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United States · Official source
426 records where Rep. Steers, Newton I., Jr. [R-MD-8] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1977
Calls for the President to seek a treaty or international agreement establishing a wildlife preserve for humpback whales in the West Indies.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1977
Requires the President to seek a treaty or other arrangement with Canada calling for an immediate moratorium on the killing of the eastern timber wolf.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1977
Marihuana Control Act - Amends the Controlled Substances Act to provide that the possession of not more than one ounce of marihuana for private use, or the transfer of not more than one ounce of marihuana without profit for private use, shall not constitute a crime against the United States. Provides for a civil penalty of not more than $100 for such possession or transfer.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1977
Amends the United Nations Participation Act of 1945 to permit enforcement of any executive order restricting the importation of Rhodesian chrome, pursuant to any United Nations Security Council resolution. Requires that steel mill products containing chromium not be imported while such executive order is in effect without the filing of a certificate of origin with the Secretary of the Treasury unless such shipment is released by the Secretary. Authorizes the Secretary to prescribe regulations to carry out this provision.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1977
Privacy Protection for Rape Victims Act - Amends the Federal Rules of Evidence to prohibit in cases of rape or assault with intent to rape the introduction of reputation or opinion evidence of a person's past sexual behavior. Permits the introduction of evidence of specific instances of a person's past sexual behavior only if such evidence is offered by the accused and is either: (1) on the issue of whether the accused was the source of pregnancy, disease, semen, or injury; or (2) on the issue of whether the alleged victim consented to the sexual behavior with respect to which the crime is alleged and restricted to the victim's past sexual relations with the defendant. Requires an accused who intends to introduce any such evidence to make a written motion to the court accompanied by a written offer of proof. Directs the court to hold a hearing on any such motion in chambers to determine admissibility.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1977
Requests the Administrator of General Services to study the impact that the presence of any real property owned by the United States has on the units of general local government within whose jurisdiction such property is located. Exempts from the scope of such study specified real property including that within the National Park System, the National Wilderness Preservation System, and the National Forest System. States that such study should include an examination of any financial loss suffered by such local government as a result of the tax-exempt status of such real property and the effect any such loss has on the goods and services provided by such local government.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1977
Consumer Food Labeling Act - Title I: Truth in Food Labeling Act - Truth in Food Labeling Act - Requires, under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, that the labels on all foods disclose each of their ingredients in order of predominance and the amounts of the ingredients in the food. Title II: Nutritional Labeling Act - Nutritional Labeling Act - Requires any packaged consumer food product to be labeled by the processor in conformity with specified information, including: with respect to processed food products, an analysis of nutritional contents including fat content, vitamin, and protein value, fats and fatty acids, calories, and any other nutritional information deemed appropriate. Requires such label to contain a statement of the nutritional value of the food commodity, and to appear in conspicuous and easily legible type on the package. Provides that the label of any packaged consumer product which has been packaged in a container of any given net content (by weight or volume) and which afterwards is packaged in a container of a different net content, shall conspicuously set forth the amount of difference. States that the appropriate Federal agencies shall prescribe regulations to carry out the purposes of this title. Provides for injunctions in Federal courts to assure compliance with this title. Prescribes a civil penalty of not to exceed $1,000 for any willful violation of this title; such sum to be assessed by the appropriate agency and enforced in a Federal court in the name of the United States. Title III: Open Dating of Perishable Food Act - Open Dating of Perishable Food Act - Provides, under the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act, that no person who manufactures or packages a perishable or semiperishable food in the form in which it is sold by retail distributors to consumers may distribute for purposes of sale a perishable or semiperishable food packaged by him in such form unless he has labeled such packaged to show the pull date for such food and the optimum temperature and humidity conditions for its storage by the ultimate consumer. Provides, with certain exceptions, that no retail distributor may sell, offer to sell, or display for sale any food whose pull date has expired. States that no person may place perishable or semiperishable foods in packages in shipping containers or in wrappings, unless such containers or wrappings are labeled by him to show the pull date. Provides that no person may change, alter, deface or remove before sale to the ultimate consumer any pull date. States that any person who violates any provision of this title shall be imprisoned for not more than one year or fined not more than $5,000, or both. Provides that the United States district courts shall have jurisdiction to restrain violations of this title. Requires the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to submit an annual report to the Congress concerning activities and enforcement of this title. Title IV: Marketing Practices Disclosure Act - Marketing Practices Disclosure Act - Requires that labels on packaged foods contain the names and places of business of the manufacturer, packer and distributor, rather than just one of the three. Title V: Consumer Food Grading Act - Consumer Food Grading Act - Requires the Secretary of Agriculture, after consultation with representatives of consumers, producers, and processors, to develop and promulgate a system of retail quality grade designations for consumer food products expressed in a uniform nomenclature. Authorizes the Secretary to determine the manner in which the system of consumer food grade designations shall be displayed and disseminated to the public. Provides that in developing and updating quality grade standards, consideration shall be given to the nutritional quality and wholesomeness of food products, as well as the acceptability of the products. Requires that any food products sold more than nine months after the promulgation of applicable quality standards in accordance with this title shall either be conspicuously labeled in accordance with such standards or shall be conspicuously labeled "not quality graded by the United States Department of Agriculture". Title VI: Unit Pricing Act - Unit Pricing Act - Provides that no person engaged in business in the sale at retail of any packaged consumer commodity which has been distributed in commerce, or the distribution of which affects commerce, shall sell, offer for sale, or display for