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![Official portrait of Sen. Brooke, Edward W. [R-MA]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/b000871_200.jpg)
United States · Official source
624 records where Sen. Brooke, Edward W. [R-MA] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 1977
Provides for payment of a supplemental tuition allowance to each qualified veteran upon application to the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs. Structures such allowance to offset institutional differences in tuition costs.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 1977
Amends Part A of Title IV (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) of the Social Security Act to require that dependent children of unemployed fathers be eligible for assistance under the program and to provide 100 percent Federal funding for such aid.
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 1977
Provides for payment of a supplemental tuition allowance to each qualified veteran upon application to the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs. Structures such allowance to offset institutional differences in tuition costs.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 1977
Unemployment Compensation Reform Act - Title I: Unemployment Compensation Cost Equalization Program - Unemployment Compensation Cost Equalization Act - Entitles, under the Social Security Act, a States whose rate of insured unemployment is at least six percent, to partial reimbursement on an ascending sliding scale of unemployment compensation costs incurred above a certain amount. Title II: Federal-State Extended Unemployment Compensation Act - Federal-State Extended Unemployment Compensation Act - Replaces the Federal-State Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 1970 with an extended unemployment benefit program which includes both regular extended benefits of up to 13 weeks and supplemental extended benefits of up to 13 additional weeks. Directs that benefits be made available when unemployment exceeds specified trigger levels which are similar to those used under present law. Revises the method for determining unemployment rates for the purposes of such triggers. Provides for 50 percent Federal funding of regular extended benefits and for full Federal funding of supplemental benefits. Title III: Financing Amendments for Unemployment Compensation Programs - Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to extend the payback period of a State having an outstanding balance of loans and to permit a State to pay as little as 20 percent of the outstanding balance in a year upon determining that the State is taking sufficient steps to restore the fiscal soundness of its trust fund. Waives any repayment requirement for States in which the insured unemployment rates exceeds a specified level. Restricts the penalty tax in a State which defaults to only insured employers and provides that the rate of such tax shall remain constant even if the outstanding balance owed is not entirely repaid.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 1977
Authorizes each Senator to employ for 14 days each year a senior citizen intern to serve in such Senator's Washington, District of Columbia office.
United States · United States Congress · 1 July 1977
Natural Diversity Act - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to provide grants to the States for implementing State programs for maintaining landscape and other natural diversity with supporting biological data management systems. Requires each State to prepare a plan identifying, classifying, maintaining, and monitoring elements of natural diversity occurring within its boundaries in order to renew its grants. Directs each State to submit to the Secretary a priority list of sites which contain important elements of the State's natural diversity and which can be best protected through acquisition. Directs the Secretary to make matching grants for acquisition upon a finding that the site will contribute to the goals of this Act. States that the sites acquired by such grants shall be known as Diversity Preserves and that a registry of sites shall be maintained by the Secretary. Requires each Federal land management agency to establish a natural diversity program and biological data management system and to designate sites on Federal lands for entry on the registry. Directs the Secretary to prepare an annual summary assessment of the status of the nation's national diversity. Establishes the Federal Natural Diversity Office in the Department of the Interior and a technical advisory committee.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1977
Requires the Chief of Staff of the Army, the Chief of Naval Operations, and the Chief of Staff of the Air Force to keep the Secretary of the military department of which such individual is a member, fully and currently informed on matters considered or acted upon by the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 1977
Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation Act - Establishes the National Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation. Names the board of directors of the Corporation. Empowers the Corporation to continue the work of the urban reinvestment task force in establishing neighborhood housing services programs, in providing grants and technical assistance to selected neighborhood preservation projects, and in supporting Neighborhood Housing Services of America. Authorizes specified Federal departments and Federal banks to provide services to the Corporation with or without reimbursement. Directs the Corporation to publish an annual report to the President and the Congress. Requires an annual audit of the Corporation.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 1977
Constitutional Amendment - Provides for the representation of the District of Columbia in the Congress. Authorizes the election of two Senators and the number of Representatives in the House to which the District would be entitled if it were a State. Provides that this Amendment shall have no effect upon the present system for selecting the number of electors for President and Vice President to be appointed for the District.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1977
Rehabilitation Extension Amendments - Amends the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to set the authorization for appropriations for State grants for vocational rehabilitation services at the previous year's authorization adjusted by fluctuations in the Consumer Price Index. Extends through fiscal year 1983 the authorization for appropriations for the following purposes: (1) innovation and expansion grants, (2) vocational rehabilitation personnel training, (3) construction and staffing of rehabilitation facilities, (4) the study of comprehensive service needs, (5) vocational rehabilitation service grants, (6) special projects and demonstrations, (7) the National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths and Adults, (8) program evaluations, and (9) the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1977
Federal Insurance Act - Title I: Federal Insurance Guaranty Program - Establishes a Federal Insurance Commission as an independent agency in the executive branch. Creates an Advisory Committee to review the policies and procedures of the Commission; and assist in obtaining the cooperation of insurers and Federal and State agencies in carrying out the purposes of this Act. Transfers to the Commission certain powers and duties conferred upon the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development with respect to specified Federal insurance programs. Creates a Federal insurance guaranty program to establish uniform standards for guaranty status of private insurers, and maximize the efficient utilization of the capabilities of such insurers in the discharge of policy obligations in the event of insolvency. Establishes a Federal Insurance Guaranty Fund containing fees paid by companies whose obligations are guaranteed by the Commission, the proceeds of certain notes issued by the Commission to cover losses, and receipts from any other sources. Directs the Commission to collect from each insurer guaranteed under this Act an annual fee based on net direct premiums. Authorizes the Commission to issue a Federal guaranty certificate to any insurer which meets the financial and other