United States · United States Congress · 3 November 1977
Title I: Substantive Amendments to the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to integrate its provisions with certain proposed changes in the Federal bankruptcy laws, including provisions relating to recapture of investment credits, discharge of indebtedness, railroad reorganization stock redemptions, the effect of shareholder termination of interest on the earnings and profits of a corporation, sales in connection with liquidations, transfers between controlled corporations, receivership transactions, personal holding companies, operating loss carryovers, depreciation recapture, Tax Court procedure, and income, estate and gift tax claims in bankruptcy proceedings. Title II: Miscellaneous Technical and Conforming Amendments to the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make technical and conforming amendments for purposes of integrating the Code with certain proposed changes in the Federal bankruptcy laws. Title III: Amendments to Four Special Tax Provisions of Title II of the United States Code - Extends certain provisions of Federal bankruptcy law pertaining to taxes to include Federal taxes.
United States · United States Congress · 3 November 1977
Independent Local Newspaper Act - Amends the Internal Revenue to promote the survival of independent newspapers by providing for the establishment of tax exempt trusts for paying estate taxes on such papers, and by postponing the payment of estate taxes on such papers.
United States · United States Congress · 3 November 1977
Small Business Government Contracting Reform Act - Simplifies Government contracting procedures with respect to small businesses. Establishes Government contract arbitration panels within the Small Business Administration to facilitate the resolution of disputes between any small business concern and any Federal agency having procurement authority. Directs Federal agencies to take the apparent low responsive bidder's small business concern subcontracting plan into account in determining the responsibility of such bidder for the award of such contract. Assigns an employee of the Small Business Administration to each Federal agency to monitor compliance with specified small business programs. Establishes the Small Business Procurement Advisory Committee.
United States · United States Congress · 2 November 1977
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 · 28 October 1977
Radioactive Waste Management Act - Amends the Atomic Energy Act to require the transfer of radioactive waste generated by licensees under such Act to Federal repositories for storage. Directs the Energy Research and Development Administration to construct and operate such repositories. Directs the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to establish and enforce standards for construction and operation of all Federal repositories. Requires the Commission to hold public hearings in each State which has jurisdiction of any property within 25 miles of the site of the proposed repository and to consult with the Governors of such States. Amends the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974 to grant the Nuclear Regulatory Commission licensing and regulatory authority regarding Federal repositories. Requires the transfer of military radioactive waste to Federal repositories. Directs the Administrator of the Energy Research and Development Administration to restore the background radiation at abandoned uranium mill sites or mines as designated by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to levels which approximate those levels which existed before operations commenced at such sites. Authorizes States to exercise concurrent authority regarding radioactive waste storage if the State requirements impose additional or more stringent standards for the construction or operation of such facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 26 October 1977
Senior Citizen Higher Education Opportunity Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require that higher education institutions receiving Federal aid submit to the Commissioner of Education a senior citizen access plan providing for tuition-free registration of qualified senior citizens in scheduled classes and programs on a space available basis. Directs that such plan be implemented to the satisfaction of the Commission. Enjoins the payment of funds or the approval of supplemental or special grants under specified titles of such Act unless the institution seeking aid has established and fully implemented a senior citizen plan.
United States · United States Congress · 25 October 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 · 20 October 1977
Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to eliminate from the classes of excludable and deportable aliens those aliens who: (1) are anarchists; (2) are opposed to organized government; or (3) are members or advocates of the Communist or a totalitarian party. Amends the Subversive Activities Control Act of 1950 to remove the prohibition against the application by a member of a Communist organization for a U.S. passport, and the issuance of a passport to such a member.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 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 · 20 October 1977
Declares it the sense of the House of Representatives that the President of the United States (1) should propose an immediate suspension of underground nuclear explosions to remain in effect so long as the Soviet Union abstains from conducting underground explosions, and (2) should set forth promptly a new proposal to the Government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and other nations for a permanent treaty to ban all nuclear explosions.