sale any such commodity unless: (1) the total selling price of such commodity is plainly marked by a stamp, tag, or label affixed to a principal display panel of the package; and (2) the retail unit price of such commodity is plainly marked by: (a) stamp, tag, or label affixed to a principal display panel of the package, or (b) a label or sign in close proximity to the point of display of such package, which label or sign shall also contain the name and quantity of contents of such commodity. Exempts from the requirement of marking the unit price of commodities: (1) any individual retail outlet which sells or offers for sale packaged consumer commodities and whose total gross sales do not exceed $250,000 annually unless such outlet is one of a number of outlets owned substantially or whose inventory is supplied substantially, by a single person, partnership, or corporation whose total gross sales exceed $500,000 annually; (2) any retail mandatory unit pricing laws and whose laws, in the judgment of the Federal promulgating authority, are in scope and comprehensiveness superior to the requirements of this title; except that retailers (including chainstores and affiliated stores) who operate outlets in any such geographical area shall be subject to the unit pricing requirement of this title if they also operate outlets in one or more other States or political subdivisions. Title VII: New Ingredient Notification Act - New Ingredient Notification Act - Requires a food to carry a label setting forth in a conspicuous manner any change in its ingredients for six months after such change. Title VIII: Misleading Brand Names Act - Misleading Brand Names Act - Expands the meaning of "unfair or deceptive act or practice" under the Federal Trade Commission Act to include advertising a brand name of a product which inherently misleads the public as to the product's value, quantity, quality of contents, or performance.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1977
Requires the prominent labeling of prescription and over-the- counter drugs and pharmaceuticals whose effectiveness or potency becomes diminished after storage as to the date beyond which the product shall not be used. Authorizes the Food and Drug Administration to establish the "beyond use" dates for all applicable products, and the manner in which they shall be labeled.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1977
Prescription Drug Labeling Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require that in the labeling and advertising of drugs sold by prescription the established name of such drug must appear each time the drug's proprietary name is used. Permits a pharmacist to fill or refill a prescription for a drug identified by its proprietary name with any substitute drug if: (1) the practitioner does not specify in the prescription (in the case of a written prescription) or in transmitting the prescription to the pharmacist (in the case of an oral prescription) that the prescription is to be filled or refilled with only the drug so identified; and (2) the cost of the substitute drug to the patient for whom the prescription is made less than the cost to him of the drug so identified, and any other substitute drug. Directs that if a drug to be dispensed pursuant to a prescription of a practitioner licensed by law to administer the drug is identified in the prescription by its established name, any pharmacist who fills or refills the prescription shall fill or refill it with the substitute drug whose cost to the patient for whom the prescription is made is less than the cost to him of any other substitute drug, except that this provision shall not apply if the practitioner specifies in the prescription (in the case of a written prescription) or in transmitting the prescription to the pharmacist (in the case of an oral prescription) that the prescription is to be filled or refilled with another drug.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1977
Declares it the sense of the Congress that the President should establish a special task force to develop reliable information to determine whether the price of natural gas in interstate commerce should be deregulated. Stipulates that the task force shall consist of representatives of the Department of the Interior, the Federal Energy Administration, the Federal Power Commission, the Energy Research and Development Administration, and industrial and residential users. Directs the task force to report the findings of its study within three months after the date of adoption of this resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1977
Intergovernmental Coordination Act - Requires, under the Intergovernmental Cooperation Act of 1968, any Federal agency which administers any program requiring a State plan as a condition of assistance to give the Governor of the State, or such agency as the Governor may designate, an opportunity to comment on the relationship of such State plan to any comprehensive or other State plan or program or to any plan or program of any affected areawide planning agency or unit of general local government. Directs such department or agency or unit of general local government be provided with an opportunity to review any State plan which has provided with an opportunity to review any State plan which has specific applicability to or effect upon areawide or local planning and programming or which establishes criteria or distribution formulas or systems for State subgrants of Federal assistance. Repeals title VIII of the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 known as the Federal Urban Land-Use Act. Requires, whenever any Federal agency contemplates the disposal of any interest in real property, that reasonable notice be given to the Governor of the State in which such land is located and to the head of the governing body of the unit of general local government having jurisdiction over zoning and land-use regulation in the geographical area within which such land is located in order to afford the State and local government the opportunity of planning and zoning for the use of such land in accordance with State, areawide, and local comprehensive planning. Requires, to the extent practicable, prior to a commitment to acquire any real property or any interest in real property, any Federal agency or department to notify the State, the appropriate areawide agency and the local unit of general local government exercising zoning and land-use jurisdiction over the land proposed to be purchased of the intent of such agency or department to acquire such land and the proposed use of such land. Requires such acquiring agency to comply, to the extent practicable, with the zoning regulations and planning objectives of the State, areawide agency or local government with jurisdiction over such land. Permits any areawide agency which is designated under State laws or interlocal agreement to perform areawide comprehensive planning and has been designated as a planning and development clearinghouse to perform areawide planning under any Federal assistance program. Requires all such clearinghouses to prepare, adopt, and update annually a program for the coordinated use of Federal areawide planning assistance to develop and implement a unified and comprehensive areawide development plan. States that unless such program for the coordinated use of Federal areawide planning assistance has been adopted, no grant which assists areawide planning shall be made after two years from the date of enactment of this Act to any areawide planning agency under the authority of specified Federal assistance laws. Requires the concurrence of local governments within the jurisdiction of such development clearinghouse in such program. Requires such plan to be consistent with national urban growth and rural development policies. Provides that funds made available under any Federal assistance program for projects or activities undertaken by any areawide agency designated under State law or inter-local agreement to perform areawide comprehensive planning and to serve as a planning and development clearinghouse may be used jointly with funds made available for such projects or activities under any other Federal assistance program subject to regulations prescribed by the President.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1977
