United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1977
Indian-Controlled Postsecondary Educational Institutions Assistance Act - Amends the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act to provide grants for Indian-controlled postsecondary educational institutions to be used for planning and development of educational programs, basic operational costs, employment of personnel, curriculum development, student services, and community service programs. Provides for administration of this program by the Secretary of the Interior.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1977
Directs the Secretary of the Interior to withdraw and segregate ten percent of the funds appropriated to pay a judgment in favor of the Delaware Tribe of Indians and the Absentee Delaware Tribe of Western Oklahoma. Directs the Secretary to prepare a roll of those persons born on or prior to October 3, 1972, and who have a lineal ancestor appearing on the registry filed pursuant to the Treaty with the Delaware Indians. Specifies the procedure for the enrollment of applicants. Directs the ten percent of the above segregated and withdrawn funds be distributed to the Kansas Delaware Tribe of Indians, for the purpose of payment of its costs and attorney's fees. Directs that 90 percent of those funds be distributed per capita to those persons enrolled as detailed above.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1977
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Secretary of the Interior and the Commissioner of the Bureau of Indian Affairs should implement all of the recommendations of the American Indian Policy Review Commission's Bureau of Indian Affairs Management Study.
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 1977
Social Security Administration Act - Title I: Social Security Administration - Amends Title VII (Administration) of the Social Security Act to establish an independent agency of the Executive branch of the Government, a Social Security Administration, headed by a Board appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Declares that it shall be the duty of the Administration to administer the programs established by titles II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance), XVI (Supplemental Security Income) and XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, and to discharge the duties and responsibilities imposed on the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare in connection with the administration of the program established by title IV of the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969. States that the Administration shall also have the duty of studying and making recommendations as to the most effective methods of providing economic security through social insurance, and as to legislation and matters of administrative policy. Provides for the appointment of an Executive Director and a General Counsel of the Administration. Makes the Administration responsible for administering the old age, survivors, and disability insurance program, medicare, supplemental security income, and the black lung benefit program under the Coal Mine Health and Safety Act. Prohibits the mailing of announcements with Social Security and SSI checks which make reference by name, title, or signature to any officer of the United States. Transfers to the Social Security Administration: (1) all functions carried out by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare with respect to the administration of programs and activities the administration of which is vested in such administration by reason of this Act; and (2) all personnel, assets, liabilities, contracts, property, and records which the Director of the Office of Management and Budget determines to be employed, held or used by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare primarily in connection with the functions, activities, and programs which, by reason of this Act are vested in or become the responsibility of the Administration. Abolishes the position of Commissioner of Social Security. Title II: Miscellaneous and Conforming Amendments - Makes technical and conforming amendments to the Social Security Act, the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act, the Budget and Accounting Act, and the Executive Schedules of the United States Code.
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 1977
Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to increase from 50 to 90 the percentage of the cost of a water or waste project which the Department of Agriculture may fund by a grant to a local association. Requires that such a grant be in an amount that will leave the average domestic user payment rate in the area served by the project at no more than: (1) one percent of the median family income of the area if such income falls in the lowest 25 percentile of the national median income; (2) one-and-one-half percent, if the median income falls in the 26 to 49 percentile; (3) two percent, if the median income falls in the 50 to 74 percentile; or (4) two-and-one-half percent, if the median income is above the 75 percentile of the national median income. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to seek State and Federal assistance if the maximum amount of a grant will be insufficient to result in the applicable user cost limitation prescribed. Specifies conditions under which the Secretary may increase the amount of a grant. Revises the priorities for recipients of such grants to accord the highest priority to specified municipalities or public agencies which have a hazardous public health situation (currently, such priority is accorded to municipalities or public agencies which already have community water supply or waste disposal systems, when due to unanticipated occurrences such systems are suddenly inadequate to serve the community needs).
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 1977
Provides that recipients of veterans' pensions and compensation will not have the amount of such pension or compensation reduced because of increases in social security benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 1977
National Preventive Medicine, Health Maintenance and Health Promotion Act - Title I: Bureau of Human Development -- Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish a National Bureau of Human Development within the Public Health Service at the National Institutes of Health. States that it shall be the purpose of the Bureau to conduct, support, and foster basic and applied research and training relating to the maintenance of health and the prevention and cure of disease; to study the impact on human development of man-made agents in the environment; and to provide a noncategorical perspective at the National Institutes of Health for biomedical and social science research. Requires the Director of the Bureau to establish an Information Office for Human Development Research to collect, catalog, analyze, and disseminate all available information beneficial to any person concerned with human development research in any country. Establishes a National Human Development Policy Advisory Board to advise and assist the Bureau Director on Bureau research policy priorities, budget requests and allocations, and the future direction and mission of the Bureau. Requires the Board to annually submit a report to the President for transmittal to the Congress on the progress of the National Human Development Program towards the accomplishment of its objectives. Establishes, within the Bureau, a National Institute of Family Health to carry out research and training in the areas of maternal, paternal, child, and prenatal health. Establishes a National Family Health Advisory Council to advise and consult with the Director of the Family Health Institute. Establishes, within the Bureau, a National Institute on Population Sciences to carry out research related to population matters having both a preventive and curative emphasis on research in reproductive biology. Creates a National Population Sciences Advisory Council to advise and consult with the Director of the Population Institute. Incorporates the relevant programs of the former National Institute of Child Health and Human Development into the Population Institute. Establishes, within the Bureau, the National Institute of General Medical Sciences to carry out training and research relating to general medical sciences. Creates a National General Medical Sciences Advisory Council to advise and consult with the Director of the General Medical Institute. Directs the General Medical Council to assume the duties powers and functions of the National Advisory Health Council relating to research or training projects which concern the General Medical Council. Establishes, within the Bureau, a National Institute on Aging to conduct and support biomedical, social, epidemiological and behavioral research and training related to the special problems and needs of the aged. Creates a National Advisory Council on Aging to advise and consult with the Director of the Aging Institute. Establishes, within the Bureau, a National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences to carry out research and training relating to the prevention of human health problems caused by harmful man-made agents and the modifying effects of a variety of physical and biological states within man on susceptibility to and the course of disease induced by these agents. Creates a National Environmental Health Sciences Advisory Council to advise and consult with the Director of the Environmental Institute. Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish within the office of the Director of the National Institutes of Health the position of Associate Director of Preventive Medicine to foster and coordinate basic and applied research and training relating to the maintenance of health and the prevention of disease. Title II: National Center for Health Maintenance and Promotion - Designates the Center for Disease Control the "National Center for Health Maintenance and Promotion." Adds to the functions of the Center the encouragement of increased epidemiological research and programs, particularly with respect to chronic and degenerative diseases. Establishes as a component of the center a Bureau of Nutrition to establish and conduct a program to continuously monitor, survey, and evaluate the Nations nutritional status. Establishes within the Public Health Service a Bureau of Health Education to serve as the focus for health education programs for the Public Health Service. Title III: National Center for Health Services Research - Includes the evaluation of the efficiency and effectiveness of health maintenance and promotion procedures and programs in the duties of the National Center for Health Services Research. Title IV: National Center for Health Statistics - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, acting through the National Center for Health Statistics, to make a continuing survey of the needs, interest, attitudes, knowledge, and behavior of the American public regarding health. Directs the Secretary to use the results of such survey and similar surveys as a basis for formulating policy respecting preventive medicine, health maintenance, and health promotion. Title V: Office of Health Information and Health Promotion - Directs the Office to provide the Congress and the Secretary with recommendations with respect to preventive medicine, health maintenance and promotion, on all health related budget requests from the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1977
Changes the amount per acre which the Secretary of the Interior must pay to local governments for public lands within the boundaries of such localities. Redefines "entitlement lands" for purposes of determining eligibility for such payments.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1977
Federal Aid in Nongame Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to provide financial assistance to State nongame fish and wildlife conservation programs. Authorizes the Secretary to transfer personnel, equipment, and scientific information to carry out this Act. Sets forth the formula for the apportionment of revenue to the States and limitations upon administrative expenses of the Secretary and the States chargeable to the Nongame Fish and Wildlife Conservation Fund. Permits any amount apportioned to a State but not expended or obligated after two fiscal years to be used by the Secretary to assist such programs in other States. Permits any such amount not paid or obligated by the Secretary at the end of two fiscal years to be made available for any nongame fish and wildlife resource project of the Fish and Wildlife Service. Directs all Federal departments and agencies to coordinate their programs with nongame fish and wildlife conservation projects administered by the States. Directs each Federal department and agency with management authority over land and water resources (1) to determine which programs under its authority may be extended to include conservation of nongame fish and wildlife species, (2) to notify the appropriate State agency of any such affirmative determination, and (3) to cooperate with the establishment of conservation agreements with State agencies for such efforts. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1978, 1979, and 1980 to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1977
Rural Housing Act - Amends the Housing Act of 1949 to extend the availability of refinancing of indebtedness for rural housing assistance to elderly or handicapped families. Defines elderly or handicapped families for purposes of this Act. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a system of escrow accounts to enable borrowers to make periodic payments for taxes, insurance, and other necessary expenses. Authorizes and directs the Secretary to conduct specified programs of research, study and analysis of rural housing. Authorizes the Secretary to make expenditures from the Rural Housing Insurance Fund in order to correct construction defects or to pay claims of the owner of property arising from such defects. Empowers the Secretary to foreclose on mortgages only if the borrower has been given prior notice. Makes changes with respect to the Secretary's power to make rules and regulations. Authorizes increases in assistance to specified rural housing programs for fiscal years 1978 and 1979. Extends rural housing loans for elderly and handicapped families to include congregate housing facilities for families who require some supervision and central services. Requires that at least 60 percent of insured rural housing loans benefit persons of low income. Makes changes in the guaranteed housing loan program and the homeownership subsidy for low and moderate income persons. Makes it mandatory for the Secretary to provide rural rental assistance. Creates the position of Assistant Secretary for Equal Opportunity in the Department of Agriculture. Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to increase the funds available for grants for water and waste facilities. Amends the Housing Act of 1949 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to withhold assistance for specified programs from any otherwise eligible borrower who fails to incorporate energy conservation features into any structure commenced by such borrower after January 1, 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1977
Romania Earthquake Relief and Rehabilitation Act - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 1977 for relief and rehabilitation assistance to the victims of recent earthquakes in Romania. Authorizes the President to furnish such assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1977
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide payment for nutritional counseling as part of the home health services provided under the supplementary medical insurance program.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1977
Universal Voter Registration Act - Establishes the positions of Administrator and Assistant Administrator of Voter Registration within the Federal Election Commission. Specifies the duties of the Administrator, including (1) establishing and administering a voter registration program in accordance with this Act; (2) providing for the collection, analysis, and publication of voter registration information in coordination work the Secretary of Commerce; and (3) providing information and technical assistance to State and local officials concerning voter registration. Requires each State and local government to permit any individual who is eligible under applicable State and Federal law to register to vote in any Federal election to register on the date of a Federal election at the appropriate polling place. States that any individual so registering shall, if required by State or local authorities, establish his identity by (1) executing an affidavit containing certain information and (2) submitting either an affidavit executed by a person who is registered to vote at the polling place involved and is present at such polling place with the individual seeking registration or one of any forms of identification approved by the Commission. Directs the Commission to make grants for approved voter registration outreach programs to States which comply with the election day registration requirements of this Act. Conditions the amount of such grants on whether a State has a similar election day registration program in effect with respect to State and local elections. Stipulates that a registration outreach program may include projects relating to registration by mail, registration through the use of mobile units, or bilingual registration, and those projects otherwise designed to improve voter registration methods and procedures. Lists the purposes for which grant funds may be used. Sets forth criminal penalties for any person who knowingly and willfully (1) registers, or attempts to register, to vote under this Act for the purpose of voting more than once in any Federal election; (2) conspires with any person for the purpose of enabling such person to make false registration to vote in a Federal election under this Act or for the purpose of enabling or encouraging any individual to make such false registration to vote in a Federal election; or (3) falsifies any information with respect to the name, residence, or age of such person, or any other information for the purpose of establishing eligibility to register to vote in a Federal election under this Act. Directs the Commission to institute actions to prevent any violation of this Act. Requires Federal courts to expedite consideration of actions involving a violation of, or a constitutional challenge to, any provision of this Act. Prohibits commercial use of any list compiled by a State or local government of individuals registered to vote in a Federal election.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1977
Declares it the sense of Congress that the President declare a moratorium on United States manufacture of chemical weapons (lethal and incapacitating nerve and mustard agents and "binary agents') and order the destruction of certain United States stockpiles of such weapons. Urges other nations to destroy their stockpiles. Urges the Conference of the Committee on Disarmament to conclude a treaty banning the manufacture and possession of such weapons.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1977
Juvenile Justice Amendments - Amends administrative provisions of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974 to designate the Assistant Administrator, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, of the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration as such Office's chief executive officer, subject to only the general policy direction of the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration. Sets forth provisions relative to the authority of the Assistant Administrator. Increases to ten the number of individuals authorized to be appointed in positions in the Office at levels above GS-15. Revises deadlines for submission of the annual analysis of and annual plan for delinquency programs. Empowers the Assistant Administrator to delegate authority to make regulations. Designates the Director of the Office of Drug Abuse Policy, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, and the Commissioner of the Office of Education as members of the Coordinating Council on Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. Reduces from six to four the minimum number of times which the Coordinating Council must meet annually. Requires that at least 7 of the 21 members of the National Advisory Committee for Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention be under age 22 at time of appointment, a minimum of three of whom shall have been under the jurisdiction of the juvenile justice system. Sets the quorum of the Committee at 11 members. Makes mandatory the appointment of a subcommittee to advise the Assistant Administrator on particular functions of the Office. Revises provisions regarding other subcommittees. Authorizes the Advisory Committee to delegate its functions by means of grants and contracts. Empowers the committee to conduct programs to assist public or private citizen groups on juvenile delinquency. Requires that at least one percent of the funds appropriated for purposes of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act be used for the Advisory Committee. Stipulates that formula grants to State and local governments' juvenile justice related activities shall cover 90 percent of the approved cost of any assisted programs or activities. Waives the non-Federal matching share requirement for private nonprofit organizations which are conducting activities pursuant to State or local government contracts or grants. Directs that at least 10 percent of the minimum annual allotment of formula grants to a State be used to assist the State juvenile justice advisory group established pursuant to the State juvenile delinquency plan. Revises guidelines for the composition of such advisory groups and delegates to them certain additional functions. Makes specified amendments in the standards which must be included in a State juvenile justice plan. States that failure to comply within two years with the requirement that juveniles committing noncriminal offenses be placed in shelter facilities rather than in correctional institutions shall result in termination of formula grants and certain other funds unless the Administrator finds substantial compliance and a commitment to achieve full compliance. Eliminates provisions making available the formula grant allotment of a State whose juvenile justice plan fails to comply with mandatory standards due to neglect to public and private agencies for special emphasis programs. Revises present, and specifies additional, purposes for which assistance may be extended under special emphasis prevention and treatment programs. Eliminates the limit on formula funds which may be used by a State to meet the matching share requirement of certain essential Federal juvenile delinquency programs. Authorizes an increase in the Federal share of the cost of juvenile delinquency programs in the case of Indian tribes which lack sufficient funds to meet the local share. Sets forth provisions for the reallocation of excess formula grant funds for special emphasis treatment and prevention programs. Repeals the responsibility of the Administrator of the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration to oversee administration of the National Institute for Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. Directs the Advisory Committee for the National Institute to assist States, local governments, and private organizations in the adoption at State and local levels of Standards for the administration of juvenile justice. Authorizes the appropriation of specified sums for fiscal years 1977-82 to carry out certain provisions and programs of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act. Amends the Runaway Youth Act to expand the grant program thereunder to encompass the development of local facilities to meet the needs of all homeless youth. Prohibits a runaway house receiving assistance under such Act from disclosing statistical records profiling the parents and children which it serves to other than specified agencies unless the child involved, as well as his parent, consents. Revises monetary guidelines with respect to which grants and runaway houses are to be given priority. Authorizes the appropriation of specified sums for the runaway house grant program for fiscal years 1977-1982.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1977
Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to specifically encompass pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions within the prohibition against sex discrimination in employment, including discrimination with respect to fringe benefit plans.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1977
National Consumer Cooperative Bank Act - Title I: National Consumer Cooperative Bank - Establishes the National Consumer Cooperative Bank. States that the Bank shall (1) encourage the development of new and existing cooperatives eligible for its assistance by providing specialized credit and technical assistance; (2) maintain broad-based control of the Bank by its voting stockholders; (3) encourage broad-based ownership, control and active participation by members in eligible cooperatives; (4) assure that the net savings from its operations and the operations of borrowers from the Bank are made available or accounted for to the stockholders or members of the cooperative organization; and (5) assist in improving the quality and availability of goods and service to consumers. Authorizes the creation of no less than four nor more than 12 corporate regional banks. States that the Bank shall have the power to make and service loans, commitments for credit, guarantees, furnish financially related services, technical assistance, and issue obligations. Enumerates additional powers necessary to carry out its powers and duties under this Act. Requires the Bank to hold an annual meeting of stockholders. Permits the Bank to obtain funds through the public or private sale of its bonds, debentures, notes, and other evidences of indebtedness. Authorizes the Bank to make loans to eligible organizations which shall be repayable in not more than 40 years. States that the objective of the Bank shall be to provide the type of credit needed by eligible borrowers, at the lowest reasonable cost on a sound business basis, taking into account the cost of money to the Bank. Defines "eligible cooperatives" for purposes of assistance under this title. Title II: Self-Help Development Fund - Establishes in the Treasury a Consumer Cooperative Self-Help Development Fund. Permits the Cooperative Bank and Assistance Administration to make a capital investment advance out of the Fund to any eligible cooperative if the Administration determines that the applicants' initial or supplemental capital requirements exceed its ability to obtain a Title I Loan from the Bank or other sources, and the membership of the applicant consists substantially of low-income persons. Title III: Cooperative Technical Assistance - Directs the Cooperative Bank and Assistance Administration to make available information and services concerning the organization or reorganization of cooperatives to best achieve the objectives of this Act and to best provide the means through which various types of goods, services, and facilities can be made available to members and patrons. States that such assistance may include investigations, surveys, and director and management training and assistance. Authorizes appropriations to the Administration of sums necessary for the administration of this title. Title IV: The Cooperative Bank and Assistance Administration and General Provisions - Establishes the Cooperative Bank and Assistance Administration. Directs the Administration to assure that the objectives of this Act are carried out. States that until the stock of the Bank held by the United States has been fully retired the Bank shall be exempt from any form of taxation. Requires the Administration and the Board to report annually to the appropriate committees of Congress on the activities of the Administration and on the Bank's capital, operations, financial condition, the self-help development fund, and to make recommendations for legislation to improve its services.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1977
Increases the amount which the Pennsylvania Avenue Development Corporation may borrow from the Federal Government to $200,000,000. Extends the authority of the Corporation to incur such debts through 1990. Authorizes appropriations to finance such loans by the Corporation.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1977
Department of Education Act - Establishes an executive department to be known as the Department of Education to be administered by a Secretary of Education. States that the principal function of such Department is to promote the cause and advancement of education throughout the United States. Transfers to the Secretary specified functions of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare and the Commissioner of Education, and various educational responsibilities of other Federal agencies and instrumentalities. Creates the Federal Interagency Committee on Education and the National Advisory Commission on Education. Redesignates the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, and the Secretary of such Department, as the Department of Health and Welfare, and the Secretary of Health and Welfare.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1977
Amends Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to decrease from 20 to 10 the number of years a divorced woman must have been married to an insured individual in order for her to qualify for wife's or widow's benefits on his wage record.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1977
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to extend coverage to include expenses incurred in providing a papanicolaou test for the detection of uterine cancer.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1977
Public Financing of Senate Elections Act - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to entitle candidates for the United States Senate, who agree to comply with certain recordkeeping requirements and spending limits, to payments in accordance with the terms of this Act. Conditions eligibility for funds with respect to primary and general elections upon receipt of contributions in specified minimum amounts. Sets forth formulas for the determination of the amount of money to which a candidate is entitled. Specifies maximum amounts which a candidate may expend in connection with primary and general elections and remain eligible for funds. Specifies a limit on the amount of personal and family funds a candidate may use. Provides for adjustments in spending limits on the basis of changes in prices. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to maintain a separate Senate Campaign Account in the Presidential Election Campaign Fund and to deposit in such account amounts available in the Fund after a determination that adequate sums are available for payments under the Presidential Election Campaign Fund Act. Sets forth guidelines for reducing payments under this Act if available funds are inadequate. Requires repayment of funds paid in excess of entitlement or used for other than campaign purposes. Requires candidates for the Senate who do not receive funds under this Act to report to the Federal Election Commission within 48 hours of spending or incurring obligations to spend a total sum in excess of the limit which would apply if the candidate had been receiving funds.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1977
Requests the President of the United States to convene a White House Conference on Small Business with the help of the Senate Small Business Committee to develop recommendations, including suggestions for joint legislative and executive action, for revitalizing and maintaining the economic viability of the small business infrastructure.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1977
Amends the Indian Claims Commission Act to provide court of claims review of the Indian Claims Commission decision that certain legislation effected a taking of the Great Sioux Reservation in violation of the fifth amendment.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1977
Extends the provisions of the Food Stamp Act of 1964 through fiscal year 1982. Eliminates the requirement that eligible households purchase their coupon allotments, reduces benefits, and substitutes for the current itemized deductions allowed in calculating household income a new standard deduction of $100, plus deductions for earned income and a limited amount of child care costs. Disqualifies from participation all students 18 years old or older who are or can be legally claimed as dependents of an ineligible household, and all able-bodied adults between 18 and 60 who, with specified exceptions, fail to register for work or to accept suitable job offers. Limits participation to U.S. citizens and legally admitted permanent resident aliens. States the general procedure for the certification, within 30 days, and the prompt recertification of applicant households. Establishes civil penalties as an alternative to disqualification for retail and wholesale food concerns violating provisions of the Food Stamp Act. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to make research grants to study how to improve the administration and effectiveness of the food stamp program.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1977
Voluntary Standards and Accreditation Act - Title I: National Standardization - Requires the Federal Trade Commission to promulgate rules relating to the procedures and practices of standards-development organizations, testing laboratories, and certification agencies, and the use of product listings and certificates of approval in marketing. Requires the Commission when promulgating rules under this title to give all interested persons an opportunity for oral presentations of data, views, and arguments, and a single opportunity to present rebuttal testimony in writing. Permits the Commission to exempt the activities of a standards-development organization, testing laboratory, or certification agency from the requirements of the newly promulgated rules. Permits the Commission to enforce the procedures set forth pursuant to this Act upon its own initiative or upon a written petition filed with it by any interested person. States that any violation of this title or failure to comply with any Commission rule promulgated under this title shall be prosecuted as an unfair trade practice pursuant to the Federal Trade Commission Act. Directs the Commission to notify by publication in the Federal Register, the Secretary of Commerce and all Federal departments and agencies which use the publications of a standards-development organization, of any violation of this title by such an organization or by a certification agency. Directs a department or agency notified by the Commission that an organization is in violation of this title to cease using the services of such organization unless such organization complies within a period determined by the Commission. Subjects to the provisions of this Act any private organization that: (1) develops standards; (2) sponsors the activity of developing or adopting standards; (3) tests, inspects, or certifies products; or (4) sells or uses standards, product listings, or certificates of approval. Directs the Commission to specifically advise an organization that voluntarily submitted its rules for review and does not comply with the new rules, on the procedure such organization may undertake to come into compliance. Authorizes the Secretary to grant financial assistance to nonprofit standards-development organizations to insure representation of consumer, small business, and other interests in decisions. Requires all Federal agencies to utilize standards set by certified private agencies whenever possible in order to avoid duplication of effort. Directs all standards-development organizations, testing laboratories, and certification agencies subject to regulation by the Commission to establish appeals bodies to consider complaints filed by interested persons. States that such appeals bodies shall have no powers of enforcement except those given to them by the organizations' creating such bodies. Title II: International Standardization - Establishes an Institute of Standards and Accreditation within the National Bureau of Standards of the Department of Commerce to develop the resources, facilities, and expertise necessary to assist the Secretary and the Commission in the exercise of their responsibilities under this Act. Requires the Secretary, through the Institute, to provide for and assist appropriate participation by private nonprofit organizations in international standardization activities as representatives of the United States. Requires the Secretary to make arrangements for direct governmental participation in such international standardization activities where the Secretary determines private participation is insufficient or cannot be established. Directs the Secretary to list each international standards and certification agreements developed pursuant to this title unless to do so would not be in the public interest. Establishes an interagency committee on international standardization policy and a public committee on international standardization policy to provide policy guidance to the Secretary in carrying out his duties under this title. Establishes procedures for petitioning the Secretary to delist a particular international standard or certification and for judicial review of the Secretary's determinations. Title III: Testing Laboratory Accreditation - Requires the Secretary, through the Institute, to set forth procedures to establish a voluntary national laboratory accreditation program to accredit certification laboratories for a class of technology or a specific product if the establishment of such laboratory is found to be in the public interest. Directs the Secretary to establish criteria committees to establish criteria to accredit such laboratories. Sets forth procedures for the development of such criteria and the accreditation of such laboratories. Establishes procedures for the removal, withdrawal, or termination of accreditation. Title IV: National Standards Management Board - Establishes as an independent instrumentality in the executive branch, a National Standards Management Board to develop the necessary rules, procedures, policies, and criteria to manage and coordinate national standards-development activities. Directs the Board to develop rules and policies to be used by the Institute when accrediting standards-development organizations and approving national standards. Title V: Miscellaneous Provisions - Directs the Secretary to appoint a Director of the Institute of Standards and Accreditation to supervise the Institute, its equipment, and its functions.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1977
Family Farm Antitrust Act - Finds that vertical integration of the agricultural industry by corporations engaged in the processing, distributing and retail industries, and other conglomerate corporations, tends to create monopolies in the agricultural industry and produce unfair competition for family farms, contributing to the decline of rural populations and the consequent crowding of metropolitan centers. Declares it to be the national policy to restore competition to the agricultural industry and to provide for the continuance of the family farm. Prohibits persons engaged in commerce in a business other than farming, whose nonfarming business assets exceed $3,000,000 from engaging in farming or the production of agricultural products, or participating in farming by any means of acquisition or control of another person who is engaged in farming. Specifies exceptions including charitable, educational, or nonprofit institutions, and farmer-owned and controlled cooperatives. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to acquire at fair market value any property or interest of which a person is required to divest himself under the provisions of this Act, if the person is otherwise unable to divest himself of such property.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1977
Solar and Energy Conservation Commercialization Act - Amends the National Housing Act to specify additional types of solar energy systems eligible for financial assistance under such Act. Stipulates that such systems shall include solar heating and cooling and hot water systems, geothermal and wind energy systems, and other energy conservation measures and equipment such as insulation, heat pumps, and devices to improve furnace efficiency. Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to make grants and loans to individuals and families to assist in the purchase of solar, renewable source, and energy conservation measures and equipment. Authorizes grants and loans for similar purposes to neighborhood, community, or nonprofit groups. Amends the Small Business Act to authorize the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to make loans to small businesses to assist in the purchase and installation of solar, renewable source, and energy conservation improvements and equipment. Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, the Administrator of the Small Business Administration, and the Federal Energy Administrator to cooperate in carrying out the provisions of this Act and to jointly submit an annual report to the President and the Congress on activities carried out under this Act. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1978 through 1981.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1977
Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Tax Act - Allows an income tax credit for 30 percent of the expenditures not exceeding $750 which the taxpayer paid or incurred during the taxable year for the installation of insulation or energy-conserving components which improve heating plant efficiency in his principal residence. Limits the application of this credit to expenditures paid or incurred for installations made between 1976 and 1982 in pre-existing dwellings. Reduces the allowable credit, on a graduated scale, for individuals with adjusted gross incomes greater than $10,000. Allows an income tax credit for 40 percent of the first $1,500, and a secondary credit for 25 percent of the next $7,600 paid or incurred by the taxpayer during the taxable year for the installation of qualified solar, wind and geothermal energy equipment in his principal residence. Allows an income tax credit for 20 percent of the first $1,500, and a secondary credit for 12.5 percent of the next $7,600 paid or incurred for the installation of wood stove, heat pump, or burner equipment in connection with new solar, wind or geothermal energy equipment which will be the principal source of space heat in the taxpayer's principal residence. Reduces these limitations in subsequent tax years by subtracting the amounts taken into account for these credits in previous tax years. Limits these credits to equipment installed between 1976 and 1982. Prorates each of the above credits for residential improvements among joint owners and cooperative shareholders according to their proportionate interests in the residential property. Provides for the carryover of any allowable credit which exceeds the taxpayer's current income tax liability. Reduces the allowable credits, on a graduated scale, for persons with adjusted gross incomes greater than $15,000. Allows an investment tax credit for 25 percent of the qualified investment cost of depreciable geothermal, solar or wind energy equipment placed in service. Allows such a credit for 12 percent of the qualified costs of ventilation, heating, water and other components primarily designed to reduce the heat loss or gain of a structure, and originally used by the taxpayer. Prohibits these credits for property originally funded with Federal grants, or located in States which take these energy conserving measures into account for property assessment, or which do not enforce the thermal design requirements of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1977
Small Business Energy Research Incentives Act - Title I: Small Business Act Amendments - Authorizes the Small Business Administrator 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 provision of training seminars showing small business concerns methods for design, installation, and maintenance of solar energy equipment. Title II: Federal Nonnuclear Energy Research and Development Act of 1974 Amendments - Establishes within the Energy Research and Development Administration an Office of Invention and Innovation to evaluate proposals by any individual or small business concern for the development of an energy- related invention and to provide grants for the development of such invention.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1977
Conservation and Solar Energy - Federal Buildings Act - Directs the Federal Energy Administrator to establish methods of determining the life cycle cost effectiveness for buildings, considering the life cycle fuel and energy requirements for such buildings. Requires that all Federal buildings be life cycle cost effective and that such determination serve as a basis for the awarding of contracts in the procurement and leasing of new Federal buildings. Directs the Administrator to promote the use of life cycle cost effective methods in all buildings. Directs the Administrator to establish energy performance targets for existing buildings which are compatible with new building performance standards developed by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. Requires all Federal agencies to conduct an energy audit of existing buildings within their jurisdiction. Requires that a specified percentage of the gross square footage of building space be selected by each agency for retrofitting with appropriate energy conservation measures.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that tax liens shall not be valid unless the fact of filing is entered and recorded in a public index at the State or local office where the notice is filed.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1977
Petroleum Industry Competition Act - Title I: Industry Competition - Makes it unlawful, five years after enactment of this Act: (1) for any major petroleum producer to own, or control any interest in any refinery, transportation, or marketing asset; (2) for any petroleum transporter to own or control any interest in any production, refinery, or marketing asset; (3) for any major refiner or major marketer to own or control any interest in any production or transportation asset; and (4) for any person who owns any refining, production, or marketing asset to transport any energy resource in which he has any interest by means of any transportation asset in which that person has an interest. Prohibits major refiners from acquiring additional marketing assets after January 1, 1977. Authorizes the Federal Trade Commission to grant exemptions from the requirements of this Act in cases of special necessity where the retention or use of any transportation asset will not injure competition. Directs the Federal Trade Commission to require each person covered under the provisions of this Act to submit within 18 months of enactment of this Act a plan for divestment of the prohibited assets. Directs the Commission to institute suits in special courts established by this Act for failure to comply with the provisions of this Act. Imposes civil penalties of up to $100,000 for an individual and $1,000,000 for a corporation for violations of the provisions of this Act. Imposes a civil penalty of not more than $100,000 for each violation of a lawful order of the Commission. Title II: Temporary Petroleum Industry Divestiture Court - Establishes a Temporary Petroleum Industry Divestiture Court with exclusive jurisdiction over all actions and suits brought under this Act. Stipulates that such court shall consist of three or more judges to be designated by the Chief Justice of the United States, and that the court shall be dissolved by order of the Chief Justice when its purposes have been accomplished. Establishes procedures for direct appeal from the decisions of the Court to the United States Supreme Court.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1977
Amends Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to reduce the requirements for eligibility for disability benefits for blind persons. Requires that a blind individual have at least six quarters of coverage to be eligible for disability benefits. Sets forth a method of computing the average monthly wage of a blind individual for the purpose of determining such individual's primary insurance amount. Provides that in no case shall such amount be less than the amount which would be determined without regard to an individual's blindness. States that no reduction will be made from the benefits to which a blind person is entitled because of such person's refusal to accept State-approved rehabilitative services under the Vocational Rehabilitation Act. Continues the payment of such benefits as long as blindness lasts, the amount of an individual's earnings notwithstanding.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1977
Declares that a certain individual shall not be subject to deportation by reason of the same facts upon which deportation proceedings were commenced under the Immigration and Nationality Act by the Attorney General.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1977
Young Farmers' Homestead Act - Establishes as an agency within the Department of Agriculture the Federal Farm Assistance Corporation. Authorizes the Corporation to purchase farm land in value of up to $200,000 per unit. Provides that the Corporation shall make such farms available for lease and subsequently for sale. Directs that the farms may be leased to an eligible applicant for a period of not less than two years nor more than seven years with specified restrictions upon the use of such land. Provides that the lessee may at any time within six months prior to the expiration of his lease make application to the Board of Directors of the Corporation for purchase of such unit upon the expiration of such lease. States that the Board shall approve such application if it determines that the lessee can successfully manage and operate such farm unit. Specifies a formula to be used in determining the selling price of each farm. Provides that a buyer may obtain financing through an available source, but if private financing is not available, the Farmers Home Administration shall furnish the financing at a specified rate. Requires the Corporation to file annually with the Secretary of Agriculture a complete report as to the business of the Corporation. Provides that the financial transactions of the Corporation shall be audited at least once each year by the General Accounting Office. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to appoint an advisory council to advise the Board regarding the administration of this Act. Provides that the Council's advice shall include recommendations on what the eligibility requirements should be for leasing farm units and what experience should be required for leasing a farm. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to carry out this Act. Specifies criminal provisions applicable to the Federal Farm Assistance Corporation.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt trade or business expenses incurred in providing day care services on a regular basis in a taxpayer's dwelling unit from the prohibition on deducting expenses with respect to a dwelling unit which is used by the taxpayer as his residence.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1977
Federal Mine Safety and Health Amendments Act - Title I: Amendments to the General Provisions of the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969 - Amends the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969 to extend the applicability of the provisions of such Act to mines other than coal mines. Transfers the functions of the Secretary of the Interior in developing health and safety standards to the Secretary of Labor. Title II: Mine Safety and Health Standard Amendments - Amends the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969 to establish the duty of: (1) each mine operator and miner to comply with the health and safety standards of the Act, and (2) each mine operator to furnish a place of employment free from recognized hazards. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to promulgate, modify, or revoke mine health and safety standards in accordance with prescribed criteria and procedures. Authorizes the Secretary to utilize advisory committees in the development of standards. Requires the Secretary to act within 60 days upon recommendations from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Authorizes the Secretary, or the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare: (1) to enter any mine subject to this Act; and (2) to make reasonable inspections and investigations and to question privately employers, owners, operators, agents, or employees. Requires inspections of underground mines at least four times a year. Stipulates that no advance notice of inspections shall be given. Requires the maintenance of records by mine operators with regard to work-related deaths, injuries, illness, miner exposure to toxic substances, and mine accidents. Authorizes special inspections of mines by the Secretary upon request by any miners or representatives of miners where any violation of standards or imminent danger is alleged to exist. Establishes procedures for review of decisions of the Secretary with respect to establishment and enforcement of standards. Establishes procedures for the enforcement of mine health and safety standards through issuance of citations, imposition of civil and criminal penalties, and injunctive relief. Establishes special procedures to counteract imminently dangerous conditions. Requires that copies of all notices, orders, and decisions affecting mine safety in a particular mine be conspicuously posted at such mine site. Stipulates that, in the event of mine closures by orders issued pursuant to this Act, that miners idled as a result of any such order shall be entitled to full compensation for the period they are idled within prescribed limits. Establishes a Federal Mine Safety and Health Commission to supervise the activities of administrative law judges in proceedings brought under the Act. Requires that mine operators establish safety training programs for new miners and for all miners in accordance with prescribed criteria. Directs the Secretary to require that mine rescue teams comprised of Federal mine inspectors be maintained at district and field offices. Authorizes the Secretary and the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish procedures for measuring concentrations of respirable dust. Repeals provisions allowing for modifications of or exceptions from mandatory safety standards for underground mines. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Transfers functions of the Secretary of the Interior with respect to mine health and safety to the Secretary of Labor and the Federal Mine Safety and Health Commission. Directs the Secretary of Labor to establish an advisory committee to review all standards previously promulgated by the Secretary of the Interior. Establishes a Mine Safety and Health Administration in the Department of Labor to carry out mine safety and health functions assigned to the Secretary of Labor. Establishes qualifications and criteria for selection of individuals as mine inspectors. Stipulates that the National Mine Health and Safety Academy shall be maintained as an agency of the Department of the Interior to assist in the training of mine inspectors and other personnel. Repeals the Federal Metal and Nonmetallic Mine Safety Act of 1966.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1977
Defense Production Act Amendments -- Amends the Defense Production Act of 1950 to prohibit any Federal contracting officer who by virtue of his position is authorized to solicit or select sources of supply, or describe requirements for, enter into, award, modify, terminate, administer, or make determinations or findings with respect to any contract while so employed, from accepting compensation from any contractor without the written permission of the standards of conduct counselor for his employing agency. Prohibits such contracting officer from owning a controlling interest in any contractor who has been affected by action taken by such officer. Prohibits such contracting officer from accepting employment within two years following his employment with the United States from any contractor who was affected by the action of such officer within three years prior to the termination of his or her employment with such agency, and from accepting employment with such a contractor in a position which was created or subsidized by revenues realized through a Federal contract handled by such officer until five years after the termination of such officer's employment with such agency. Prohibits contractors from offering to any such officer any compensation such officer is prohibited from receiving under this Act. Establishes a Conflict of Interest Review Board to review compliance by contracting officers with this Act. States that the Board shall issue advisory opinions with respect to compensation offered to such contracting officer after notice is published in the Federal Register and interested parties have had an opportunity to present testimony relating to the issuance of such advisory opinion. States that reliance on such advisory opinion shall be a defense to a civil or criminal case brought under this Act. Requires meetings of the Board at which such advisory opinions will be considered to be open to the public. Authorizes the Board to issue rules to implement this Act. Requires the Board to report annually to Congress respecting its activities and recommendations of legislative or regulatory actions to promote high ethical standards for Government employees. Requires the following persons to file specified information with the Board: (1) former Government employees who were employed in any given fiscal year as a representative of a Government contractor in any action in which the United States was a party or in any transaction with the United States; and (2) any Federal employee who was previously employed by a Government contractor at a salary rate equal to or greater than that for positions in grade GS-13. Exempts specified persons from the filing requirements of the Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1977
Entitles employees of the Bureau of Indian Affairs or the Indian Health Service to an annuity if separated from service after completing 25 years of service or after becoming 50 years of age and completing 20 years of service before December 31, 1989, if such employee is not otherwise entitled to other full retirement benefits and is not an Indian entitled to an employment preference by law.
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