United States · United States Congress · 19 October 1977
Family Violence Prevention and Treatment Act - Title I: General Provisions - Sets forth the findings of Congress and declares the purposes of this Act. Defines terms used in this Act. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the provisions of this Act in fiscal year 1978 and 1979. Title II: Coordinating Council on Family Violence - Establishes within the executive branch an independent organization known as the Coordinating Council on Family Violence (Council). Specifies the membership of the Council. States that the functions of the Council shall be: (1) to identify, assess, and coordinate all Federal programs related to problems of family violence in order to eliminate duplication of effort, inefficient use of resources, and lack of strategic objectives and priorities; and (2) to stimulate new programs within member agencies of the Council where necessary to fill gaps in services, funding, research, or demonstration programs. Directs the Council to make recommendations to the President and the Congress at least annually with respect to the coordination of overall policy and development of objectives and priorities. Title III: National Center for Community Action Against Family Violence - Directs the Director of ACTION to establish a National Center for Community Action Against Family Violence. States that the purpose of the Center shall be to provide information and technical assistance to local community groups which need assistance with organizing or operating existing or proposed programs dealing with family violence. Describes the functions of the Center including: (1) the development and maintenance of an information clearinghouse for services available for the treatment and prevention of family violence; (2) the establishment of a toll-free telephone number for the provision of information and counseling; (3) the development of a volunteer force to provide service through community centers dealing with family violence; (4) the making of grants to support and train volunteers; and (5) the development of a campaign to educate the public about the problems of family violence and resources available to deal with such problems. Sets forth procedures for the execution of such functions. Title IV: Amendments to the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act - Requires State plans under the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act to include provisions for the reporting of forms of family violence in addition to child abuse and neglect. Title V: Evaluation and Research - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to provide a specified sum for each of the two years following the enactment of this Act to evaluate the impact of community programs assisted by HEW on the prevention and treatment of family violence.
United States · United States Congress · 17 October 1977
Stipulates that nothing in agreements entered into between the Secretary of Transportation and a State highway department for the construction of projects on the Interstate System shall require the removal of establishments serving users of interstate highways if such establishment was in existence before January 1, 1960, is owned by a State, and if all access to and exits from such establishments conform to specified standards.
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 · 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 · 6 October 1977
Social Security Rights Act - Requires that procedures be established for the expedited replacement of undelivered benefit checks under title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act. Requires that decisions (and reconsiderations) on initial benefit claims be made within 90 days. Requires that payment of benefits on approved claims begin no later than the day regularly fixed for delivery of benefit checks in the second month following the month in which the claim was approved.
United States · United States Congress · 16 September 1977
Establishes procedures for taking the decennial census. Establishes a decennial census period beginning two years prior to the decennial census date and ending three years after such date. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce during this period to conduct a trial census which shall be the final test of all the procedures to be used in taking the decennial census. Requires the Secretary to submit a report regarding such trial census to specified committees in Congress prior to conducting such a census. Stipulates that no changes may be made in the content or procedures to be used in taking a decennial census after four months following the date of a trial census. Stipulates that the decennial census shall consist only of: (1) an enumeration of the population; (2) sample surveys of the characteristics of the population and housing of the United States; and (3) supplemental surveys necessary to meet the needs of the Federal, State, or local government for economic and social data. Sets forth restrictions regarding the collection of such data. Allows employees conducting the enumeration of population access to the records of the Federal Government and of State or local governments which are necessary to insure that all individuals and households are counted. Stipulates that such employees may obtain only names and addresses from such records and that such information may only be used for purposes of the enumeration. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct special surveys in a State for the purpose of clarifying the findings of decennial supplemental surveys. Directs the Secretary to prepare a plan specifying procedures to be used for correcting errors in census counts and to submit such plan to specified committees in Congress. Directs the Secretary, beginning in 1985, to conduct a mid-decade census of population. Requires the use of the most recent data, either from the decennial or mid-decade census, in determining eligibility for benefits under Federal programs in which census data is a factor. Requires the Secretary to submit specified reports to Congress prior to the taking of a decennial or mid-decade census. Directs the Secretary to insure that the language and categories of questions used on census forms take into account the needs and preferences of the public and to establish a program to provide information to the public regarding the need for, and operation of, the decennial census. Authorizes the Secretary to establish a program for the training and selection of supervisory employees engaged in decennial census activities. Directs the Secretary to prepare a plan for conducting censuses other than the decennial or mid- decade census and to submit such plan to Congress at least 60 days before the census is begun. Authorizes the Secretary to issue "determination estimates," defined as estimates derived from any data which (1) is not produced as an activity of the decennial census period and (2) is produced to enable the executive branch of the Federal Government to determine the amount of benefit received under a Federal law by a State or local government. Sets forth procedures by which a State or local government may challenge such an estimate. Directs the Secretary to establish a Division of Evaluation within the Bureau of the Census to evaluate censuses and to submit the results of such evaluation to the Secretary and the Director of the Census. Directs the General Accounting Office to review evaluations made by the Division every three years. Directs the Secretary in 1979, in 1983, and in every fifth year thereafter, to conduct a census of agriculture. Directs the Secretary to conduct a census of irrigation and drainage in 1979, 1983, and every tenth year after 1983.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 1977
Amends the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act to authorize the Administrator of General Services to assign surplus Federal real property to the Secretary of Commerce for disposal of such property at not less than 25 percent of the fair market value to States and local areas threatened by unemployment as a result of the closing of Federal facilities. Requires that such property be used by the transferees for economic development purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 1977
Cooperative Organization Competition Act - Amends the Clayton Act to subject the operation of agricultural and horticultural organizations to the antitrust laws. Permits their continued existence provided that their formation through an acquisition or merger does not effect commerce by lessening competition or creating a monopoly. Sets limits on the size, as determined by annual sales volume, of members in such organization. Requires equitable relief including dissolution, upon a finding that such conditions are breached by such organization.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 1977
Domestic Violence Prevention and Treatment Act - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, acting through the Director of the National Institute of Mental Health, to establish a grant program designed to support projects which: (1) develop methods for the identification, prevention, and treatment of domestic violence; and (2) provide for family rehabilitation and support, and for emergency shelter and protection for individuals who are threatened by domestic violence. Directs the Director to establish a national information and resource clearinghouse to collect, analyze, prepare, and disseminate information relating to domestic violence. Requires the Director, in cooperation with the Administrator of Law Enforcement Assistance and the head of any other Federal agency involved with domestic violence, to study state laws, practices, and policies relating to domestic violence. Requires the Director to annually review the effectiveness of projects carried out under this Act and to report the findings to the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to transmit each such report to the President and to each House of Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 8 September 1977
Retirement Savings Equal Treatment Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow certain individuals whose employers make contributions to pension plans a deduction for their contributions to employer pension funds, and to allow a deduction to certain individuals who establish modified individual retirement plans when the employer-employee pension contributions are small.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1977
Provides that recipients of veterans' pensions and compensation will not have the amount of such pension or compensation reduced because of increases in social security benefits. Applies to annual income determinations made for calendar years after 1976.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1977
Excludes cost-of-living increases in Social Security benefits from consideration as household income for purposes of determining: (1) eligibility for participation in the food stamp program; (2) the charge for issuing a coupon allotment to a household; and (3) eligibility for any Federal program administered by the Department of Agriculture which provides for the donation or distribution of surplus agricultural commodities to low-income persons.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1977
Prohibits the consideration of any cost of living increase of Old Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance benefits after May 1977 for purposes of determining the eligibility for or amount of assistance which any individual or family is provided under specified Federal housing programs.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 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 · 5 August 1977
Amends the program of Aid to Families with Dependent Children of Title IV and Title XVI (Supplemental Security Income for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled) of the Social Security Act to assure that recipient of aid and benefits under such Titles do not have the amount of such and or benefits reduced because of increases in the amount of benefits under Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1977
Amends Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to assure the individuals otherwise eligible for benefits under such Title do not lose such eligibility, or have the amount of such benefits reduced, because of increases in the amount of benefits under Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1977