Administrative Rule Making Reform Act - Requires a Federal agency preparing to hold a rule making session to make a reasonable effort to inform those likely to be affected by the proposed rule making. Requires that if the affected group is large, representatives of such group must be notified. Requires, in addition to present requirements, that the notice of rule making include the projected effective date of the rules, the purpose of the rule making, the text of the proposed rules, and the technical or other studies on which the agency intends to rely in the rule making proceedings. Applies the requirements of this Act to all rule making sessions except (1) those specifically authorized to be kept secret in the interest of national security, (2) those relating to agency management, and (3) those promulgating rules which are not enforceable by imprisonment, fine, civil penalty, or denial of future Federal benefits. Requires public notice and public opportunity for comment of all rule making proceedings under this Act unless the agency finds that the rules to be proposed are emergency rules or are of routine or insignificant impact in which case the rule must be published with reasons for its adoption. Requires Federal agencies to give interested persons at least 45 days to participate in the rule making. Requires the agency to maintain a file of each proceeding to be made available to the courts, Congress, and to the public in connection with review of the rule. Limits the period for public comment to a maximum of 90 days. Requires a copy of all proposed rules to be sent to Congress. States that such rule, other than an emergency rule, shall not become effective if it is disapproved within 90 days by both Houses of Congress, or it is disapproved within 60 days by one House and no action is taken on the disapproval resolution by the other House. Provides that either House of Congress may, by resolution, require any agency to reconsider and resubmit any rule to which this Act applies. Requires that such proposed rule be repromulgated anew in accordance with all the provisions of this Act unless it is reconsidered and resubmitted to Congress within 180 days after the adoption of the resolution requiring such reconsideration. Sets forth procedures for adoption of resolutions to approve, disapprove, or compel reconsideration for both Houses. Requires the Administrative Conference of the United States to study congressional review of agency rule making under this Act and report the effect of such review on such rule making before July 1, 1982. Authorizes to be appropriated $200,000 to finance such study. Makes this Act effective on the first day of the first session of the 95th Congress. Terminates the congressional review required by this Act at the adjournment of the 97th Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1977
Revises title II (Old-Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to: (1) eliminate the five-month waiting period for disability benefits; (2) permit adopted children to qualify for benefits without regard to time of adoption; (3) eliminate the reconsideration stage in benefits determinations; (4) provide for the issuance of duplicate benefit checks where the initial checks are lost or delayed; and (5) provide for expedited benefit payments to disability beneficiaries. Increase to $7,500 the amount of outside earnings which an individual may earn without a deduction in benefits under title II of the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to authorize any taxpayer to elect to have any portion of any overpayment of tax or any contribution in money which the taxpayer forwards with the return for such taxable year be available, as the taxpayer may designate on such return, for the National Endowment for the Arts or the National Endowment for the Humanities.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1977
Electric Utilities Rate Reform Act - Directs State and local electric utility regulatory authorities to implement and maintain rate schedules which distribute costs to consumer classes in accordance with consumption patterns. Requires that rate schedules accurately reflect long-run incremental costs of service and that price differentials between consumer classes reflect actual document differentials in cost of service. Prohibits regulatory authorities from allowing recoupment of promotional and advertising expenses, unless such expenses finance efforts encouraging the consumption of electricity or the shifting of electricity consumption from peak load periods to off-peak load periods. Establishes standards to regulate monthly changes in rates by the use of fuel adjustment clauses. Establishes standards of determining the effective date of proposed changes in rates and schedules. Authorizes the Federal Power Commission to provide financial assistance to non-Federal regulatory authorities as necessary to meet additional costs incurred as a result of complying with provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1977
Amends rule XVI of the Rules of the House of Representatives to apply the ten minutes of debate rules to a motion to recommit with instructions on the adoption of a simple resolution or conference report after the previous question has been ordered.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow homeowners and renters who pay their gas bills an income tax credit for up to $25 of the expenses incurred in the conversion of pilot lights on gas cooking stoves, ranges and ovens to a system of manual ignition. Allows a $25 income tax deduction to other individuals and corporations for the same expenses.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1977
Humane Methods of Slaughter Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to appoint inspectors to examine the method by which cattle sheep and other equines are slaughtered and handled in the Federal Meat Inspection Act. Provides that such inspectors shall prevent the inhumane slaughtering of livestock. Directs such inspectors to label, mark, stamp or tag as "inspected and condemned" all carcasses of animals which were not slaughtered by a humane method. Forbids the importation of meat into the United States unless the livestock from which it was produced was slaughtered by a humane method.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1977
Calls for the consideration of the relationship between the violence depicted on television and violence in society by those persons responsible for television programming and broadcasting in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1977
Amends rule XI of the Rules of the House of Representatives to prohibit the use of Committee funds for travel unless the official nature of the travel is established by a resolution approved in a public session by majority vote of the committee involved. Requires the resolution to set forth: (1)the proposed itinerary in detail; (2)the purpose of each destination; (3)the names of all persons who propose to take the trip at private or committee expense; (4)reimbursement provisions; (5)the anticipated benefit to the taxpayers; and (6)the estimated total expense. Requires a complete travel report to be filed with the respective committee within ten working days of the completion of travel.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1977
Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to extend until September 30, 1978, the period of time during which funds allotted to States for the construction of treatment works shall remain available.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1977
Provides that recipients of veterans' pension and compensation will not have the amount of such pension or compensation reduced, or entitlement thereto discontinued, because of increases in monthly social security benefits. Applies these amendments to annual income determinations made for calendar years after 1972. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 415(g), adds 38 U.S.C. 503(d))
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1977
Federal Employees Flexible and Compressed Work Schedules Act - Requires each agency to establish a flexible scheduling or compressed work schedule experimental program covering a sufficient number of positions and work time alternatives on which to base an evaluation of the effectiveness of such program. Requires the Civil Service Commission to render educational and technical assistance to agencies for such programs. Sets forth the procedure whereby an agency head may seek an exemption from the requirements of this Act. Title I: Flexible Scheduling of Work Hours - Requires that the experimental testing of flexible work schedules include designated periods of required presence of employees and designated periods during which employees may choose arrival and departure times or accumulation of credit hours. Permits an agency head, upon a determination that the agency's functions are being handicapped or its costs are increasing, to restrict choice of arrival and departure time or credit hours, or to exclude any employees. Prescribes the method of computation of overtime under such a schedule, granting employees a choice of compensatory time in lieu of overtime. Limits premium pay for night-work under such a schedule. Requires payment to employees prevented from working on holidays because of such schedule. Permits use of time clocks under such experiments. Prohibits carryover of more than ten credit hours from one biweekly period to the next. Title II: Four-Day Week and Other Compressed Work Schedules - Permits agencies to conduct experiments with four-day workweeks or other compressed schedules. Stipulates that an employee in a unit not represented by an employee organization having exclusive recognition, will not be required to participate in any program under this Act unless the majority of employees in such unit have voted to so participate. Requires an agency, upon finding that participation in such a program would impose a personal hardship on an employee who has requested exemption from such program, to either except or reassign such employee. Exempts the hours of compressed schedules from provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act relating to premium pay for overtime work. Allows overtime pay for hours worked in excess of the hours of such compressed schedules. Title III: Administrative Provisions - Includes employees in labor organizations in experiments under this Act only to the extent provided in an agreement between such organizations and the agencies involved. Prohibits threats or coercion by fellow employees against employees not represented in labor organizations regarding the choice of work hours and credit hours. Requires an interim and a final report by the Commission to the Congress on results of and recommendations relating to the experiments conducted under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1977
Comprehensive Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act - Title I: Educational Assistance Program Amendments - Redefines the qualifying service period of an "eligible veteran" to be the period from August 4, 1964 to January 1, 1977; and redesignates as an "eligible peacetime post-Korean veteran" anyone whose qualifying service period fell between January 31, 1955, and August 5, 1964; and entitles both "eligible veterans" and "eligible peacetime post-Korean veterans" to all benefits, services and loans available under the educational assistance program. Extends from 36 to 45 months the period of eligibility for receiving educational assistance (this provision currently exist, 38 U.S.C. 1661 (a)). Sets conditions for extending the ten-year delimiting period for receipt of assistance up to a maximum of two additional years. Provides that counseling offered by the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to veterans eligible for educational assistance may include assisting any veteran: (1) to select the occupation or training objective suitable to personal circumstances, characteristics, financial resources, dependent responsibilities and other relevant factors; (2) to select the occupation or training objective which will provide reasonable opportunities for employment and with job satisfaction after development of the required job skills; (3) to select the educational institution that will effectively assist in attaining educational or vocational objectives; and (4) to develop a program of education that will lead to a recognized and predetermined educational, vocational, technical, or professional objective within the veteran's period of entitlement. Directs the Administrator to take such measures as may be necessary, including denial of applications or disapproval of courses, to insure that no aspect of the educational assistance program is used for the purpose of income supplementation, unemployment compensation, or adjusted compensation. Allows continued payments to veterans enrolled in institutions not complying with provisions of the Act if such veterans are not at fault for the noncompliance. Provides an accelerated educational assistance allowance, not to exceed twice the ordinary monthly amount, to be granted, after appropriate counseling, to an eligible veteran or person who demonstrates need for the acceleration. Stipulates the categories of persons most likely to need a program of acceleration. Limits any program of accelerated assistance allowances to five years. Title II: War Orphans' and Widows' Educational Assistance Program Amendments - Allows the ten-year period of eligibility for educational assistance for the spouse of a veteran with a service-connected disability to run from the wedding date of the spouse and such veteran. Entitles eligible war orphans and widows to accelerated educational assistance allowances. Title III: Administration of Educational Benefits - Extends the coverage of existing administrative provisions of the educational assistance program to all branches and extensions of an educational institution. Directs the Administrator to establish between the Administration, the State approving agencies and nationally recognized accrediting agencies and associations, an exchange of information pertaining to activities of educational institutions, especially to the enforcement of approval standard and enrollment restrictions and fraudulent and other criminal activities on the part of persons connected with the institution; and directs the Administrator to furnish the U.S. Attorney General, the Department of Defense, the Department of Health, Education and Welfare, the Federal Trade Commission, the Federal Communications Commission and other Federal, State and local agencies such information and assistance as may be necessary to preclude abuses or enhance the effectiveness of the programs established hereunder. Requires educational institutions to transmit to State approving agencies catalogs or bulletins certified as true, current and correct both in content and policy by an authorized school