United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1977
Requires the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives to install telecommunication devices to enable deaf persons and persons with speech impairments to engage in toll-free communications with Members of Congress. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1977
Peanut Act - Amends the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 to establish (1) the national marketing quota for the 1978 crop of peanuts at a quantity sufficient to provide a national acreage allotment equal to the national acreage allotment for the 1977 crop, reduced by not more than ten percent; and (2) the national marketing quota for the 1979, 1980, and 1981 crops at a quantity sufficient to provide a national acreage allotment equal to the preceding year, reduced in each crop year by not more than five percent of the national acreage allotment for the preceding year. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to allow free transfer of all or any part of any such allotment. Sets the price support of peanuts at 70 percent of parity as of April 1, 1978, for the 1978 crop, and at the same level, adjusted for the 1979, 1980, and 1981 crops. Directs the Commodity Credit Corporation to make warehouse storage loans available to approved designated area marketing associations of peanut producers.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1977
Youth Employment and Training Act - Amends the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act of 1973 to establish a National Young Adult Conservation Corps, to be administered by the Secretary of Labor through interagency agreements with the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture, for the purpose of carrying out projects on Federal or non-Federal public lands or waters. Qualifies for work on such projects United States citizens and lawfully admitted persons who have either (1) attained age 14 but not age 16, (2) attained age 16 but not age 19 and have left school, or (3) have attained age 22 but not age 24. Stipulates that no qualified individual may enroll in the Corps for a total of more than 12 months. Directs the Secretary of the Interior or Agriculture, as appropriate, in consultation with the Secretary of Labor, to determine the location of each residential and nonresidential campsite. Lists type of projects which may be performed by the Corps including (1) silvicultural measures, (2) erosion control, (3) wildlife habitat and range management improvements, (4) recreation development, (5) forest insect and disease prevention and control, and (6) general sanitation. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to enter into agreements with prime sponsors under the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act and with Indian tribes, bands and groups to pay the cost of community improvement projects to be carried out exclusively by persons age 16-21 and certain persons age 14-15 or 22-23. Directs persons seeking to conduct community improvement projects to submit applications containing specified information to entities eligible to enter into agreements with the Secretary. Directs those entities desiring funds to submit a proposed agreement to the Secretary, each such proposed agreement to include project applications approved by the entity's planning council or like organization. Authorizes the Secretary, in reviewing proposed agreements, to approve or deny project applications on an individual basis. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to provide financial assistance to prime sponsors under the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act and Indian tribes, groups, and bands for the provision of employment opportunities and appropriate training and supportive services to unemployed youths and young adults who are members of low-income households. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to establish innovative and experimental programs to test new approaches for dealing with the unemployment problems of youth. Sets forth standards relative to the selection of activities to be funded under this Act and the allocation of funds.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1977
Amends the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 to postpone the national marketing quota referendum for the 1978 wheat crop until either October 15, 1977, or 30 days after adjournment sine die of the first session of the Ninety-fifth Congress, whichever date is earlier.
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 1977
National Preventive Medicine, Health Maintenance and Health Promotion Act - Title I: Bureau of Human Development -- Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish a National Bureau of Human Development within the Public Health Service at the National Institutes of Health. States that it shall be the purpose of the Bureau to conduct, support, and foster basic and applied research and training relating to the maintenance of health and the prevention and cure of disease; to study the impact on human development of man-made agents in the environment; and to provide a noncategorical perspective at the National Institutes of Health for biomedical and social science research. Requires the Director of the Bureau to establish an Information Office for Human Development Research to collect, catalog, analyze, and disseminate all available information beneficial to any person concerned with human development research in any country. Establishes a National Human Development Policy Advisory Board to advise and assist the Bureau Director on Bureau research policy priorities, budget requests and allocations, and the future direction and mission of the Bureau. Requires the Board to annually submit a report to the President for transmittal to the Congress on the progress of the National Human Development Program towards the accomplishment of its objectives. Establishes, within the Bureau, a National Institute of Family