United States · United States Congress · 18 July 1978
Provides that where two or more Members of the House of Representatives pay the basic pay of an individual from the clerk-hire allowance of each such Member, such individual shall be considered to be on the payroll of only one such Member for purposes of determining the number of individuals employed by such Members under the clerk-hire allowance. Requires such Members to designate who shall be considered the employer for the month involved and to report such designation to the Office of Finance.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 1978
Amends the Fishery Conservation and Management Act of 1976 to include within the definition of fishing under such Act fish processing at sea. Defines the terms United States fish processors and United States harvested fish for purposes of this Act Provides that United States harvested fish transferred to foreign ships for processing at sea shall be considered as part of the total allowable level of foreign fishing in any fishery subject to the exclusive fishery control of the United States. Includes certain tariffs on fish and fish products imposed by a foreign nation as a factor to be considered in determining the individual foreign fishing allocations in such United States' fisheries. Revises certain fishing permit requirements for specified foreign fish processing ships at sea in certain United States' fisheries. Permits the transfer of United states harvested fish to any foreign ship, within the United States' fishery conservation zone, having the fishing permit required by such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1978
Wood Residue Utilization Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to establish pilot projects to develop and to test and demonstrate practical application of existing technology for the utilization of wood residues. Permits the Secretary, in implementation of this Act, to: (1) enter into contracts, cooperative agreements, and other arrangements; (2) provide technical, financial, and related assistance to Federal, State, and other governmental agencies, public or private institutions, universities, and organizations, business entities, and individuals in the United States; and (3) sell or otherwise dispose of wood residues. Establishes in the Treasury of the United States a special fund to carry out the purposes of this Act, into which $15,000,000 from National Forest Fund receipts not otherwise appropriated shall be deposited at the end of each fiscal year from 1979 through 1984. Requires the Secretary to make brief annual reports of such pilot projects to the appropriate committees of Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 1978
Citizens Postal Rate Relief Act - Sets the postal rate for personal domestic letter mail of individuals sealed against inspection at 13 cents for the first ounce of each piece and 11 cents for each additional ounce for each piece. Requires the Postal Service to maintain the rate for the class of mail established by this Act at not more than 80 percent of the rate for the transmission of ordinary letters sealed against inspection.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 1978
Amends Title II (Old Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to require States having agreements for coverage of their employees under the system of insurance established by such Title to make payments and reports on a calendar-quarter basis.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1978
Uranium Mill Site Restoration Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to make grants to the States of Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, New Mexico, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, Wyoming and any other State determined to be in a similar situation for the restoration of abandoned uranium mill sites. Directs the Secretary to restore such sites if the States fail to do so and to conduct a pilot study in the city of Salt Lake City, Utah of possible health hazards to persons living or working near such sites. Directs the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to establish regulations and standards to assure that the public safety and health and the environment are not impaired by the remedial action undertaken pursuant to this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1978
Amends the Fishery Conservation and Management Act of 1976 to include within the definition of fishing under such Act fish processing at sea. Defines the terms United States fish processors and United States harvested fish for purposes of such Act. Excludes United States harvested fish transferred to foreign ships for processing at sea from consideration as part of the total allowable level of foreign fishing in any fishery subject to the exclusive fishery control of the United States. Includes certain tariffs on fish and fish products imposed by a foreign nation as a factor to be considered in determining individual foreign fishing allocations in such United States' fisheries. Revises certain fishing permit requirements for specified foreign fish processing ships at sea in certain United States' fisheries. Prohibits the transfer of United States harvested fish to any foreign ship (1) not within the United States' fishery conservation zone; and (2) not having the fishing permit required by such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1978