official. Requires the State approving agencies to find as a condition of approval, adequate standards of progress established and clearly defined, and to find that an institution and its programs of education are in every aspect, portion, element, and division in full compliance with the law. Revises the criteria for approval of nonaccredited courses. Requires all advertising, promotion, sales techniques, claims and personnel employed by or representing the institution and branches or extensions offering nonaccredited courses to be in compliance with all applicable State and Federal licensing regulations and laws. Permits the Administrator to disapprove any institution of program of education approved as accredited if it fails to comply with any of specified provisions of law. Makes any advance payment of initial educational assistance or subsistence allowance conditional, and denies such advance payments to those entitled to receive accelerated payments. Requires the application for conditional advance payments to indicate that the eligible veteran or person had requested such, that it is necessary and appropriated to meet specific expenses, and that such expenses shall reasonably equal or exceed the amount of conditional advance payment. Requires the Administrator to set up an appeals procedure for administrative proceedings involving property loss resulting from a decision to terminate or modify an eligible veteran's or person's educational benefits. Increases from $3 and $4 to $8 and $10 respectively the fees paid to educational institutions in reimbursement for reports and certifications. Directs the Administrator to refer to the U.S. Attorney General any deliberate, premeditated, or willful misconduct or illegal action of a significant nature or involving a significant sum of money stemming from overpayments occasioned by a false or misleading report by an educational institution. Sets new conditions for the enrollment of an eligible veteran or person in a program of correspondence or residence-correspondence. Denies approval of enrollment in an institution in any way affiliated with a proprietary institution or profitmaking operation which affects any program of education provided eligible veterans and persons unless such program meets all the requirements of the law. Requires the Administrator to notify any eligible veteran or eligible person of any available vocational assistance alternatives and of any legal recourse when it disapproves an institution or discontinues anyone's educational assistance. Requires the Administrator, upon determination that the interruption of failure of a person's program was due in whole or in part to problems of personal adjustment, to advise such person of available counseling services and vocational, educational and psychological assistance. Establishes with the Veterans Administration an Interagency Veterans' Advisory Task Force to advise and assist the Administrator, among other things, in: (1) the review of the effectiveness and coordination of all rights and services authorized for veterans; (2) the development and implementation of studies of the effectiveness of laws applicable to veterans and eligible persons; (3) the monitoring and evaluation and preclusion of abuses of veterans' adjustment assistance programs; (4) the investigation of allegations indicating that veterans are being denied rights, benefit,or assistance; and (5) the appraisal of Federal laws, appropriations, and policies meeting the readjustment needs of veterans. Directs the Task Force to serve as a national clearinghouse for information and assistance relating to the needs of veterans, and to serve as an advocate for the correction of problems and the preclusion of abuses. Establishes within the Task Force a section on enforcement and implementation of laws, a section on the evaluation and accreditation of military experience, and an Advisory Committee to take over the duties and responsibilities of the current advisory committee, with special emphasis on the inclusion and participation of veterans receiving or requiring readjustment assistance. Empowers the Task Force and its sections to issue subpenas. Requires the Task Force to report to Congress within one year of enactment its findings and recommendations for post-Vietnam era readjustment assistance programs. Sets maximum aggregate education loan amounts for eligible persons with no, one, two, or more dependents. Title IV: Miscellaneous Veterans Program Amendments - Requires the Veterans' Administration to adjust its adjudication criteria and under no circumstances to determine eligibility for veterans' benefits for ex-servicemen with other than honorable discharges with either less lenient or more restrictive criteria and procedures that those used by the various military departments in the review and upgrading of other than honorable discharges. Title V: Employment and Training of Disabled and Vietnam-era Veterans - Creates within the Department of Labor a separate agency to be known as the Veterans' Employment Service which shall be headed by an Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans' Employment. Title VI: Veterans' Administration: Miscellaneous Amendments - Directs the Administrator to initiate a comprehensive outreach and information program to inform veterans of the programs and services made available by this Act. Directs the veterans' representatives to carry out such outreach and information assistance services. Requires both the Administrator and the veterans' representatives especially to assist veterans whose educational benefits have ended because of the expiration of their delimiting period to obtain alternative means of completing their education and training.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1977
Redesignates the Boundary Waters Canoe Area in Superior National Forest, Minnesota, as the Boundary Waters Wilderness Area. Specifies restrictions relating to timber harvesting, mining, and use of recreational vehicles within such area. Increases to one and one-quarter percent of the fair appraised value the amount payable to the State of Minnesota with respect to lands within the Superior National Forest.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1977
Requires Federal agencies to publicly report to Congress all expenditures made for or on the behalf of a Member of Congress or a congressional employee with respect to the travel of such person and requires the committee of Congress which approved such travel to reimburse such agency for such expenditures.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1977
Terminates the authority of Members of Congress and Delegates to Congress from the various territories to make appointments to the various service academies. Terminates the authority of the Secretaries of the military departments to appoint members of the reserve components of the armed forces to the academies except under certain circumstances. Directs the Board of Visitors of the Military, Naval, and Air Force academies to inquire into the admission policy and procedure of these academies on their annual visit and to send their annual report to the Congress as well as the President. Directs the Board of Visitors of the Coast Guard and Merchant Marine academies to inquire into specified subject areas including admission policies and procedures on their annual visit and to report to the Congress as well as the President regarding their findings. Amends the Merchant Marine Act, 1936 to accomplish the purposes of this Act with respect to the Merchant Marine Academy.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1977
Authorizes the President of the United States to designate the week beginning November 6, 1977, and ending November 12, 1977, as "National Volunteer Firemen Week."