requirements prescribed by the Commission. Sets forth the procedures for applying for and issuance of such certificate. Specifies the grounds for refusal to grant or for revocation of such certificate. Requires notification of policyholders of policies guaranteed under this Act with respect to loss of the insurer's guaranty status. Stipulates that investments of certain federally guaranteed insurers shall be regulated by the laws and regulations of such insurers' domiciles and the states in which they transact insurance unless such laws and regulations do not meet specified requirements. Exempts federally guaranteed insurers from the laws of any State which require participation in a State insolvency guaranty plan whereby such insurers are required to assume obligations of other insurers in the event of insolvency. Stipulates that whenever any federally guaranteed insurer is adjudicated as insolvent, the Commission shall satisfy all of the insurer's guaranteed obligations. Authorizes the Commission to employ certain methods to avoid the default or facilitate the merger or consolidation of federally guaranteed insurers. Sets forth procedures for the rehabilitation, reorganization, or dissolution of a federally guaranteed insurer upon a determination that such insurer is unable or likely to become unable to fulfill its obligations when due. Authorizes the Commission to prescribe specified rules and regulations necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act. Requires the Commission to establish an "early warning system" to detect certain financial conditions of insurers which could lead to insolvency or inability to fulfill obligations to policyholders or claimants. Prohibits any federally guaranteed insurer from refusing to insure any individual or group solely because of age, sex, race, religion, or national origin, or to impose discriminatory rate structures. Authorizes the Commission to serve upon any federally guaranteed insurer or officer, director employee, or agent thereof, who has engaged or is about to engage in any practice which violates this Act or any rules prescribed by the Commission, notice of such violations. Requires the Commission to notify such insurer or person of the time, date, and place at which a hearing will be held to determine whether a cease and desist order should issue. Authorizes the Commission to issue temporary cease and desist orders to stop certain violations or practices by such insurers. Gives the Commission specified supervisory powers over federally guaranteed insurers or any officer, director, employee, or agent thereof including authority to impose civil penalties for violations of final orders issued by the District Courts. Prohibits the Commission from adopting any rule or regulation, or exercising any other authority granted by this Act which would impose a burden on competition not necessary in furthering the purposes of this Act. Title II: Federal Chartering of Insurance Companies - Authorizes the Commission to issue a charter to any stock, mutual, or reciprocal insurer, reinsurer, or surety, or alien insurer maintaining trust funds of a specified amount. Requires the Commission to issue a Federal charter to certain eligible insurers, notwithstanding any State law, upon the majority vote of stockholders or policyholders. Stipulates that upon issuance of such charter (1) the State charter of such insurer shall be preempted and terminated (2) such insurer shall be deemed to be authorized to do business in any State, and (3) the obligations of such federally chartered insurer shall be guaranteed according to title I of this Act. Authorizes the Commission to prohibit alien insurers from transacting an insurance business in any State unless such insurer is federally chartered. Establishes the procedure for issuing a Federal charter. Exempts federally chartered insurers from State laws regarding reserves, State insolvency guaranty plans, investment regulation, and rate structures. Requires that funds of any federally chartered insurer in an amount equal to the sum of its policyholders obligations and minimum capital and surplus, or guaranty fund, be invested in certain classes of assets. Sets forth the classes of investments to be used by such insurers in covering obligations and maintaining minimum capital. Prohibits certain investments by federally chartered insurers.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1977
Declares it the sense of the Senate that the United States representatives to the Belgrade Conference should indicate the United States' concern over Anatoly Scharansky, who sought to monitor compliance with the Helsinki Accords.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1977
Establishes, in the city of Lowell, Massachusetts, the Lowell National Cultural Park consisting of a preservation zone and an intensive use zone. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to establish the boundaries of such zones. Permits the Secretary to either enter into cooperative agreements with property owners to preserve and maintain property within the park or to acquire such property within the intensive use zone by purchase or condemnation if the parties have failed to reach an agreement through negotiation. Permits the Secretary to enter into agreements with Federal agencies or the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for firefighting, law enforcement or other specified assistance. Directs the Secretary to submit to Congress a park management plan and to establish standards applicable to the construction and use of properties within the intensive use zone. Requires any Federal agency conducting activities affecting the park to conform to such standards. Establishes the Lowell National Cultural Park Advisory Commission to advise the Secretary on the boundaries of the park and the development and use of properties and activities within the park.
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 1977
National Agricultural, Range, and Forest Land Policy Act - Title I: Objectives - Declares that it is the policy of the Federal Government, in cooperation with State and local governments, to use all practicable methods to retain, protect, and improve agricultural, range, and forest land, to reduce its conversion to non-food-and-fiber producing uses, and to limit the encroachment of industrial activities. Title II: Research Program - Establishes an Agricultural Land Review Commission to study: (1) agricultural, range, and forest land in the United States; (2) the effects of industrial development, climate and other factors on the productivity of such land; (3) the acquisition of such land by persons not engaged in agricultural or forestry activities; (4) the impact of Federal, State and local laws and regulations on such land; and (5) methods of protecting and improving such land, and of reducing the amount of it being converted from agricultural and forestry uses to nonvital uses. Authorizes the Commission to make grants to institutes of higher learning to do research pursuant to its study. Requires the Commission to report its findings, conclusions and recommendations to the Secretary of Agriculture and to Congress. Terminates such Commission on September 30, 1982. Title III: Demonstration Programs - Authorizes the Secretary to pay up to 60 percent of the cost and to provide technical assistance to any State pilot project undertaken to demonstrate and test methods of reducing the amount of land being converted from agricultural, range, and forest uses to nonessential uses. Requires all such projects to be completed within five years after enactment of this Act. Directs the Secretary to report his findings, conclusions and recommendations to the President and to Congress. Title IV: Funding - Authorizes for Title II programs the appropriation of $8,000,000. Authorizes for Title III programs the appropriation of $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1978 through 1982.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1977
Protection of Children Against Sexual Exploitation Act - Prohibits the sexual exploitation of children by making it unlawful for any person to knowingly use or cause any minor to engage in or assist in any sexual act for the purpose of promoting any film, photograph or other visual medium. Makes it unlawful for any parent, guardian or person having control over a minor to knowingly permit such minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct. Imposes a fine of $10,000 and/or imprisonment up to ten years for a violation of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1977