Community Schools and Comprehensive Community Education Act - Authorizes the Commissioner of Education to make grants to State and local educational agencies to pay the Federal share of establishing community education programs. Defines "community education program" as a program operated by a local educational agency providing educational, recreational, health care, cultural, and other related services for the community. Establishes a Community Education Advisory Council to advise the National Institute of Education concerning community education programs.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1978
Prohibits the Secretary of Commerce from issuing permits pursuant to the Fisheries Conservation and Management Act of 1976 which authorize foreign vessels to receive or process fish harvested by vessels of the United States within the fisheries conservation zone during 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1978
Indian Child Welfare Act - Declares it to be the policy of the United States to establish standards for the placement of Indian children in foster or adoptive homes which will reflect the unique values of Indian culture, assist Indian tribes in the operation of tribal family development programs, and generally promote the stability and security of Indian families. Title I: Child Placement - Declares that an Indian tribe shall have jurisdiction exclusive as to any State over any placement of an Indian child who resides on or is domiciled within the reservation of such tribe. Stipulates that in any State court proceeding for the placement of an Indian child not domiciled or residing within the reservation of such child's tribe, the court shall transfer such proceeding to the jurisdiction of the tribe upon the petition of the parent or Indian custodian. Requires that in any involuntary placement procedure in a State court, the party seeking the placement of an Indian child shall notify the parent or Indian custodian and the child's tribe of the pending proceeding and of their right of intervention. Grants to the parent or Indian custodian the right to court-appointed counsel in a placement proceeding in any case where the court determines indigency. Requires any party seeking to effect a permanent placement of an Indian child under State law to show that active efforts have been made to provide remedial services and rehabilitative programs designed to prevent the breakup of the Indian family, and that these services have proved unsuccessful. Sets forth procedures for the voluntary placement of an Indian child by parents or custodian. Grants preference to a member of the child's family, tribe, and other Indian families in any adoptive placement of an Indian child. Gives preference in a nonadoptive placement to: (1) a member of the child's extended family; (2) a foster home approved by the child's tribe; (3) a licensed Indian foster home; or (4) an institution for children approved by an Indian tribe. Stipulates that whenever a final decree of adoption has been vacated or set aside or the adoptive parents voluntarily consent to the permanent placement of an Indian child, a biological parent or a prior Indian custodian may petition for return of custody. Stipulates that, upon application by an Indian individual who has reached age 18 and who was the subject of an adoptive placement, the court which entered the final placement decree shall inform such individual of the tribal affiliation, if any, of his or her biological parents and provide such other information as may be necessary to protect any rights flowing from his or her tribal relationship. Authorizes States and Indian tribes to enter into agreements with each other respecting care, custody, and jurisdiction over any matter within the scope of this Act. Stipulates that any home placement made by a program operated by a public or private agency which removes Indian children from a reservation with the consent of the parent or Indian custodian and places the child in a family home of a nonrelative as an incident to the child's attendance in a school located in a community in an off-reservation area shall not be deemed a child placement for purposes of this Act. Title II: Indian Child and Family Programs - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to make grants to Indian tribes and organizations for the establishment and operation of Indian child and family service programs on or near reservations and for the preparation and implementation of child welfare codes. States that the objective of every Indian child and family service program shall be to prevent the breakup of Indian families. Authorizes every Indian tribe to construct, operate, and maintain facilities for: (1) the counseling or treatment of Indian families or individuals; and (2) the temporary custody of Indian children. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to Indian organizations to establish and operate off-reservation Indian child and family service programs. Title III: Recordkeeping, Information, Availability, and Timetables - Directs the Secretary to collect and maintain records in a single, central location of all Indian child placements which are affected after the date of this Act. Title IV: Placement Prevention Study - Directs the Secretary to prepare a plan for the provision to Indian children of schools located near the student's home.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1978