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1977
Requires the Congressional Record for the House of Representatives to contain an accurate and verbatim account of remarks actually delivered on the floor of the House together with supporting data. Limits revisions of verbatim remarks in the Record to the correction of grammatical and typographical errors which do not change the meaning, content, or substance of those remarks. Entitles Members to insert in the Records remarks not actually delivered on the floor. Stipulates that such insertions always be clearly distinguishable from verbatim remarks.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1977
Provides that the fees payable to agents or attorneys who represent veterans in allowed claims under the veterans laws shall be paid by the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs rather than deducted from amounts awarded under the claims.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1977
Amends Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to provide that attorneys' fees allowed in administrative or judicial proceedings under that Title (Or under title XVIII (Medicare) of such Act), in cases where the claimants are successful, shall be paid by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare rather than deducted from the amounts awarded claimants.
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 1977
National Consumer Cooperative Bank Act - Title I: National Consumer Cooperative Bank - Establishes the National Consumer Cooperative Bank to: (1) encourage the development of cooperatives eligible for its assistance by providing specialized credit and technical assistance; (2) maintain broad-based control of the Bank by its voting stockholders; (3) encourage broad-based ownership control and active participation by members in eligible cooperatives; (4) assure that the net savings from operations and the operations of borrowers from the Bank are made available or accounted for to the stockholders or members; and (5) assist in improving the quality and availability of goods and services to consumers. Authorizes the creation of no less than four nor more than twelve corporate regional banks. States that the Bank shall have the power to make and service loans, commitments for credit, guarantees, furnish financially related services, technical assistance, and issue obligations. Enumerates additional powers necessary to carry out its powers and duties. Requires the Bank to hold an annual meeting of stockholders. Permits the Bank to obtain funds through the public or private sale of its bonds, debentures, notes, and other evidences of indebtedness. Authorizes the Bank to make loans to eligible organizations which shall be repayable in not more than 40 years. States that the objective of the Bank shall be to provide the type of credit needed by eligible borrowers, at the lowest reasonable cost on a sound business basis, taking into account the cost of money to the Bank. Defines "eligible cooperatives" for purposes of assistance under this title. Title II: Self-Help Development Fund - Establishes in the Treasury a Consumer Cooperative Self-Help Development Fund. Permits the Cooperative Bank and Assistance Administration to make a capital investment advance out of the Fund to any eligible cooperative if the Administration determines that the applicant's initial or supplemental capital requirements exceed its ability to obtain a Title I loan from the Bank or other sources, and the membership of the applicant consists substantially of low-income persons. Title III: Cooperative Technical Assistance - Directs the Cooperative Bank and Assistance Administration to make available information and services concerning the organization or reorganization of cooperatives to best achieve the objectives of this Act and to best provide the means through which various types of goods, services, and facilities can be made available to members and patrons. States that such assistance may include investigations, surveys, and director and management training and assistance. Title IV: The Cooperative Bank and Assistance Administration and General Provisions - Establishes the Cooperative Bank and Assistance Administration. Directs the Administration to assure that the objectives of this Act are carried out. States that until the stock of the Bank held by the United States has been fully retired the Bank shall be exempt from any form of taxation. Requires the Administration and the Board to report annually to the appropriate committees of Congress on the activities of the Administration and on the Bank's capital, operations, financial condition, the self-help development fund, and to make recommendations for legislation to improve its services.
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 1977
Ocean Mining Incentive Act - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish an Office of Ocean Mining Incentives in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Directs the Office to establish a program of Federal insurance against ocean mining losses suffered during prototype operations. Specifies conditions and limitations with respect to such insurance coverage. Stipulates that such coverage may not exceed $100,000,000 in aggregate to any single firm. Stipulates that only those firms which have engaged in ocean mining research and development for at least five years and have expended at least $20,000,000 with respect to such activities shall be eligible for coverage. Directs the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to accelerate environmental assessment of deep seabed mining through preparation of a general programmatic environmental impact statement as required by the National Environmental Policy Act. Requires the use of such assessment as a basis for regulations governing the conduct of prototype mining operations. Imposes civil and criminal penalties upon ocean mining operations for violations of environmental requirements established by this Act or for unreasonable interference with lawful use of the high seas by any person. Authorizes injunctive relief in the United States district courts to prevent serious or irreparable damage to the marine environment from prototype operations or to prevent unreasonable interference with lawful uses. Expresses the support of Congress for the objectives of the United States Conference on the Law of the Sea. Declares it the sense of Congress that this Act be considered transitional in nature pending implementation of future diplomatic or legislative proposals. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as necessary for (1) the administration of this Act, and (2) for the ocean mining insurance fund established by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 1977
Amends the Tax Reform Act to provide an unlimited exclusion from gross income of disability payments received by persons who retired on or before October 1, 1976, and either retired on disability, or were entitled to retire on disability.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 1977
Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to require the Overseas Private Investment Corporation to terminate insurance or reinsurance issued to any investor, upon a Corporation determination that such investor has offered or paid, directly or indirectly, any significant amount of money (or anything of significant value) to a foreign official to influence any decision of a foreign government.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 1977
