United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1977
Young Farmers' Homestead Act - Establishes as an agency within the Department of Agriculture the Federal Farm Assistance Corporation. Authorizes the Corporation to purchase farm land in value of up to $200,000 per unit. Provides that the Corporation shall make such farms available for lease and subsequently for sale. Directs that the farms may be leased to an eligible applicant for a period of not less than two years nor more than seven years with specified restrictions upon the use of such land. Provides that the lessee may at any time within six months prior to the expiration of his lease make application to the Board of Directors of the Corporation for purchase of such unit upon the expiration of such lease. States that the Board shall approve such application if it determines that the lessee can successfully manage and operate such farm unit. Specifies a formula to be used in determining the selling price of each farm. Provides that a buyer may obtain financing through an available source, but if private financing is not available, the Farmers Home Administration shall furnish the financing at a specified rate. Requires the Corporation to file annually with the Secretary of Agriculture a complete report as to the business of the Corporation. Provides that the financial transactions of the Corporation shall be audited at least once each year by the General Accounting Office. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to appoint an advisory council to advise the Board regarding the administration of this Act. Provides that the Council's advice shall include recommendations on what the eligibility requirements should be for leasing farm units and what experience should be required for leasing a farm. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to carry out this Act. Specifies criminal provisions applicable to the Federal Farm Assistance Corporation.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1977
Federal Mine Safety and Health Amendments Act - Title I: Amendments to the General Provisions of the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969 - Amends the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969 to extend the applicability of the provisions of such Act to mines other than coal mines. Transfers the functions of the Secretary of the Interior in developing health and safety standards to the Secretary of Labor. Title II: Mine Safety and Health Standard Amendments - Amends the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969 to establish the duty of: (1) each mine operator and miner to comply with the health and safety standards of the Act, and (2) each mine operator to furnish a place of employment free from recognized hazards. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to promulgate, modify, or revoke mine health and safety standards in accordance with prescribed criteria and procedures. Authorizes the Secretary to utilize advisory committees in the development of standards. Requires the Secretary to act within 60 days upon recommendations from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Authorizes the Secretary, or the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare: (1) to enter any mine subject to this Act; and (2) to make reasonable inspections and investigations and to question privately employers, owners, operators, agents, or employees. Requires inspections of underground mines at least four times a year. Stipulates that no advance notice of inspections shall be given. Requires the maintenance of records by mine operators with regard to work-related deaths, injuries, illness, miner exposure to toxic substances, and mine accidents. Authorizes special inspections of mines by the Secretary upon request by any miners or representatives of miners where any violation of standards or imminent danger is alleged to exist. Establishes procedures for review of decisions of the Secretary with respect to establishment and enforcement of standards. Establishes procedures for the enforcement of mine health and safety standards through issuance of citations, imposition of civil and criminal penalties, and injunctive relief. Establishes special procedures to counteract imminently dangerous conditions. Requires that copies of all notices, orders, and decisions affecting mine safety in a particular mine be conspicuously posted at such mine site. Stipulates that, in the event of mine closures by orders issued pursuant to this Act, that miners idled as a result of any such order shall be entitled to full compensation for the period they are idled within prescribed limits. Establishes a Federal Mine Safety and Health Commission to supervise the activities of administrative law judges in proceedings brought under the Act. Requires that mine operators establish safety training programs for new miners and for all miners in accordance with prescribed criteria. Directs the Secretary to require that mine rescue teams comprised of Federal mine inspectors be maintained at district and field offices. Authorizes the Secretary and the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish procedures for measuring concentrations of respirable dust. Repeals provisions allowing for modifications of or exceptions from mandatory safety standards for underground mines. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Transfers functions of the Secretary of the Interior with respect to mine health and safety to the Secretary of Labor and the Federal Mine Safety and Health Commission. Directs the Secretary of Labor to establish an advisory committee to review all standards previously promulgated by the Secretary of the Interior. Establishes a Mine Safety and Health Administration in the Department of Labor to carry out mine safety and health functions assigned to the Secretary of Labor. Establishes qualifications and criteria for selection of individuals as mine inspectors. Stipulates that the National Mine Health and Safety Academy shall be maintained as an agency of the Department of the Interior to assist in the training of mine inspectors and other personnel. Repeals the Federal Metal and Nonmetallic Mine Safety Act of 1966.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1977
Amends the Emergency Natural Gas Act of 1977 to prohibit natural gas and electric energy regulatory authorities from permitting suppliers of natural gas and electricity from terminating service to residential users without an evidentiary proceeding determining that such user is financially able to pay the costs of such services. Stipulates that such prohibition shall apply only in areas experiencing an abnormally severe winter.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1977
Defense Production Act Amendments -- Amends the Defense Production Act of 1950 to prohibit any Federal contracting officer who by virtue of his position is authorized to solicit or select sources of supply, or describe requirements for, enter into, award, modify, terminate, administer, or make determinations or findings with respect to any contract while so employed, from accepting compensation from any contractor without the written permission of the standards of conduct counselor for his employing agency. Prohibits such contracting officer from owning a controlling interest in any contractor who has been affected by action taken by such officer. Prohibits such contracting officer from accepting employment within two years following his employment with the United States from any contractor who was affected by the action of such officer within three years prior to the termination of his or her employment with such agency, and from accepting employment with such a contractor in a position which was created or subsidized by revenues realized through a Federal contract handled by such officer until five years after the termination of such officer's employment with such agency. Prohibits contractors from offering to any such officer any compensation such officer is prohibited from receiving under this Act. Establishes a Conflict of Interest Review Board to review compliance by contracting officers with this Act. States that the Board shall issue advisory opinions with respect to compensation offered to such contracting officer after notice is published in the Federal Register and interested parties have had an opportunity to present testimony relating to the issuance of such advisory opinion. States that reliance on such advisory opinion shall be a defense to a civil or criminal case brought under this Act. Requires meetings of the Board at which such advisory opinions will be considered to be open to the public. Authorizes the Board to issue rules to implement this Act. Requires the Board to report annually to Congress respecting its activities and recommendations of legislative or regulatory actions to promote high ethical standards for Government employees. Requires the following persons to file specified information with the Board: (1) former Government employees who were employed in any given fiscal year as a representative of a Government contractor in any action in which the United States was a party or in any transaction with the United States; and (2) any Federal employee who was previously employed by a Government contractor at a salary rate equal to or greater than that for positions in grade GS-13. Exempts specified persons from the filing requirements of the Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1977