Amends the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973 to authorize the Secretary of Transportation to guarantee securities and obligations issued by a railroad in reorganization to State and local taxing authorities to secure the railroad's tax obligations when the Consolidated Rail Corporation, the United States Railway Association, or the Federal Government asserts a superior interest in payment out of the estate of such railroad during reorganization or liquidation proceedings under the Bankruptcy Act. Directs the Secretary, if sufficient funds are unavailable to discharge such guarantees, to issue notes or other obligations to the Secretary of the Treasury. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to sell such olbigations. Authorizes appropriations in such amounts as may be necessary to discharge all of the Secretary of Transportation's obligations under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1977
Historic Properties Improvement Loan Act - Title I: Assistance for the Preservation of Historic Structures under Certain Housing Laws - Amends the National Housing Act to authorize the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to insure financial institutions against losses resulting from loans for the purpose of preserving historic structures regardless of whether they are residential. Increases the limit on the size of a loan financing a historic structure preservation which may be insured under this Act. Amends the Housing Act of 1964 to authorize the Secretary to make loans to finance the rehabilitation of historic structures. Redefines the term "historic structure" as any structure registered in the National Register of Historic Places or certified as such by the Secretary of the Interior. Permits increases of up to 30 percent of the amount of a loan allowed under this Act, if such increase in necessary for architectural rehabilitation of historic structures. Title II: Authorization of Matching Assistance for the Preservation of Historic Structures under Certain Housing Laws and the Act of October 15, 1966 - Permits the making of matching grants to States for historic preservation projects regardless of whether such projects receive federally insured or guaranteed loans or direct loans.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1977
Older Americans Long-Term Care Act - Title I: Long-Term Care for the Elderly and the Disabled - Establishes a program of long-term comprehensive services for the elderly financed by the Federal Government and the States. Establishes within the Department of the Treasury a Federal Long-Term Care Trust Fund for such program. Requires a State to establish a State Long-Term Care Agency in order to receive funds under this Act. Requires such State agency to create within the State a system of Community Long-Term Care Centers. Title II: Miscellaneous Provisions - Sets forth the relationship between the program established by this Act and certain programs under the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1977
Veterans Health Care Amendments Act - Requires the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to furnish initial readjustment professional counseling (including a general mental and psychological assessment) for any veteran with readjustment problems who requests such aid within four years after his discharge or release from service, or within two years after enactment of this Act, whichever is later. Requires further mental health services on an outpatient basis if a physician employed by the Veterans' Administration determines on the basis of initial counseling that such services are necessary for the veteran's successful readjustment. Directs the Chief Medical Director to provide for the training of professional, paraprofessional, and lay personnel necessary to carry out such programs. Directs the Administrator to ensure that all potentially eligible veterans are advised of such potential eligibility. Authorizes the Administrator to provide a preventive health care program to ensure the best possible health care for veterans with service-connected disabilities. Directs the Administrator to provide for a health maintenance pilot program to demonstrate the medical advantages and cost-effectiveness of furnishing comprehensive preventive health care services to veterans with varied types and degrees of service-connected disabilities. Requires a comprehensive annual report to Congress on such programs. Requires the Administrator to carry out programs providing inpatient and outpatient treatment and rehabilitation services on a nationwide basis to eligible veterans suffering from alcohol or drug dependence or abuse disabilities. Directs the Administrator to assist the Secretary of Labor in providing veterans receiving such treatment with appropriate job and training opportunities. Requires the Administrator, when an applicant for such treatment has received a less than honorable discharge from the armed services, to advise such applicant of his right to apply for review and correction of such discharge. Requires the provision of such services to eligible veterans who are charged with or convicted of any criminal offense and who are not confined and not required to participate in such a treatment program; and permits provision of such services, under specified conditions, to eligible veterans similarly charged or convicted, if a court does require participation in such a program. Allows a member of the active armed services with alcohol or drug problems to transfer to any Veterans' Administration facility for treatment within the last 30 days of such member's tour of duty. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare and the Administrator to coordinate the Professional Standards Review program carried out under part B of title XI (General Provision) of the Social Security Act and the comparable programs carried out by the Department of Medicine and Surgery to assess the quality of patient care in Veterans' Administration health care facilities. Requires the Chief Medical Director, through the Administrator, to report to Congress on the effectiveness of such coordination. Requires the Chief Medical Director to report to Congress, not later than three months after the end of each fiscal year, on all activities in which he or a designee, as a representative of the Veterans' Administration, has participated in an advisory or coordinating capacity with respect to programs carried out by the executive branch.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1977