DNA Research Act - Expresses the finding of Congress that all research with regard to DNA is either in interstate commerce or substantially affects such commerce. Requires the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to promulgate guidelines for research involving DNA. Prohibits the granting of a patent on any procedure or organism resulting from such research unless all guidelines have been adhered to, and full disclosure has been made, regarding such process or organism. Imposes strict civil liability on persons carrying out such research for all injury to persons or property caused by such research. Authorizes the Secretary to issue licenses for research involving DNA. Prohibits any person from soliciting or accepting any specimen for research involving DNA or conducting such research unless a license for such research has been issued. Authorizes the Secretary to revoke, suspend, or limit such licenses for specified violations. Authorizes the Attorney General, at the Secretary's request, to bring suit to enjoin any activity by a research facility, licensed under this Act, which is believed by the Secretary to be unreasonably hazardous to the public health. Gives the Secretary authority to inspect facilities engaged in DNA research. Imposes criminal penalties for violation of this Act. Authorizes the court to render any person or entity convicted of such violation ineligible for Federal funds. Prohibits any research facility employer from discharging or discriminating against any employee because such employee is involved in a proceeding under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 1977
DNA Research Act - Expresses the finding of Congress that all research with regard to DNA is either in interstate commerce or substantially affects such commerce. Requires the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to promulgate guidelines for research involving DNA. Prohibits the granting of a patent on any procedure or organism resulting from such research unless all guidelines have been adhered to, and full disclosure has been made, regarding such process or organism. Imposes strict civil liability on persons carrying out such research for all injury to persons or property caused by such research. Authorizes the Secretary to issue licenses for research involving DNA. Prohibits any person from soliciting or accepting any specimen for research involving DNA or conducting such research unless a license for such research has been issued. Authorizes the Secretary to revoke, suspend, or limit such licenses for specified violations. Authorizes the Attorney General, at the Secretary's request, to bring suit to enjoin any activity by a research facility, licensed under this Act, which is believed by the Secretary to be unreasonably hazardous to the public health. Gives the Secretary authority to inspect facilities engaged in DNA research. Imposes criminal penalties for violation of this Act. Authorizes the court to render any person or entity convicted of such violation ineligible for Federal funds. Prohibits any research facility employer from discharging or discriminating against any employee because such employee is involved in a proceeding under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 1977
Grants a Federal charter to the United States Submarine Veterans of World War II. Stipulates that the purposes of such organization shall be: (1) to perpetuate and establish memorials to the memory of those who gave their lives in submarine warfare during World War II; (2) to award college scholarships; and (3) to make the general public aware of life aboard submarines during World War II.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 1977
Commission on the Reorganization of the Executive Branch Act - Establishes the Commission on the Reorganization of the Executive Branch of the Government to study all instrumentalities of the Government except the judiciary and the Congress to determine what changes in the organization of such entities are necessary to eliminate duplication and improve efficiency. Requires the Commission to submit to the President and Congress an interim report of its activities by June 30, 1978, and a final report by December 31, 1978, at which time the Commission shall cease to exist. States that such final report may propose such constitutional amendments, legislative enactments, and administrative action as might be necessary to carry out the Commission's recommendations. Permits the President to submit to Congress reorganization plans to implement any recommendation of the Commission. Makes such plan effective 60 days after such plan has been submitted unless disapproved by Congress. Permits the President to submit such a plan up until January 1, 1980. (Amends 5 U.S.C. 903; 905)
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 1977
Designates the week starting with the third Monday in February of each year as "National Patriotism Week."
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1977
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to authorize the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to determine, on the basis of medical evidence, whether purchase of durable medical equipment by a patient pursuant to title XVIII would be less costly or more practical than rental of such equipment. Allows the Secretary to waive the 20 percent coinsurance amount with respect to purchases of durable medical equipment whenever the purchase price of the equipment is at least 25 percent less than the reasonable charge for comparable new equipment. Directs the Secretary to encourage suppliers of durable medical equipment to make their equipment available to individuals entitled to benefits under title XVIII.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1977
Amends the Tax Reform Act to provide an unlimited exclusion from gross income of disability payments received by persons who retired on or before October 1, 1976, and either retired on disability, or were entitled to retire on disability.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1977
Establishes an 11-member Commission on the Humane Treatment of Animals to study the treatment of animals. Requires that the membership include zoologists, veterinarians, and representatives from humane societies. Requires the Commission to determine if animals are caused needless pain or suffering as a result of their treatment on farms and in laboratory experimentation. Requires Commission investigation into domestic pet growth rates and the effectiveness of existing laws regarding the treatment of animals. Excludes the study of the treatment of animals occurring in connection with the exercise of any religion. Directs the Commission to report its findings to the Congress and the Commission 60 days after it submits its final report. Authorizes appropriations of $750,000 per year to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1977
Amends the Arms Export Control Act to require the President to transmit certain information to Congress with respect to any proposed major arms sale to a non-NATO country. Prohibits the issuance of any letter of offer for such sale if the Congress disapproves such letter by concurrent resolution, within the first period of 30 days of continuous Congressional session after receipt of Presidential certification of such offer.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1977
Amends the Bankruptcy Act to establish in the order of payment out of bankrupt estates, a priority for consumers on account of a deposit of money made in connection with the purchase, lease, or rental of goods or services for personal, family or household use which were not delivered; or on account of a cause of action based on breach of warranty of fitness or merchantability or breach of express warranty or service contract with respect to the purchase, lease, or rental of goods or services for personal, family, or household use.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1977
