United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1977
Directs the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Bureau of Reclamation: (1) to study opportunities to augment, utilize or conserve water supplies available to Federal reclamation projects and to undertake conservation activities to mitigate damages to such projects from the 1976-1977 drought period; (2) to purchase water supplies and redistribute such water within Federal reclamation projects; (3) to study and evaluate potential facilities to mitigate the effects of a recurrence of drought and make recommendations to the President and to Congress evaluating such facilities; and (4) to make payments to Federal reclamation project landowners who are without irrigation water supplies to carry out soil conservation measures. Authorizes the Secretary to defer without penalty the 1977 and 1978 payments of any installment charges owed to the United States on Federal reclamation projects as he deems necessary because of financial hardship caused by extreme drought conditions. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress by March 1, 1978, on expenditures under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1977
Amends the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973 to authorize appropriations not to exceed $13,000,000 for the United States Railway Association in order to meet its administrative expenses for fiscal year 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1977
Tax Expenditure Review Act - Amends the Rules of the Senate and House of Representatives to prohibit the consideration of any bill or amendment providing special tax exclusions, exemptions, deductions, preferences, deferrals or credits which would not expire within four years. Prohibits bills or amendments which would extend such tax expenditure provisions without prior cost-benefit studies by the Committees on Ways and Means and Finance. Declares it out of order to consider any bill or amendment which contain or entail the ultimate consideration of more than one tax expenditure provision. Schedules specified tax expenditure provisions for termination after 1979, subject to earlier cost-benefit analyses by the Ways and Means and Finance Committees recommending their retention.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1977
Waterway User Charge Act - Directs the Secretary of the Army, after consultation with the Secretary of Transportation, and after conducting public hearings, to promulgate regulations establishing waterway user charges to recover at least 50 percent of the Federal navigation-related costs of the administration, operation, maintenance, new construction and rehabilitation of the waterways of the United States. Stipulates that the user charges shall equal ten percent of such costs during the first fiscal year after their establishment and shall be increased by such amount for each of the succeeding fiscal years until the maximum of 50 percent of such costs is reached. Requires the Secretary of the Army, in conjunction with the Secretary of Transportation, to submit a report to Congress regarding the implementation of the user charges pursuant to this Act no later than three years after the establishment of such charges.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1977
Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to include as an unlawful employment practice discrimination on the basis of physical handicap. States that nothing in this Act shall be construed to require any employer to provide any special services to handicapped employees.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1977
Extends funding of programs under the Food Stamp Act of 1964 through fiscal year 1982. Eliminates charges for coupon allotments and makes coupons redeemable for cash. Drops the eligibility requirement that household members be related. Requires national income standards of eligibility to be the income guidelines for the nonfarm United States prescribed by the Office of Management and Budget. Specifies exclusions and deductions from household income for qualification purposes. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to pay up to 75 percent of all costs of State program investigations, prosecutions, and other activities related to recovering losses. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct pilot, experimental and research projects to increase program efficiency.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1977
Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to allow airlines to offer reduced rate transportation for persons 65 years of age or older and for handicapped individuals.
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 · 2 March 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a deduction to individuals who rent their principal residences for their proportionate share of the real property taxes paid or accrued by their landlord.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1977
Tuition Tax Relief Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals to elect either a tax credit (up to $250) or a tax deduction (up to $1,000) for educational expenses incurred for themselves, their spouses and each dependent for whom they are entitled to a personal exemption.
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 · 1 March 1977
Amends the Tariff Schedules of the United States to permit the duty-free importation of crude petroleum and crude shale oil from Canada, when an equivalent amount of the same kind and quality of domestic or duty-paid foreign crude petroleum and crude shale oil has been exported to Canada within 30 days prior to entry.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1977
Agricultural Energy Demonstration Act - Establishes within the Department of Agriculture an Office of Agricultural Energy Demonstration which shall conduct, monitor, and annually report to Congress on an agricultural energy conservation and renewable energy demonstration program. Specifies the applications of energy conservation and of renewable energy technology to be demonstrated, including solar energy and geothermal resources, and specifies guidelines for the allocation of funds provided for such applications. Authorizes appropriations for such program in the amounts of $20,000,000 for fiscal year 1978 and $30,000,000 for fiscal year 1979.
