibits the imposition or collection of any tariff, fee, or duty on the importation of residual fuel oil or any refined petroleum product unless such fee is imposed on an equal basis in each region and area of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1978
Investment Tax Credit Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an additional investment tax credit for machinery and equipment placed in service in existing manufacturing plants or in nearby areas.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1978
Declares that certain proposed regulations of the Department of the Treasury regarding centralized firearms sales recordkeeping and other firearms control measures exceed the Departments' authority, and directs that the regulations be withdrawn.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1978
Amends the Local Public Works Capital Development and Investment Act of 1976 to increase the amount authorized to be appropriated to carry out such Act to $10,000,000,000.
United States · United States Congress · 11 April 1978
Economic Redevelopment Area Tax Incentive Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an additional five percent investment tax credit for new, depreciable business property placed in high unemployment urban areas. Increases the maximum investment credit allowable to 90 percent of income tax liability exceeding $25,000. Allows employers a limited income tax credit for a portion of the wages paid to certain new employees for services in high unemployment urban areas.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1978
Amends the Merchant Marine Act, 1936, to permit Federal guarantees on ship mortgages for Great Lakes vessels in an amount not exceeding 87 1/2 percent of the actual or depreciated actual cost of such a vessel.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1978
Expresses the condemnation by the Congress of the March 11, 1978, attack on Israel by the Palestine Liberation Organization, and the expressed intention of the PLO to continue such attacks and to disrupt the peace efforts between Israel and Egypt. Requests the President to make the disapproval of the Congress known to governments approving the PLO attack. Expresses Congressional approval of the peace efforts between Israel and Egypt. Urges other Middle East countries to join such efforts. Declares negotiation to be the best way to bring peace to the Middle East.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1978
Authorizes appropriations for the Coast Guard for fiscal year 1979. Sets forth the authorized end strength level for active duty personnel and the average military training student load for the Coast Guard for such fiscal year. Authorizes the Coast Guard to enter into a long term lease for the purpose of acquiring land on the Quillayute Indian Reservation in the State of Washington in order to relocate the Quillayute River Coast Guard Station.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1978
Amends the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972, as amended, to extend authorization for appropriations for fiscal years 1979 and 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1978
Amends the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972, as amended, to extend the authorization of appropriations for ocean dumping research for fiscal years 1979 and 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1978
Authorizes appropriations for the Coast Guard for fiscal year 1979. Sets forth the authorized end strength level for active duty personnel and the average military training student load for the Coast Guard for such fiscal year. Amends the Federal Boat Safety Act of 1971 to authorize appropriations for State boating safety programs for such fiscal year. Authorizes the Coast Guard to enter into a long term lease for the purpose of acquiring land on the Quillayute Indian Reservation in the State of Washington in order to relocate the Quillayute River Coast Guard Station. Authorizes the Coast Guard to enter into a long term lease for its Aviation Training Center at Bates Field, Mobile, Alabama, and to expend funds for specified construction projects at such training center.
![Official portrait of Rep. Ruppe, Philip E. [R-MI-11]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/7f5d91a178390c491bd38e58af456a11_200.jpg)