Health to carry out research and training in the areas of maternal, paternal, child, and prenatal health. Establishes a National Family Health Advisory Council to advise and consult with the Director of the Family Health Institute. Establishes, within the Bureau, a National Institute on Population Sciences to carry out research related to population matters having both a preventive and curative emphasis on research in reproductive biology. Creates a National Population Sciences Advisory Council to advise and consult with the Director of the Population Institute. Incorporates the relevant programs of the former National Institute of Child Health and Human Development into the Population Institute. Establishes, within the Bureau, the National Institute of General Medical Sciences to carry out training and research relating to general medical sciences. Creates a National General Medical Sciences Advisory Council to advise and consult with the Director of the General Medical Institute. Directs the General Medical Council to assume the duties powers and functions of the National Advisory Health Council relating to research or training projects which concern the General Medical Council. Establishes, within the Bureau, a National Institute on Aging to conduct and support biomedical, social, epidemiological and behavioral research and training related to the special problems and needs of the aged. Creates a National Advisory Council on Aging to advise and consult with the Director of the Aging Institute. Establishes, within the Bureau, a National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences to carry out research and training relating to the prevention of human health problems caused by harmful man-made agents and the modifying effects of a variety of physical and biological states within man on susceptibility to and the course of disease induced by these agents. Creates a National Environmental Health Sciences Advisory Council to advise and consult with the Director of the Environmental Institute. Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish within the office of the Director of the National Institutes of Health the position of Associate Director of Preventive Medicine to foster and coordinate basic and applied research and training relating to the maintenance of health and the prevention of disease. Title II: National Center for Health Maintenance and Promotion - Designates the Center for Disease Control the "National Center for Health Maintenance and Promotion." Adds to the functions of the Center the encouragement of increased epidemiological research and programs, particularly with respect to chronic and degenerative diseases. Establishes as a component of the center a Bureau of Nutrition to establish and conduct a program to continuously monitor, survey, and evaluate the Nations nutritional status. Establishes within the Public Health Service a Bureau of Health Education to serve as the focus for health education programs for the Public Health Service. Title III: National Center for Health Services Research - Includes the evaluation of the efficiency and effectiveness of health maintenance and promotion procedures and programs in the duties of the National Center for Health Services Research. Title IV: National Center for Health Statistics - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, acting through the National Center for Health Statistics, to make a continuing survey of the needs, interest, attitudes, knowledge, and behavior of the American public regarding health. Directs the Secretary to use the results of such survey and similar surveys as a basis for formulating policy respecting preventive medicine, health maintenance, and health promotion. Title V: Office of Health Information and Health Promotion - Directs the Office to provide the Congress and the Secretary with recommendations with respect to preventive medicine, health maintenance and promotion, on all health related budget requests from the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1977
Food and Nutrition Program Optional Consolidation and Reorganization Act - Provides the States with the option of consolidating and reorganizing the following food assistance programs: (1) the food stamp program of the Food Stamp Act of 1964, (2) the child feeding programs of the National School Lunch Act and the Child Nutrition Act of 1966, (3) the food and nutrition education program of the Smith- Lever Act, and (4) the commodity supplemental food program. Allows any State to participate in the consolidation program, and guarantees that a participating State shall receive the funds it would otherwise have received under the above-mentioned programs. Stipulates the procedure by which a State may withdraw from the program. Permits a State to receive a planning grant of up to two percent of the amount that State presently receives under the four existing programs, in order to prepare a consolidated plan conforming to this Act. Sets forth requirements for receiving such a grant. Requires each State desiring to receive funds for the consolidation program to (1) designate a State agency to ascertain the food and nutrition needs of the State's needy population, to formulate and monitor the State consolidation plan and to receive and apportion State and Federal funds earmarked for the program; (2) publish, prior to consolidated assistance and every fourth year thereafter, a four- year comprehensive State plan which conforms to the requirements of this Act, and update that plan annually; (3) certify to the Secretary of Agriculture that the requirements of (2) have been complied with; and (4) provide for an annual audit of expenditures, and to report the findings of that audit to the Secretary. Mandates that each State, in developing the State plan, establish procedures to assure that (1) an assessment is made to determine the food and nutrition needs of the State's needy, (2) an assessment is made to determine the need for food and nutrition