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
Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to provide that units of general local government receiving grants under the hold-harmless provisions of such Act, shall be entitled, after fiscal year 1977, to continue to receive the amount to which they are presently entitled.
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
Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize the President to furnish energy production and conservation assistance to developing countries, including solar, wind, and water projects. Authorizes consultative visits by the Energy Research and Development Administration to design such projects. Authorizes the President to carry out studies to identify the energy needs, uses, and resources of various countries and regions, with special emphasis on the transfer of energy technology. Requires that $10,000,000 of appropriations for development assistance for fiscal year 1978 be spent only for such purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1977
Amends the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974 to establish a Safe School Center within the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. States the purpose of the Center to be the provision of information, suggested curricula, and other assistance to minimize school vandalism and juvenile delinquency among elementary and secondary school students. Authorizes the Assistant Administrator of the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention to make grants to and enter into contracts with individuals and public and private agencies for the planning, development, or operation of school based delinquency prevention programs. Establishes a Safe School Advisory Panel to make recommendations to the Safe School Center and the Assistant Administrator under this 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
Agricultural Emergency Assistance Act - Title I: Findings and Purpose - States the findings of Congress that Federal crop insurance available nationwide for all agricultural production and producers is not possible in the foreseeable future, and that a well-coordinated Federal emergency assistance program is necessary to help agricultural producers cope with natural disasters. Title II: Responsibilities of the Secretary of Agriculture; Conservation Assistance - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to coordinate all Federal programs within the executive branch which are designed to assist agricultural producers in alleviating distress caused by natural disasters. Authorizes an additional appropriation of $10,000,000 for drought emergency conservation measures for fiscal year 1977. Title III: Crop Production Assistance - Directs the Secretary to make payments if, because of natural disaster or condition beyond the control of the producers, the total quantity of a crop on a farm (wheat, feed grains, rice, soybeans or upland cotton), which the producers are able to harvest, is an amount less than the amount calculated by a specified formula. Specifies a formula for calculating the amount of such payments. Limits the assistance program to 1978 through 1982. Title IV: Livestock Production Assistance - Requires the Secretary to establish minimum reserve inventories of twenty million bushels of grain for disaster relief purposes. Authorizes the acquisition of hay and other livestock forages for such inventories. Authorizes the purchase of commodities for such purposes through the Commodity Credit Corporation. Authorizes the Secretary, under specified conditions, to pay up to three-fourths (currently, 80 percent) of the actual cost of transporting a maximum ninety-day supply of hay or other livestock forage, or additional supplies if necessary, from areas in which hay is plentiful to livestock producers in major disaster or emergency areas, or producers who face undue financial hardship in maintaining their livestock herds. Stipulates a formula for computing the amount of such hay or forage. Sets civil and criminal penalties for unapproved disposal of hay or forage for which transportation costs are paid under this title. Title V: Credit Assistance - Amends the Emergency Livestock Credit Act of 1974 to change from eighteen months preceding enactment of such act to five years preceding the date of the loan application the period during which the cost of the borrower's highest level of livestock operations is to be the measure of the maximum amount of total loans for which he may be eligible. Authorizes, under the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act, a grace period of two years during which, under appropriate circumstances, all principal and interest payments may be postponed, except for annual payments equal to one percent of the principal. Limits the beneficiaries of such grace period to borrowers whose farming, ranching or aquaculture operations are located in disaster areas meeting specified requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1977
Older Americans Financial Security Act - Authorizes and directs the Secretary of Labor, through the Bureau of Labor Statistics, to prepare, as part of the Consumer Price Index published monthly by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a consumer price index (to be known as the Consumer Price Index for the Aged and other Social Security Beneficiaries) designed to reflect the relevant price information for individuals, as a group, who are 65 years of age or older or are otherwise entitled to monthly benefits under Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act. Provides that the automatic cost-of-living increases in benefits which are authorized under Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act may be made on a semiannual basis (rather than only on an annual basis as at present). Modifies the Social Security retirement test by revising the formula for determination of an individual's yearly excess earnings.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals an income tax deduction for all the ordinary and necessary expenses paid or incurred in traveling between the individual's principal place of construction related employment and a temporary construction project work site.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1977
Authorizes and requests the President of the United States to designate the week beginning on the Sunday preceding the fourth Thursday in November of each year as "National Family Week."