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
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
DNA Research Act - Expresses the finding of Congress that all research with regard to DNA is either in interstate commerce or substantially affects such commerce. Requires the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to promulgate guidelines for research involving DNA. Prohibits the granting of a patent on any procedure or organism resulting from such research unless all guidelines have been adhered to, and full disclosure has been made regarding such process or organism. Imposes strict civil liability on persons carrying out such research for all injury to persons or property caused by research. Authorizes the Secretary to issue licenses for research involving DNA. Prohibits any person from soliciting or accepting any specimen for research involving DNA or conducting such research unless a license for such research has been issued. Authorizes the Secretary to revoke, suspend, or limit such licenses for specified violations. Authorizes the Attorney General, at the Secretary's request, to bring suit to enjoin any activity by a research facility, licensed under this Act, which is believed by the Secretary to be unreasonably hazardous to the public health. Gives the Secretary authority to inspect facilities engaged in DNA research. Imposes criminal penalties for violation of this Act. Authorizes the court to render any person or entity convicted of such violation ineligible for Federal funds. Prohibits any research facility employer from discharging or discriminating against any employee because such employee is involved in a proceeding under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1977
Marihuana Control Act - Amends the Controlled Substances Act to decriminalize (1) the possession of not more than one ounce of marihuana; and (2) the transfer of such amount without profit and for private use. Imposes a civil fine of not more than $100 for such transfer or possession. Permits the Attorney General of the United States to serve a written notice or warning instead of initiating proceedings for violation of this Act if he believes such warning will adequately serve the public interest. Permits involuntary marihuana intoxication to be raised as a defense to a violation of any Federal law, but not voluntary intoxication.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1977
Amends Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to increase from one-twelfth of one percent to five-ninths of one percent the increment by which an individual's old-age benefits shall be increased because of delayed retirement beyond age 65.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1977
Minority Business Development Act - Establishes the Minority Business Development Administration in the Department of Commerce. Creates the position of the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Minority Business Development to direct such Administration. Empowers the Assistant Secretary to make grants and enter into contracts with any person in order to provide management and technical assistance to minority enterprises. Sets forth the functions of the Assistant Secretary including the establishment of goals for other Federal departments which may affect minority business enterprises and the collection and dissemination of information useful for the undertaking and the promoting of minority businesses. Direct the heads of Federal departments to cooperate with the Secretary of Commerce by furnishing specified information. Calls for interagency cooperation with the Assistant Secretary's investigative function. Directs the Assistant Secretary to submit an annual report to the President, the Office of Management and Budget, and Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1977
Commercial Fisheries Development Act - Title I: Commercial Fisheries Development Fund - Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to make low-interest loans for fisheries facilities and fishing vessels to citizens of the United States. Authorizes the Secretary to make interest free loans as well as interest-bearing loans to commercial fishermen to alleviate forced economic distress. Authorizes the Secretary to make low-interest loans for experimental fishing equipment, and for the purchase, construction, or rehabilitation of certain commercial fishing vessels under five net tons. Specifies that there shall be in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration an Associate Administrator for an Office of Commercial Fisheries Development. Establishes in the Treasury a Commercial Fisheries Development Fund to be used to make loans under this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of sums, not to exceed $200,000,000, to the Fund to provide initial capital for such loans, and sums, not to exceed $1,000,000 for each of the fiscal years ending in 1977, 1978, and 1979 as may be necessary to meet administrative expenses. Amends the Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956 to abolish the loan program for commercial fishing vessels and gear. Transfers certain existing fisheries development programs from the National Marine Fisheries Service to the jurisdiction of the Associate Administrator. Title II: Fisheries Market Promotion and Research Orders - Directs the Secretary to establish a Fisheries Development Board to promote and research markets for fish and fish products especially for underutilized species. Sets forth the procedure for the nomination of Board members. Stipulates that the Board must establish guidelines to determine the fisheries from which fees should be collected, promote markets for fish, enter into contracts for research and promotion projects, and carry out specified administrative functions. Requires the Secretary to authorize the Board to collect certain fees from the first wholesale purchaser of fish landed at dockside to be used for the administrative expenses of the Board. Sets forth a procedure for the refund of such fees to those persons not wishing to support the research and promotion program established by this Act. Directs the Secretary to conduct a comprehensive study regarding the adequacy of existing Federal and State commercial fisheries training programs, as well as a study concerning the marketing, processing, distribution and sale of fish and fish products. Title III: Mandatory Federal Fish and Fish Products Inspection Program - Directs the Secretary to establish a mandatory fish and fish products inspection program. Sets forth civil and criminal penalties for violations of this Act. Title IV: Fisheries Cooperative Service Assistance - Requires the Secretary in consultation with the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a pilot program of comprehensive service to assist fishing interests in forming cooperative organizations. Directs the Secretary to provide assistance and advice to fisheries cooperatives. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1977
Amends Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to increase to $5,220 the amount of outside earnings which is permitted an individual each year without any deduction from benefits under such title.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1977