Rail Rehabilitation Act - Title I: Findings, Purpose, and Definitions - Declares that the purposes of this Act are to designate an Interstate Railroad System, to rehabilitate the lines within such System, and to transfer to the States the responsibility for maintaining rail lines not included within such System. Title II: Interstate Railroad System - Requires each rail carrier to provide the Secretary of Transportation with specified information regarding its rail lines. Stipulates that the Initial Interstate Railroad System shall be comprised of: (1) all rail lines operated by railroad companies within the United States; (2) all out-of-service but not abandoned rail lines controlled by domestic railroad companies; and (3) such rail lines outside the United States which are operated by a railroad company which operates primarily within the United States and which are deemed essential to the System by the Secretary. Specifies exceptions to such inclusion. Directs the Secretary to prepare and distribute a report containing a description of all rail lines included in the Initial System and a report identifying all rail lines not included in the Initial System and the reason for such exclusion. Directs the Rail Services Planning Office of the Interstate Commerce Commission to hold public hearings regarding the establishment of the Initial System, and to report to the Secretary its recommendations for additions to and deletions from such System. Directs the Secretary, after receiving such recommendations, to prepare and release a summary of an Intermediate Interstate Railroad System. Requires the Secretary to include findings in support of each addition to or deletion from the Initial System. Stipulates that the Intermediate System shall designate the future maintenance standards of each rail line in the System according to specified criteria. Directs the Rail Services Planning Office to hold public hearings to solicit comments on the Intermediate System and to report to the Secretary its recommendations for additions to and deletions from such System. Directs the Secretary, after receiving such recommendations, to prepare and transmit to Congress the Final Interstate Railroad System. Stipulates that the Final System shall contain no deletions from the Intermediate System except those deletions recommended by the Office or approved by the Governor of the State in which the rail lines to be deleted are included. Stipulates that the Final Plan shall contain future maintenance standards for each rail line which are no lower than those contained in the Intermediate System except under specified circumstances. Stipulates that the Final System shall be deemed approved unless either the House of Representatives or the Senate passes a resolution of disapproval within 60 days. Directs that, in the event such a resolution is passed, the Secretary shall submit a revised System to Congress for review. Directs the Secretary, within 90 days of receiving the Office's recommendations regarding the Intermediate System, to establish a rehabilitation, capital improvement, and maintenance program for the restoration of all rail lines in the System to the future maintenance standards set forth in the Final System. Stipulates that this entire program shall be scheduled for completion within 12 years after the enactment of this Act. Directs the Secretary and the Secretary of the Army, within three years after the enactment of this Act, to carry out a study of the long-term capital needs for the major upgrading of the Final System. Directs the Administrator of the Federal Rail Property Administration (as established by this Act) to establish a revised rehabilitation, capital improvement and maintenance program showing the schedule for completion of each element of the program. Stipulates that all rail properties subject to reorganization under the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973 shall be part of the Final System. Title III: Federal Rail Property Administration - Establishes the Federal Rail Property Administration within the Department of Transportation. Authorizes the Administration to acquire rail lines and transportation property other than rail lines from any railroad company operating within the United States or whose principal place of business is within the United States. Stipulates that such property may include United States railroads outside the U.S. in contiguous portions of Canada and Mexico where necessary for the Interstate Rail System. Authorizes the Administration to enter into leases with railroad companies which deed rail lines to the Administration for the purpose of providing rail service for a period of not more than 25 years. Stipulates that such a lease shall be renewable. Sets forth provisions to be included in such a lease. Directs the Administrator to establish regulations for the planning and implementation of projects to coordinate, and consolidate railroad operations. Authorizes railroad companies, after the Final System is deemed approved, to offer to transfer all its rail facilities included in the System to the Administration. Authorizes ConRail to offer its rail facilities to the Administration any time 120 days after the enactment of this Act. Requires the Administration to accept title to such rail facilities and to enter into operating leases for such lines within 120 days after receipt of an offer to transfer. Authorizes railroad companies (other than ConRail) to offer to transfer rail facilities before approval of the Final System under specified conditions. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to develop rehabilitation and capital improvement programs for rail properties owned by the Administration. Requires such programs to be incorporated into the leases for such properties. Stipulates that the Administration shall pay the costs of such programs and shall contract with the leaseholding railroad to perform such programs. Directs the Administrator and any rail carrier leasing property to establish a schedule of maintenance for such property after the conclusion of a rehabilitation program. Stipulates that such maintenance shall be the responsibility of the carrier or carriers involved. Directs the Administrator to supply all materials and equipment for such maintenance. Directs the Administrator to report annually to the President and the Congress on the properties owned by the Administration and on the condition of all other rail properties in the nation. Title IV: Funding - Authorizes appropriations in such amounts as may be necessary for each of the 12 years following the enactment of this Act for rehabilitation projects and maintenance projects. Imposes a Rail User Charge on all railroads operating on facilities of the Administration. Stipulates that such charge shall amount to $.20 annually per thousand gross ton-miles of freight, passengers, and rail equipment move on such facilities. Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary, the Interstate Commerce Commission, and the Administrator to carry out provisions of this Act. Title V: State and Local Rail Service Discontinuance and Abandonment - Sets forth conditions for the discontinuance or abandonment of rail service or rail properties transferred to the Administration. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish a Federal aid program in support of State rail planning as required by the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973. Title VI: Labor Contracts - Stipulates that all contracts between rail carriers and labor organizations for maintenance of properties transferred to the Association shall remain in full effect. Authorizes the Association to enter into contracts for the performance of maintenance, rehabilitation and capital improvement projects provided that all employment pursuant to such contracts shall be subject to the terms of labor contracts in force at the time on the property affected.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1977