National Parks and Recreation Act - Title I: Development Ceiling Increases - Makes specific increases in the limitations on funds for development within 35 units of the National Park System and affiliated areas. Title II: Acquisition Ceiling Increases - Raises the limitations on appropriations for the acquisition of lands within five units of the National Park System. Title III: Boundary Changes - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to enlarge the boundaries of 18 units of the National Park System and authorizes appropriations of specified amounts for acquisition of lands by reason of such revisions. Redesignates the City of Refuge National Historical Park as the Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park. Deeds a lot on Black Hammock Island, Florida, to the National Park Foundation, to be sold at fair market value. Adds lands to the Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site and the Johnstown Flood National Memorial, Pennsylvania. Revises the boundaries of: (1) Fort Laramie National Historic Site, Wyoming; (2) Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site, North Dakota and Montana; (3) Boston National Historical Park; (4) Gateway National Recreation Area, New York, to add Sailors Snug Harbor; (5) Petersburg National Battlefield, Virginia, to add Eppes Manor; (6) Sequoia National Park, California, to add Mineral King Valley; (7) Cuyahoga Valley National Recreation Area, Ohio; (8) Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area; (9) Golden Gate National Recreation Area; (10) Point Reyes National Seashore; (11) Antietam National Battlefield, Maryland; (12) Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park; (13) Virgin Islands National Park, to include Hassel Island; and (14) Alibates Flint Quarries and Texas Panhandle Pueblo Culture National Monument. Title IV: Wilderness - Designates 14 areas as wilderness areas. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to develop and submit to Congress a wilderness management plan for each wilderness unit in the National Park System. Title V: Establishment of New Areas and Additions to National Trails System - Provides for the establishment of Guam National Seashore War in the Pacific National Historical Park on Guam; Pine Barrens Area, New Jersey; Edgar Allen Poe National Historic Site, Pennsylvania; San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, Texas; Saint Paul's Church, Eastchester, New York; Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park, Hawaii; American Memorial Park, Saipan; Palo Alto Battlefield National Historic Site, Texas; Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, California. Provides for the establishment of the San Antonio Missions Advisory Commission, the Kaloko-Honokohau, an advisory commission, and the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area Advisory Commission. Establishes the Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail, Utah; the Overmountain Men Victory Trail, Tennessee to South Carolina; the Continental Divide Trail, Montana to New Mexico; and the North Country National Scenic Trail, New York to North Dakota. Title VI: Miscellaneous Provisions - Authorizes the Secretary to acquire and upgrade Old Faithful Inn at Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. Directs the Secretary to provide for the preservation of the former Presidential yacht Sequoia. Provides for a study of the desirability of establishing segments of the Ridgelands east of San Francisco Bay as a unit of the National Park System. Amends the Pennsylvania Avenue Development Corporation Act of 1972 to direct the Corporation to request the Council of the District of Columbia to close any street in the development area, and if title to the street is not in the Corporation, to convey it to the Corporation. Permits the Corporation to transfer title to real property to the United States or the District of Columbia . Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1983 for the preservation of historical and archaeological data. Empowers the Secretary to establish a historic site to commemorate each former President and Speaker of the House of Representatives serving during the twentieth century. Authorizes appropriations for studies and management planning of areas suitable for inclusion in the National Park System. Provides for a study of the Oak Creek Canyon, Yauapi, and Soldier Wash-Mormon Canyon areas in Arizona for inclusion in the park system. States it is the policy of Congress that wilderness, wildlife conservation, and park and recreation values of United States property be conserved, enhanced, and developed. Provides that the Secretary, the Administrator of General Services, and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget shall establish a system to permit full and early opportunity for studies of the suitability of Federal real property for implementation of the congressional policy. Authorizes the Secretary to provide 50 percent matching grants to local governments in urban and insular areas for rehabilitation and development of recreation areas and facilities. Sets grant requirements. Changes the date of the map referencing the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area. Title VII: Wild and Scenic Rivers Act Amendments - Adds eight segments of rivers to those designated as wild and scenic rivers. Adds 17 rivers to those designated for study for potential inclusion in the wild and scenic rivers system. Increases authorizations of appropriations for five specified rivers. Makes technical amendments to the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1978
Independent Local Newspaper Act - 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 · 25 April 1978
Declares that certain proposed regulations of the Department of the Treasury regarding centralized firearms sales recordkeeping and other firearms control measures exceed the Departments' authority, and directs that the regulations be withdrawn.
