United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1978
Campaign Financing Act -- Title I: Public Financing of Congressional General Election Campaigns - Entitles to payments under this Act Congressional candidates who agree to certain reporting and recordkeeping procedures and who certify that (1) he and his authorized committees will not incur campaign expenses in excess of certain limitations, (2) he has qualified to have his name placed on the election ballot in an election for Congressional office, and (3) he has received contributions in excess of a certain sum and no person has given more than $100 toward the amount so certified. Sets the amount of payments to an eligible candidate at the amount of contributions received up to a specified maximum. Stipulates that sums given by any one contributor totalling over $100 shall be disregarded for purposes of matching grants. Restricts use of funds forwarded under this Act to defraying campaign expenses either directly or through repayment of campaign loans. Specifies a limit on the amount of personal funds which a candidate may spend in connection with a Congressional campaign and remain eligible to matching grants. Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to specify spending limits for candidates receiving payments under this Act. Waives such limits for candidates whose opponents are not receiving matching payments and have spent sums in excess of the limit imposed for candidates receiving payments. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to establish a separate Congressional General Election Payment Account in the Presidential Election Campaign Fund and to deposit certain sums in such account in accordance with specified guidelines. Requires repayment of excess payments and unexpended payments. Penalizes use of funds for other than campaign purposes. Authorizes the Federal Election Commission to institute repayment actions in district courts. Specifies the administrative authority of the Commission in carrying out this Act. Title II: Public Financing of Presidential General Election Campaigns - Raises the general election spending limit for Presidential candidates who are eligible to receive public funds under either the Presidential Election Campaign Fund Act or the Presidential Primary Matching Payment Account Act. Sets limits on the amount which a State party committee may spend in connection with the general election campaign of its Presidential candidate. Provides an alternative method for determining the amount of money to which candidates are entitled under the Presidential Election Campaign Fund Act based upon amount of contributions received after the final primary. Specifies conditions for candidates electing such method. Permits Presidential candidates eligible to receive payment under the Presidential Election Campaign Fund Act to receive additional small contributions from individual contributors up to a specified limit. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to reduce the maximum amount which a multicandidate committee may contribute to any candidate or his committees. Specifies the effective date of the provisions of this Act and guidelines with respect to deposit in the Congressional General Election Campaign Fund during 1977.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1978
Agriculture Refinance Act - Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to permit insured loans of up to $1,000,000 to farm owners and operators for refinancing existing indebtedness incurred between January 1, 1973, and December 31, 1977. Allows a repayment period for refinancing loans of 40 years for real estate loans, 12 years for equipment loans, and five years for operating loans. Defers the first payment for the interest and principal of such loans for five years for real estate loans, for three years for equipment loans, and for two years for operating loans.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1978
Expresses the insistence of the House of Representatives that the Government of the Republic of Korea cooperate with a certain investigation of the House of Representatives Committee on Standards of Official Conduct. Declares that failure of the Government to cooperate with such investigation will have a negative impact on relations between the United States and the Republic of Korea, including assistance for the latter country.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1978
Limits the number and salaries of persons who may be employed in the White House Office, and the Executive Residence at the White House or by the Vice President, the Domestic Policy Staff or the Office of Administration at salary levels equivalent to those above GS-16 of the General Schedule. Authorizes the personnel assistance permitted by this Act to the President and Vice President to be rendered to their respective spouses when such spouses are assisting the President or Vice President, respectively, in carrying out their duties. Authorizes the appropriation of $1,000,000 to be used by the President at his discretion to meet unanticipated needs, including personnel needs. Permits the detailing of employees of Federal agencies to the offices specified in this Act, but requires the President to notify Congress annually as to who is so detailed and who is performing the duties which would otherwise be performed by such employee had such employee not been so detailed. Increases the President's travel allowance from $40,000 to $100,000. Replaces specified statutory references to the Executive Mansion and the White House with the term "Executive Residence at the White House."