Department of Environment and Natural Resources Act - Establishes an executive Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Establishes, under the Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources, the offices of Deputy Secretary, Assistant Secretary for Policy, Assistant Secretary for Administration, Assistant Secretary for Environmental Science and Research. Assistant Secretary for Fish, Wildlife and Recreation, Assistant Secretary for Land and Water Resources, and a General Counsel. Establishes Assistant Secretaries for Air Quality, Water Quality, Atmospheric Services,and Oceans. Abolishes the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of the Interior. Transfers all functions of the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of the Interior to the new Department. Establishes within the Department a Bureau of Coastal Zone Management to carry out all functions of the Coastal Zone Act. Transfers authority currently vested in the Secretary of Agriculture with respect to coastal zone activities to the Bureau. Establishes within the Department on Air Quality Administration, a Water Quality Administration, and a Waste and Hazardous Materials Administration to exercise authorities previously vested in the Environmental Protection Agency. Establishes an Atmospheric Services Administration within the Department to exercise authorities of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the United States Weather Service. Directs the Assistant Secretary of the Atmospheric Services to assume responsibility for all weather modification programs except those which lie solely within the Department of Defense. Establishes an Oceans Administration within the Department to exercise various authorities of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Environmental Protection Agency, the United States Army Corps of Engineers, the Department of the Interior and the Department of Commerce. Establishes an Office of Ocean Vessel and Facilities Safety within the Department to coordinate Federal regulations concerning pollution from vessels, parts, and offshore facilities. Stipulates that the Secretary of Transportation and the Federal Maritime Commission must obtain concurrent approval of the Director of the Office prior to exercise of regulatory authority with respect to vessel and facility discharges. Establishes procedures governing general operation of the Department. Directs the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to make such additional transfers of authority as required to effectuate the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1977
Medicare - Medicaid Administrative and Reimbursement Reform Act - Establishes a new method of reimbursement for routine operating costs for hospitals under the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Requires the establishment of uniform accounting and cost allocation system for determining operating and capital costs of hospitals providing services. Requires the establishment of a system by which hospitals will be classified by such criteria as (1) size; (2) type of hospital (general, teaching, or specialized care); and (3) other criteria. Stipulates that the term "routine operating costs" does not include: (1) capital costs; (2) direct personnel and supply costs of hospital education and training programs; (3) costs of interns, residents, and non-administrative physicians; (4) energy costs associated with heating and cooling the hospital plant; and (5) malpractice insurance expense; or (6) ancillary service costs. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare to determine annually for the hospitals classified in each category of the hospital classification system established by this Act, an average per diem routine operating cost amount for use in determining the reasonable cost of that portion of the hospital's costs which consist of routine operating costs. Provides for the periodic increase during the year of the routine operating cost as determined pursuant to this Act to reflect increases in the cost of services which are attributable to inflation. Provides for the adjustment of the routine operating cost of a hospital to reflect higher costs to such hospital of a case mix which requires a greater intensity of care than for other hospitals in the same classification. Directs the Secretary to establish a five-member Hospital Transitional Allowance Board to act on the applications of hospitals for reimbursement of expenses incurred in the retirement or conversion of underutilized facilities. Requires that such conversion promote efficient and economical delivery of services covered by the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Establishes a plan for the reimbursement of physicians under which participating doctors of medicine or osteopathy would accept the assignment of patients' claims for reimbursement under the Medicare program. Requires the Secretary to establish procedures for expediting the payment of such assigned claims to physicians. Promulgates an incentive payment to encourage physicians to participate in the program of assignment of claims. Sets forth criteria for determining the reasonable charge which may be made for physicians' services, and medical services, supplies and equipment under the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Sets forth the conditions under which anesthesiologists, pathologists, and radiologists may be paid under the Medicare and Medicaid programs for patient care services. Authorizes payment, under the Supplementary Medical Insurance Benefits program of Medicare, for antigens prepared by an allergist for a particular patient. Permits the Secretary to make agreements with the States under which the services of a State health agency will be utilized for the purpose of determining whether an institution in such State qualifies as a skilled nursing facility for purposes of the Medicaid program. Combines the Medicare, Medicaid, Office of Long Term Care, and Bureau of Quality Assurance agencies into a single Administration for Health Care Financing headed by an Assistant Secretary. Establishes specific performance criteria with respect to State Administration of Medicaid. Terminates the Health Insurance Benefits Advisory Council. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to public or nonprofit private regional pediatric respiratory centers affiliated with institutions of higher learning for training and instruction in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of respiratory diseases in children and young adults and in providing health care services to children and young adults suffering from such diseases. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary for the making of such grants for fiscal year 1978 and the succeeding four fiscal years.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1977
1981 White House Conference on Aging Act - Declares it the policy of the Congress that the Federal Government should work with the States and citizens to develop recommendations and plans to meet the needs of older persons. Requires that programs developed under this resolution place emphasize upon the right of older persons to free choice and self-help in planning their futures. Authorizes the President of the United States to call a White House Conference on Aging in 1981 to develop recommendations for research and action in the field of aging. Requires the Conference to include representatives of Federal, State, and local governments, professional and lay people working in the field of aging including older persons themselves. Directs that a final report of the White House Conference, containing a comprehensive statement of a coherent national policy on aging and the recommendations of such Conference, be submitted to the President and Congress within a specified time. Sets forth the responsibilities and duties of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare in administering this resolution. Directs the Secretary to establish an advisory committee to the Conference and such other technical committees as may be necessary to carry out such Conference.
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1977
Amends the Small Business Act to authorize the making of economic injury disaster loans not in excess of $100,000 each to small businesses where a disaster has occurred but where a disaster has not been declared by the Governor of a State, provided that the Small Business Administration has determined that such businesses have suffered economic injury as a result of the disaster and are in need of financial assistance which is not available on reasonable terms in the disaster-stricken area.
