United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1978
Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs Assistance Act - Authorizes the Commissioner of Education to provide financial assistance to assist in the development of the Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis-Saint Paul. Authorizes up to $5,000,000 to be appropriated for such purpose.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1978
Federal Public Transportation Act - Title I: Public Transportation - Amends the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964 to revise the discretionary grant and loan program under such Act. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to make such grants or loans to States and local public bodies and agencies for: (1) the construction or extension of fixed guideway systems; (2) major bus fleet expansions; (3) the acquisition, construction, and improvement of certain mass transportation facilities and equipment where emergency circumstances exist; (4) the introduction of new technology into public transportation; and (5) for financing the costs incurred in connection with projects for the acquisition of land and the costs of preparing such land for urban development purposes to enhance any mass transportation project approved under such Act. Requires that applicants for such funds possess the legal, technical, and financial capacity to carry out the proposed project and that they have continuing control over the use of the facilities and equipment involved. Requires the Governor of the State involved together with the appropriate local officials to designate a single recipient to receive and dispense the funds granted under this Act for the construction or extension of fixed guideway systems. Authorizes the Secretary to announce an intention to obligate funds for a mass transportation project through the issuance of a letter of intent to the applicant. Stipulates that such a letter shall not be deemed as a commitment but as an intention to obligate funds from future appropriation Acts. Eliminates the present provision which earmarks a specified amount of the funds made available under such Act for areas other than urbanized areas. Authorizes appropriations in specified amounts for each of the fiscal years 1979 through 1983 to carry out the discretionary grant and loan program under such Act. Authorizes appropriations in specified amounts for each of the fiscal years 1979 through 1982 to carry out the urban mass transit program and for other grant programs under such Act. Revises the apportionment formula for the mass transit grant program for urbanized areas. Stipulates that funding under the new formula shall be based on population, population density, commuter rail train miles, the number of fixed guideway system route miles, and bus replacement costs and bus seat miles. Stipulates that funds made available for areas with a population of 200,000 or over shall be received and dispensed by a recipient as designated by the Governor of the State and the local officials involved. Stipulates that with respect to areas with a population of less than 200,000, such funds shall be made available to the Governor of the State involved to be distributed in a fair and equitable manner. Stipulates that any apportioned funds which remain unobligated three years following the fiscal year for which they were apportioned shall be added to the amount available for apportionment in the next fiscal year. Limits the total amount of a Federal grant for operating assistance projects to one-third of the total eligible operating expenses incurred in the operation of the services which are assisted under this Act. Authorizes the use of up to 50 percent of the amount apportioned to urbanized areas of 200,000 or more population for urban highway projects. Removes specified restrictions regarding the availability of fellowships for public transportation training programs. Prohibits the use of funds under such Act for the acquisition of mass transportation assets by one public body from another in the same geographic area. Prohibits discrimination based on race, color, creed, national origin, sex, or age in any project or activity funded under such Act. Authorizes the Secretary to convert mass transportation equipment and facilities loans under such Act to capital grants under specified conditions. Title II: Planning and Reorganization - Directs the Secretary to prepare a plan to consolidate the Urban Mass Transportation Administration and the Federal Highway Administration into one surface transportation agency within the Department of Transportation. Establishes a single fund to provide financial assistance to State and local authorities for transportation planning purposes. Directs the Secretary to cooperate with State and local officials in the development of statewide and urbanized area transportation plans and programs.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1978
International Development Cooperation Act - Chapter I: Policy - Sets forth the United States' development assistance goals. Establishes the International Development Cooperation Administration (IDCA) to achieve such goals. Chapter II: Bilateral Development Assistance - Title I: Grant and Loan Assistance - Sets forth the United States bilateral development policy. Authorizes the Administrator of IDCA to furnish agricultural, rural development, and nutrition assistance. Authorizes appropriations for such purposes for fiscal year 1979. Declares that such assistance shall be primarily used for activities which increase the productivity or income of the rural poor. Requires, in the allocation of such funds, that special attention be given to increasing agricultural production in "food priority countries" or "relatively least developed countries." Encourages the Administrator of IDCA to take certain actions to improve the nutritional benefits accruing from such assistance. Requires the Administrator to consider the impact on development policies of commodity sales under the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954. Declares that local currency proceeds from such commodity sales which are owned by foreign governments shall be used whenever practicable to furnish agricultural, rural development, and nutrition assistance. Sets forth United States international population control and health assistance policy. Authorizes the Administrator of IDCA to furnish population planning assistance, emphasizing motivation for