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1978
Federal Disclosure and Accountability Act - Prohibits any Federal employee from coercing any individual for the purpose of interfering with the right of such individual to disclose any illegal or otherwise improper Government action to the Review Board on Improper Government Actions, established by this Act and from taking any adverse personnel action against such individual who is a Federal employee in retaliation for such disclosure. Requires the Board to investigate any such disclosure and, in the event further investigation or action is warranted, to notify the person, the head of the agency in which such person is employed, and, if appropriate, the Attorney General and/or the Comptroller General.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1978
Constitutional Amendment - Provides that the District of Columbia be treated as a State for purposes of representation in the Congress, election of the President and Vice President, and Article V of the Constitution of the United States. Repeals the provisions of the twenty-third amendment to the Constitution of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1978
Renewable Resources Extension Act - Provides for a nationally coordinated program to insure the most efficient utilization of forest and range land renewable resources. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a Renewable Resources Extension Program in cooperation with State directors of cooperative extension service programs and eligible colleges and universities. Requires the Secretary and relevant State officials to cooperate in the identification and study of needed areas of research, and in the dissemination of the results of such research. Requires the Secretary to coordinate the establishment of ongoing training programs for landowners, processors and other interested parties. Directs the Secretary to prepare a five-year Renewable Resources Extension Program to provide national guidance for State programs. Requires annual reporting to Congress on implementation of the plan.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1978
Exempts certain individuals from the requirement that no individual employed in Indian affairs shall have any interest or trade or concern with the Indians, except for, and on account of, the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1978
Directs the payment of further expenses, not to exceed $1,155,047, for investigations and studies to be conducted by the House Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1978
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to allow continuation and completion of construction on Federal reclamation projects and Indian irrigation projects to mitigate the effects of the 1976-77 drought for a reasonable period of time where certain unanticipated and unavoidable circumstances prevented completion before January 31, 1978. Directs the Secretary to report to the President and Congress on emergency actions taken to mitigate the effects of the 1976-77 drought no later than May 1, 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 4 November 1977
National Educational Opportunities Act - Title I: Definition and Guarantee of a Unitary School System and Equal Educational Opportunity - Establishes procedures and guidelines for the establishment of equal education opportunities for students in elementary and secondary schools. Title II: State Equal Educational Opportunities Plans - Requires that States submit equal education opportunities plans to the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare for approval. Establishes criteria for approval of such plans and eligibility for Federal assistance. Title III: General Provisions and Definitions - Defines the terms used in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 November 1977
Federal Disclosure and Accountability Act - Prohibits any Federal employee from coercing any individual for the purpose of interfering with the right of such individual to disclose any illegal or otherwise improper Government action to the Review Board on Improper Government Actions, established by this Act and from taking any adverse personnel action against such individual who is a Federal employee in retaliation for such disclosure. Requires the Board to investigate any such disclosure and, in the event further investigation or action is warranted, to notify the person, the head of the agency in which such person is employed, and, if appropriate, the Attorney General and/or the Comptroller General.
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
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
Directs the Secretary of the Senate to make corrections in the enrollment of the bill S. 1131 (Nuclear Regulatory Commission appropriations authorization).
United States · United States Congress · 31 October 1977
Federal Disclosure and Accountability Act - Prohibits any Federal employee from coercing any individual for the purpose of interfering with the right of such individual to disclose any illegal or otherwise improper Government action to the Review Board on Improper Government Actions, established by this Act and from taking any adverse personnel action against such individual who is a Federal employee in retaliation for such disclosure. Requires the Board to investigate any such disclosure and, in the event further investigation or action is warranted, to notify the person, the head of the agency in which such person is employed, and, if appropriate, the Attorney General and/or the Comptroller General.