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1977
Energy Conservation Investment Act - Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to make loans to a State to enable the State to carry out an Energy Conservation Investment Program (Program). States that the authority receiving such a loan shall use the proceeds, under such Program, to provide loans to the owners of residential and small commercial buildings for the purpose of retrofitting such buildings in compliance with insulation or other heating system improvement standards as prescribed by this Act. Requires a State, to be eligible for a loan under this Act, to submit a plan to the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (Secretary) for implementing the policy of this Act. Sets guidelines for the appointment of persons to carry out energy auditing responsibilities under this Act. Sets forth duties ascribed to such auditors, including the inspection of buildings covered by this Act and certification of persons installing insulation and heating system improvements. Establishes in the Treasury an energy conservation investment program fund to be used for paying the expenses of carrying out this Act. Allows a State commission to preempt the Federal Power Commission in exercising jurisdiction over the natural gas conserved as a result of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1977
Designates the month of April as Fair Housing Month.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1977
Amends the Small Business Act to empower the Small Business Administration (SBA) to make loans repayable in not more than three years to small business concerns which have been adversely affected by an extraordinary, local economic or weather condition. Permits the SBA to allow the deferral of repayment of such loans for a period not to exceed one year where it determines such action would be appropriate. Permits the SBA to assume or suspend, for a period not to exceed five years, any small business concern's obligation only if the small business concern would otherwise become insolvent or remain insolvent or if, with the assumption or suspension, the small business concern would become or remain a viable business entity. Sets forth the acceptable terms of payment for such loans.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1977
Health Protection Tax Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to substitute a health protection tax on cigarettes manufactured in or imported into the United States for the present tax. Sets forth graduated tax rates based on the tar and nicotine content of each cigarette. Directs the Federal Trade Commission to determine the tar and nicotine content of each brand of cigarettes manufactured in or imported into the United States, and to certify these findings to the Secretary of the Treasury.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1977
Italy Disaster Assistance Act - Authorizes appropriations for the relief of victims of the May 6, 1976, earthquake in Italy.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1977
Social Security Cost-of-Living Improvement Act - Requires an annual cost-of-living increase in Federal old-age, survivors, and disability benefits under the Social Security Act. Defines the base periods from which the need for such increases shall be determined. Directs the Secretary of Labor, in consultation with the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, to develop a special Consumer Price Index for the elderly.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1977
Equal Opportunity Enterprise Act - Title I: Amendments Affecting the Small Business Act - Amends the Small Business Act to establish the Office of Socially and Economically Disadvantaged- Owned Small Business Assistance Personnel in the Small Business Administration (S.B.A.) to work with all agencies of the Government having procurement powers in order to identify contracts suitable for disadvantaged American concerns and within each regional office of the S.B.A. to supervise and coordinate small business programs. Requires that such Office shall make semiannual reports to the Associate Administrator for Minority Small Business and Procurement Assistance concerning the allocation of procurement contracts. Directs the Administrator of the S.B.A. to appoint an Associate Administrator for Minority Small Business and Procurement Assistance. Increases the authorization for appropriations in the small business loan program and requires that not less than 15 percent of aggregate direct loans shall be made to minority small business concerns. Sets forth statutory standards for contracting and subcontracting by the United States with respect to minority businesses. Requires that the Administration of the S.B.A. shall report to Congress and the President concerning the development of minority small businesses. Title II: Amendments to the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 - Requires that a "Utilization of Small Business Enterprises Owned by Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Americans" clause appear in specified Government contracts. Requires that specified Government contractors establish and conduct a subcontracting program for business enterprises owned by socially and economically disadvantaged Americans which includes: (1) designation of a liaison officer to administer the contractor's program; (2) consideration of the potentialities of minority business enterprises in all "make or buy" decisions to provide materials or services; and (3) maintenance of records concerning procedures adopted and subcontracts awarded. Sets forth other preferences which will be extended to minority business enterprises. Title III: Committee on Federal Assistance to Minority Enterprise - Establishes the Committee on Federal Assistance to Minority Enterprise composed of 15 members to be appointed by the President with the consent of the Senate, from members of minority groups who are knowledgeable in minority participation in the economy. Provides for the compensation and terms of office of the members and the appointment of an Executive Director. Directs the Committee to develop methods for delivery of financial assistance to minority enterprises; for generating markets for good and services; and for providing effective business education and technical assistance. Requires the Committee to submit semiannual reports to each House of Congress concerning its activities.
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 1977
Social Security Administration Act - Title I: Social Security Administration - Amends Title VII (Administration) of the Social Security Act to establish an independent agency of the Executive branch of the Government, a Social Security Administration, headed by a Board appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Declares that it shall be the duty of the Administration to administer the programs established by titles II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance), XVI (Supplemental Security Income) and XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, and to discharge the duties and responsibilities imposed on the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare in connection with the administration of the program established by title IV of the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969. States that the Administration shall also have the duty of studying and making recommendations as to the most effective methods of providing economic security through social insurance, and as to legislation and matters of administrative policy. Provides for the appointment of an Executive Director and a General Counsel of the Administration. Makes the Administration responsible for administering the old age, survivors, and disability insurance program, medicare, supplemental security income, and the black lung benefit program under the Coal Mine Health and Safety Act. Prohibits the mailing of announcements with Social Security and SSI checks which make reference by name, title, or signature to any officer of the United States. Transfers to the Social Security Administration: (1) all functions carried out by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare with respect to the administration of programs and activities the administration of which is vested in such administration by reason of this Act; and (2) all personnel, assets, liabilities, contracts, property, and records which the Director of the Office of Management and Budget determines to be employed, held or used by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare primarily in connection with the functions, activities, and programs which, by reason of this Act are vested in or become the responsibility of the Administration. Abolishes the position of Commissioner of Social Security. Title II: Miscellaneous and Conforming Amendments - Makes technical and conforming amendments to the Social Security Act, the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act, the Budget and Accounting Act, and the Executive Schedules of the United States Code.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1977