education in the State, (3) funds used under this Act will be coordinated with State, local, and Federal funds and programs, (4) adequate notice and an opportunity for public comment is provided for proposed changes in the State plan, (5) procedures are established to assure that State regulations will be established, amended or repealed consistent with State administrative procedure and due process, and (6) Federal funds provided under this Act supplement and not supplant State or local funds. Requires that a State plan (1) set forth the procedure for and results of the food and nutrition needs assessment, (2) state the goals to be achieved under the plan, (3) set forth the State's program of food and nutrition education, (4) provide for procedures, in conformance with this Act, for distribution of funds to local agencies and organizations, (5) set out the State's program for providing meals and nutrition education in connection with any federally funded program carried out with funds not provided under this Act, (6) provide procedures for monitoring activities of agencies and organizations responsible for administering the State plan, (7) provide for an audit of the expenditure of funds by those agencies and organizations, (8) prescribe procedures for State action when such agencies fail to implement a program plan, and provide an appeal process for an agency which is dissatisfied with that State action, and (9) provide that an annual audit be prepared of all expenditures, and that the audit be reported to the Secretary. Requires the Secretary to notify a State, within 60 days after receiving its comprehensive State plan, whether such plan complies with this Act. Mandates that the Secretary indicate in what respect the plan fails to comply, and the action the State must take to comply. Provides that a State participating in a consolidated program is eligible to receive an additional grant for carrying out that program equal to 10 percent of its total entitlement, provided that such amount is matched by the State with an equal amount of non-Federal funds. States that the amounts that all States are entitled to in a fiscal year shall be ratably reduced if the sums appropriated in that year for State payments are not sufficient to pay each state the entire amount to which it is entitled. Requires the Secretary to furnish the same services-in-kind which would have been furnished to the State had the State not participated in the consolidated program. Permits the States to purchase food-service equipment and facilities with funds made available under this Act. Forbids any State from using more than 2 1/2 percent of the funds made available under this Act for administrative expenses. Provides for evaluations and monitoring of the program authorized under this Act. Requires the Secretary to carry out a program of grants to States which consolidate under this Act for purposes of interstate cooperation. Authorizes $3,000,000 to be appropriated in each of the ten fiscal years beginning October 1, 1977 to carry out this program. Forbids payment of funds to any State which has not certified to the Secretary that it has published its comprehensive State plan or update in accordance with this Act. Provides sanctions which may be imposed by the Secretary if a State's comprehensive plan is not in compliance with this Act, or if the State fails to follow its comprehensive plan. Provides for both administrative and judicial review of any sanctions imposed. Provides for the participation of children enrolled in private or Indian tribal schools if a State is prohibited by law from providing for their participation. Imposes criminal penalties on anyone who embezzles, steals, or fraudulently obtains any funds authorized by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1977
Agriculture Census Amendments Act - Directs the Secretary of Commerce, in the 1979 agricultural census, to reduce the reporting burden: (1) on agricultural establishments annually averaging $50,000 or less in product sales to one-half or less of their burden in the 1974 census; and (2) on other establishments to the maximum extent feasible. Declares that the statistical classification of farms in effect on June 30, 1976, shall be effective for purposes of the 1974 census. Declares that the statistical classification of farms effective for the 1979 census and thereafter shall not exclude any establishment which has sold or would normally sell more than $250 (adjusted by a certain percentage) of agricultural products during the census year. Directs the Department to improve the collection, analysis, and publication of data about the ownership structure of farms in the United States.
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
Equal Access to Courts Act - Entitles a party which (1) prevails in any civil action, including an action for judicial review of agency actions, and (2) is a small business as defined by the Small Business Act or an individual or entity having assets or income below specified amounts to a judgment for costs and an award for attorney fees, witness fees, and necessary studies and reports. Directs an agency to pay costs and fees to a party meeting the criteria of (2) above if such a party (1) successfully defends the imposition of an agency sanction, (2) successfully opposes the issuance or amendments of certain agency orders, or (3) successfully appeals agency action or is subject to agency action which is appealed or reviewed. Entitles a party partially prevailing against the United States to costs and fees to the extent to which it prevailed. Authorizes where in the interest of justice, an award of cost and fees to a party which fails to prevail in a civil action instituted by or against the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1977
Waives certain requirements of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 with respect to the consideration of an amendment to be proposed to S. 650 (entitlements for wheat producers).
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 · 9 March 1977
Emergency Farm Credit Act - Title I: Emergency Loan Guarantee Authority - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to guarantee loans to farmers and ranchers, and to private domestic corporations and partnerships controlled by farmers and ranchers and engaged directly and primarily in farming or ranching, in the United States who, individually or as their principle stockholders and partners, are citizens of the United States. Allows a contract that guarantees such loan to require the Secretary of Agriculture to participate in up to 90 percent of any loss. Restricts the total principal balance outstanding at any one time to $500,000 on loans guaranteed under this Act for any one loan applicant. Terminates the authority to guarantee loans under this Act on December 31, 1977. Allows the lender to accept collateral for such guaranteed loans which has depreciated in value due to temporary economic conditions, but which remains adequate security for the loan.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1977
Mobile Source Emission Control Amendments -- Amends the Clean Air Act to extend through model year 1979 interim standards for hydrocarbons and carbon nonoxide emissions from light-duty motor vehicles. Specifies standards applicable in model years 1980 and afterwards for such pollutants. Revises the emission standard for carbon monoxide to allow emissions of up to 9.0 grams per vehicle mile. Extends until model year 1981 the current 2.0 grams per vehicle mile interim standard for nitrogen oxide emissions from light-duty vehicles. Establishes a nitrogen oxides emissions standard of 1.0 gram per vehicle mile for model years after 1981, subject to revision or waiver by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency in accordance with prescribed procedures. Stipulates that such revisions and waivers shall not permit emissions in excess of the 2.0 grams per vehicle mile interim standard. Directs the Administrator, the Secretary of Transportation and the Federal Energy Administration to submit separate reports to Congress regarding the consequences of such emission standards on fuel consumption. Establishes additional prohibitions and penalties for tampering with motor vehicle emission control equipment. Imposes limits on the amount of vehicle testing required of small manufacturers. Establishes procedures for review of instructions for high altitude performance adjustments for motor vehicle emission control systems by the Administrator in accordance with specified requirements. Revises warranty requirements stipulated by the Act. Specifies an 18-month or 18,000-mile warranty requirement for the useful life of motor vehicle emission control systems. Directs the Administrator to study the effects of emission of sulfur bearing compounds from motor vehicles and aircraft. Extends the exception for disclosure of confidential information in administrative and judicial proceedings to emission data upon a satisfactory showing to the Administrator that such data would divulge trade secrets. Requires that documentation, justifications, proposed drafts, and comments of other agencies on proposed motor vehicle emission standards be made available to the public once such standards are proposes. Establishes procedures for oral presentation of views with opportunity for cross-examination, with respect to such standards. Authorizes direct review of alleged procedural errors in the appropriate court of appeals. Authorizes the appropriation of $200,000,000 per fiscal year for fiscal years 1978, 1979, and 1980, to carry out the purposes of this Act other than research, development, and demonstration activities
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1977
Regulatory Control Act - Requires rules promulgated by an agency to implement a public law to be submitted to the congressional committee where such law originated. Prohibits such rule from becoming effective if disapproved by such committee within 60 days of submittal.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1977
Department of Energy Organization Act - Title I: Declaration of Purposes - Declares it the purpose of this Act to establish a permanent Department of Energy in the executive branch to assist in the development of a coordinated national energy policy. Title II: Establishment of Department - Establishes a Department of Energy in the executive branch. Establishes an Energy Information Administration and an Economic Regulatory Administration within such Department. Title III: Transfers of Functions - Transfers to the Secretary of Energy all functions now vested in the Federal Energy Administration, the Energy Research and Development Administration, and the Federal Power Commission. Transfers energy-related functions from the Department of the Interior to the new Secretary. Transfers specified functions of the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, the Interstate Commerce Commission, the Secretary of the Navy, and the Secretary of Commerce to the new Secretary. Title IV: Board of Hearings and Appeals - Establishes a three-member Board of Hearings and Appeals within the Department to make agency determinations as required by law. Prohibits persons having interests in energy companies from serving as Board members. Title V: Administrative Procedures and Judicial Review - Stipulates that the provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act shall apply to rules and regulations issued by the Secretary or a delegate. Requires that opportunity for oral presentations of viewpoints be afforded where regulations are likely to have a substantial economic impact. Requires hearings on rules which substantially impact a single geographic area to be held in such geographic area. Stipulates that United States district courts shall have exclusive jurisdiction of cases arising under this Act without regard to amount in controversy, except where otherwise provided in authority transferred to the Secretary. Title VI: Administrative Provisions - Establishes a Leasing Liaison Committee to obtain information and make recommendations on Federal leasing activities conducted by the Secretary of the Interior which relate to energy resources. Requires officers and employees of the Department of Energy to disclose known financial interests in energy companies. Imposes criminal penalties for knowing violations of such disclosure requirements. Authorizes the Secretary to delegate authority to other officers, to create regional officers, and to establish advisory committees. Requires the Secretary to submit annual reports to the President for submission to the Congress. Title VII: Transitional Savings and Conforming Provisions - Stipulates that transfers of personnel authorized by this Act shall not result in reduction in grade or unemployment for one year after enactment of this Act. Stipulates that orders, rules, and proceedings established or commenced under previous authority shall not be affected by the transfers under this Act. Amends the Federal Energy Administration Act, the Energy Reorganization Act, the Federal Power Act, the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act, the Energy Conservation Standard for New Buildings Act, the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935, the Rural Electrification Act of 1936, and other provisions of law to conform with the changes made by this Act. Title VIII: Effective Date and Interim Appointments - Stipulates that the provisions of this Act shall take effect no later than 120 days after the Secretary first takes office. Establishes procedures for interim appointments of officers prior to the effective date of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1977
Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act to increase the minimum rate of overtime pay to two times regular pay. Amends the Walsh-Healey Act to permit government contractors to have their employees work a four-day workweek consisting of four ten-hour days. Amends the Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act to revise overtime guidelines to accommodate such a workweek.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1977
Federal Salary Act Amendments -- Requires the President's recommendations of salary increases under the Federal Salary Act of 1967 to be approved or disapproved within 60 days after being submitted to Congress. Repeals all changes in compensation of Federal employees since January 1, 1977, pursuant to such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1977
Energy Conservation Tax Incentives Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allows individuals a limited income tax credit for amounts expended for insulating their residence and installing devices which improve the fuel efficiency of existing home heating systems.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase from $100 to $600 ($1,200 in the case of a joint return) the amount of dividends which individuals may exclude from income.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income the first $100 ($200 for persons filing joint returns) earned as interest on savings deposits in financial institutions.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1977
American Stock Ownership Plans - Provides that for purposes of the Internal Revenue Code the term "American stock ownership plan" means a trust created or organized in the United States for the exclusive benefit of an individual or his beneficiaries which meets specified requirements, including: (1) contributions will not be accepted for the taxable year in excess of $1,500 on behalf of any individual; (2) the trust is designed to invest solely in common stock of domestic corporations; (3) contribution received by the trustee during a particular taxable year will be allocated to a separate class year account; and (4) the interest of an individual in each class year account may not be paid or distributed before the end of the seventh taxable year following that year in which such class year account was established, except in the case of death or disability. States that the term "American stock ownership annuity" means a contract for a variable annuity, issued by an insurance company which meets specified requirements similar to those of the stock ownership trust above. Provides that a trust created or organized in the United States by an employer for the exclusive benefit of his employees or their beneficiaries or by an association of employees for the exclusive benefit of its members of their beneficiaries, shall be treated as an American stock ownership plan, but only if the trust meets the requirements of such a plan as stated above and also provides a separate accounting for the interest of each employee or member. Exempts American stock ownership plans from taxation. Provides that any amount paid by an employer to American stock ownership plan or annuity shall be included in an individuals gross income. Allows an individual to deduct from his gross income amounts paid in cash during the taxable year by or on behalf of such individual to an American stock ownership plan or annuity. Stipulates that no deduction shall be allowed for the two taxable years succeeding the taxable year in which a payment or payment or distribution from such a plan or annuity which is taxable to the individual under this Act is made. Stipulates that the deduction allowable to an individual under this Act may not exceed an amount equal to 15 percent of the compensation included in his gross income for such taxable year, or $1,500 whichever is less, multiplied by a fraction, the denominator of which is $20,000 and the numerator of which is $20,000 minus the excess of such compensation over $20,000. Provides that any amount received from a class year account established more than seven years before the taxable year in which the amount is received, and any amount paid or distributed on account of the death of the individual for whose benefit the broadened stock ownership plan or annuity was created shall be included in gross income in the year received and treated as a long term capital gain.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) reduce the normal corporate income tax; (2) increase the corporate surtax; and (3) increase the corporate surtax exemption.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow taxpayers to amortize over 60 months, or in the case of a building, over one-half of its useful life, property placed in service after December 31, 1976, and before January 1, 1980, in an area in which the rate of unemployment is seven percent or greater.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a nonrefundable income tax credit for the hiring of new employees. Sets the amount of the credit at: (1) $1 multiplied by the number of new employee hours of employment for the first 26 weeks of employment; and (2) 50 cents multiplied by the number of new employee hours of employment for the second 26 weeks of employment. Stipulates that new employees must have been unemployed for more than 26 weeks and not displace or replace a current employee. Directs the Secretaries of Labor and Commerce to publicize the availability of this credit in connection with employment programs for which they are responsible.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1977
Entitles employees of the Bureau of Indian Affairs or the Indian Health Service to an annuity if separated from service after completing 25 years of service or after becoming 50 years of age and completing 20 years of service before December 31, 1989, if such employee is not otherwise entitled to other full retirement benefits and is not an Indian entitled to an employment preference by law.