Amends the National Trails System Act of 1968 to re-establish the advisory council on the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, to limit such council's existence to ten years, and to reduce the term of council members from five to two years. Increases the limitations on acreage which may be acquired for rights-of-way and by condemnation proceedings along the Appalachian Trail without the consent of the owner from 25 acres in any one mile to at least 25 acres but not more than 125 acres within any one mile. Increases from $5,000,000 to $35,000,000 the authorization of appropriations for acquisition of lands for the Appalachian National Scenic Trail.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1977
Public Participation in Federal Agency Proceedings Act - Authorizes each Federal agency to award reasonable attorneys' fees and other costs of participation in all agency proceedings in which public participation is permitted or required. Permits such awards if the person participating in the agency proceeding represents a broad substantial public interest the representation of which contributes or can reasonably be expected to contribute substantially to a fair determination of the proceeding, and if the participant's economic interest in the outcome is small in comparison to the costs of effective participation in the proceeding or the participant demonstrates to the satisfaction of the agency that he or she does not have sufficient resources to participate effectively in the proceeding absent an award under this Act. Requires the agency to make a determination of eligibility under this Act prior to timely participation in the proceeding if all possible. Permits judicial review of a decision denying any participant of payment under this Act. Requires payment of an award under this Act within 90 days after the date of final decision. Allows such agency to make advance payments to permit the persons to participate or to continue to participate in the proceedings. Makes such recipient liable for repayment of such advance or ineligible for any amount he or she was originally entitled to if the agency determines that the person clearly has not provided the representation for which the payment were made or that the person has acted in an obdurate, dilatory, mendacious, or oppressive manner toward any other participant. Permits persons seeking judicial review of a Federal agency's action which relates directly to health, safety, civil rights, the environment, or the economic well-being of consumers to recover attorneys' fees and other reasonable costs of litigation from the United States if: (1) the plaintiff is afforded the relief sought in substantial measure; (2) the court determines that such action served an important public purpose; and (3) the economic interest of the person is small in comparison to the costs of effective participation in the action, or such person does not have sufficient resources to participate effectively in the action absent an award under this section. Requires the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to submit to Congress an annual report on awards of attorneys' fees and litigation expenses against the United States. Authorizes to be appropriated (1) for awards to participants in agency proceedings under this Act, $10,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 1979, 1980, and 1981; and (2) for awards to persons seeking judicial review of agency actions under this Act, such sums as may be necessary to make such awards for actions brought prior to the end of fiscal year 1981.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1977
Requires the Office of Management and budget to provide information on the formulas and assumptions used in the distribution of Federal domestic assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1977
Directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish the Channel Islands and Santa Monica Mountains National Park and Seashore. Places various administrative responsibilities with the Secretary. Abolishes the Channel Islands National Monument. Directs the Secretary, in cooperation with the State of California, the Secretary of Transportation, and local agencies to plan a coordinated public and private transportation system to and within the Park. Directs the Secretary to make and submit a study as to the design, construction, and operation of a public scenic transportation system with the Park area and to implement the construction and operation of such system unless either House of Congress passes a resolution against such construction. Establishes the Channel Islands and Santa Monica Mountains National Park and Seashore Advisory Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1977
National Academy of Peace and Conflict Resolution Commission Act - Establishes a Commission on Proposals for a National Academy of Peace and Conflict Resolution to study the establishment of such academy and alternative proposals which would assist the Federal Government in promoting peace. Directs the Commission to review the theory and techniques of conflict resolution and the institutions for conflict resolution. Directs the Commission to report its findings to the President and the Congress within one year from the availability of appropriations. Authorizes the appropriation of $500,000 to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1977
Social Security Rights Act - Requires that procedures be established for the expedited replacement of undelivered benefit checks under title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act. Requires that decisions (and reconsiderations) on initial benefit claims be made within 90 days. Requires that payment of benefits on approved claims begin no later than the day regularly fixed for delivery of benefit checks in the second month following the month in which the claim was approved.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1977
Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to prohibit the sale, offering for sale, or distribution of certain detergents containing excessive amounts of phosphorus for use within the Great Lakes Region. Defines the Great Lakes Region to include the States of New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. Stipulates that the maximum allowable amounts of phosphorus in such detergents shall not exceed (1) 0.5 percent in the case of machine laundry detergents and household cleaning agents; (2) 11 percent in the case of machine dishwashing detergents; and (3) 20 percent in the case of chemical water conditioners for machine laundry use. Authorizes the Administrator to exempt certain cleaning or water conditioning agents where compliance is deemed unreasonable, impractical, or not feasible. Imposes civil penalties of up to $10,000 for each violation of the prohibitions contained in this Act. Stipulates that illegal agents or conditioners shall be liable to be proceeded against and condemned in United States district courts. Establishes procedures for condemnation and disposal of such illegal products. Authorizes the Administrator to make inspections within reasonable limits in order to enforce the provisions of this Act. Directs the Administrator to study the feasibility of applying such regulations on a nationwide basis.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1977
Solar Energy Bank Act - Creates a Government corporation to be known as the Solar Energy Development Bank to make long-term, low-interest loans to encourage the use of solar energy in commercial and residential dwellings. Establishes procedures governing the processing and approval of loan applications by the Bank. Prohibits conflicts of interest, on the part of officers or employees of the Bank. Prohibits the Bank or its employees from utilizing the Solar Bank to finance political activities. Imposes criminal penalties for the furnishing of false or misleading information by applicants for loans under this Act. Declares that the Solar Bank and its assets shall be exempt by Federal, State, and local taxation. Establishes a Solar Energy Fund in the Treasury of the United States to pay the expenses of the Bank. Authorizes the appropriation of $5,000,000,000 to the Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1977
Title I: Amends the Act entitled "An Act to establish a Redwood National Park in the state of California" by increasing the acreage limitation of the park and revising the maps to reflect such changes. Permits the acceptance by donation of any State-owned lands, subject to certain conditions or reverters. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to expend appropriated funds for the management of these lands as well as for construction, design, and maintenance of facilities on them, notwithstanding any other provision of law. Vests title in the United States to all real property within the area indicated as "Proposed Additions" on the map entitled "Additional Lands, Redwood National Park, California," amended 167-80005A, as well as the down tree personal property within such area. Provides that actions taken against the United States for the recovery of just compensation for lands taken by the expansion shall be brought in the United States district court for the district in which the land is located without regard to the amount claimed. Permits the United States to initiate proceedings before the court to determine just compensation, and to deposit payments for the property acquired with the court in advance, which will stop interest running on the deposited amounts. Permits the Secretary to revest title to any real or personal property which he determines not to be necessary for the purposes of such Act, except that for which just compensation has already been paid. Permits the Secretary to sell any down timber which may be removed without damaging the park without regard to the usual procedures for the disposal of Federal excess property, and credit the proceeds of such sales to the Treasury of the United States. Directs the Secretary to convey a right-of-way to the State of California for a bypass highway around the eastern perimeter of Prairie Creek State Park. Requires that the Secretary convey the right-of-way, subject to any protective conditions he may deem necessary, within one year of enactment of this Act. Provides that such route shall be considered a publicly-owned highway, for purposes of such Act. Repeals the 60 day waiting period on the execution of any contracts or cooperative agreements, or on any acquisition of interests in lands on the periphery of the park and on watersheds tributary to streams within the park. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary for the implementation of such contracts and cooperative agreements. Declares the intent of Congress that any such contracts or agreements will provide for the maximum retention of senior employees by any owners of peripheral property, and the use of such employees in rehabilitation and related management programs. Authorizes the Secretary, through contracts or cooperative agreements with certain public or private entities, to implement a rehabilitation program for areas both within and upstream from the park which are contributing sedimentation due to past road and logging activity. Stipulates that authority to make such payments is limited to those amounts provided for by appropriations. Provides that such contracts and agreements will be subject to other conditions which the Secretary may determine to be necessary to protect the park, provide employment opportunities for those affected by the expansion, and benefit the economies of the local counties. Authorizes the Secretary to identify and establish zones where rules and regulations will be needed to protect the park resources from detrimental upstream activities. Authorizes the Secretary to promulgate and enforce reasonable regulations and restrictions on timber harvesting and land rehabilitation and management practices within the defined zones. Requires that such regulations and restrictions may be promulgated only after the Secretary has consulted with the State of California, and has found that existing State regulations are not sufficient to achieve this required protection. Provides that this regulatory ability is not to be considered as authority to acquire lands or interests therein by the adoption of regulations, and any regulation deemed by a court of competent jurisdiction to be a compensable taking under Amendment V of the Constitution shall be of no further effect. Directs the Secretary to request the Attorney General to seek injunctive relief where necessary to prevent violations of regulations, or to require land rehabilitation or other required land practices. Requires that any