Amends Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) to decrease from 20 to 10 the number of years a divorced woman must have been married to an insured individual in order for her to qualify for wife's or widow's benefits on his wage record.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1977
Victims of Crime Act - Directs the Attorney General to make grants to qualified State programs for the compensation of victims of crime. Specifies requirements for program certification, including that the program (1) offer compensation for personal injuries suffered as a result of certain State and Federal crimes, (2) offer compensation to surviving dependents of persons whose deaths resulted from being victim to such a crime, (3) require cooperation with law enforcement agencies as a condition for recovery, (4) grant claimants the right to a hearing, and (5) subrogate the State to any claim the victim or dependent has against the perpetrator to the extent of the amount compensated by the State. States that grants made under this Act shall total 50 percent of the allowable compensation paid to victims and dependent survivors of victims of State crimes designated by the State as appropriate for compensation under this program and 100 percent of the allowable compensation paid to victims and dependent survivors of victims of crimes which would constitute designated State crimes except for the fact that the crime is subject to exclusive Federal jurisdiction. Limits compensation with respect to any single claim to (1) loss resulting from medical and related treatment, physical and occupational therapy and rehabilitation, and past and anticipated future earnings up to $200 per week and (2) a total of $50,000. Establishes an Advisory Committee on Victims of Crime to advise the Attorney General with respect to the administration of this Act and the compensation of victims of crime.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1977
Amends the Social Security Act to provide that, if the delivery day for benefit checks under titles II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) and XVI (Supplemental Security Income Program) falls on a Saturday, Sunday or legal public holiday, benefit checks for such month shall be mailed for delivery on the first day preceding such designated day which is not a Saturday, Sunday or legal public holiday, without regard to whether the delivery of such checks is made in the same calendar month for which such benefit checks are issued. Requires the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to make the same provision for the mailing of veterans' benefits checks.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1977
National Meals-on-Wheels Act - Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to allow States to distribute Federal Funds for the establishment of: (1) projects to provide home-delivered meals to qualified homebound elderly persons; (2) an information and referral system for homebound individuals receiving such meals; and (3) an operation to seek volunteer personnel for the delivery of such meals and to compensate such personnel for related transportation expenses. Authorizes the appropriation of specified sums in fiscal years 1978 and 1979 for the purpose of providing home-delivered meals under this Act. Limits to five percent the amount of such funds which may be spent upon the administration of such program. Directs the Commissioner of the Administration on Aging to conduct a demonstration project involving at least three States to determine the feasibility of using the meals system designed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration for the elderly as a component of, or substitute for, regular nutrition projects assisted under the Older Americans Act of 1965.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1977
Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961: (1) to increase to $196,800,000 the appropriations authorized for fiscal year 1977 for military assistance; and (2) to limit to $34,500,000 for fiscal year 1977 the authorization of appropriations for military assistance for Portugal.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1977
Requests that the concerns of the United States be conveyed to the Soviet government regarding adherence to the Helsinki Declaration with respect to freedom to emigrate.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1977
Amends the Cape Cod National Seashore Act to prohibit the allowance of use and occupancy privileges to property owners who have constructed homes during a period of suspension of the Secretary of the Interior's authority to acquire land by condemnation. States that size and design requirements must be included in new standards issued by the Secretary for zoning by-laws. Directs the Secretary to review all existing zoning by-laws to determine whether they are consistent with such standards and to report to specified Congressional committees on necessary amendments to such by-laws. Empowers the Secretary to take action on any matter relating to the seashore if the Cape Cod National Seashore Advisory Commission is unable to make a recommendation to the Secretary within 45 days after such matter has been presented to it. Authorizes an additional $10,000,000 to be appropriated to complete acquisition within the seashore. Sets aside $5,000,000 in a reserve fund for emergency use by the Secretary to acquire property threatened by immediate development.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1977
Authorizes the Joint Committee on the Library to procure a bust or statue of Martin Luther King, Junior, and to cause such sculpture to be placed in a suitable location in the Capitol. Authorizes appropriations of not more than $25,000 to carry out this concurrent resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1977
National Neighborhood Policy Act - Establishes a National Commission on Neighborhoods composed 20 members. Directs the Commission: (1) to study the factors contributing to the decline of city neighborhoods and the factors contributing to the decline of city neighborhoods and the factors necessary for neighborhood survival and revitalization; (2) to make recommendations for modifications in Federal, State, and local laws, policies, and programs necessary to facilitate neighborhood preservation and revitalization; and (3) to report to Congress and to the President on such study. Enumerates the powers of the Commission including the power: (1) to award contracts and grants to evaluate existing neighborhood revitalization programs and the impact of existing laws on neighborhoods; and (2) to hold hearings in neighborhoods for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1977
Neighborhood Preservation Act - Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to require localities to provide as part of their housing assistance plans a plan to identify and reclaim deteriorated housing stock where feasible. Lists acceptable approaches for achieving such objective. Amends the Housing Act of 1964 to require the designation of concentrated revitalization areas in which 90 percent of rehabilitation loan funds must be allocated. Replaces the three percent interest rate on such loans with a sliding scale interest rate between three and seven percent. Limits such loans to homeowners with incomes of less than $20,000.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1977
Declares it the sense of the Senate that the United States should seek a treaty (1) to require the preparation of an International Environmental Impact Statement for any major project, action, or continuing activity which may be reasonably expected to have a significant adverse impact on the physical environment or environmental interests of another nation or a global commons area, (2) to require submission of such statement to the United Nations Environmental Program and the affected country, and (3) to require delay of the projected activity without prior international consultations.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1977
Swimming Pool Safety Act - Prevents any Federal agency or recipient of Federal funds from acquiring, building, or operating any outdoor swimming pool unless such pool is: (1) enclosed by a six foot fence with self-latching gates; and (2) equipped with at least one life ring and one rescue hook. Directs the Administrator of General Services to promulgate rules and regulations as necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act and to report to Congress on the operation of these regulations.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1977
National Health Insurance for Mothers and Children Act - Title I: General Provisions and Administration - Entitles every individual who is a United States citizen or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence, and who is a child or who is pregnant, to have payment made for health care services received by such individual in accordance with this Act. Establishes in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare a Maternal and Child Health Board. Directs the Board to continuously study the operation of this Act and the most effective methods of providing comprehensive personal health services to mothers and children. Requires the Board to report annually to Congress on its activities. Establishes a National Maternal and Child Health Council to advise the Board on matters of general policy, study the operation of this Act, and recommend changes it deems advisable. Title II: Nature and Scope of Benefit - Sets forth procedures to be used in determining whether institutions are qualified health services providers under this Act. Includes within covered professional services: (1) preventive children's health services; and (2) professional services for the diagnosis, treatment, or rehabilitation following injury, disability, or disease. Includes within covered inpatient hospital services: (1) emergency medical care for children; (2) inpatient services for a child 12 years of age or older in a qualified hospital; and (3) child inpatient services in a qualified nursing home. Includes the following services within the coverage of this Act; (1) rehabilitative services encompassing physical therapy and speech therapy; (2) social services; and (3) mental health services.encompassing psychiatric and psychological services furnished to a child in a qualified facility. Includes within the coverage drugs and biologicals prescribed for a child who is not an inpatient in a nursing home or hospital if such drug or biological is prescribed to be taken for longer than four weeks. Includes within coverage devices, appliances, and equipment, the dispensing of such devices for the correction of a child's vision or hearing, and the dispensing of such devices as are necessary for the treatment or rehabilitation of a child following injury, disability, or disease. Includes within maternity coverage: (1) professional services for the diagnosis and treatment of pregnancy and related medical problems; (2) inpatient hospital services for care during pregnancy and for 12 weeks after the pregnancy's termination; (3) diagnostic services performed by a qualified pathology laboratory during such time period; (4) drugs and biologicals prescribed during such time period for a woman not an inpatient in a nursing home or hospital if such drug or biological is prescribed to be taken for more than four weeks; and (5) devices, appliances and equipment for treatment of a woman for any pregnancy-related condition during such time period. Directs the Board to arrange for the furnishing of covered medical services to individuals who reside in a medically underserved area or who, because of poverty, discrimination, or cultural barriers, are determined by the Board to suffer higher risk of infant and maternal mortality. Includes within coverage of such individuals, transportation to and from the place where medical services are furnished care of dependents while such individuals are being furnished medical services, and social outreach services to inform such individuals about services available under this Act. Title III: Administration and Method of Payment of Benefits - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to enter into contracts with carriers to perform some or all of specified administrative functions. Stipulates that payment for covered services may be made only to: (1) the person furnishing such services; (2) the employer of such person; or (3) the facility in which such services were provided. Directs the Secretary to pay 100 percent of the full payment amount for covered services in specified circumstances and to pay 90 percent of that amount in all other cases. Allows the Board, upon determining that a person furnishing covered services under this Act has substantially or consistently violated requirements under this title, to prohibit the making of any payments under this Act for a period not to exceed one year. Requires an individual requesting payment under this Act to: (1) display public notice of participation in the program; and (2) inform each patient of the amount of any copayment the patient must make for covered services, prior to furnishing such services. Requires the Board to approve for each fee payment area a schedule of the amount of payments to be made under this Act for the furnishing of covered professional services. Directs the Board to designate for each fee payment area a nonprofit fee payment board, to submit to the Board a proposed fee payment schedule, and to propose annual revisions. Permits persons adversely affected by the Board's approval or disapproval of a fee payment schedule to seek review in accordance with the provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act. Directs that payments be made on a timely basis for covered institutional services. Requires qualified institutions requesting payment under this Act to: (1) display public notice of their participation in the program; and (2) inform each patient of the amount of any copayment the patient must make for covered services, prior to furnishing covered services. Directs the Board to make available to the public the name, address, and telephone number of each dispenser of drugs and devices covered under this Act. Requires dispensers to display public notice of their participation in the program and to inform patients of any copayment that must be made for any drugs and devices furnished under this Act. Directs the Board to publish annually a schedule of the wholesale cost of covered drugs and devices commonly dispensed under this Act. Title IV: Comprehensive Maternal and Child Health Practice - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to public and nonprofit private entities and enter into contracts with public and private entities for projects: (1) studying the feasibility of developing and operating comprehensive maternal and child health practices or of expanding the operation of existing practices; and (2) establishing or expanding comprehensive maternal and child practices. Authorizes the Secretary to guarantee to non-Federal lenders payment of the principal or and the interest on loans made to private entities for such projects. Authorizes the Secretary to make private loans and loan guarantees for initial operations costs of comprehensive maternal and child health practices. Prohibits the approval of an application for a loan guarantee unless the Secretary determines that the loan terms, conditions, security, and schedule are sufficient to protect the financial interests of the United States and are otherwise reasonable. Establishes in the Treasury a loan guarantee fund to be available to the Secretary without fiscal year limitation for the purposes set forth in this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of specified amounts in fiscal years 1978 through 1980 for the purpose of making grants and contracts under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to make available medical malpractice reinsurance for claims exceeding $100,000 brought against a comprehensive maternal and child health practice. Authorizes the Secretary to institute litigation to recover from any insurer the amount of any unpaid premium lawfully payable by such insurer to the Secretary. Requires each insurer reinsured under such provisions to file with the Secretary: (1) a copy of each annual statement filed with the insurance authority of the State; (2) information respecting claims asserted by insureds against comprehensive maternal and child health practices and reports of adverse medical incidents filed by such insureds. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to and enter into contracts with public and nonprofit private entities for projects to promote: (1) the teaching of students in health professional schools respecting alternative methods of delivering medical care; (2) the training of medical students in family medicine and general pediatrics; (3) programs wherein health professional schools provide support services to comprehensive maternal and child health practices serving special populations; and (4) programs for training in the management of comprehensive maternal and child health care practices. Directs the Secretary to give special consideration to applications for assignment of National Health Corps personnel to practice in comprehensive maternal and child health practices. Title V: Financing the Maternal and Child Health Program - Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to impose a maternal and child health care tax on employees, employers, and self employed individuals. Creates on the books of the United States Treasury a Maternal and Child Health Trust Fund. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as are necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act. Appropriates to the Fund for fiscal year 1976 and each fiscal year thereafter, amounts equivalent to the revenue from the maternal and child health care taxes. Authorizes the Managing Trustee of the Fund to accept and deposit into the Fund money, gifts, and bequests made unconditionally for the benefit of such Fund or any of its activities. Creates a body to be known as the Board of Trustees of the Fund and designates the Secretary of the Treasury as Managing Trustee. Directs such Board to submit an annual report to Congress on the operation and status of the Fund. Charges the Managing Trustee with the duty of investing such portion of the Fund as is not required to meet current withdrawals. Title VI: Penalties, Effective Dates, and Technical Amendments - Makes it unlawful to make false statements, misrepresent material facts, or fraudulently conceal or fail to disclose material facts in connection with applications and payment requirements under this Act. Makes it unlawful to solicit, offer, or receive kickbacks, bribes, or referral charge rebates in connection with services covered under this Act. Subjects violators to a fine of not more than $10,000, imprisonment for not more than one year, or both. Makes specified technical and conforming amendments to the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1977
Commercial Fisheries Improvement Fund Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to make long-term, low interest, incentive loans for investment in shoreside facilities and fishing vessels for underutilized fisheries. Requires the Secretary, before approving a loan for the purchase of a new or used vessel, to determine that the applicant's contemplated operation of such vessel in a fishery will not cause economic hardship or injury to efficient vessels already operating in that fishery. Directs that loans made pursuant to this Act be made only to citizens or nationals of the United States. Stipulates that no corporation, partnership, or association organized under the laws of American Samoa shall be deemed a national of the United States unless 75 percent of the interest therein is owned by nationals or citizens of the United States. Establishes in the U.S. Treasury a Commercial Fisheries Improvement Fund to be used by the Secretary to make loans under this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of $250,000,000 as initial capital for all loans under this Act. Repeals provisions of the Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956 which make available loans for the financing or refinancing of the cost of purchasing, constructing, equipping, maintaining, repairing, or operating commercial fishing vessels or gear. Directs that any outstanding loans made under such provisions be handled in accordance with this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1977
Declares that the promotion of economy, efficiency, and improved service in the financing, administration, and delivery of social welfare services is the policy of the Congress. Establishes a Commission to be known as the National Commission on the Reform of Income Maintenance Programs for the purpose of developing legislative proposals designed to carry out the policies set forth in the first section.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1977
Beverage Container Reuse and Recycling Act - Prohibits the sale of carbonated beverages in beverage containers by retailers and distributors unless such containers carry a refund value of not less than five cents. Requires that retailers and distributors pay the amount of the affixed refund value for brands of beverages bought and sold by such retailers or distributors. Prohibits States from imposing any tax on the collection or return of refund values established by this Act. Prohibits distributors and retailers from selling beverages in metal beverage containers with detachable openings. Imposes penalties of up to $1,000 and/or 60 days imprisonment for violation of the provisions of this Act. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to monitor the rate of reuse and recycling as a result of this Act. Stipulates that the labeling of refund values shall be required within three years of the date of enactment of this Act. Stipulates that the prohibition on detachable metal openings shall take effect one year after the date of enactment of this Act.
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
Public Participation in Federal Agency Proceedings Act - Entitles any person to recover reasonable attorneys' fees and other costs of participation incurred by such person in any Federal agency proceeding if the participation of such person promotes or can reasonably be expected to promote a full and fair determination of the issues involved in the proceeding and the economic interest of such person in the outcome is small compared to the costs of participation in such proceeding, or such person does not have sufficient resources to participate effectively in such proceeding in the absence of an award under this Act. Requires each agency, whenever practicable, to determine, prior to the commencement of any proceeding, the eligibility of a person for an award under this Act and the amount of such award. Requires payment of such an award, where necessary, prior to the conclusion of such proceeding but in no event later than 90 days after the conclusion of such proceeding. Directs the head of each agency to report annually to Congress with respect to awards made under this Act. Entitles any person who is a party to, or intervenor in, any civil suit or proceeding for judicial review of agency action to costs incurred by such person in litigation if such person is afforded the relief sought in substantial measure, the court determines that such action served an important public purpose, the economic interest of such person in the outcome of such action is small compared with the cost of litigation, and the person does not have sufficient resources to participate effectively in such action absent an an award under this Act. Directs the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to report annually to Congress with respect to awards granted by courts of the United States under this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated for agency awards under this Act, $10,000,000 each year for fiscal years 1978, 1979, and 1980. Authorizes to be appropriated for judicial awards under this Act such sums as may be necessary. (Adds 5 USC 558a; 707)
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1977
Amends the Social Security Act to require skilled nursing facilities, under Title XVIII (Medicare), to have a qualified professional psychiatric nurse available, on at least a consultant basis, in order to furnish necessary psychiatric services, and to permit such nurses to perform specified medical and other health services which are performed by physicians. Amends Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act: (1) to authorize payment for professional services furnished by a qualified professional psychiatric nurse; (2) to prohibit payment for services furnished by any intermediate care facility or skilled nursing facility which does not have a qualified psychiatric nurse available, on at least a consultant basis; and (3) to prohibit payment for inpatient services furnished by a psychiatric hospital unless such hospital provides to qualified professional nurses the same staff privileges which are extended to physicians.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1977
Credit Union Modernization Act - Title I: New Powers and Modernization - Empowers a Federal credit union to make loans and extend credit to members, other credit unions or financial organizations. Permits credit unions to make loans to members in accordance with the following: (1) loans shall be made in conformity with criteria established by the board of directors and with standards enumerated in the Act; (2) lines of credit shall be established to a stated maximum amount on certain terms and conditions which may be different than those for another borrower; (3) loans to other credit unions shall be approved by the board of directors and not exceed 1 percent of the unimpaired capital surplus; and (4) participation loans shall be in accordance with written policies of the board director. Empowers the credit union to invest funds: (1) in securities or obligation guaranteed by the United States or any agency or instrumentality thereof; (2) in obligations of any State, or the several territories and possessions or any political subdivision thereof; and (3) in shares or obligation of any other organization which advances the development of the credit union. Empowers credit unions to place their funds (1) in share accounts or deposits of savings which are insured by an agency of the Federal Government, or by any federally or State insured credit union; and (2) in demand or time deposits of banks whose accounts are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Empowers such credit union to sell all or part of its assets to another credit union, or to purchase assets from another such credit union and to permit members to transfer money to and from the member's account pursuant to regulations of the Board. Stipulates that a Federal credit union shall be managed by a board of directors, a supervisory committee, and a credit committee. Requires the board of directors to annually elect from their number an executive officer, one or more vice presidents, a treasurer, and a secretary. States that the board of directors shall meet at least once a month and shall have general control of the direction of the Federal credit union. Enumerates the general functions and duties of the board of directors. Permits the board of directors to elect a credit committee. Makes it the duty of the committee to hold such meetings as are necessary to consider applications for loans or lines of credit. Requires each Federal credit union to maintain specified reserves against losses. Requires each Federal credit union to maintain reserves against its demand in the Central Liquidity Facility and in currency and coin in such other form as the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System may provide. Authorizes the board to declare a dividend after provision for required reserves has been made. Repeals provisions of the Federal Credit Union Act pertaining to: (1) District of Columbia credit unions; (2) approval of certificates; and (3) conditions upon conversion to Federal status. Title II: Restructuring the National Credit Union Administration - Establishes in the executive branch of the Government an independent agency to be known as the National Credit Union Administration. Places the Administration under the management of a National Credit Union Administration Board. States that the Board shall have three members having credit union experience appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. Directs the Chairperson of the Board to be the spokesperson of the Board and to represent the Board and the National Credit Union Administration in its relations with other branches of the Government. Permits any aggrieved party to seek to enjoin or obtain other appropriate remedy when a charter revocation or suspension or an involuntary liquidation is ordered by the Board. Limits the powers of the Administration to the exercise of all powers specifically granted by the provisions of the Federal Credit Union Act and such incidental powers as shall be necessary to carry out the power so granted. Title III: Share Insurance - Includes credit unions organized and operated according to the law of the trust territories in the Federal Credit union whose member accounts are insured by the Administrator. Title IV: Central Liquidity Facility - Establishes the National Credit Union Central Liquidity Facility to: (1) provide funds to meet the liquidity needs of credit unions; and (2) provide for an orderly transfer of funds. Vests management of the Facility in the Board of National Credit Union Administration. Authorizes the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund to advance $500,000 to be utilized by the Facility for initial organization and operating expenses. Declares the initial capitalization of the Facility shall be by stock subscription consisting of shares having a par value of $50 each. Enumerates the general powers of the Board in administering the Central Liquidity Facility. Entitles any member of the Facility to apply on a form prescribed by regulations for advances. Authorizes the Board to deny or grant any application upon such terms as it may prescribe by regulations. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to purchase any obligation issued by the Board in the event of insufficient funds in the Facility to meet the obligations arising under this Act. Directs the Board to prepare and submit to the President and to the Congress annually a full report on the activities of the Facility for the previous year. Exempts by the Facility from all taxation imposed by the United States or by any State.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1977
Title I: Extends for three months, the authorization of more 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. Title II: Exempts depository institutions situated in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania from the prohibition against offering interest or dividend-paying accounts, from which the owner may make withdrawals by negotiable or transferable instruments for the purpose of making transfers to third parties. Title III: Amends the Federal Reserve Act to extend the period during which any direct obligation of the United States or any obligation fully guaranteed by the United States may be brought and sold without regard to maturities either on the open market or directly from the United States. Delays the period when such obligations will only be able to be brought or sold on the open market. Title IV: Amends the Federal Credit Union Act to remove specified requirements which must be met by State credit unions as a condition for insurance of members accounts. Empowers a Federal credit union to make loans and extend credit to members, other credit unions or financial organizations. Permits credit unions to make loans to members in accordance with the following: (1) loans shall be made in conformity with criteria established by the board of directors and with standards enumerated in this Act; (2) lines of credit shall be established to a stated maximum amount on specified terms and conditions which may be different than those for another borrower; (3) loans to other credit unions shall be approved by the board of directors and are not to exceed one percent of the paid-in and unimpaired capital and surplus of the credit union; and (4) participation loans shall be in accordance with written policies of the board of directors. Prohibits a Federal credit union from making loans to its directors and to members of its supervisory credit committee. Makes changes with respect to the powers of Federal credit unions including the power to: (1) invest funds, with some limitations, in the shares, stocks, or obligations of any other organization or corporation which advances the development of credit unions; and sell all or part of its assets to another credit union, to purchase all or part of the assets of another credit union and to assume the liabilities of the selling credit union.
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 1977
Amends the United Nations Participation Act of 1945 to permit enforcement of any executive order restricting the importation of Rhodesian chrome, pursuant to any United Nations Security Council resolution. Requires that steel mill products containing chromium may not be imported while such executive order is in effect without filing a certificate of origin with the Secretary of the Treasury unless such shipment is released by the Secretary. Authorizes the Secretary to prescribe regulations to carry out this provision.
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 1977
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to eliminate the requirement of three days prior hospitalization to be eligible for home health care and extended care services.
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 1977
Food Stamp Act Amendments - Eliminates from the Food Stamp Act of 1964 all provisions requiring charges to eligibile households for their food stamp allotments. Substitutes for the present charges a face value of the coupon allotment equal to the cost of a nutritionally adequate diet reduced by an amount equal to 30 percent of a household's income. Establishes a $10 minimum monthly allotment for single-person and two-person households, and declares ineligible for food stamps any household of more than two persons whose allotment would amount to less than $5.
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 1977
Establishes the Nantucket Sound Islands Trust in the State of Massachusetts for the purpose of protecting the national interest in the preservation and conservation of the natural, scenic, ecological, historic and other values and resources of the Nantucket Sound Islands. Designates Norman's Land Island in Massachusetts as part of the National Wildlife Refuge System. Provides for the establishment of Trust commissions for such islands by the Governor of Massachusetts. Makes the Secretary of the Interior responsible for enforcement of the land use control plans of the commissions under this Act. Sets forth the specific boundaries of the Trust. Provides for the classification of island land according to use as part of the land use control plans. Requires that the extent of specified Indian common lands be determined in an orderly program as a part of a land control plan under this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as are necessary annually to defray the expenses of the commissions established under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 1977
Establishes the Boston Harbor National Recreation Area in Massachusetts. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish a planning commission for such Area. Enumerates criteria upon which the Secretary is to approve or disapprove the Commission's plan. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants totaling $20,000,000 to state and local units of government having responsibility for implementing the final approved plan. Establishes a special account in the Treasury of the United States to hold monies to be used for such grants.
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 1977
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to acquire and maintain the site in Auburn, Massachusetts, on which Dr. Robert H. Goddard launched the first liquid-propelled rocket. Authorizes such appropriations as necessary to carry out the purpose of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 1977
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide payment for eyeglasses and prescription drugs under the supplementary medical insurance program.
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 1977
Endorses the President-elect's program of pardoning Vietnam-era draft resisters who have not been prosecuted under the Military Selective Service Act. Requests the President-elect to extend the program to grant amnesty to all Vietnam-era resisters convicted under such Act, and to each member and former member of the Armed Forces who during the Vietnam era deserted, whether or not he or she was tried and convicted by a court-martial, or was convicted by a court-martial for being absent without leave. Urges the President-elect to upgrade to honorable discharges all general and undesirable discharges issued to former members of the Armed Forces who served during the Vietnam era, and to review on a case-by-case basis every bad conduct and dishonorable discharge to determine whether such discharge should be upgraded.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 1977
Electric Utility Rate Reform and Regulatory Improvement Act - Title I: General Provisions - Declares it the purpose of this Act to reform inequities in the structure of electric utility rates. Title II: Utility Rate Reform - Limits the applicability of this title to sales of electric energy for purposes other than resale by an electric utility, where sales by such utility for purposes other than resale exceed 200 million kilowatt-hours during the second preceding calendar year. Imposes national minimum standards on utility rate structures, to be enforced by State regulatory authorities. Prohibits rate structures which allow lower rates for increased consumption without a showing that such lower rates actually reflect decreased costs. Authorizes State regulatory agencies to eliminate price differentials for residential users of subsistence quantities of electricity. Requires that information regarding utility rate schedules be provided to electric consumers by utilities. Stipulates that promotional and advertising costs, with exceptions, may not be treated by a utility as an operating expense for purposes of rate determination. Requires evidentiary hearings by regulatory authorities on proposed rate increases. Restricts the use of automatic fuel adjustment clauses by requiring an annual review of the use of such clauses by electric utilities. Authorizes State regulatory authorities to prescribe variances upon application by electric consumers or utilities suffering undue hardship due to the requirements of this title. Authorizes State authorities to prescribe loan management techniques to reduce maximum kilowatt demand on electric utilities. Establishes procedures to be followed by States authorities in prescribing methods for determining costs of services to electric consumers. Requires electric utilities to furnish specified information in accordance with procedures to be established by the Federal Power Commission. Establishes an Electric Utility Ratemaking Assistance Office in the Federal Energy Administration to provide information and assistance with respect to ratemaking policies and procedures established by this Act. Establishes procedures governing participation in regulatory proceedings by State agencies and electric consumers. Establishes procedures for initiation of civil actions and judicial review where provisions of this title are involved. Title III: Financial Assistance to State Regulatory Authorities - Authorizes the Electric Utility Ratemaking Assistance Office (established by Title II of this Act) to make grants to State regulatory authorities for the following purposes: (1) to increase the quantity and quality of State regulatory staff; (2) to establish programs to meet Federal consumer representation requirements; and (3) to demonstrate innovative rate structures. Prescribes criteria for the allotment of funds to the States. Authorizes the appropriation of $30,000,000 in any fiscal year for grants to improve staffing. Authorizes the appropriation of $5,000,000 for grants for consumer representation, and $5,000,000 for grants for rate structure innovation.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 1977