Rural Housing Act - Amends the Housing Act of 1949 to extend the availability of refinancing of indebtedness for rural housing assistance to elderly or handicapped families. Defines elderly or handicapped families for purposes of this Act. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a system of escrow accounts to enable borrowers to make periodic payments for taxes, insurance, and other necessary expenses. Authorizes and directs the Secretary to conduct specified programs of research, study and analysis of rural housing. Authorizes the Secretary to make expenditures from the Rural Housing Insurance Fund in order to correct construction defects or to pay claims of the owner of property arising from such defects. Empowers the Secretary to foreclose on mortgages only if the borrower has been given prior notice. Makes changes with respect to the Secretary's power to make rules and regulations. Authorizes increases in assistance to specified rural housing programs for fiscal years 1978 and 1979. Extends rural housing loans for elderly and handicapped families to include congregate housing facilities for families who require some supervision and central services. Requires that at least 60 percent of insured rural housing loans benefit persons of low income. Makes changes in the guaranteed housing loan program and the homeownership subsidy for low and moderate income persons. Makes it mandatory for the Secretary to provide rural rental assistance. Creates the position of Assistant Secretary for Equal Opportunity in the Department of Agriculture. Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to increase the funds available for grants for water and waste facilities. Amends the Housing Act of 1949 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to withhold assistance for specified programs from any otherwise eligible borrower who fails to incorporate energy conservation features into any structure commenced by such borrower after January 1, 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1977
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to erect a memorial in Constitution Gardens in the District of Columbia in honor of the men who signed the Declaration of Independence. Directs the Administrator of the American Revolution Bicentennial Administration to prepare the design and plans for such memorial. Limits expenditures for the design and erection of such memorial to $500,000 of the funds available to the American Revolution Bicentennial Administration, other than appropriated funds. Authorizes the appropriation of such funds as are necessary to maintain the memorial.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1977
Amends the National Housing Act to authorize the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to insure mortgages and loans at variable interest rates on a permanent basis. Permits allowable mortgage-to-value limits to be calculated on the basis of a principal obligation that may exceed the principal amount otherwise allowable, so long as the principal obligation does not exceed 97 percent of the appraised value of the property. Authorizes a limited preemption for mortgages insured pursuant to the graduated mortgage payment program from State interest restrictions.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1977
States that the lack of a national policy on investment can adversely affect the economic health and well being of the Nation. Declares the policy of the Federal Government to be that it will provide incentives to assure maximum investment in private enterprise. Requires the President to include in his annual economic report to Congress an Investment Policy Report which shall include information on levels of capital investment available, trends in such levels and reviews of economic programs affecting capital investment.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1977
Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to specifically encompass pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions within the prohibition against sex discrimination in employment, including discrimination with respect to fringe benefit plans.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1977
National Consumer Cooperative Bank Act - Title I: National Consumer Cooperative Bank - Establishes the National Consumer Cooperative Bank. States that the Bank shall (1) encourage the development of new and existing cooperatives eligible for its assistance by providing specialized credit and technical assistance; (2) maintain broad-based control of the Bank by its voting stockholders; (3) encourage broad-based ownership, control and active participation by members in eligible cooperatives; (4) assure that the net savings from its operations and the operations of borrowers from the Bank are made available or accounted for to the stockholders or members of the cooperative organization; and (5) assist in improving the quality and availability of goods and service to consumers. Authorizes the creation of no less than four nor more than 12 corporate regional banks. States that the Bank shall have the power to make and service loans, commitments for credit, guarantees, furnish financially related services, technical assistance, and issue obligations. Enumerates additional powers necessary to carry out its powers and duties under this Act. Requires the Bank to hold an annual meeting of stockholders. Permits the Bank to obtain funds through the public or private sale of its bonds, debentures, notes, and other evidences of indebtedness. Authorizes the Bank to make loans to eligible organizations which shall be repayable in not more than 40 years. States that the objective of the Bank shall be to provide the type of credit needed by eligible borrowers, at the lowest reasonable cost on a sound business basis, taking into account the cost of money to the Bank. Defines "eligible cooperatives" for purposes of assistance under this title. Title II: Self-Help Development Fund - Establishes in the Treasury a Consumer Cooperative Self-Help Development Fund. Permits the Cooperative Bank and Assistance Administration to make a capital investment advance out of the Fund to any eligible cooperative if the Administration determines that the applicants' initial or supplemental capital requirements exceed its ability to obtain a Title I Loan from the Bank or other sources, and the membership of the applicant consists substantially of low-income persons. Title III: Cooperative Technical Assistance - Directs the Cooperative Bank and Assistance Administration to make available information and services concerning the organization or reorganization of cooperatives to best achieve the objectives of this Act and to best provide the means through which various types of goods, services, and facilities can be made available to members and patrons. States that such assistance may include investigations, surveys, and director and management training and assistance. Authorizes appropriations to the Administration of sums necessary for the administration of this title. Title IV: The Cooperative Bank and Assistance Administration and General Provisions - Establishes the Cooperative Bank and Assistance Administration. Directs the Administration to assure that the objectives of this Act are carried out. States that until the stock of the Bank held by the United States has been fully retired the Bank shall be exempt from any form of taxation. Requires the Administration and the Board to report annually to the appropriate committees of Congress on the activities of the Administration and on the Bank's capital, operations, financial condition, the self-help development fund, and to make recommendations for legislation to improve its services.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1977
Directs the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation to conduct an investigation and study of the telecommunications policies of the Federal Government.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1977
Department of Education Act - Establishes an executive department to be known as the Department of Education to be administered by a Secretary of Education. States that the principal function of such Department is to promote the cause and advancement of education throughout the United States. Transfers to the Secretary specified functions of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare and the Commissioner of Education, and various educational responsibilities of other Federal agencies and instrumentalities. Creates the Federal Interagency Committee on Education and the National Advisory Commission on Education. Redesignates the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, and the Secretary of such Department, as the Department of Health and Welfare, and the Secretary of Health and Welfare.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1977
Honors Alex Haley for his exceptional achievement in producting "Roots".