United States · United States Congress · 27 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 · 26 October 1977
Pledges Congressional support to the President in efforts to advance the cause of human rights. Urges the President to inform other nations that the United States will take cognizance of the extent to which such nations protect human rights.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 1977
Federal Disclosure and Accountability Act - Prohibits any Federal employee from coercing any individual for the purpose of interfering with the right of such individual to disclose any illegal or otherwise improper Government action to the Review Board on Improper Government Actions, established by this Act and from taking any adverse personnel action against such individual who is a Federal employee in retaliation for such disclosure. Requires the Board to investigate any such disclosure and, in the event further investigation or action is warranted, to notify the person, the head of the agency in which such person is employed, and, if appropriate, the Attorney General and/or the Comptroller General.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 1977
States that during the period following the enactment of this Act until December 31, 1978, neither the Secretary of the Interior nor the Attorney General shall withhold water delivery from any beneficiary of a Federal reclamation project for purposes of achieving conformity with acreage limitations or residency requirements of reclamation law.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 1977
Copper Environmental equalization Act - Title I: Amendments to the Tariff Schedules of the United States - Amends the Tariff Schedules of the United States to impose additional customs duties on copper. Title II: Adjustments to Copper Equalization Duty - Directs the President to adjust the customs duties on copper by an amount equal to the excess of the United States environmental production costs over foreign environmental production costs if such article exceeds ten cents per pound. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to prescribe a procedure for proposal of such adjustments. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to determine such production costs. Title III: Amendment to the Trade Act of 1974 - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to make certain copper imports ineligible for the Generalized System of Preferences. Title IV: Effective Date - Declares this Act effective upon enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 12 October 1977
Approves the President's decision on an Alaska natural gas transportation system submitted to Congress on September 22, 1977. Finds that any environmental impact statements prepared relative to such statement and submitted with the President's decision are in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 1977
Allows any Federal employee or Member of Congress to count as creditable service for retirement purposes any time such person may have spent after his or her eighteenth birthday interned in a camp or facility established during World War II for the purpose of detaining persons of Japanese ancestry.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code 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 October 1977
National Educational Opportunities Act - Title I: Definition and Guarantee of a Unitary School System and Equal Educational Opportunity - Establishes procedures and guidelines for the establishment of equal education opportunities for students in elementary and secondary schools. Title II: State Equal Educational Opportunities Plans - Requires that States submit equal education opportunities plans to the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare for approval. Establishes criteria for approval of such plans and eligibility for Federal assistance. Title III: General Provisions and Definitions - Defines the terms used in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1977
Limits the allowances available to former Presidents for staff salaries to $150,000 for the first 30-month period during which such former President is entitled to such allowance.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 1977
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to construct hydroelectric powerplants at specified locations. Stipulates that the power generated by such facilities shall be delivered to the Secretary of Energy for distribution and marketing through existing Federal hydroelectric power marketing systems. Authorizes appropriations in specified amounts for the construction of each facility under this Act. Authorizes appropriations in such amounts as may be required by the Secretary of Energy to interconnect such facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 1977
Declares that the President should establish a Commission on Domestic and International Hunger and Malnutrition which should: (1) collect and generate information and resources on food, hunger, malnutrition and related concerns; (2) assess current programs affecting domestic and international hunger and malnutrition; (3) analyze and report its findings and recommendations to the President, the Congress, and the public; and (4) assist the President and the Congress in implementing its recommendations.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 1977
Amends the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 to specify that pay adjustments for Members of Congress shall take effect at the beginning of the Congress following the Congress in which they were approved. Limits the salaries payable to congressional employees. Amends the Federal Salary Act of 1967 to require the President to transmit to the Congress recommendations with respect to the rates of pay for Members of Congress and certain legislative, judicial and executive branch employees. Revises the procedure whereby changes in rates of pay for Members of Congress take effect. Prohibits the Congress from considering any appropriation bill, budget resolution, or amendment which prevents the payment of pay increases resulting from a pay adjustment deferred under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 1977
States that the aggregate amount of compensation paid to persons employed by a former President during the first 30-month period during which such former President is entitled to staff assistance shall not exceed $150,000 per year. Authorizes adjustments in the aggregate amount of such salaries in proportion to any adjustment in rates of pay under the General Schedule.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that artistic compositions, copyrights, and the like shall not be included in the estate tax valuation of the creator's estate.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 1977
National Crude Oil Supply and Transportation Act - Expresses the intent of Congress that the continuation of a transportation system to deliver Alaskan crude oil to Northern Tier, gulf coast, and inland States be accomplished through expedited administrative procedures. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish a time schedule for the completion of required environmental impact statements in order to select a crude oil transportation system by October 15, 1977. Establishes criteria to be considered by the Secretary in selecting a transportation route. Directs the Secretary and other appropriate Federal officials to take all actions necessary to provide rights of way, permits, leases, and other authorizations necessary for the construction, operation, and maintenance of the transportation system approved under this Act. Declares that the actions of Federal officers and agencies under this Act shall not be subject to judicial review by the courts. Excepts from such prohibition claims that (1) actions under this Act will deny Constitutional rights or (2) actions taken are beyond the scope of authority conferred by this Act, provided that such claims are filed within 60 days following the date of the challenged action. Declares that nothing in this Act shall authorize or imply an exemption from provisions of the antitrust laws.