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1977
Commends the President's intention to give diplomatic priority to pursuit of nonproliferation measures. Endorses negotiations with world leaders (1) to curb the spread of nuclear enrichment and reprocessing facilities, (2) to achieve acceptance of nuclear safeguards, (3) to explore international provision of nuclear fuel services, (4) to agree on sanctions against nations seeking to acquire nuclear explosives, (5) to strengthen the International Atomic Energy Agency, and (6) to act promptly on legislation enacting a statement of United States nonproliferation policy.
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 · 11 February 1977
National Child Nutrition Information and Education Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to formulate and carry out a program, through a system of grants to State educational agencies, to provide for: (1) the nutritional training of food service and educational personnel; and (2) the conduct of nutrition education activities in schools and child care institutions eligible under the School Lunch and Child Nutrition Acts. States that the amount of such grants shall be based on a rate of 50 cents for each child enrolled in such facilities. Authorizes appropriations of such amounts as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act. Requires State educational agencies to keep accounts as may be necessary to enable the Secretary to determine whether the provisions of this Act have been complied with. Establishes, within the National Agricultural Library of the United States Department of Agriculture, a Food and Nutrition Information and Education Resources Center to assemble and collect food and nutrition education materials and to disseminate such information to State educational agencies and other interested persons. States that a maximum of $1,500,000 from the funds appropriated under this Act shall be used for the establishment and maintenance of such center.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1977
Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to promulgate national standards for clinical laboratories. Defines the terms "laboratory" and "clinical laboratory" for purposes of this Act. Directs the Secretary to develop job-related proficiency and practical examinations for clinical laboratory personnel, and to develop mechanisms designed to assure the continued competence of such personnel. Directs the development of standards for the proficiency testing of clinical laboratories. Applies such standards to: (1) clinical laboratories engaged in business in interstate commerce; and (2) any other clinical laboratories located in States which do not have primary enforcement responsibility as provided for by this Act for the regulation of such laboratories. Delegates to States the responsibility for primary enforcement of the national standards over clinical laboratories not engaged in interstate commerce and those that are engaged in interstate commerce and located or doing business within the State when responsibility is specifically delegated by the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to establish a system for the licensure of clinical laboratories subject to the national standards promulgated by the Secretary. States that such licenses shall specify the categories of tests and procedures which such laboratory may perform and shall be valid for a period not to exceed 24 months. Sets forth the requirements for issuance, renewal, and revocation of a license. Provides judicial review for any person aggrieved by the revocation of the license of his laboratory. Applies the national standards to Federal clinical laboratories under the jurisdiction of the Secretary and to all other such laboratories, except those under the jurisdiction of the Armed Forces or the Veterans' Administration or those under any agency which has in effect equally stringent standards. Prohibits the solicitation or acceptance of specimens for laboratory tests or procedures by a clinical laboratory which is required to be licensed by the Secretary and which either does not have such a license or is not permitted under such license to perform the planned test or procedure. Establishes a penalty consisting of a fine or imprisonment or both for the violation of such prohibition. Prohibits false or fraudulent billing practices in connection with services provided under the Social Security Act. Establishes a penalty consisting of a fine or imprisonment or both for the violation of such prohibition. Prohibits an employer from taking action against an employee who has assisted or participated in an investigation of such employer pursuant to this Act. Establishes a procedure for investigating and correcting employers' retaliatory actions against employees. Authorizes the Secretary to provide grants and technical assistance to States to assist in meeting the cost of enforcing the standards established for the regulation of clinical laboratories. Establishes an advisory council on clinical laboratories in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare to advise the Secretary with respect to national standards promulgated under this Act, the implementation and administration of clinical laboratory regulation, and coordination between Federal and State regulatory programs. Directs the Secretary to establish within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare an Office of Clinical Laboratories. States that the purpose of such Office shall be: (1) to establish a uniform regulatory policy for the administration of the functions authorized by this Act, the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and the Medicaid and Medicare programs of the Social Security Act; and (2) to provide guidance for the laboratory components of other health programs administered and enforced by the Secretary. Amends the Social Security Act to prohibit reimbursement under the Medicare, Medicaid or Maternal and Child Health and Crippled Childrens' Services programs for any portion of the cost of a clinical laboratory service which represents a commission, finders fee, or rent which is above the market value of the facility. Prohibits the making of any grant or reimbursement by the Secretary, or the award of any contract under the Medicare or Medicaid programs of the Social Security Act, including but not limited to grants to or contracts with hospitals, or skilled nursing facilities, or in connection with the procurement and reimbursement for clinical laboratory services, unless the laboratory meets the licensing requirements established by the Secretary. Raises the status of the offense of defrauding the Medicare and Medicaid programs from that of a misdemeanor to that of a felony. Increases the maximum fine for such offenses from $10,000 to $25,000. Increases the maximum term of imprisonment from one to five years. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study of existing regulations governing the qualifications of clinical laboratory supervisors, technologists, and technicians, and of the regulatory bodies established to develop and enforce such regulations. Requires such study: (1) to assess the need for national standards for certifying laboratory technical personnel and certifying entities; (2) to project the numbers of laboratory personnel who will be needed in 1980, 1985, and 1990; and (3) to analyze the costs to laboratories of compliance with such national standards should they be promulgated as a result of such study. Directs the Secretary to study the financial arrangements entered into by hospitals, reimbursed for the provision of health services under the Medicare and Medicaid programs, for the provision of clinical laboratory services by persons who provide such services in such hospitals. Directs the Secretary to report the findings of such study to Congress within six months, and that the study include recommendations for such corrective legislation as the Secretary determines to be necessary.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1977
Authorizes the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to construct a replacement lock and dam project on the Mississippi River near Alton, Illinois. Authorizes the Secretary to undertake steps to provide for wildlife protection and recreational activities in conjunction with such project. Withdraws all authority for the Secretary of the Army to construct or study the feasibility of construction or modification of channels in the Mississippi River north of its juncture with the Illinois River. Creates an Upper Mississippi River System Council. Directs the Council to prepare a master plan by 1981 for the management of the Upper Mississippi River. Requires public hearings on a preliminary plan prior to preparation of a final plan. Establishes criteria to be considered in preparing such master plan. Authorizes the appropriation of $20,000,000 for such study.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1977
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide payment for rural health clinic services pursuant to program of Supplementary Medical Insurance Benefits for the aged and Disabled of such Title.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1977
Authorizes the Attorney General, in his discretion, in the case of any alien who is a native or citizen of Vietnam, Laos, or Cambodia and who has been inspected and admitted or paroled into the United States, to adjust the status of such alien to that of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence. Sets forth conditions for the granting of such adjusted status. Applies this Act to the resident spouse and children of any alien whose status is changed pursuant to this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1977
Solar Energy Government Building Act - Title I: Solar Hot Water and Space Heating Program for Federal Building - Directs the Administrator of General Services to establish a solar hot water and space heating devices in 15,000 federally owned buildings within six fiscal years following the date of enactment of this Act. Directs the Administrator to annually survey Federal buildings to determine those most suitable for the installation of solar hot water and space heating devices, considering geographic distribution and life-cycle cost evaluations in making such determination. Directs the Administrator to report annually to Congress on the status of the Program, including recommendations for future funding levels necessary to fully implement the six-year target set forth in this Act. Establishes an Advisory Committee on the Solar Energy Government Building Program of specified Government executives to assist the Administrator in the establishment and conduct of the Program. Authorizes the appropriation of $100,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1978 through 1983 for the purposes of this title. Title II: Federal Photovoltaic Utilization Program - Establishes a Federal Photovoltaic Utilization Program for the annual acquisition and use of photovoltaic solar electric systems, primarily for use by the Department of Defense. Directs the Administrator of General Services to administer the program with the assistance of the Secretary of Defense. Directs the Administrator of the Energy Research and Development Administration to establish a photovoltaic system evaluation and purchase program to insure that such systems reflect the most advanced, low-cost technology. Authorizes the appropriations of $25,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1978 through 1982 for design and engineering aspects of the program. Authorizes the appropriation of $100,000,000 for photovoltaic system acquisition in fiscal year 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1977
Young Families' Housing Act - Graduated Payment Mortgage Insurance Act - Amends the National Housing Act to permit the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to insure, on a regular basis, mortgages and loans with provisions for varying rates of amortization corresponding to anticipated variations in family income. Sets a percentage limit on the mortgage value ratio of mortgages which will be insurable under this Act. Prescribes eligibility requirements for such insurance. States that mortgages or loans insured pursuant to this Act shall not be subject to State usury laws in most cases. Individual Housing Account Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a deduction for amounts paid in cash into an individual housing account. Defines the term "individual housing account" for the purposes of this Act. Limits annual tax deductions to $2,500 and lifetime deductions to $10,000. Makes provisions for tax treatment upon distribution of such accounts. Exempts individual housing accounts from taxation under the Internal Revenue Code.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1977
Amends the Federal, Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act to require the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to designate an official name for any prescription drugs within the preview of such Act. Deems such a prescription drug misbranded if its labeling or advertising bears any name other than such official name. Authorizes the Secretary to exempt such a prescription drug from this labeling and advertising requirement for up to one year in order to avoid confusion and permit the orderly transition of labeling and advertising names.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1977
Family Farm Security Act - Title I: Land Acquisition Loans - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to guarantee loans to enable young people who wish to engage in farming on a career basis to purchase land necessary for such purpose. Stipulates that no loan shall be guaranteed in an amount in excess of: (1) 75 percent of its total amount; (2) the appraised value of the property; or (3) $150,000, whichever is less. Authorizes the Secretary to make payment adjustments extending payments for up to an additional ten years for loans having a maximum term of 20 years. Authorizes the Secretary during the first ten years of a loan, at the borrower's request, to pay a portion of the payment due under such terms as the Secretary deems appropriate. Requires the borrower to pay the remainder and to begin to repay the Secretary, in the eleventh year, for any sums paid on his behalf unless such individual is granted an extension. Stipulates that such loans may only be made available to individuals who would be unable to purchase the farmland for which the loan is made without the assistance of this Act. Directs the Secretary to provide for the appointment of local county committees to assist in the screening of applicants for loan guarantees and payment adjustment assistance. Authorizes appropriations in such amounts as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this title. Requires the Secretary to report to specified committees of Congress the amount of funds required to operate the loan guarantee program within two years after the enactment of this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to guarantee such loans in an amount up to five times the funds appropriated for such purpose. Title II: Operating Loans - Authorizes the Secretary to make operating loans of up to $50,000 to individuals whose loans are guaranteed under title I of this Act and who are unable to finance their actual needs at reasonable rates and terms through commercial sources. Sets forth the repayment period and interest rate for such loans. Authorizes appropriations in such amounts as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this title.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1977
Regulatory Reform Act - Requires the President to submit to Congress a plan recommending reforms with respect to the regulation of: (1) energy, the environment, housing, and occupational health and safety by specified Federal agencies by April 30, 1979; (2) transportation and communications by specified Federal agencies by April 30, 1981; (3) banking and finance, international trade, and Government procurement by specified Federal agencies by April 30, 1983; and (4) food, consumer health and safety, economic trade practices, and labor- management concerns by specified Federal agencies by April 30, 1985. States that each such plan shall include recommendations for reform of such specified agencies and shall report on the cumulative impact of all Government regulatory activity reviewed, up to that date, on specific industry groupings. States that if the President fails to submit such plans by the specified dates, the Senate and House Committees on Government Operations shall draft their own plans to be submitted to Congress for action. Requires the Comptroller General and the Congressional Budget Office, contemporaneously with the development of the President's plan, to submit a report assessing the purpose, effects, efficiency, and cost effectiveness of each agency included in the plans submitted by the President. States that if no comprehensive regulatory reform legislation is enacted by August 1 of the year following the year in which a comprehensive plan has been submitted by the President, then all agencies affected thereby shall have no authority to issue any new rules not essential for preserving the public health and safety; if such reform is not enacted by October 1 of such year, such agency shall have no authority to enforce any rule not essential for preserving the public health and safety; if no such reform is enacted by December 31 of such year, such agency shall be terminated on such date. States that all rules of such terminated agency essential for preserving the public health and safety shall remain effective and shall be enforced by the Department of Justice. Requires the President to submit subsequent plans in the manner and in the order and frequency set forth by this Act every ten years.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1977
Public Official Integrity Act - Title I: Amendments to Title 28, United States Code - Requires the Attorney General to investigate all specific allegations of criminal law violations by specified individuals, including the President, Vice President, persons in the Executive branch compensated at a rate of pay prescribed for positions I and II of the Executive Schedule, and any national campaign manager or chairman of any national campaign committee seeking the election or reelection of the President. Requires the Attorney General to decide within 60 days whether the matter warrants prosecution and if so, directs him to apply to the division of the U.S. Courts of Appeals responsible for the appointment of a special prosecutor. Requires the Attorney General to apply for the appointment of a special prosecutor whenever, in the course of any criminal investigation, he determines that the continuing investigation or resulting prosecution may so directly and substantially affect the political or personal interests of the President or the Attorney General or the interests of the President's political party as to make it inappropriate in the interest of the administration of justice for the Department of Justice to conduct such investigation. Enumerates the authority and duties of a special prosecutor. Gives a special prosecutor all the investigative and prosecutorial functions and powers of the Department except those which specifically require the Attorney General's personal action. Requires a special prosecutor to report annually to Congress and at the conclusion of such special prosecutor's duties to the division of the court. Requires a special prosecutor to promptly advise the House of Representatives of any substantial and credible information which may constitute grounds for an impeachment. States that a special prosecutor may only be removed from office by impeachment and conviction, or by the Attorney General for extraordinary improprieties, malfeasance in office, willful neglect of duty, permanent incapacitation, or conduct constituting a felony. Permits the division of the court to terminate an office of special prosecutor at any time on the grounds that the investigations and prosecutions of such prosecutor have been completed. Requires the chief judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia to assign three judges or justices for two-year periods to a division of the Court to be the special panel of the court for the appointment of special prosecutors. Terminates the provisions of this Act which pertain to a special prosecutor five years after the date on which this Act takes effect. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to be held by the Department as a contingent fund for the use of any special prosecutor appointed pursuant to this Act. Requires the Attorney General to promulgate rules requiring any officer or employee of the Department, including a United States Attorney, to disqualify himself from participation in a particular investigation or prosecution if such participation may result in a personal, financial, or political conflict of interests or the appearance of such conflict. Establishes within the Department an Office of Government Crimes to be directed by a person appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate and who has not, during the five years preceeding such appointment, held a high-level position of trust and responsibility on the personal campaign staff of, or in an organization or political party working on behalf of, a candidate for any elective Federal Office. Confers upon the Office jurisdiction over: (1) criminal violations of Federal law related to his Government position, employment, or compensation, by any individual who holds or who held a position as an elected or appointed Federal Government officer, employee or special employee; (2) criminal violations of Federal laws relating to lobbying, conflicts of interest, campaigns, and election to public office committed by any person except insofar as such violations relate to matters involving discrimination or intimidation on the grounds of race color, religion or national origin; (3) the supervision of investigations and prosecutions of criminal violations of Federal law involving State or local government officials or employees; and (4) such other matters as the Attorney General may deem appropriate except as to matters referred to the special prosecutor pursuant to this Act. Requires the Attorney General to report annually to Congress on the activities of the Office. Title II: Congressional Legal Counsel - Establishes as an office of Congress, the Office of Congressional Counsel headed by a Congressional Legal Counsel. Makes the office directly accountable to the Joint Leadership Group established under this Act. Directs the Office to defend Congress, a Member, officer, or employee of Congress, or any agency or committee of Congress in a civil action which arises from performance of official duties if so authorized by a two-thirds vote of the Leadership Group of the relevant House or Houses or by a majority vote of the relevant House or Houses of Congress. Directs the Office to bring a civil action to enforce a Congressional subpoena if authorized to do so by a majority vote of the appropriated House. Directs the Office to represent the interests of Congress as intervenor or amicus curiae in a suit in which Congress is not a party if authorized by the appropriate House, in the event such appearance or intervention is in the name of one House, or by both Houses in the event that such appearance or intervention is in the name of the entire Congress. Authorizes to be appropriated for each fiscal year through fiscal year 1982, such sums as may be necessary to enable the Office to carry out its duties and functions. Provides that until such sums are first appropriated, for a period of up to 12 months, the expenses of the office shall be paid from the contingent fund of the Senate. Title III: Government Personnel; Financial Disclosure Requirements - Declares it to be the policy of the United States that there be uniform requirements for full public financial disclosure by high-level officers and employees of the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches of the Government. States that such financial disclosure requirements shall not be inconsistent with the public financial disclosure requirements contained in the Code of Official Conduct adopted by the Senate.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1977
Victims of Crime Act - Directs the Attorney General to make grants to qualified State programs for the compensation of victims of crime. Specifies requirements for program certification, including that the program (1) offer compensation for personal injuries suffered as a result of certain State and Federal crimes, (2) offer compensation to surviving dependents of persons whose deaths resulted from being victim to such a crime, (3) require cooperation with law enforcement agencies as a condition for recovery, (4) grant claimants the right to a hearing, and (5) subrogate the State to any claim the victim or dependent has against the perpetrator to the extent of the amount compensated by the State. States that grants made under this Act shall total 50 percent of the allowable compensation paid to victims and dependent survivors of victims of State crimes designated by the State as appropriate for compensation under this program and 100 percent of the allowable compensation paid to victims and dependent survivors of victims of crimes which would constitute designated State crimes except for the fact that the crime is subject to exclusive Federal jurisdiction. Limits compensation with respect to any single claim to (1) loss resulting from medical and related treatment, physical and occupational therapy and rehabilitation, and past and anticipated future earnings up to $200 per week and (2) a total of $50,000. Establishes an Advisory Committee on Victims of Crime to advise the Attorney General with respect to the administration of this Act and the compensation of victims of crime.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1977
Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to establish the price support of milk at not less than 90 percent of the parity price therefor beginning at the start of the new marketing year. Requires semiannual adjustments but authorizes quarterly adjustments when there are sharp increases in the index of prices paid by farmers. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a sell-back price at a level high enough to encourage holding of stocks by the private sector rather than the Commodity Credit Corporation.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1977
Amends the Social Security Act to provide that, if the delivery day for benefit checks under titles II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) and XVI (Supplemental Security Income Program) falls on a Saturday, Sunday or legal public holiday, benefit checks for such month shall be mailed for delivery on the first day preceding such designated day which is not a Saturday, Sunday or legal public holiday, without regard to whether the delivery of such checks is made in the same calendar month for which such benefit checks are issued. Requires the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to make the same provision for the mailing of veterans' benefits checks.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1977
Amends the Small Business Act to authorize the Small Business Administration to offer reinsurance to any insurer or pool against excess losses resulting from products liability claims or completed operations claims against small business concerns. Authorizes the Administration to establish such limits on liability and charges for reinsurance as it deems appropriate.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1977
Amends the National Labor Relations Act to require an employer which assumes the ownership or operation of a business to honor any applicable collective bargaining contract in its entirety. Amends the Labor Management Relations Act to permit a labor organization to bring suit against a new employer which refuses to honor an existing agreement in United States district court regardless of the citizenship of the parties or amount in controversy.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1977
National Meals-on-Wheels Act - Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to allow States to distribute Federal Funds for the establishment of: (1) projects to provide home-delivered meals to qualified homebound elderly persons; (2) an information and referral system for homebound individuals receiving such meals; and (3) an operation to seek volunteer personnel for the delivery of such meals and to compensate such personnel for related transportation expenses. Authorizes the appropriation of specified sums in fiscal years 1978 and 1979 for the purpose of providing home-delivered meals under this Act. Limits to five percent the amount of such funds which may be spent upon the administration of such program. Directs the Commissioner of the Administration on Aging to conduct a demonstration project involving at least three States to determine the feasibility of using the meals system designed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration for the elderly as a component of, or substitute for, regular nutrition projects assisted under the Older Americans Act of 1965.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1977
Wage Supplements for Handicapped Individuals Act - Amends the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to authorize the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to conduct demonstration projects, either directly or by way of arrangement with public or private agencies, for the payment of wage supplements to handicapped individuals who are employed in sheltered workshops or work activity centers which meet certain standards, including any promulgated under this Act by the Secretary jointly with the Secretary of Labor.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1977
Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to require air carriers directly engaged in the operation of aircraft to file a notice of any proposed rate change with the Civil Aeronautics Board 60 days before such new rate is to become effective. Requires air carriers not directly engaged in the operation of aircraft to file a 45 day notice with the Board of such a proposed rate change (previously all air carriers were required to file a 30 day notice). Requires the Board before entering into hearings on the lawfulness of such rate changes to notify the affected air carrier of such action at least 30 days before the effective date of such rate change in the case of air carriers directly engaged in the operation of aircraft, and 15 days before such effective date for air carriers not directly engaged in the operation of aircraft.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1977
Alaska Conservation Act - Adds specified lands in the State of Alaska to the National Park, National Wildlife Refuge, National Forest, and Wild and Scenic Rivers Systems. Title I: National Park System - Adds specified areas to the existing Mount McKinley and Katmai National Parks. Establishes nine new areas in Alaska as national monuments, parks, rivers and reserves. Sets forth general administration provisions governing such areas, including: (1) boundaries and acquisition of property; (2) applicability of mining and mineral leasing laws; (3) sport hunting; (4) subsistence uses; (5) cooperative agreements; and (6) wilderness review for suitability of such areas. Designates seven additions to the Wild and Scenic River System. Title II: National Wildlife Refuge System - Establishes 12 national wildlife refuges, one national arctic range and one national resource range. Sets forth general administrative procedures governing such lands. Title III: National Forest System - Establishes the Wrangell Mountains, Porcupine and Yukon - Kuskokwim National Forests. Title IV: Additions to National Wild and Scenic Rivers System Located Outside National Parks, National Wildlife Refuges, and National Forests - Designates specified streams, rivers, and river segments in Alaska as scenic rivers.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1977
Extends up to three years the delimiting period of educational benefits paid by the Veterans' Administration to any veteran who was enrolled as a full-time student pursuing an approved course of education when his eligibility expired, or was enrolled as a part-time student receiving educational benefits, a loan or compensation under a program provided for in the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968.
![Official portrait of Sen. Anderson, Wendell R. [D-MN]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/a000202_200.jpg)