Federal-Aid to Ridesharing Act - Title I: Short Title, Findings, Purpose, Policy, Goals, and Definitions - Declares it the national policy to encourage ridesharing, to reduce the number of vehicles on the roads and highways, to reduce demand for gasoline, and to increase transportation opportunities for the handicapped and the elderly. Title II: Consolidation of Federal Ridesharing Activities - Establishes an Office of Ridesharing within the Urban Mass Transportation Administration of the Department of Transportation to coordinate Federal ridesharing programs under this Act and to establish national goals with respect to ridesharing. Requires the Director of the Office of the Management and Budget to transfer to the Office of Ridesharing the existing programs of the various Federal agencies which are duplicative of, or could be performed more appropriately by, the Secretary of Transportation under the authority contained in this Act. Requires the Director to report to the Committees on Appropriations and Government Operations of the House and Senate regarding such program transfers. Terminates the Office of Ridesharing on September 30, 1983. Directs the President and the committees of the House and Senate having primary oversight responsibility with respect to the Office to conduct inquiries into its performance and effectiveness and to make recommendations on whether the Office should be abolished, reorganized or extended prior to such termination date. Title III: Planning, Technical Studies, Research and Demonstration - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish procedures and guidelines for the development and implementation of State ridesharing plans. Authorizes Federal financial assistance for the development and implementation of qualified State plans. Authorizes Federal grants for technical studies and research projects. Directs the Secretary to set a goal for each State for increasing average motor vehicle occupancy by 1980 and to set national ridesharing goals for 1980 and 1985. Authorizes the Secretary to undertake research, development, and demonstration projects in all phases of ridesharing. Authorizes the Secretary to study the transportation component of those Federal programs and projects providing social services and to propose a plan to make such services more cost- effective. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress regarding such study. Title IV: Ridesharing Programs, Grants, Loans - Authorizes the Secretary to make grants and loans to assist States and designated recipients in developing specific ridesharing programs and projects. Stipulates that such loans shall constitute a revolving fund and all monies from such fund shall be deposited in the General Treasury on September 30, 1983, unless Congress acts to continue such fund. Title V: General Provisions - Authorizes the Secretary to prescribe such rules as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act. Requires the Secretary to report annually to the President and the Congress and other specified individuals on the operation of programs under this Act. Establishes additional criteria for the submission and approval of surveys, plans, specifications, and estimates for proposed projects under this Act. Authorizes appropriations in specified amounts from the highway trust fund for the various programs under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1977
Designates the anniversary of Martin Luther King Junior's birth, January 15, as a legal public holiday.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1977
Authorizes the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to assist any veteran, who has a permanent and total service-connected disability due to the loss, or loss of use, of one arm and one leg, including but not limited to cases of hemiplegia, such as to preclude locomotion without the aid of braces, crutches, canes, or a wheelchair, in acquiring a suitable housing unit with special fixtures or moveable facilities made necessary by the nature of the veteran's disability, and necessary land therefor.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to limit the application of the Tax Reform Act's elimination of the sick pay exclusion for persons who have not retired on total disability, to taxable years beginning after December 31, 1976.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1977
Government Economy and Spending Reform Act - Title I: Authorization of New Budget Authority - Terminates all budget authority for Federal programs on specified dates according to the functional or subfunctional category of each program as set forth in the fiscal year 1977 budget. Requires the Comptroller General to report to Congress by April 1, 1977, on specified programs with respect to the laws under which such program is carried on, the amount of new budget authority received by such program during the four fiscal years ending before April 1, 1977, and to identify programs for which no outlays have been made during the last two fiscal years ending before April 1, 1977. Prohibits providing new budget authority after the applicable review date set forth in this Act unless the provision of such budget authority is specifically authorized by law or the standing rules of either House of Congress. Title II: Zero-Base Program Review - Sets forth a timetable for Congressional zero-base review of new budget authority. Defines "zero-base review" as an evaluation of a given program to determine the merits of its continuation at a level less than, equal to, or more than its existing level. Requires each congressional committee conducting a zero-based program review to adopt tentative and final review plans, receive reports from the Comptroller General and Federal agencies on the program being reviewed, and report to their respective House the results of such zero-base review of the program. Sets forth minimum objectives of inquiry for such reviews. Requires that any committee reporting pursuant to this Act recommend the extent to which any program reviewed should be continued or eliminated. Title III: Continuing Review - Amends the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1970 to require, whenever the Comptroller General issues a report which discloses any substantial deficiency in the achievement of the objectives of any Federal program, the agency conducting such program to report to specified congressional committees 60 days after such report and every six months thereafter to delineate the actions taken with respect to such deficiency. Requires that such agency continue to issue such reports until such time as the Comptroller General determines that no purpose is served by their submission. Amends the Budget and Accounting Act of 1921, to require the inclusion in the Budget of a statement of the specific objectives of each Government program, and a comparison, in each subsequent Budget, of the achievement of such objectives for the last completed fiscal year with the planned objectives of such year. Title IV: Miscellaneous - Requires the Director of Management and Budget to study the feasibility of zero-base budgeting for Federal agencies. Requires the Director of the Congressional Budget Office to study the feasibility of personnel ceilings on employees of the United States and their relationships to alternative methods of carrying out the activities of such employees. Requires that such reports be submitted to Congress. Requires Federal agency heads to report requests for new budget authority to Congress. Requires specified committees to study the effectiveness of the zero-base review procedures required by this Act.