United States · United States Congress · 16 September 1977
Title I: Administrator of the House of Representatives - Amends the Rules of the House of Representatives to add rule XLVIII, to establish an Administrator of the House of Representatives to plan, coordinate, and direct the administrative support operations of the House. Establishes, under the Administrator, a Comptroller of the House of Representatives to be the chief finance official of the House responsible for specified functions relating to budget salaries, and House expenditures. Creates the Office of Personnel and Work Management to carry on recruitment, placement, training, and orientation activities, including the development of an affirmative action program, and a grievance procedure. Requires the Administrator to promulgate guidelines with respect to prices charged to patrons of specified House facilities, use of House photographic service, acceptance of print orders, and use of the House Recording Studio. Adds rules XLIX to the Rules of the House, establishing the position of Auditor of the House of Representatives. Abolishes the Select Committee on the Beauty Shop and the Special Committee on the Recording Studio. Title II: Committee on House Administration - Amends rule X of the Rules of the House to give the Committee on House Administration jurisdiction over all bills, resolutions, and other matters relating to all expenditures of the House, in addition to those made from the contingent fund. Discontinues the Committee's function with respect to reporting on the travel of Members, and the scheduling of meetings. Requires the Committee to perform specified oversight functions regarding the management of House facilities by the Administrator and Auditor. Title III: Clerk of the House of Representatives - Amends rule III of the House to discontinue the Clerk's responsibility for certain administrative matters including the performance of labor and the keeping of accounts. Requires the Clerk to report all House debates and committee hearings. Amends rule XXXIV of the Rules of the House to make the Clerk of the House responsible for the appointment and removal of official reporters of the House. Title IV: Annual Reporting Requirement - Amends Rule I of the Rules of the House to require the Administrator, Clerk, Sergeant-at-Arms, and Doorkeeper of the House to submit annual reports on the main activities of their offices to the Speaker. Title V: Miscellaneous Amendments to the Rules of the House of Representatives - Amends Rule XI to authorize the appointment of associate staff members to standing committees. Amends rule XI to require that all standing committees of the House prepare abstracted and indexed hearings which shall be available to the public. Amends rule XXXIV to require that certain remarks not actually made in whole or in part by a Member of the House be distinguished in the Congressional Record from those made by a Member. Adds new rule L to the Rules of the House, establishing a Fair Employment Practices Panel to review complaints alleging discrimination under clause 9 of Rule XLIII. Authorizes the Panel to refer unsettled complaints to the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct. Adds new rule LI to the Rules of the House to require Members desiring to engage in certain foreign travel to submit a request with respect to such travel to the Administrator of the House. Sets forth the procedure for approving such requests. Requires Members engaging in such travel to transmit a report to the Administrator. Sets forth the procedure to be followed by Members desiring to engage in foreign travel relating to such Member's duties as a member of a House committee. Prescribes regulations regarding foreign travel by Members via airplanes. Outlines reimbursement procedures for foreign travel expenses. Title VI: Provisions Relating to House Operations and Employees - Requires that any congressional Member organization which desires to be designated as a legislative service organization transmit an application for certification to the Committee on House Administration. Requires each congressional Member organization and each legislative service organization to submit an annual report to the Committee. Entitles each Member of the House to a clerk hire allowance to remain available throughout the session. Requires each Member, chairman of a standing committee, subcommittee thereof, or congressional Member or service organization to inform the Administrator as to the full-time or part-time status of such individual's employees. Entitles Members-elect to specified allowances. Limits the staff expenses of certain committees. Establishes in the contingent fund of the House the "House Employees Medical Disability and Maternity Benefits Fund" to compensate employees absent from duty. Entitles each House Member to allocate any portion of his or her official expenses allowance to defray the educational expenses incurred by such Member's employees. Requires the Committee on House Administration to establish a billing procedure for official expenses. Entitles each Member to specified allowances for computer services. Directs the House Information Systems to provide computer terminal equipment to each House Member and committee. Title VII: Creation of Select Committee - Creates a select committee to conduct a study of House rule X (standing committees), and rule XI (rules of procedure for committees).