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
Mobile Source Emission Control Amendments - Amends the Clean Air Act to postpone until model year 1982 motor vehicle emission standards which require a 90 percent reduction in emissions of carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons. Established the following interim emission standards for such pollutants: (1) for model years 1977 through 1979, 1.5 grams per vehicle mile for hydrocarbons and 15 grams per vehicle mile of carbon monoxide; and (2) for model years 1980 and 1981, 0.9 grams per vehicle mile of hydrocarbons and 9 grams per vehicle mile of carbon monoxide. Extends until model year 1981 the current 2.0 gram per vehicle mile interim standard for nitrogen oxide emissions from light-duty vehicles. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to establish such standards as appropriated for future model years. Directs the Administrator, the Secretary of Transportation, and the Federal Energy Administration to submit separate reports to Congress regarding the consequences of such emission standards on fuel consumption. Establishes additional prohibitions and penalties for tampering with motor vehicle emission control equipment. Imposes limits on the amount of vehicle testing required of small manufacturers. Establishes procedures for review of instructions for high altitude performance adjustments for motor vehicle emission control systems by the Administrator in accordance with specified requirements. Revises warranty requirements stipulated by the Act. Specifies on 18-month or 18,000 mile warranty requirement for the useful life of motor vehicle emission control systems. Directs the Administrator to study the effects of emission of sulfur-bearing compounds from motor vehicles and aircraft. Directs the Administrator to establish emission standards for air pollutants from railroad locomotives. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to make inspections to insure compliance with such standards. Prohibits States and localities from adopting different standards. Extends the exception for disclosure of confidential information in administrative and judicial procedures to emission data upon a satisfactory showing to the Administrator that such data would divulge trade secrets. Requires that documentation, justifications, proposed drafts, and comments of other agencies on proposed motor vehicle emission standards be made available to the public once such standards are proposed. Establishes procedures for oral presentation of views, with opportunity for cross-examination, with respect to such standards. Authorizes direct review of alleged procedural errors in the appropriate United States court of Appeals. Authorizes the appropriation of $200,000,000 per fiscal year for fiscal years 1978, 1979, and 1980, to carry out the purposes of this Act other than research, development, and demonstration activities.
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
Coal Pipeline Act - Authorizes the exercise of the right of eminent domain by any carrier of coal by pipeline who holds a certificate of public convenience and necessity issued by the Department of the Interior. Stipulates that, before issuance of such certificate, environmental considerations and the need for energy domestically shall be weighed before the Secretary of the Interior makes a finding. Requires that no carrier granted the power of eminent domain under this Act shall transport any coal in which it has any ownership interest. Establishes procedures for making application for a certificate of public convenience and necessity, for antitrust review, and for enforcement under this Act. Imposes a maximum fine of $10,000, six months imprisonment, or both, for knowing violations of any provision of, or regulation issued pursuant to, this Act.
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
Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, under the Agricultural Act of 1949, to administer a special program in each of the crop years 1977 through 1981 whereunder wheat producers may designate up to 40 percent of a wheat acreage allotment to be planted to wheat and used for grazing or for hay rather than for commercial grain production. States that participating producers shall be ineligible for price support on any portion of an acreage allotment so used; but requires that the Secretary pay a producer an amount with respect to such portion according to a certain formula. Prohibits any crop but hay from being harvested from acreage in this special program. Deems such acreage to have been planted for harvest for the purposes of wheat acreage history.