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 1978
Establishes the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area National Recreation Area, in Minnesota. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to administer the areas. Directs the Secretary to restrict motorboat usage on specified lakes and rivers within the wilderness. Permits certain owners of commercially operated resorts to require the Secretary to purchase their interests. Permits such owners to retain a limited area for personal use. Directs affected owners to offer the Secretary the right of first refusal to purchase specified lands. Directs the Secretary to terminate, within a year, the timber sale contracts in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. Provides for compensation for the termination of such contracts. Establishes procedures for the management of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area National Recreation Area. Prohibits mining in the wilderness and recreation areas and provides for the acquisition of any mining or mineral rights therein. Directs the Secretary to cooperate with the State of Minnesota in the administration of the areas covered by this Act. Provides that nothing in this Act shall effect rights established by the treaties of the United States. Directs the Secretary to submit to Congress a comprehensive management plan concerning the areas. Establishes the Boundary Waters Canoe Area National Recreational Area Advisory Commission to assist and advise the Secretary concerning the management of the areas.
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1978
Uranium Mill Site Restoration Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to make grants to the States of Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, New Mexico, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, and any other State determined to be in a similar situation for the restoration of abandoned uranium mill sites. Directs the Secretary to restore such sites if the States fail to do so and to conduct a pilot study in the city of Salt Lake City, Utah of possible health hazards to persons living or working near such sites. Directs the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to establish regulations and standards to assure that the public safety and health and the environment are not impaired by the remedial action undertaken pursuant to this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1978
Amends the Local Public Works Capital Development and Investment Act of 1976 to increase the amount authorized to be appropriated to carry out such Act to $10,000,000,000.
United States · United States Congress · 12 April 1978
Voluntary Job Preservation and Community Stabilization Act - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to conduct a continuing investigation to identify those industrial, business, agricultural, and service organizations (1) which are in danger of ceasing operation or of outmigration and (2) whose closing or relocation would result in substantial unemployment and economic dislocation in the community. Provides, through the Secretary, loans for technical assistance and status and operating costs to an employee or employee/community corporation which meets certain requirements in order that it may assume ownership and operation of an organization so identified. Conditions loans, among other factors, upon certification that the corporation will allow new employees to participate and will adopt a method for acquisition of stock of persons no longer associated with the organization for the purpose of making it available to all employees on a nondiscriminatory basis. Authorizes loans of up to $15,000 to an employee who wishes to purchase stock in a purchasing corporation and who is unable to secure financing elsewhere.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1978
Amends the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act to make the Commodity Credit Corporation the seller or marketing agent for all export sales of the following commodities in raw form: wheat, corn, grain sorghum, barley, oats, rye, and soybeans.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1978
Family Farm Development Act - Title I: Price Supports - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to establish the price support of milk, for the first 500,000 pounds of annual production per dairy producer, at not less than 100 percent of parity. Establishes price supports of corn, upland cotton, mohair, soybeans, wheat, and wool at 90 percent of parity, and prohibits the Commodity Credit Corporation from selling any of such crops owned or controlled by it at less than 110 percent of parity. Declares the Commodity Credit Corporation the seller or marketing agent for all export sales of wheat, feed grains, and soybeans in raw form. Requires the Corporation to negotiate the best possible price in all such sales, with 100 percent parity as price goal. Authorizes a commodity owner to stipulate the minimum price for such sales. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to provide marketing certificates to active producers of all commodities except livestock and poultry, in an amount equal to the national production goal for each such commodity, but aggregating in value not in excess of $500,000 per producer or farm owner. Directs the Secretary to establish a uniform storage rate of not less than 20 cents per bushel for oats, and not less than 25 cents per bushel for wheat and other feed grains. Directs the Secretary to establish soil quality standards, and best management practices, and to develop a plan of such practices for each land operator which will bring him, over a five-year period, into compliance with such soil quality standards. Requires annual inspection and issuance of a certificate of compliance with such a plan to make any operator or owner eligible for the price support and other assistance provided by this Title. Title II: Amendments to the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 - Farm Tax Equity Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to