Federal Oil Pollution Liability and Compensation Act - Prohibits the discharge of oil in harmful quantities (as determined by the President under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act), and assesses a civil fine of up to $10,000 against the owner, operator, or licensee of the discharging vessel or facility. Prescribes criminal penalties for the failure of persons in charge of a vessel to notify the appropriate agency of the United States Government of such discharge. Directs the President to act to remove discharged oil unless he determines that such removal will be done properly and expeditiously by the owner or operator of the vessel, onshore or offshore facility, or deepwater port, from which the discharge occurs. Stipulates that all costs, including administrative, incurred by the President, Secretary, or any other person, of cleanup and other actions to minimize damages resulting from a discharge shall be borne by the owner and operator or licensee of the operation from which the discharge occurred up to $150 per gross ton of the responsible vessel. Imposes strict liability on owners and operators of vessels at onshore and offshore facilities and deepwater ports, for damages caused by oil spills, unless it can be shown that such discharge was caused by an act of war. Limits the liability of owners or operators of onshore and offshore facilities and licenses of deepwater ports to the following amounts: (1) $50,000,000, in the case of an onshore facility; (2) $50,000,000, in the case of an offshore facility; and (3) $100,000,000, in the case of a deepwater port. Establishes in the Department of Transportation an agency to be known as the Federal Oil Pollution Liability and Compensation Administration to establish and maintain the Federal Oil Pollution Compensation Fund and to act as trustee of the natural resources of the marine environment. Authorizes disbursement of monies from the Fund for payment of damage not actually compensated under this Act, cleanup costs, and research into methods to prevent, contain, and remove discharges. Stipulates monies shall be deposited into the Fund through the levy and collection by the Administration of a 5-cent-per-barrel fee imposed on the owner of oil when the oil is transferred between: (1) a vessel and an onshore or offshore facility; (2) offshore or onshore facilities; or (3) a vessel and a deepwater port. Requires each owner or operator of a vessel or an onshore or offshore facility and each licensee to establish and maintain under rules and regulations prescribed by the Administrator, evidence of financial responsibility based on the tonnage of the vessel, the capacity of the facility or deepwater port, and other relevant factors. Directs the Administrator to prescribe and from time to time to revise regulations for the filing, processing, settlement, and adjudication of claims for cleanup costs and damages resulting from the discharge of oil. Sets forth procedures for public access to information concerning any communication, document, report, or information transmitted between any official of the Federal Government and any person concerning liability and compensation for damage resulting from the discharge of oil. Authorizes the appropriation of the following sums for the administration of this Act: $2,500,000 for fiscal year 1977; $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1978; and $5,000,000 per year for fiscal years 1979 and 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 1977
Requires the following persons to file annual financial disclosure statements with the Comptroller General: (1) the President; (2) the Vice President; (3) Members of Congress; (4) civil or military officers of the Executive Branch; (5) Federal judges and justices; (6) Federal employees and officials earning more than $25,000 per year; and (7) candidates in a general election for Federal office. Specifies information which such statement must contain including: (1) the amount and source of each item of income, and each gift or aggregate of gifts from one source (other than gifts received from a member of his immediate family) received by him or by him and his spouse jointly during the preceding calendar year which exceeds $100 in amount or value; including any fee or other honorarium and the monetary value of subsistence, entertainment, travel, and other facilities received by him in kind; (2) the value of each asset which is in excess of $1,000 held by him or by him and his spouse jointly; and (3) all dealings in securities or commodities which are in excess of $1,000 by him or by him and his spouse jointly. Requires the Comptroller General to make such statements available for public inspection. Requires that all written communications and memorandums of all oral communications made to a Federal agency concerning a case before such agency by any person not affiliated with such agency be made part of the public record of such case.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 1977
Restores the applicability of the general statute of limitations (five years) for the prosecution of violations of Federal criminal law to the prosecution of violations of the Federal Election Campaign Act by repealing the special statute of limitations in such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 1977
Energy Conservation Tax Credits for Residences and Small Businesses Amendment - Allows a refundable income tax credit for 30 percent of the expenditures not exceeding $750 which the taxpayer paid or incurred during the taxable year for the installation of insulation or energy-conserving components which improve heating plant efficiency in his principal residence. Limits the application of this credit to expenditures paid or obligated before 1980 for installations made between June 30, 1977, and 1980 in dwellings in existence on May 25, 1977. Allows a refundable income tax credit for 40 percent of the first $1,000, and a secondary credit for 25 percent of the next $6,400 paid or incurred by the taxpayer during the taxable year for the installation of qualified solar or wind and energy equipment in his principal residence. Reduces these limitations by subtracting the amounts taken into account for these credits in previous tax years. Limits these credits to equipment installed, and expenditures made or incurred, between June 30, 1977, and 1982. Prorates each of the above credits for residential improvements among joint owners and cooperative shareholders according to their proportionate interests in the residential property. Provides for the refund of any allowable credit which exceeds the taxpayer's current liability. Allows an investment tax credit for 20 percent of the qualified investment cost of depreciable insulation and solar or wind energy equipment installed between 1977 and 1980 by small businesses with an adjusted gross income not exceeding $400,000. Provides an investment tax credit for ten percent of the qualified investment costs of wind or solar energy equipment placed in service by such business between 1980 and 1982, and of depreciable insulation placed in service between 1977 and 1980. Provides that the qualified investment in such equipment shall be: one-third of the cost of equipment having a useful life of three to five years; two-thirds of the cost of equipment having a useful life of five to seven years; and 100 percent of the cost of equipment having a useful life longer than seven years. Allows corporations with employee stock ownership plans, which qualify them for the 11 percent investment credit under the Tax Reduction Act of 1975, to take a credit for an additional two percent of the qualified costs of these investments. Defines each type of equipment for which tax credits are allowable under this Act, providing that such equipment must: (1) have a useful life of at least three years; (2) have its original use commence with the taxpayer; and (3) meet appropriate performance criteria to be established by the Department of the Treasury, Department of Housing and Urban Development, and Energy Research and Development Administration. Disallows any investment credit for portable air conditioners or heating units used primarily for human comfort. Provides an additional excise tax on gasoline sold between 1977 and 1981. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to make a specific proposal to the Congress for the establishment of an executive agency to conduct an ongoing evaluation of new technologies and improvements in heating equipment.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 1977
Amends Title XI (General Provisions) of the Social Security Act to require that psychologists be included in any Professional Standards Review Organization appointed under such title.
![Official portrait of Sen. Brooke, Edward W. [R-MA]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/b000871_200.jpg)