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 · 28 January 1977
Emergency Farm Grain Storage Facilities Construction Act - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, through the Commodity Credit Corporation, to guarantee loans to wheat and feed grains producers for the construction of storage facilities. Provides for a guarantee with respect to 90 percent of the total construction cost, not to exceed $50,000. Sets a formula for determining the proper size of a storage facility for which a loan may be guaranteed under this Act. Sets the loan term at no more than ten years.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1977
Youth Employment Act -- Amends the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act to authorize the Secretary of Labor to provide financial assistance to prime sponsors, under the comprehensive manpower services provisions of such Act, certain counties, and Indian tribal groups for comprehensive manpower services for economically disadvantaged, unemployed, and underemployed youths age 14- 24. Makes eligible for a bonus payment prime sponsors which engaged, in the year prior to applying for assistance under this Act, in a cooperative education or training project with a local or State education agency. Repeals provisions under which assistance is presently provided for part time and summer employment of disadvantaged youths.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1977
Title I: Statement of Findings and Purposes - Declares it the purpose of this Act to establish a Federal program to test the commercial, social, and environmental viability of oil shale technologies. Title II: Oil Shale Commercialization Test Program - Directs the Administrator of the Energy Research and Development Administration to select two projects from proposals by non-Federal applicants for oil shale demonstration facilities. Requires the Administrator to consult with the Secretary of the Interior and appropriate State and local officials in selecting appropriate public lands for such demonstration facilities. Establishes criteria for evaluation of the economic, social, and environmental viability of commercial oil shale demonstration facilities. Establishes procedures for disposition of demonstration facilities. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to lease lands to qualified facilities under the Mineral Lands Leasing Act of 1920. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Establishes a panel to advise the Administrator on the social, environmental, and safety impacts of demonstration facilities authorized by this Act. Authorizes the Administrator to make financial commitments for the purpose of financing essential community development and planning necessitated by the funding of demonstration facilities under this Act. Limits the amount of such commitments to $20,000,000 per year for fiscal years 1978 and 1979. Authorizes the Administrator to make direct loans and grants to eligible States, localities, and Indian tribes should such sums prove insufficient. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1978 for such purposes. Creates a separate fund within the Treasury to carry out such community development and planning assistance programs. Prescribes rules to govern the operation of the fund and related financial matters.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1977
Amends the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to authorize the establishment of citizen advisory committees to advise and make recommendations on additional components to the national wild and scenic rivers system.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1977
Makes it unlawful for any individual or entity to solicit to enroll or enroll any member of the armed forces in any labor organization or for any member to encourage others to join or to actively support any military labor organization. Sets forth penalties for violation of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1977
Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to make real estate and operating loans available to private domestic corporations and partnerships controlled by farmers and ranchers engaged primarily in farming or ranching who, individually or as to their principal stockholders and partners, are United States citizens. Increases the maximum allowable total principal indebtedness for real estate loans which may be outstanding by any one borrower to $200,000 or $300,000 in the case of a guaranteed loan. States that special consideration for: (1) water and waste facilities loans may be given rural areas having a population of more than 5,500; and (2) soil and water conservation, pollution control and private business enterprise loans may be given to rural areas having a population of more than 25,000. Revises the maximum interest rate on real estate loans other than guaranteed loans under such Act from five percent to a rate determined by the Secretary taking into account the current market yield on outstanding marketable obligations of the United States. Removes the $500,000 ceiling from the aggregate principal of loans made using the Agricultural Credit Insurance Fund. Increases the amount of indebtedness which may be outstanding for operating loans under such Act for an individual from $50,000 to $100,000 or in the case of a guaranteed loan, $200,000. States that the interest rates on such loans which are guaranteed shall be the rate agreed upon by the borrower and lender. Authorizes the Secretary to purchase the guaranteed portion of any rural development loan using funds from the Rural Development Insurance Fund and the guaranteed portion of all other loans with funds from the Agricultural Credit Insurance Fund. Authorizes the Secretary to make loans and grants, and approve transfers and assumptions under such Act in connection with property securing a loan made, insured, or held by the Secretary notwithstanding the fact an area ceases to be eligible for assistance under such Act. Authorizes the Secretary to provide a procedure for appeal and review of determinations by a county committee that a loan applicant is not unable to obtain sufficient credit elsewhere to finance his actual needs at reasonable rates and terms. Provides for congressional authorization of program levels under such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1977
Rescinds the $350,000,000 appropriation for the CVN nuclear attack aircraft carrier program contained in the Department of Defense Appropriation Act, 1977.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1977
Recognizes the outstanding contributions made by President Ford to this Nation and commends him for the manner and integrity with which he carried out his responsibilities.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1977
Deems service as a member of the Women's Air Force Service Pilots as active duty for the purposes of all laws administered by the Veterans' Administration.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1977
Declares it the sense of the Congress that the United States should oppose United Nations membership of Vietnam and deny diplomatic recognition to Vietnam until that country cooperates in securing a satisfactory accounting of Americans missing in action and unaccounted for in the territory under Vietnamese control.