limit the deductions attributable to the trade or business of farming to a maximum amount consisting of the sum of the taxpayer's gross income plus $15,000 reduced by the amount by which the nonfarm adjusted gross income of such taxpayer exceeds $15,000. States that such limitation shall not apply if the taxpayer's nonfarm adjusted gross income does not exceed $15,000, or if the taxpayer elects to compute his taxable income on the accrual method of accounting. Requires the accrual method of accounting for any person engaged in the trade or business of farming whose gross income from farming exceeds $100,000. Title III: Grants to Preserve Family Farms - Authorizes the Secretary to make grants of from $100,000 to $500,000 to county and local governments and nonprofit community organizations to purchase land suitable for farming and to sell such land to new or young farmers. Requires the Secretary to give priority to applicants who demonstrate that the preservation of family farming is of vital importance to the area in which the applicant is located. Title IV: Small Farm Ownership and Operating Loan Programs - Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to authorize the Secretary to make and insure real estate and appropriate technology loans (at not more than five percent interest), and operating loans (at not more than three percent interest) to owners and operators of small or family farms, and to farmers or ranchers with a low income. Title V: Farm Marketing Programs - Directs the Division of Cooperative Marketing of the Department of Agriculture to give primary emphasis to services to small and moderate-sized family farmers. Amends the National School Lunch Act to require the purchase of locally grown fresh food products for the school lunch program, with maximum supportive effect on the local family farms. Directs the Secretary to extend the Indiana pilot project into 12 States under which county extensions will use computer terminals to assist family farmers in attaining information clarifying various market alternatives. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants, not to exceed 75 percent of costs, to establish a direct marketing system between consumers and farmers. Title VI: Family Farm Development Service - Establishes within the Department of Agriculture a Family Farm Development Service, containing a Research Board, which shall devise a national long-term plan for the development of a system providing incentives enabling small and moderate-size family farmers to increase the energy efficiency of their farming operations. Title VII: Research Program - Directs the Administrator of the Family Farm Development Service to conduct an intensive research grant program concerning the improvement of small and moderate-sized family farms. Title VIII: Education, Training, and Demonstration Programs - Amends the Rural Development Act of 1972 to establish extension programs providing small farmers with education and demonstration assistance, using paraprofessionals. Directs the Secretary: (1) to provide small farmers with pest control and soil improvement instruction; (2) to establish a program encouraging family farmers to hire and train apprentice farmers; and (3) to establish a scholarship program for farmers and potential farmers to study organic farming methods in foreign countries. Title IX: Unfair Trade Practices - Amends the Federal Trade Commission Act to make it an unfair or deceptive practice affecting commerce for any person engaged in the retail sale of food to sell any food product without a sign at the point of sale containing the amount received by farmers for the agricultural commodities which were used to produce the food product involved. Title X: Food Price Stabilization - Establishes a Food Price Review Board to monitor increases in the price of any food product, and to recommend to the President the issuance of orders limiting or adjusting the amount of any such increase so that it is equal to, and not more than, the amount of any increase in the price received by the grower or producer of any raw food product involved. Empowers the President to issue such orders. Title XI: Miscellaneous - Defines terms used in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1978
Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to provide financial, technical, and other assistance to State foresters or equivalent State officials for: (1) the rural forestry assistance program; (2) the forestry incentive program; (3) insect and disease control; (4) urban and community forestry assistance programs; (5) fire prevention and control in rural communities and areas; (6) fire prevention and control on non-Federal forest and rural lands; (7) forest resources management and planning assistance programs; and (8) cooperative technology implementation programs. Permits the Secretary to make consolidated payments to a State in lieu of functional cost-sharing mechanisms, formulas, or agreements. Establishes within the Treasury of the United States a special rural fire disaster fund. Requires annual reports to Congress on these programs.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1978
Forest and Rangeland Reweable Resources Research Act - Establishes a program of investigations, experiments, tests, and other activities necessary to obtain, analyze, demonstrate, and disseminate scientific information about protecting, managing, and utilizing forest and rangeland renewable resources in rural, suburban, and urban areas. Specifies the content of renewable resource management, environmental, protection, utilization, and assessment research fields. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to establish forest and rangeland research facilities and to make competitive grants to public and private institutions and agencies and to individuals to further such research activities. Directs the Secretary to make and keep current a comprehensive survey and analysis of the present and prospective conditions of and requirements for the renewable resources of the forests and rangelands of the United States and of the supplies of such renewable resources. Authorizes such appropriations as may be necessary. Repeals the McSweeney-McNary Act of 1928.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1978
Renewable Resources Extension Act - Provides for a nationally coordinated program to insure the most efficient utilization of forest and rangeland 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 landowner, 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 · 22 March 1978
Requires the Secretary of Agriculture, on the date the Congress first assembles in 1985 and on the date Congress first assembles in each fifth year thereafter, to transmit to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate an assessment of the status and condition of privately owned forest land, productivity of such land, and methods of increasing such productivity.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1978
Rental Assistance Reform Act - Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to permit a State, county, or municipal public housing agency to assist owners or prospective owners of rental property in the construction or substantial rehabilitation of housing for lower-income families pursuant to its annual contribution contract with the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. Makes provisions for the relocation of persons displaced from a dwelling unit by such construction or rehabilitation. Expands the role of local public housing agencies in the administration (including eviction of tenants) and the management of dwelling units for which assistance payments are to be made. Adds specified provisions to be included in annual contribution contracts.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1978
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior should coordinate development of the National Wilderness Preservation System; (2) interested persons should participate in the present roadless area reviews; and (3) future uses of roadless lands be decided as rapidly as possible.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1978
Expresses the condemnation by the Congress of the March 11, 1978, attack on Israel by the Palestine Liberation Organization, and the expressed intention of the PLO to continue such attacks and to disrupt the peace efforts between Israel and Egypt. Requests the President to make the disapproval of the Congress known to governments approving the PLO attack. Expresses Congressional approval of the peace efforts between Israel and Egypt. Urges other Middle East countries to join such efforts. Declares negotiation to be the best way to bring peace to the Middle East.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1978
Solar Energy Transition Act - Directs each Federal agency to use and encourage the use of solar energy technologies. Requires each agency to review the programs, projects, and policies it is administering and assess the feasibility of alternative approaches utilizing solar energy technologies. Directs the Secretary of Energy to develop guidelines and otherwise assist the Federal agencies in the review required by this Act. Establishes the National Solar Energy Advisory Council to advise the Secretary in the performance of his duties under this Act. Directs the Secretary to report to the President and Congress annually starting April 20, 1980 on the progress of the Federal Government and the nation in converting to solar energy.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1978
Agricultural Credit Act - Title I: Amendments to the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act - Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to establish a low-income farm ownership loan program for owners or operators of small or family farms, and to extend eligibility for farm ownership, equipment and operating loans to farm cooperatives. Provides loans for agricultural, animal, or poultry waste pollution abatement and control facilities. Increases the maximum allowable total principal indebtedness for real estate loans which may be outstanding by any one borrower to $200,000, or $300,000 in the case of a guaranteed loan. Removes the $500,000 ceiling from the aggregate principal of loans made using the Agricultural Credit Insurance Fund. Raises the ceiling on the annual aggregate amount of water and waste facility grants from $300,000 to $400,000, and increases from 50 percent to 75 percent the percentage of the development cost of such facilities which a grant may cover. Increases the amount of indebtedness which may be outstanding for operating loans for an individual from $50,000 to $100,000, or in the case of a guaranteed loan, $200,000. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to purchase the guaranteed portion of any rural development loan using funds from the Rural Development Insurance Fund and the guaranteed portion of all other loans with funds from the Agricultural Credit Insurance Fund. Replaces the current provision for an up to five-year renewal of an operating loan with a provision for the consolidation or rescheduling of outstanding loans for payment over a period not to exceed seven years from the date of such consolidation or rescheduling. Authorizes the Secretary to make loans and grants, and approve transfers and assumptions under such Act in connection with property securing a loan made, insured, or held by the Secretary notwithstanding the fact an area ceases to be eligible for assistance under the Act. Authorizes the Secretary to provide a procedure for appeal and review of determinations by a county committee that a loan applicant is able to obtain sufficient credit elsewhere to finance his actual needs at reasonable rates and terms. Increases from $15,000 to $25,000 the amount of a claim that can be compromised without approval of the Administrator of the Farmers Home Administration. Authorizes the Secretary to grant a moratorium upon the payment by an individual of interest and principal on a loan, if there is a showing of temporary inability to continue making payments which is beyond the individual's control. Title II: Emergency Agricultural Credit Adjustment Act - Authorizes the Secretary to insure or guarantee loans for the purpose of making payment of principal and interest installments or refinancing, in whole or in part, equipment or operating loans, giving preference to owners of small or family farms. Permits the Secretary to guarantee up to 90 percent of such loans. Limits the total principal balance outstanding on insured or guaranteed loans to $400,000. Allows the total outstanding principal indebtedness of any borrower to reach $150,000 without approval of the senior State official of the Farmers Home Administration. Limits the total principal amount of all outstanding loans under this title during 1978 to $2,000,000,000 and during 1979 to $4,000,000,000. Terminates such program on December 31, 1979. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Extends the Emergency Livestock Credit Act through September 30, 1979. Renames the Farmers Home Administration the Farm and Rural Development Administration.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1978
Solar Global Marketing Survey Act - Directs the Secretary of Commerce, in consultation with the Secretary of Energy, to conduct a global market survey to determine which foreign countries might serve as markets for solar energy equipment manufactured in the United States. Requires such survey be computed by September 1, 1980. Limits the amount which may be authorized to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1978
Solar Energy Bank Act - Creates a Government corporation to be known as the Solar Energy Development Bank to make long-term, low-interest loans to encourage the use of solar energy in commercial and residential dwellings. Establishes procedures governing the processing and approval of loan applications by the Bank. Prohibits conflicts of interest, on the part of officers or employees of the Bank. Prohibits the Bank or its employees from utilizing the Solar Bank to finance political activities. Imposes criminal penalties for the furnishing of false or misleading information by applicants for loans under this Act. Declares that the Solar Bank and its assets shall be exempt by Federal, State, and local taxation. Establishes a Solar Energy Fund in the Treasury of the United States to pay the expenses of the Bank. Authorizes the appropriation of $5,000,000,000 to the Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1978
Title I: Small Business Act Amendments - Empowers the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to make loans to assist any small business concern in financing plant construction and equipment acquisition for the production, installation, or maintenance of solar energy equipment or other energy conservation equipment. Permits the Administration to make grants to non-profit organizations for the establishment of training seminars that teach small business concerns methods of design, installation, and maintenance of solar energy equipment.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1978
Foreign Mission Solar Energy Demonstration Act - Requires the Secretary of State to demonstrate solar energy and other renewable energy technologies by using such energy sources in Foreign Service buildings located abroad. Directs the Secretary to consult with the Secretary of Energy concerning the most viable techniques adaptable to the local resources and environmental conditions of the host country. Requires the Secretary of State to insure that projects under this Act are demonstrated to, and are available for inspection by, officials and other citizens of the host country. Directs the Secretary to give priority to projects in less developed countries.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1978
Declares it the sense of Congress that the United States should encourage the United Nations to hold a World Alternate Energy Conference to consider alternate ways to meet the world's energy needs and to establish an International Alternate Energy Commission to encourage worldwide use of alternate energy sources.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1978
Authorizes the issuance of a visa to a certain individual and admittance to the United States for permanent residence under the Immigration and Nationality Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1978
Amends the National Forest Management Act to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture as part of a national forest salvage program: (1) to set aside sales of insect-infested, dead, damaged or down timber for preferential bidding by independent salvage logging firms employing 25 employees or less; and (2) to use timber residue removal funds to establish residue collection centers and pilot projects for residue utilization.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1978
Silvicultural and Renewable Resource Home Heating and Gasohol Motor Fuel Act - Requires the Secretary of Energy to establish a program to promote the development and use of alcohol-blended fuels in the United States. Directs the Secretary to study, in cooperation with relevant Federal agencies, the most suitable raw materials for the production of alcohol-blended fuels. Requires that such study emphasize alternative fuel sources to petroleum and natural gas, and evaluate the efficiency of various production and distribution systems. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress within six months after the enactment of this Act concerning the results of such study. Directs the Secretary to set production goals for alcohol-blended fuel-development within six months after the completion of the study. Directs the Secretary to require that motor fuel sold in 1981 be one percent alcohol-blended. Sets increasing percentage requirements for succeeding years ending in 1990 where motor fuel shall be ten percent alcohol-blended. Empowers the Secretary to enforce the provisions of this Act and enumerates the enforcement procedures and penalties. Requires that all facilities constructed to distill alcohol for motor fuel use shall use fuel sources which are renewable. Directs the Secretary to establish within six months after the enactment of this Act procedures for the certification of alcohol distilling facilities. Requires the Secretary to give first prioity for fuel sources to operate such distillation facilities to renewable energy resources. Grants last priority for fuel sources to petroleum, petroleum derivatives and natural gas. Empowers the Secretary to waive the preference for renewable resources upon a finding that they are economically or technically infeasible for use as fuel sources to power distillation facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1978