such action will be based upon a showing of present or likely damage to park resources. Directs the Secretary to study erosion and sedimentation within the Redwood Creek basin, with particular effort to identify both man-caused and natural sources and causes of erosion, and adapt his management plan for the area to benefit from the studies. Requires the Secretary, or the Secretary of Agriculture where appropriate, to manage any additional lands within the Rock Creek drainage which are under his control, so as to minimize sedimentation, and in coordination with plans for sediment management in the basin. Permits the Secretary to authorize access to such areas by designated persons as needed to carry out such duties and to develop further scientific and professional information on the redwood forest ecosystem. Declares the intent of the Congress that the promotion and regulation of the National Park System is to be carried out in accordance with the maintenance of the integrity of this system, and management of these areas shall not compromise these resource values except as Congress may have specifically provided. Provides that provisions for the taking of lands under such Act will vest on the date of enactment. Provides that up to $359,000,000 may be expended from the amounts converted into the Land and Water Conservation Fund for fiscal years 1978 and following, to pay for land acquisition and down tree personal property. Provides that up to $5,000,000 of such funds may be used, in consultation with the Attorney General, to assist in settling the amounts to be paid for the expanded area. Directs the appropriate cabinet officers to analyze the federal actions which can be taken to assist the economies of the area, and to submit a report of the analysis, as well as recommendations for action, to the Congress. Directs the appropriate Departments to take actions within the framework of existing programs to assist the area economy. Provides for the establishment of employment programs to provide jobs to persons affected by the park expansion, and to contribute to the economic revival of the Del Norte and Humboldt counties, in Northern California. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to carry out such provisions. Authorizes the Secretary to appoint specific numbers of additional employees for the park, and to transfer affected State Park employees to the National Park Service. Provides that the Secretary shall give full consideration to individuals affected by the expansion area. Details the manner in which employment opportunities will be provided both in Federal jobs and in the private sector. Directs the Secretary of Labor to carry out this program, to provide appropriate job training and related benefits, as well as to seek the cooperation of all levels of government in this program. Requires the Secretary to submit annual written reports to the Congress for ten years. States that such reports will be concerned with the various programs authorized by such Act, as well as the submission of a general management plan for the expanded park, and specified information regarding visitor use provisions in the park. Authorizes to be appropriated $12,000,000 to carry out the rehabilitations programs, effective October 1, 1978. Provides for the continued application of the Payments in Lieu of Taxes Act to the expanded national park. Defines the Redwoods Community College District as an affected school district for such purposes. Directs that it shall be a purpose of this Act to maintain the employment levels of the Redwoods United, Incorporated. Pledges the full faith and credit of the United States to promptly pay just compensation for the lands and properties taken by this Act, using funds from the Land and Water Conservation fund account. Provides for public participation in such park protection and regulatory provisions, as well as a continuing review process to periodically examine the State regulations in effect and a provision for immediate implementation of the Federal regulatory system, if necessary. Provides for judicial review for various interested parties, in the United States district court for the district in which the park is located, without regard to the amount in controversy or the citizenship of the parties, in connection with any alleged failure of the Secretary to perform any non-discretionary act or duty under this Act. Provides for discretionary compensation by the courts to prevailing parties. Title II: Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to develop the necessary procedures to implement this title. Defines those employees considered to be affected by the expansion of Redwood National Park. Limits the number of employees to be so defined in certain portions of the local forest products industry. Provides for the protection and accrual of various rights and benefits of affected employees, to the maximum extent feasible. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to enter into agreements to accomplish such protections, including making payments on behalf of employees. Establishes the manner in which employee eligibility for the program will be determined. Defines the manner in which an individual employee's period of protection will be calculated. Sets the amount of layoff and vacation benefits which may be paid to an employee, including various deductions. Provides for the extension of benefits for certain older employees who would otherwise lose benefits before age 65. Permits an employee who would otherwise qualify for income maintenance benefits to elect to receive severance pay instead. Limits the eligibility for benefits of certain employees who have fewer than five years credit in pension plans which are contributed to by affected employers. Provides that such employees are eligible for a severance payment. Empowers the Secretary of Labor to authorize the funding of retraining of affected employees when found necessary. Provides for the payment of a job search allowances to affected employees. Sets forth the duties of the Secretary of Labor concerning such Act. Authorizes the annual appropriation of such sums as may be required to meet the obligations of this Title, effective October 1, 1977.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1977