United States · United States Congress · 12 January 1977
Conservation Gas Act - Declares that the formulation and implementation of natural gas conservation programs are matters of local concern, subject to regulation by State utility regulatory commissions. Stipulates that the Federal Power Commission shall be without authority to alter natural gas conservation programs upon a certification to the Commission by the State agency that the State has assumed authority over such programs.
United States · United States Congress · 12 January 1977
Extends various programs under the Agriculture Act of 1970, as amended by the Agriculture and the Consumer Protection Act of 1973, through 1981, 1982, or 1984. Continues the price support programs for wheat, feed grains, cotton, wool, soybeans and dairy products through 1981. Increases the minimum support and loan levels for wheat to $2.25 per bushel and for feed grains to $1.87 per bushel, plus handling costs. Sets the support level for milk at 80 percent of parity and the loan level for cotton at 38 cents per pound. Revises the formula for support payments for each crop to reflect established prices of: (1) $3.10 per bushel of wheat; (2) $2.25 per bushel of each feed grain; and (3) 48 cents per pound of cotton. Increases the limit on payments under the wheat, feed grain and cotton programs for the 1974 through 1981 crops to $30,000. Sets a five percent maximum interest rate for wheat, feed grains and cotton loans and allows the producer-borrower to specify any loan period not exceeding five years. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to pay 50 percent of the storage costs incurred by any producer under the price support programs. Directs the Secretary to give wheat and feed grain producers the option to set aside acreage or to plant a full crop and store a percentage of the harvest whenever carryover stocks will be so large as to seriously depress the price of the particular commodity. Makes election under such option a condition of receiving loans, purchases and payments under the two price support programs. Requires the Secretary to pay 50 percent of the storage costs incurred by a producer pursuant to an election to plant and store, and authorizes him to guarantee loans for 90 percent of the cost of constructing storage facilities. Allows the removal and sale of wheat or feed grains so stored whenever the market price for either equals 150 percent of the loan rate on such crop; and requires repayment of the loan from the proceeds of such sale. Permits the Secretary to recall loans when the price of a commodity exceeds the loan level of stored crops by more than 200 percent. Forbids prohibitions or limitations on the export of wheat or a feed grain, with exceptions, whenever the equivalent of 350,000,000 bushels of wheat or 500,000,000 bushels of such feed grain is under storage pursuant to elections provided for by this Act. Directs the Secretary to establish human nutrition food reserve to help meet emergency food conditions in any area of the world suffering severe food loss due to a natural disaster. Authorizes the Secretary to acquire and process for the reserve up to 100,000,000 bushels of grain. Prohibits the sale of reserve food supplements through normal commercial channels. Allows the Secretary to permit foreign countries to participate in the program by purchasing the wheat or feed grains concerned and paying the required storage and handling costs. Prohibits the application of export embargoes to commodities so stored. Requires the Secretary to report to the appropriate House and Senate committees within 90 days of enactment indicating the action taken to implement this reserve program. Extends through 1981, among other things: (1) the effectiveness of various orders to producers and handlers relating to uniform prices for milk products; (2) the authority of the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs and the Secretary of the Army to use dairy products stored under price support programs in facilities under their respective jurisdictions; (3) the exemption of wheat from marketing quotas; (4) the exclusion of wheat allotments from the transfer of acreage allotments on public lands; (5) the floor for sales of wheat and feed grains by the Commodity Credit Corporation and the price at which purchases must be made to offset sales; (6) the limit on summer fallow use to 55 percent of the cropland acreage for crops of wheat, feed grains and cotton (7) the prohibition on equalizing the price supports of cottonseed and soybeans; and (8) the application of established rules for classifying skiprows. Excludes crop loans for wheat, feed grains and cotton from the budget of the United States and exempts them from any general limitation imposed by statute on expenditures and net lending of the United States.
![Official portrait of Sen. Bellmon, Henry L. [R-OK]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/b000351_200.jpg)