Amends the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act to make the Commodity Credit Corporation the seller or marketing agent for all export sales of the following commodities in raw form: wheat, corn, grain sorghum, barley, oats, rye, and soybeans.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1978
Amends Title XX (Grants to States for Services) of the Social Security Act to increase the ceiling imposed upon payments for services under such Title for the fiscal years 1979, 1980, 1981 and maintains the 1981 level for succeeding years.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1978
Amends the Farm Credit Act of 1971 to extend from seven to 15 years the repayment term for production credit association loans to farmers and ranchers and to producers or harvesters of aquatic products.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1978
Agricultural Land Retention Act - Title I: Objectives - Declares that it is in the public interest to retain, protect and improve agricultural land, to reduce its conversion to nonagricultural uses, and to limit the encroachment of industrial activities. Title II: Research Program - Establishes an Agricultural Land Review Commission to study: (1) agricultural land in the United States; (2) the effects of industrial development, climate and other factors on the productivity of such land; (3) the acquisition of such land by persons not engaged in agricultural activities; and (4) methods of protecting and improving such land, and of reducing the amount of it being converted to nonagricultural uses. Authorizes the Commission to make grants to public or private groups or organizations or individuals to do research pursuant to its study. Requires the Commission to report its findings, conclusions and recommendations to the President and to Congress. Title III: Demonstration Programs - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to pay up to 75 percent of the cost and to provide technical assistance to any State pilot project undertaken to demonstrate and test methods of reducing the amount of agricultural land being converted to nonagricultural uses. Requires all such projects to be completed within five years after enactment of this Act. Directs the Secretary to report his findings, conclusions and recommendations to the President and to Congress. Title IV: General Provisions - Authorizes for Title II programs the appropriation of $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1979 through 1982. Authorizes for Title III programs the appropriation of $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1979 through 1982.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1978
Amends the Farm Credit Act of 1971 to extend from seven to 15 years the repayment term for production credit association loans to producers or harvesters of aquatic products.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1978
Social Security Refinancing Act - Amends Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) and XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, and the Internal Revenue Code to finance the payment of disability insurance benefits and hospital insurance benefits through general tax revenues, rather than through employment and self-employment tax revenues. Reduces employment and self-employment tax rates below the rates established by the Social Security Financing Amendments of 1977.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1978
Middle Income Student Assistance Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to establish a $250 minimum basic educational opportunity grant for college students whose adjusted family income does not exceed $25,000. Sets forth new guidelines for determining the assets of independent students for purposes of eligibility for basic educational opportunity grants. Revises certain provisions regarding Federal payments to reduce student loan interest costs under such Act including raising the maximum allowable adjusted family income requirement to $40,000.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 1978
Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to direct the Commissioner on Aging to establish a special grant program to enable States to establish community long-term care initiatives designed to assess the needs of chronically ill or disabled older persons for services and to assist in the efficient operation of a comprehensive and coordinated system for the delivery of services to older persons. Authorizes the Commissioner to permit certain agencies to apply for, and if qualified, reserve grants to develop such community long-term care initiatives. Authorizes grants made under this Act to cover up to 90 percent of the cost of a program established pursuant to this Act. Permits adversely affected grant applicants to obtain judicial review. Establishes guidelines for each agency to follow in establishing programs. Requires each administering agency to submit an annual report to the Commissioner.
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 1978
Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs Memorial Act - Authorizes the Commissioner of Education to provide financial assistance to assist in the development of the Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. Authorizes up to $5,000,000 to be appropriated for such purpose.
![Official portrait of Rep. Weaver, James H. [D-OR-4]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/w000227_200.jpg)