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1977
Title I: Code of Official Conduct - Amends the Standing Rules of the Senate to replace the rules regarding outside business activities, contributions, political fund activity, and financial disclosure with the Senate Code of Official Conduct. Requires each Senator, candidate for the Senate, officer or employee of the Senate who is compensated in excess of $25,000 per year, and certain individuals who handle campaign funds, to file with the Secretary of the Senate an annual financial statement in such form and manner as prescribed by the Senate Select Committee on Ethics. Sets forth the required content of such statement. Requires each individual required to make such financial report to cause such statement to be filed as a public document with the Secretary of State of the State which the Senator represents. Requires the select committee to review all such financial statements, and the Comptroller General to audit such statements. Specifies that each individual required to file such financial statement must file with the Comptroller General a report containing tax returns and certain other documents. Gives the select Committee access to such report. Prohibits any Member, officer, or employee of the Senate from soliciting or accepting any gift which will, might tend to, or is intended to affect the performance of that individual's official duties. Prohibits such individuals, their spouses, or dependents from accepting any gifts having an aggregate value exceeding $100 during a calendar year from any person or entity having a direct interest in legislation, or from any foreign national. Restricts outside earned income which results from personal services actually rendered by a Senator, or an officer or employee of the Senate compensated at a rate exceeding $35,000 a year, during the period of service in a calendar year, to 15 percent of the salary of such officer or employee, and in the case of a Senator, 15 percent of the base salary paid to Senators. Sets limitations on honoraria received by such individuals. Prohibits Members, officers, or employees of the Senate from receiving compensation as a result of improperly exerting the influence of their official positions. Limits the participation by such individuals in outside business and professional activity or employment. Restricts such persons from using their positions to influence legislation, a principal purpose of which is to further the individual pecuniary interest of such persons or of their family members. Requires certain committee staff members to divest themselves of any holdings which may be affected by the actions of their committee. Sets limitations on Members or employees who become registered lobbyists following their service in the Senate. Prohibits Members from maintaining unofficial office accounts. Specifies that no contribution shall be converted to the personal use of any Member who is defeated for reelection or does not seek reelection. Prohibits the receipt of funds from the United States Government for the purpose of foreign travel by Members who have not been reelected. Restricts the use of foreign travel allowances, and claims for reimbursement. Limits the pre-election use of franked mail by Senators and candidates for the Senate. Requires Senators to register mass franked mailings annually with the Secretary of the Senate. Prohibits the use of Senate computer facilities to process lists or produce mailing labels for partisan purposes. Restricts the pre-election use of the radio and television studios of the Senate or the House of Representatives by Senators or candidates for the Senate. Prohibits any officer or employee of the Senate from receiving, soliciting, maintaining custody of, or distributing any funds in connection with any campaign of any individual for election to the Senate or any other Federal office with the exception of one assistants to a Senator in the District of Columbia, and one in the Senator's home State. Prohibits Senate officers and employees from contributing to the campaign funds of their supervisors, and prohibits Members from soliciting such contributions. Requires that Senate officers and employees who are substantially engaged in campaign activities not remain on the payroll of the Senate. Prohibits employment discrimination by Members, officers, or employees of the Senate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or physical handicap. Title II: -Provisions Relating to the Select Committee on Ethics - Requires the Select Committee to receive complaints and investigate violations of the Senate Code of Official Conduct, and to publish regulations necessary to implement such Code. Sets forth the procedures for conducting such investigations. Requires the Select Committee to render and publish in the Congressional Record advisory opinions requested by specified individuals. Title III: Miscellaneous; Effective Dates - Requires the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration, the Senate Committee on Appropriations, the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, and the Senate Committee on Governmental Affairs to conduct specified studies with respect to certain matters regulated by the Senate Code of Official Conduct. Sets forth the effective dates of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1977
Opportunities for Adoption Act - Makes it the purpose of this Act to facilitate the elimination of obstacles to adoption and facilitate the placement in permanent adoptive homes of children, particularly children with special needs, by: (1) promoting the establishment of uniform adoption regulations in the States and territories of the United States in order to eliminate jurisdictional and legal obstacles to adoption; (2) providing Federal financial assistance to States for the purpose of assisting public and private nonprofit agencies and adoptive and prospective adoptive parents in meeting costs of adoption in order to remove or alleviate the financial obstacles which present serious barriers to adoption by qualified persons; (3) providing for the establishment of a national office of adoption information and services in the Department of Health, Education and Welfare to (A) insure quality standards for adoption services (including preplacement and postplacement and postadoption counseling and standards to protect the rights of children in need of adoption) and (B) provide for a national adoption information exchange system. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to appoint a committee on uniform adoption regulations. Directs such Committee to: (1) review current conditions, practices, and laws relating to adoption, with special reference to their effect on facilitating or impeding the finding of suitable adoptions; (2) propose to the Secretary uniform adoption regulations which would facilitate adoption; and (3) report its proposals to the Congress and the President not later than nine months after the Committee members have been appointed. Requires the Secretary to publish the proposed regulations in the Federal Register within six months following their receipt. Directs the Secretary to make grants to States for allocation, by State agencies principally responsible for services to families and children, to public and private nonprofit adoption agencies which meet standards of quality prescribed pursuant to this Act for the purpose of assisting; (1) such agencies in meeting the cost involved in the adoptive placement of children with special needs (including locating suitable homes and providing preplacement and postplacement and postadoptive counseling to children in need of adoption and to prospective and actual adoptive parents); (2) such agencies in meeting the cost of providing prenatal and postpartum services to mothers, voluntarily planning to place their children for adoption, who are unable to assume such costs, in order to protect the health and welfare of both the mother and child, but only to the extent that assistance under other Federal or State programs in the community in question is not readily available to provide adequately for such services; (3) prospective adoptive parents of children with special needs, who would consider adoption but for their financial inability to meet such child's needs, by sufficiently defraying adoption costs to enable the prospective adoptive parents to adopt such children; and (4) adoptive parents in locating and, where appropriate, defraying the cost of postplacement and postadoption special services to children requiring such services as a result of conditions which existed prior to their placement, up to an amount not exceeding the amount which similar services would cost the state in question were it to provide or secure such services as the guardian of such children. Directs the Secretary, in cooperation with State agencies, to ensure (1) annual reviews of the need for and adequacy of assistance; (2) assistance is being provided pursuant to an adoption assistance agreement; and (3) the establishment of a system in each State under which a family providing foster care to a child will be notified of the possibility of financial assistance for adoptive placement under this Act. Directs the Secretary to encourage and facilitate the consideration of comprehensive adoption assistance legislation by those States which have not enacted such legislation. Excludes assistance provided under this Act to adoptive parents or prospective adoptive parents from being taken into account in determining benefits available to such parents under any other Federal programs. Establishes within the Office of the Secretary a National Office of Adoption Information and Services headed by a Director. Makes it the duty of the Director to (1) establish a national adoption data, tracking, and analysis system; (2) conduct a continuing adoption education program, including the making of