small families. Authorizes appropriations for such assistance for fiscal year 1979. Directs such assistance to give particular attention to the relationship between population growth and living standards improvements. Authorizes the Administrator to study factors affecting population growth and family planning. Prohibits funds available for such assistance to be used for abortions or involuntary sterilizations. Authorizes the Administrator of IDCA to furnish health, health education, disease prevention, and sanitation assistance, emphasizing low-cost integrated delivery systems to rural areas and to the poorest people. Authorizes appropriations for such assistance for fiscal year 1979. Sets forth United States education and human resources development assistance policy. Authorizes the Administrator of IDCA to furnish such assistance. Authorizes appropriations for such assistance for fiscal year 1979. Authorizes the Administrator of IDCA to furnish assistance for programs relating to (1) energy problems, (2) natural resources management, (3) development research, (4) intermediate technology, (5) urban development, (6) disaster reconstruction, (7) special problems of "relatively least developed countries," especially transportation and communications systems, and (8) technical cooperation among development organizations. Authorizes appropriations for such assistance for fiscal year 1979. Authorizes a certain amount of funds available under this chapter to assist research and educational institutions in the United States to develop and implement development programs for developing countries. Prohibits the furnishing of assistance under this chapter until the recipient country provides assurances that it will make a significant contribution to the cost of the entire program. Prohibits the disbursing of grant assistance for a specific project for more than four years without further justification to Congress and increasing the recipient country contribution. Authorizes the Administrator of IDCA to make assistance available to "relatively least developed countries" on a grant basis to the maximum extent possible. Permits the Administrator with respect to such countries (1) to waive interest payments on past indebtedness; (2) to accept repayment in local currencies; (3) to accept "in kind" contributions for the recipient share of assistance costs; and (4) to waive certain procurement requirements. Exempts "relatively least developed countries" from the cost-sharing and funding limitations of this Act. Requires the Administrator to report to Congress on a concerted procurement policy with donors of the Overseas Economic Cooperation and Development countries, and its impact on the United States economy. Authorizes the Administrator to furnish long-term development assistance for the Sahel region, to be supplied under a multi-donor system. Requires the Administrator to prepare an annual report on Sahel development. Authorizes appropriations for such assistance beginning with fiscal year 1978. Title II: Strengthening Institutional Capacity for Agricultural Development - Declares that the United States (1) should strengthen the capacity of certain universities in program-related agricultural development and research, (2) should improve the participation of such universities in efforts to increase world-wide food production, and (3) should support research into the food and nutritional problems of developing countries. Authorizes the Administrator to furnish assistance to eligible universities for specified purposes related to such research goals. Directs the President to establish a Board for International Food and Agricultural Development to assist in the administration of such research assistance programs. Authorizes the Board to establish a Joint Research Committee to develop collaborative food research programs, and a joint committee on Country Programs to implement certain research support programs. Permits such research support programs to be funded with appropriations for agricultural, rural development, and nutrition assistance. Requires the Administrator to report to Congress on such research activities. Title III: Agricultural Commodities for Peace and Development - Affirms the continuing intent of Congress that United States agricultural commodities shall be used to combat hunger and to encouarge economic development in developing countries. Authorizes the Administrator of IDCA to carry out specified food donation and development programs under the Agricultural Trade and Development Assistance Act of 1954. Chapter III: Access to Private Capital and Technical Expertise - Title I: General Policy - Expresses the Congressional finding that the reduction of the dependence of developing countries upon concessional assistance to reliance upon private sector resources can be facilitated by loan and investment guarantees and reimbursable services. Title II: Overseas Private Investment Corporation - Makes the Overseas Private Investment Corporation a constituent element of the International Development Cooperation Administration to facilitate the participation of United States private capital in the economic development of developing countries and areas. Sets forth the factors which shall be considered by the Corporation for furnishing insurance, financing, or reinsurance of private sector projects in developing countries or areas. Specifies the functions of the Corporation. Declares that the capital stock of the Corporation shall remain at its present level. Stipulates the organizational and management structure of the Corporation. Authorizes the Corporation to insure private investments against specified risks, to guarantee private loans and other investments, to make loans to private firms, and to make incentive grants. Specifies restrictions upon and procedures for such functions. Authorizes the Corporation to furnish financial and advisory support, private technical, professional, or managerial assistance. Authorizes the Corporation to enter into certain risk sharing agreements. Establishes limitations upon the amount of outstanding guarantees which can be made by the Corporation. Establishes a Direct Investment Fund to finance the direct investment undertakings of the Corporation. Establishes in the Treasury of the United States an insurance and guaranty fund to discharge liabilities incurred by the Corporation with respect to its insurance and guaranty authority. Authorizes appropriations to the corporation for such fund. