United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1977
Grants the Court of Claims jurisdiction to render judgments against the United States upon claims for losses other than lost profits sustained by producers, processors, manufacturers, distributors, dealers, or other persons resulting from the ban on apparel, fabric, yarn, or fiber containing Tris phosphate.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1977
Prohibits commerce in contraband cigarettes. Defines "contraband cigarettes" as a quantity of more than 20,000 cigarettes, bearing no evidence of payment of applicable State cigarette taxes, which are in the possession of any person other than (1) a person licensed by the State where the cigarettes are found or by the Internal Revenue Service, (2) a common or contract carrier, or (3) a government agent in the performance of duties. Subjects dealers in cigarettes to such reporting requirements as the Secretary of the Treasury may prescribe.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to enable individuals who married during the taxable year to elect to file income tax returns based on their marital status at the beginning of that year.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1977
Senate Administrative Reorganization Resolution - Establishes within the Senate the Administrative Office of the Senate to be headed by an Administrator of the Senate appointed by the Administrative Council. Establishes an Administrative Council of the Senate to supervise the Administrator and review the plans and recodifications submitted by the Administrator. Requires the Administrator to maintain all administrative and support service and facilities delegated to such individual, and to review existing systems and prepare a recodification of the laws, rules, and standing orders of the Senate relating to administrative services and facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1977
Economic Impact Act - Amends the Employment Act of 1946 to authorize the Joint Economic Committee to analyze all bills introduced into Congress which authorize expenditures in excess of specified amounts, or which the Committee determines will affect employment, price levels, State expenditures, or Federal Government receipts in order to determine the economic impact of such bills.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1977
National School Lunch Act and Child Nutrition Act of 1966 Amendments - Amends the National School Lunch Act to authorize the appropriation of such sums as are necessary for fiscal years 1977 through 1982 to enable the Secretary of Agriculture to maintain the program of assistance to States in providing nonprofit food service programs for children in day care and recreation centers during the summer months. Directs the Secretary to assist States in the development of information and technical assistance to encourage greater utilization of meals prepared at the facilities of sponsors or schools. Establishes a fund to aid sponsoring institutions offering federally subsidized food service year round in the purchase of equipment to enable such institutions to create or expand onsite meal preparation. Entitles institutions demonstrating adequate administrative and financial responsibility and meeting appropriate eligibility criteria to participate in the program. Permits the Secretary to develop guidelines for site size limitations to promote quality food service programs. Sets forth priority criteria to be utilized in determining sponsorship where more than one institution seeks to serve the same area. Stipulates that residential camps can only be reimbursed for meals served to children eligible for free or reduced price meals under the National School Lunch Act and Child Nutrition Act. Specifies the amounts of Federal assistance that can be made available to sponsors for food service operations. Directs every sponsor when applying for the program to submit a complete budget for administrative costs related to the program. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study of the food service operations carried out under the National School Lunch Act. Specifies various factors that must be taken into consideration in such study. Requires the Secretary to make any necessary changes in the reimbursement levels for operations costs pursuant to such study. Directs the Secretary to analyze the administrative expenditures to sponsors participating in the program and prescribe maximum levels of reimbursement of such expenditures. Requires the Secretary to report his findings and recommendations to Congress. Makes financial assistance available to sponsors only for meals served during the months of May through September with certain exceptions made for sponsors developing programs to cover children on school vacations. Directs the Secretary to forward advance payments to each State. Sets forth a formula for determination of the amounts of such advance payments. Requires sponsors receiving funds under such Act to serve meals containing a combination of foods and meeting prescribed nutritional standards. Requires each State to promote meal quality for prescribing model meal specifications and including such specifications in contracts between sponsors and food service management companies. Directs the States to develop a standard form contract for use by sponsors and food service management companies. Requires sponsors to use competitive bidding on any contract worth more than $10,000. Stipulates that a food service management company must register with the administering State agency in order to participate in the program. Sets forth items which such registration statement must include. Requires the Secretary to maintain records on all registered food service management companies for use by State agencies. Directs each sponsor to make positive efforts to utilize small and minority owned businesses as supply sources. Requires each sponsor receiving program payments in excess of $50,000 to have an independent certified public accountant audit its program claims and documentation. Specifies the time limits for composing proposed and final regulations under this Act. Directs participating service institutions to utilize, insofar as practicable, foods designated as in abundance by the Secretary. Permits the Secretary to fund sponsors directly if he is unable to utilize State agencies. Stipulates that Federal assistance under such Act may not be used to replace expenditures by State and local agencies. Directs the Secretary to pay to each State a varying percentage of its administrative costs incurred under such Act. Prohibits a food service management company from subcontracting with a single company for the total meal or its assembly. Requires the keeping of such records and accounts as may be necessary to enable the Secretary to determine whether the States, State agencies, and sponsors are in compliance with such Act. Directs each State desiring to participate in the program to submit a management and administrative plan including specified material. Imposes fines and/or imprisonment for specified violations of such Act. Directs the Secretary to purchase agricultural commodities for the school lunch program and authorizes the appropriation from the general funds of the Treasury of such sums as are necessary for such purchases. Amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to authorize the appropriation of such sums as are necessary to enable the Secretary to carry out a special milk program to encourage fluid milk consumption by children in nonprofit schools and child care institutions in the United States by reimbursing schools and institutions for part of the cost of the milk they serve. Makes children who are eligible for free lunches eligible for free milk when milk is made available at times other than meal times. Stipulates that the reimbursement for milk shall not be less than 5 cents per half-pint but in no event may such reimbursement exceed the actual cost of the milk. Requires the Secretary to make an additional payment of up to 45 cents with semi-annual cost-of-living adjustments, for breakfasts served under the School Breakfast Program to children in especially needy schools. Authorizes appropriations under the Nonfood Assistance Program for equipment to enable schools to prepare and serve food of amounts not to exceed $40,000,000. Makes funds available to the States for use in Nonfood Assistance Programs operating in areas in which poor economic conditions exist. Specifies that the amount of such funds shall be a percentage of the funds expended by the States in the previous year's School lunch Program. Requires States to give priority to schools without either food service programs or facilities to prepare and cook hot meals when apportioning funds received under the Nonfood Assistance Program. Reserves a specified percentage of the funds appropriated for Nonfood Assistance Programs for disbursement by the Secretary to assist schools without facilities in preparing and cooking hot meals. Requires any such funds appropriated for the purpose of enabling schools to produce their own hot meals to be used only for facilities at the school or a kitchen operated by the local school district except in certain specified situations. Requires the Secretary to pay to each State agency a percentage of its administrative costs incurred pursuant to the administration of the Child Nutrition Act and National School Lunch Act. Specifies what administrative costs such funds may be used to pay. Permits an adjustment to the percentage allowed for administrative costs in the event a State agrees to assume certain administrative responsibilities previously performed by the Department of Agriculture. Requires each State agency to submit a plan for the utilization of administration expense funds. Permits payment of administration expense funds only if a State agrees to maintain its level of funding prior to enactment of this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to create a program to provide for nutritional training of educational and food service personnel and to disseminate sound nutrition information to children. Directs the Secretary to make grants to implement such a program. Permits the Secretary to make grants to schools and educational agencies to pay the costs of pilot demonstration projects with respect to nutrition education. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to carry out such program. Specifies the uses to which funds available under such program may be utilized. Requires State educational agencies participating in such a program to keep such accounts and records as may be necessary to enable the Secretary to determine whether they are in compliance with the program requirements. Requires each participating State to appoint a State coordinator on nutrition education. Directs the State coordinator to develop and furnish to the Secretary a comprehensive plan for nutrition education. Establishes within the National Agricultural Library of the United States a Food and Nutrition Information and Education Resources Center. Delineates the responsibilities of such Center.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1977
National Domestic Development Bank Act - Establishes a National Domestic Development Bank to provide an alternative source of funds for community facilities and economic development. Outlines the special authority of the Bank to purchase obligations and make loans to finance construction, or reconstruction to energy-efficient standards, of community facilities and public works. Provides for the establishment of regional operating divisions of the Bank and for technical assistance in areas related to the Bank's activities. Provides for capitalization of the Bank and an audit report to Congress. Grants the Bank tax-exempt status, with specified limitations. Provides a partial tax exclusion to individuals for 50 percent of Bank dividends.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1977
Hospital Cost Containment Act - Title I: Transitional Hospital Cost Constraint Provisions - States that it is the purpose of the program established by this title to constrain the rate of increases in total acute care hospital inpatient costs. States that the increase in total revenue which a hospital may receive in any accounting year in the form of: (1) reimbursement paid under the Medicare and Medicaid programs, and by cost payers for inpatient services; and (2) charges imposed upon other persons for inpatient services, may not, on a per admission basis, exceed the average inpatient reimbursement due or inpatient charges imposed per inpatient admission in the base period by more than the percentage allowed under this Act. Sets forth formulas by which the limits of the increase in total revenue may be computed. Bases the "inpatient hospital revenue increase limit" on increases in the gross national product deflator. Defines terms used in this Act. Excepts from such limits hospitals which are experiencing substantially higher costs as a result of extraordinary changes in patient loads or major changes in facilities and services. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare to promulgate the inpatient hospital revenue increase limit applicable during a twelve month period beginning on October 1 of each year. Directs the Secretary to promulgate a formula for adjusting such revenue increase limit based on the number of admissions during a 12-month accounting period. Authorizes the Secretary to grant exceptions to the revenue increase limit during periods in which the excepted hospitals meet specified criteria. Permits any hospital which is dissatisfied with the decision of the Secretary to grant or not to grant an exception if the amount in controversy is $25,000 or more, to obtain a hearing before the Provider Reimbursement Review Board established by the Social Security Act. Directs the Secretary to appoint five additional members to such Board for the purpose of reviewing appeals under this title. Prohibits, under the Social Security Act, the payment of hospital costs in excess of the limits established pursuant to this Act. Prohibits the receipt by any hospital, or payment by any cost payer for inpatient hospital services on a cost basis in excess of applicable limits. Subjects hospitals or cost payers in violation of these prohibitions to: (1) a Federal excise tax established by this Act; (2) exclusion from participation in any of the programs established under the Medicaid, Medicare or Maternal and Child Health Services programs of the Social Security Act. Allows the Secretary to exclude from the cost containment provisions: (1) hospitals meeting specified criteria, provided the Governor of the State in which such hospital is located requests such exclusion; and (2) hospitals engaged in certain experiments or demonstrations authorized by the Social Security Act. Requires every hospital to submit semiannually to the appropriate health systems agency its average semiprivate room rate and the charges for the ten other representative services most important for purposes of comparing hospitals. Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1959 to impose an excise tax on payments received for inpatient hospital services in excess of the inpatient hospital revenue increase limit. Title II: Limitation on Hospital Capital Expenditures - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary to promulgate: (1) an annual hospital capital expenditures limit; (2) a national ceiling for the supply of hospital beds; and (3) a national standard for the rate if occupancy of hospital beds. Sets forth the criteria to be considered by State health planning agencies when considering applications for certificates of needs submitted by health facilities. States that the aggregate of capital expenditures in a State under certificates of need may not exceed the hospital capital expenditures limit for the State for the year as established by the Secretary.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1977
Declares it the sense of the Senate that the President discuss with Canada the impact of recent provisions of the Canadian tax code on the United States broadcasting industry.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1977
Authorizes the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration to provide for radio and television coverage of proceedings in the Senate Chamber during the second session of the Ninety-fifth Congress. Directs the Committee to maintain videotapes and recordings of such coverage to be made available to public and commercial broadcasting stations. Directs the Committee to compile a daily written summary of Senate proceedings to be made available to the news media and to Senate Members, officers, and committees.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1977
Abolishes one of the two present positions of Deputy Secretary of Defense within the Department of Defense. Establishes an Under Secretary of Defense for Policy. Renames the present position of Director of Defense for Research and Engineering as the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering. Stipulates that the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy and the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering shall be on the Armed Forces Policy Council within the Department.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1977
Taxpayer Assistance Fairness Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to suspend interest on tax deficiencies resulting from advice obtained from Internal Revenue Service taxpayer assistance programs. Provides for the availability of written confirmations of certain oral advice given under these programs. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to make annual reports on interest suspensions and taxpayer service errors. Orders the Secretary to make an efficiency report on the programs to certain Congressional Committees within six months after this enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1977
Cogeneration and Waste Heat Utilization Act -- Title I: Waste Heat Energy Recovery Policy Analysis -- Directs the Federal Energy Administrator to study the feasibility of implementing waste heat energy recovery technology on a nationwide scale. Details subjects to be covered in periodic progress reports to the Congress and the President. Title II: Research, Development, Demonstration, and Technology Transfer Program -- Directs the administration of the Energy Research and Development Administration to establish a program designed to improve the efficiency and capabilities of industrial and utility dual-purpose powerplants. Requires that such a program be formulated in conjunction with a transition from petroleum and natural gas to coal and other alternate energy sources. Title III: Interim Incentives for Industrial Cogeneration -- Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to allow a special tax credit for equipment which generates electrical energy in excess of the uses needs in marketable quantities. Stipulates that electric power distributors who unreasonably refuse to purchase and transmit excess electrical energy (in accordance with standards prescribed by the Federal Power Commission) shall be denied investment tax credits. Authorizes the Federal Energy Administrator to make grants to State utility regulatory authorities on an interim basis to assist such authorities in emergency recovery and use of waste heat energy.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1977
Electrical Lifeline for the Elderly Rate Reform Act -- Stipulates that no rate schedule of an electric utility shall result in a greater per kilowatt-hour charge to elderly residential consumers for a subsistence quantity of electric energy than the lowest charge to any other electric consumer. Sets forth procedures for enforcement of the provisions of this Act. Imposes criminal penalties for persons found guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation of one's status as a residential electric consumer. Authorizes the Federal Energy Administrator to provide financial assistance to State and local regulatory authorities to assist in the establishment of subsistence standards for the elderly. Directs the Administrator to report to Congress within 18 months on the effects of this Act on electric utility rate structures, electric consumption, and related problems.
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 1977
Deems a certain individual to have served honorably in the military forces of the United States prior to December 31, 1945, and permits him to be naturalized as a citizen of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 1977
Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to direct the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to provide an opportunity to Governors or State agencies designated by Governors to participate in the administration of community development activities. Grants Federal assistance for technical assistance provided by State agencies to localities assisted under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1977
Solar Energy and Energy Conservation Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals alternative income tax deductions or credits for insulation installation, heating improvements and conversion to solar heating and cooling in their principal residences. Allows a tax credit for the same improvements in commercial buildings.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1977
National Materials Policy Act - Title I: Environmental Quality Assistance and Natural Resource Material Conservation Incentives - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to establish a schedule of national solid waste product charges. Authorizes annual increases in the initial charge schedule over a ten-year period. Stipulates that such charges shall be levied at the earliest practical stage of the manufacturing sequence. Exempts exported products from the charge schedules established pursuant to this Act. Establishes an Environmental Quality Assistance Fund from all sums received as charges under this title. Authorizes appropriations from the fund for municipal solid waste management plans, in accordance with guidelines established by the Administrator consistent with the Solid Waste Disposal Act. Imposes criminal penalties of up to a $10,000 fine and/or five years imprisonment for evasion of the charges imposed by this Act, or for knowing failure to collect charges imposed by this Act. Imposes additional penalties for failure to supply accurate information and for assisting in the furnishing of false information. Title II: General Provisions - Stipulates that nothing in this Act shall preclude States and localities from adopting more stringent solid waste standards. Imposes certain record-keeping requirements upon manufacturers of products covered by this Act. Establishes procedures for judicial review under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1977
Amends the Rural Development Act of 1972 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to implement a nationwide rural source water quality assistance program. Requires affected localities to submit rural source water quality plans to the Secretary for approval. Stipulates that plans developed pursuant to this act shall be consistent with plans and programs under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and other appropriate State programs. Authorizes the Secretary to appoint an advisory board to assist in carrying out the provisions of this Act. Directs the Secretary to prepare annual reports on the program in connection with budget preparation for fiscal years 1979 through 1990. Stipulates that the provisions of this Act shall terminate on September 30, 1991.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1977
Social Security Cost-of-Living Improvement Act - Requires an annual cost-of-living increase in Federal old-age, survivors, and disability benefits under the Social Security Act. Defines the base periods from which the need for such increases shall be determined. Directs the Secretary of Labor, in consultation with the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, to develop a special Consumer Price Index for the elderly.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1977
Federal Spending Control Act - States that it shall not be in order in either the Senate or the House of Representatives to consider any bill or resolution which authorizes the enactment of new budget authority for any fiscal year beginning six years after the effective date of this Act until the committee which has jurisdiction has submitted a report which analyzes and evaluates existing programs in accordance with requirements set forth in this Act. Permits the Senate to waive, by resolution, the limitation on new budget authority imposed by this Act where the proposed legislation provides for the enactment of such authority for a period of more than four fiscal years. Requires that conference reports on authorization bills state the objectives of the program as developed in conference. Makes provisions for the phaseout of existing programs. Requires that each committee of the Senate file with the Senate a report on its proposed plan for implementation of this Act not later than one year following the effective date of this Act. Directs the Comptroller General of the United States to furnish information, analyzes, and reports to Congressional committees in order to assist such committees in carry out their duties under this Act. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to conduct a study of the feasibility and advisability of establishing a zero-base budgeting system for the departments and agencies of the executive branch.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1977
Prohibits any business dedication, under the Internal Revenue Code, relating to expenses paid or incurred for the transportation of any person by supersonic or nonsupersonic commercial aircraft in excess of an amount which is equal to the retail price of the lowest priced, generally available, unrestricted fare, tariff, or ticket for the transportation of such person by nonsupersonic commercial aircraft to the same destination at the same approximate time of day and at the same time of year. Prohibits the obligation of appropriated funds for the transportation of officers and employees of the United States by commercial aircraft in excess of the amount specified in the allowed business deduction.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1977
Federal Emergency Assistance and Preparedness Administration Act - Establishes the Federal Emergency Assistance and Preparedness Administration headed by a Director who shall be a permanent member of the National Security Council. Requires the Director to establish within the Administration the Offices of Disaster Assistance, Emergency Preparedness, and Program Evaluation, and an Emergency Information Center. Requires the Administration to implement and coordinate all Federal disaster assistance and emergency preparedness programs, develop policies with respect to industrial mobilization and economic readiness for emergencies relating to the national defense, undertake research and development to improve programs under its cognizance, and to gather data on natural, economic, and other phenomena for predicting and planning for industrial and economic mobilization and emergencies and disasters. Directs the Director to make such collected data available to the public and to provide such data to States and localities on a regular basis. Requires the heads of Federal agencies with jurisdiction over any program relating to emergency preparedness or disaster assistance to report annually to the Director on the status of such program. Requires the Director to coordinate such programs with States and localities participating in or applying for such assistance. Transfers to the Administration the functions and authorities of specified agencies respecting programs within the Administration's jurisdiction. Requires the Administration to report annually to Congress. Extends until September 30, 1980, the termination dates of specified provisions of the Federal Civil Defense Act, including those which empower the President to declare a civil defense emergency.
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 · 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
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow taxpayers age 65 and over to deduct from gross income an amount equal to 25 percent of the amount paid or accrued during the taxable year to rent their principal residences.
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
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 · 24 March 1977
Declares it the sense of the Senate that the President of the United States (1) should propose an immediate suspension of underground nuclear explosions to remain in effect so long as the Soviet Union abstains from conducting underground explosions, and (2) should set forth promptly a new proposal to the Government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and other nations for a permanent treaty to ban all nuclear explosions.
United States · United States Congress · 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
States that the lack of a national policy on investment can adversely affect the economic health and well being of the Nation. Declares the policy of the Federal Government to be that it will provide incentives to assure maximum investment in private enterprise. Requires the President to include in his annual economic report to Congress an Investment Policy Report which shall include information on levels of capital investment available, trends in such levels and reviews of economic programs affecting capital investment.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1977
Declares the sense of the Senate that no ban on saccharin should take effect unless and until the Food and Drug Administration has conducted hearings on the appropriateness of safety tests conducted on this food additive, and whether an exemption from such ban should be granted for special dietary uses.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1977
Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to prohibit the sale, offering for sale, or distribution, of certain detergents containing excessive amounts of phosphorous for use within the Great Lakes Region. Defines the Great Lakes Region to include the States of New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. Stipulates that the maximum allowable amounts of phosphorous in such detergents shall not exceed (1) 0.5 percent in the case of machine laundry detergents and household cleanings agents; (2) 11 percent in the case of machine dishwashing detergents; and (3) 20 percent in the case of chemical water conditioners for machine laundry use. Authorizes the Administrator to exempt certain cleaning or water conditioning agents where compliance in deemed unreasonable, impractical, or not feasible. Imposes civil penalties of up to $10,000 for each violation of the prohibitions contained in this Act. Stipulates that illegal agents or conditioners shall be liable to be proceeded against and condemned in United States district courts. Establishes procedures for condemnation and disposal of such illegal products. Authorizes the Administrator to make inspections within reasonable limits in order to enforce the provisions of this Act. Directs the Administrator to study the feasibility of applying such regulations on a nationwide basis.
United States · United States Congress · 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
Directs the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation to conduct an investigation and study of the telecommunications policies of the Federal Government.
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 · 11 March 1977
Requires the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, under the Federal Crop Insurance Act, to reopen, for a special period ending 30 days after the normal closing date, any county which for any reason the Corporation has closed to new applications for crop insurance prior to the normal closing date, upon a determination by Secretary of Agriculture that an emergency exists in such county as a result of a natural disaster. Stipulates that terms, conditions, and premium rates shall be the same as those applicable to similarly situated eligible applicants prior to the most recent closing period for the crop to be insured. Directs the Treasury of the United States to reimburse the Corporation for such insurance issued. States that future adjustments in premium rates are not to take into account actuarial data arising from insurance issued during this reopening period. Applies the terms of this Act to the 1977 crop year only.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1977
Prohibits the first salary adjustment which would be made under the Federal Salary Act of 1967 after the date of enactment of this Act from taking effect for the Vice President, Members of Congress, judges, commissioners, and referees, and positions in the Executive Schedule.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1977
Opportunities for Adoption Act - Makes it the purpose of this Act to facilitate the elimination of obstacles to adoption and facilitate the placement in permanent adoptive homes of children, particularly children with special needs, by: (1) promoting the establishment of uniform adoption regulations in the States and territories of the United States in order to eliminate jurisdictional and legal obstacles to adoption; (2) providing Federal financial assistance to States for the purpose of assisting public and private nonprofit agencies and adoptive and prospective adoptive parents in meeting costs of adoption in order to remove or alleviate the financial obstacles which present serious barriers to adoption by qualified persons; (3) providing for the establishment of a national office of adoption information and services in the Department of Health, Education and Welfare to (A) insure quality standards for adoption services (including preplacement and postplacement and postadoption counseling and standards to protect the rights of children in need of adoption) and (B) provide for a national adoption information exchange system. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to appoint a committee on uniform adoption regulations. Directs such Committee to: (1) review current conditions, practices, and laws relating to adoption, with special reference to their effect on facilitating or impeding the finding of suitable adoptions; (2) propose to the Secretary uniform adoption regulations which would facilitate adoption; and (3) report its proposals to the Congress and the President not later than nine months after the Committee members have been appointed. Requires the Secretary to publish the proposed regulations in the Federal Register within six months following their receipt. Directs the Secretary to make grants to States for allocation, by State agencies principally responsible for services to families and children, to public and private nonprofit adoption agencies which meet standards of quality prescribed pursuant to this Act for the purpose of assisting; (1) such agencies in meeting the cost involved in the adoptive placement of children with special needs (including locating suitable homes and providing preplacement and postplacement and postadoptive counseling to children in need of adoption and to prospective and actual adoptive parents); (2) such agencies in meeting the cost of providing prenatal and postpartum services to mothers, voluntarily planning to place their children for adoption, who are unable to assume such costs, in order to protect the health and welfare of both the mother and child, but only to the extent that assistance under other Federal or State programs in the community in question is not readily available to provide adequately for such services; (3) prospective adoptive parents of children with special needs, who would consider adoption but for their financial inability to meet such child's needs, by sufficiently defraying adoption costs to enable the prospective adoptive parents to adopt such children; and (4) adoptive parents in locating and, where appropriate, defraying the cost of postplacement and postadoption special services to children requiring such services as a result of conditions which existed prior to their placement, up to an amount not exceeding the amount which similar services would cost the state in question were it to provide or secure such services as the guardian of such children. Directs the Secretary, in cooperation with State agencies, to ensure (1) annual reviews of the need for and adequacy of assistance; (2) assistance is being provided pursuant to an adoption assistance agreement; and (3) the establishment of a system in each State under which a family providing foster care to a child will be notified of the possibility of financial assistance for adoptive placement under this Act. Directs the Secretary to encourage and facilitate the consideration of comprehensive adoption assistance legislation by those States which have not enacted such legislation. Excludes assistance provided under this Act to adoptive parents or prospective adoptive parents from being taken into account in determining benefits available to such parents under any other Federal programs. Establishes within the Office of the Secretary a National Office of Adoption Information and Services headed by a Director. Makes it the duty of the Director to (1) establish a national adoption data, tracking, and analysis system; (2) conduct a continuing adoption education program, including the making of grants, and the publishing of materials regarding adoption and adoption assistance programs; (3) conduct a program of grants and contracts for the demonstration of methods and programs to enable families having children placed in foster homes to care for such children in their own home; (4) prepare an annual report evaluating and measuring the impact of programs authorized by this Act including in such report (A) the total number of children placed in adoptive homes and the number of such children placed under adoptive assistance agreements; and (B) estimates of the number of children in foster care or other custodial institutions who have been in such institutions for at least six months; (5) ensure that federally assisted adoption agencies are in compliance with applicable rules and regulations; (6) notwithstanding any other provisions of law, ensure the operation of national adoption information system, utilizing computers and modern data processing methods, to assist in the location of children in need of adoption and in the placement in adoptive homes of children awaiting adoption, and for the promotion of cooperative efforts with any similar programs operated by or within any State; and (7) coordinate and consult with other appropriate Federal departments and agencies with respect to services and benefits provided under this Act. Directs the Secretary and Attorney General of the United States to jointly conduct a study to determine the nature, scope, and effect of the interstate placement of children in adoptive homes by unlicensed persons or agencies and to submit such study, together with any legislative recommendations, to Congress within two years after the date of enactment of this Act. Authorizes appropriations of $20,000,000 for fiscal year 1978 and of such sums as may be necessary for the succeeding three years.
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 · 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.
![Official portrait of Sen. Anderson, Wendell R. [D-MN]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/a000202_200.jpg)