Natural Diversity Preservation Act - Title I: Statement of Findings and Purposes - States that the purpose of this Act is to establish a nationwide policy of preserving representative examples of the full range of the elements of natural, biological, and geological diversity found in the United States. Title II: Responsibility and Function - Establishes in the Department of the Interior the Office of Nationwide Ecological Reserves which shall have as its function, among other things, the development and administration of a identifying those examples of elements of natural diversity deemed relevant for potential inclusion on the Nationwide Registry of Ecological Reserves. Establishes the Nationwide Ecological Reserves Board. Title III: Inventory and Registry - Requires the development of a Nationwide Registry of Ecological Reserves which shall classify resources according to their relative significance: National, State or local. Sets forth standards of protection for National Classification Registry entries. Title IV: Funding Authorization - Establishes the Natural Diversity Preservation Fund in the Department of the Treasury. Defines the terms which must be followed by the Secretary of the Interior in providing financial assistance for Federal agencies, State and local governments, and the private sector.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1977
Establishes the Admiralty Island National Preserve in Alaska to be administered by the Secretary of the Interior. Authorizes the Secretary to acquire lands and water interests within the boundaries of the preserve except for lands owned by specified local cities and organizations. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into agreements with Kootznoowoo, Incorporated, representative of the Tlingit community of Admiralty Island to establish research programs for the preservation of cultural resources of Admiralty Island. Requires the Secretary to submit to specified congressional committees a plan indicating lands of historic, cultural and scientific interest. Allows the owner of improved property in the preserve to retain, upon its acquisition by the Secretary, a right of use and occupancy. Requires the Secretary to publish rules concerning such uses of the preserve as hunting, fishing, and public modes of transportation. Requires a local advisory committee to be consulted relative to specified regulations. Directs the Secretary to offer first to Kootznoowoo, Incorporated any contract for the establishment of revenue-producing visitor services. Designates as wilderness specified lands in the Tongass National Forest in Alaska. Provides for an exchange of timber rights between the Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior and the Interior and Kootznoowoo, Inc. Allows local native organizations, under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, to either Select lands for their own use which shall then be exempted from the preserve or, in specified cases, receive alternative lands of equal value elsewhere in Southeast Alaska.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 1977
Petroleum Industry Pipeline Divestiture Act - Amends the Clayton Act to make it unlawful, after December 31, 1980, for any person who owns or controls a pipeline to transport by such pipeline any petroleum, petroleum product, or natural gas which it owns or controls, or has owned, controlled, produced, or refined. Requires each person who transports by such pipeline any petroleum, product of petroleum refining, or natural gas, not later than December 31, 1979, to submit to the Attorney General plans for compliance with this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 1977
Energy Technology Availability Act - Amends the Clayton Act to make it unlawful for any person owning any nonnuclear energy technology to refuse or fail to make it available to any qualified applicant at reasonable rates on reasonable and nondiscriminatory terms for use in the development, demonstration, or commercial application of any nonnuclear energy process or system.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 1977
Horizontal Divestiture in the Energy Industries Act - Revises the Clayton Act to make it unlawful, after a specified date, for any corporation or association affecting commerce to control mineral deposits in two or more of the following classes: (1) coal; (2) petroleum and natural gas; or (3) uranium and other fissionable minerals. Requires any corporation or association that would be in violation of this Act, but for the specified compliance date, to submit plans to the Federal Trade Commission for compliance by such date.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 1977
Federal Coal Lease Preference Act - Revises Federal mineral leasing laws to require that the Secretary of the Interior give priority to applicants for coal leases who are not petroleum companies or electric utility companies.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 1977
Federal Uranium Leasing Act - Revises the mineral leasing laws to place the mining of uranium on Federal lands under the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920. Stipulates that prior rights to mine uranium on Federal lands under the mining law of 1872 shall expire on December 31, 1979, unless such rights are held under a mining claim which has been patented.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 1977
Federal Energy Leasing Limitations Act - Revises Federal mineral leasing laws to prohibit companies from acquiring control over more than one of the following energy assets; coal, uranium or other fissionable minerals, or oil or natural gas. Stipulates that such prohibition shall take effect after December 31, 1979.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 1977
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 · 15 July 1977
Social Security Rights Act - Requires that procedures be established for the expedited replacement of undelivered benefit checks under title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act. Requires that decisions (and reconsiderations) on initial benefit claims be made within 90 days. Requires that payment of benefits on approved claims begin no later than the day regularly fixed for delivery of benefit checks in the second month following the month in which the claim was approved.
![Official portrait of Rep. Seiberling, John F. [D-OH-14]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/s000230_200.jpg)