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 1977
Directs the Postal Service to submit to Congress any proposed change in the level or types of postal service which has nationwide impact rather than to the Postal Rate Commission. Requires any statement of proposed change so submitted to include an estimate of the impact of such change upon the public, business mail users, service levels, postal finances, and postal employment.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 1977
Right to Financial Privacy Act - States that the purposes of this Act are to protect and preserve the confidential relationship between financial institutions and their customers and the constitutional rights of those customers, and to promote commerce by prescribing policies and procedures to insure that customers have the same right to protection against unwarranted disclosure of customer records as if the records were in their possession. Prohibits any Federal agency or employee, or any State or local government, from obtaining copies of, access to, or the information contained in, the financial records of any customer from a financial institution unless such records are described with particularity and: (1) such customer has authorized such disclosure in accordance with this Act; (2) such records are disclosed in response to an administrative subpena or summons; (3) such records are disclosed in response to a court order; or (4) such records are disclosed in response to a judicial subpena. States that no financial institution may provide to a Federal agency or employee, or to any State or local government, copies of or the information contained in the financial records of any customer except in accordance with the requirements of this Act. Sets forth provisions governing customer authorization, administrative subpenas and summons, and judicial subpenas. Prescribes civil and criminal penalties for violation of the provisions of this Title.
United States · United States Congress · 12 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 · 9 September 1977
Allows any Federal employee or Member of Congress who is a Japanese-American World War II internee to credit, for civil service retirement purposes, the period during which such individual was detained or interned in a camp or similar facility.
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 · 28 July 1977
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to make payments from the annual franchise fees received by the Secretary from concession facilities at the Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, to the appropriate school district or districts serving that park as reimbursement for educational facilities (and transportation where appropriate) furnished by such district to pupils who are dependents of persons employed in connection with such park and living at or near the park upon real property of the United States not subject to taxation by State or local agencies. Directs that such payment for any school year shall not exceed that part of the cost of operating such educational facilities which the number of such dependent pupils bears to the whole number of pupils in average daily attendance at these schools. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into cooperative agreements with States or local agencies for: (1) operation of school facilities; (2) construction and expansion of local facilities at Federal expense; and (3) Federal contributions to cover the increased cost to local agencies of providing such educational services if the payments authorized above are inadequate. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to maintain a portion of the annual franchise fees from such concession facilities in a special fund, and to expend such money upon certification by the Secretary of the Interior.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1977
Removes the requirement that 15 percent of the funds authorized to be appropriated for emergency drought relief measures be used for the construction of emergency physical facilities. States that such funds shall be available for expenditure for emergency drought programs conducted by State water resource agencies.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1977
Urges the International Whaling Commission to adopt a ten-year moratorium on the commercial killing of whales, and to undertake the management of unprotected, small cetacean. Encourages specified nations to comply voluntarily with a ten-year moratorium on such killing, as endorsed by the United Nations.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 1977
Requires all legislation in the House of Representatives which establishes any civil service or executive branch position with a rate of pay equal to or greater than that for level V of the Executive Schedule to be referred to the Committee on Post Office and Civil Service. Limits the maximum number of such positions in existence on the date this Act is enacted. Requires the President to transmit to Congress by January 1, 1979, a plan for authorizing executive level positions in the executive branch including the maximum number of such positions. Terminates any authority within the Executive branch to employ any executive level position which is in effect on the date of enactment of this Act effective July 1, 1980.
![Official portrait of Rep. Udall, Morris K. [D-AZ-2]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/u000001_200.jpg)