grants, and the publishing of materials regarding adoption and adoption assistance programs; (3) conduct a program of grants and contracts for the demonstration of methods and programs to enable families having children placed in foster homes to care for such children in their own home; (4) prepare an annual report evaluating and measuring the impact of programs authorized by this Act including in such report (A) the total number of children placed in adoptive homes and the number of such children placed under adoptive assistance agreements; and (B) estimates of the number of children in foster care or other custodial institutions who have been in such institutions for at least six months; (5) ensure that federally assisted adoption agencies are in compliance with applicable rules and regulations; (6) notwithstanding any other provisions of law, ensure the operation of national adoption information system, utilizing computers and modern data processing methods, to assist in the location of children in need of adoption and in the placement in adoptive homes of children awaiting adoption, and for the promotion of cooperative efforts with any similar programs operated by or within any State; and (7) coordinate and consult with other appropriate Federal departments and agencies with respect to services and benefits provided under this Act. Directs the Secretary and Attorney General of the United States to jointly conduct a study to determine the nature, scope, and effect of the interstate placement of children in adoptive homes by unlicensed persons or agencies and to submit such study, together with any legislative recommendations, to Congress within two years after the date of enactment of this Act. Authorizes appropriations of $20,000,000 for fiscal year 1978 and of such sums as may be necessary for the succeeding three years.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1977
Spill Prevention and Cleanup for Energy Transportation Systems Act - Title I: Federal Oil and Toxic Substance Tanker Pollution Liability and Compensation - Prohibits discharges of oil or toxic substances in harmful quantities as determined by the President under applicable provisions of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. Imposes civil penalties for violations of such prohibition. Imposes criminal penalties for failures to report discharges of oil or toxic substances. Authorizes the President to take action to remove discharged oil or toxic materials, or to allow the owner or operator of the discharging vessel to undertake removal activities. Stipulates that all cleanup costs shall be borne by the owner and operator of such vessel. Imposes strict liability for damages resulting from oil spills upon owners or operators of vessels, within specified limits. Establishes defenses to claims of liability for discharges caused by Act of war or negligence or intentional acts of the damaged party or the Federal Government. Establishes a Federal Oil and Toxic Substances Tanker Pollution Liability and Compensation Administration in the Department of Transportation. Directs the Administration to (1) establish and maintain a Federal Oil and Toxic Substances Pollution Compensation Fund to pay for cleanup costs and damages not otherwise compensated under this Act; (2) act as trustee of the natural resources of the marine environment on behalf of the public to recover for damages to such resources; (3) require owners and operators of vessels to maintain evidence of financial responsibility; (4) establish procedures for the fair and expeditious settlement of claims arising under this Act; (5) allow public access to information, and (6) submit an annual report to the President and the Congress. Imposes a five cent per barrel fee on all transfers of oil or toxic substances between vessels and onshore or offshore facilities, or between vessels and deepwater ports. Stipulates that such fees shall be collected in order to maintain the Fund at a level not to exceed $250,000,000. Establishes procedures governing administrative hearings and judicial review of claims arising under this Act. Authorizes the Attorney General to sue on behalf of classes of damaged citizens. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1977, 1978, and 1979, for the administration of this Act. Title II: Prevention of Tanker Collision and Cargo Loss - Amends the Ports and Waterways Safety Act of 1974 to include vessels in the fishery conservation zone within the scope of Federal regulatory authority over ships and shipping. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish an offshore vessel traffic control system in ports, navigable waters, territorial seas, and fisheries conservation zones of the United States. Lists criteria to be included in regulations to be issued by the Secretary for the control of vessel traffic. Requires the Secretary to direct the National Transportation Safety Board to establish and administer a Vessel Traffic, Safety and Discharge Information System to include vessel traffic records and reports. Exempts vessels of foreign nations which are not destined for ports in the United States from the requirements of this title. Imposes minimum vessel design, safety, and equipment standards to be applicable after January 1, 1978. Requires installation of specified navigational aids and use of segregated ballast in vessels above a specified tonnage. Requires installation of double bottoms or double hulls in vessels constructed after June 30, 1977. Prohibits vessels from entering the navigable waters of the United States without having been issued certificates of compliance with applicable safety and equipment standards by the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to prescribe standards relating to the manning of vessels with adequately trained and qualified personnel. Authorizes persons designated by the Secretary as marine safety officers to board and inspect vessels subject to the provisions of this Act, and to take necessary enforcement action. Directs the Secretary to establish a national program of inspection to insure compliance with this title. Imposes civil and criminal penalties for violation of the provisions of this title. Title III: Tanker Safety and Marine Pollution Research Program - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish within the Coast Guard an Office of Operational and Environmental Safety Research. Directs the Office, within 18 months of the date of enactment of this title, to report to Congress on various aspects of vessel safety. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration an Office of National Marine Research and Information to coordinate research activities with respect to marine waters and marine resources. Requires the establishment of an interagency Oceans Research Planning Board to submit to Congress a National Ocean Research Plan for a comprehensive research program to achieve designated objectives.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1977
Repeals the requirement that appointments in the departmental service in the District of Columbia be apportioned among the States, territories, possessions, and the District of Columbia on the basis of population.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1977
Restores the Medal of Honor previously awarded to Dr. Mary Edwards Walker.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1977
Extends the provisions of the Food Stamp Act of 1964 through fiscal year 1982. Eliminates the requirement that eligible households purchase their coupon allotments, reduces benefits, and substitutes for the current itemized deductions allowed in calculating household income a new standard deduction of $100, plus deductions for earned income and a limited amount of child care costs. Disqualifies from participation all students 18 years old or older who are or can be legally claimed as dependents of an ineligible household, and all able-bodied adults between 18 and 60 who, with specified exceptions, fail to register for work or to accept suitable job offers. Limits participation to U.S. citizens and legally admitted permanent resident aliens. States the general procedure for the certification, within 30 days, and the prompt recertification of applicant households. Establishes civil penalties as an alternative to disqualification for retail and wholesale food concerns violating provisions of the Food Stamp Act. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to make research grants to study how to improve the administration and effectiveness of the food stamp program.
United States · United States Congress · 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
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
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 · 22 February 1977
Extends for three months the authorization of flexible regulation of maximum interest rates on deposits and accounts in depository institutions and of open market operations in agency issues by Federal Reserve banks.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1977
Amends Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to reduce the requirements for eligibility for disability benefits for blind persons. Requires that a blind individual have at least six quarters of coverage to be eligible for disability benefits. Sets forth a method of computing the average monthly wage of a blind individual for the purpose of determining such individual's primary insurance amount. Provides that in no case shall such amount be less than the amount which would be determined without regard to an individual's blindness. States that no reduction will be made from the benefits to which a blind person is entitled because of such person's refusal to accept State-approved rehabilitative services under the Vocational Rehabilitation Act. Continues the payment of such benefits as long as blindness lasts, the amount of an individual's earnings notwithstanding.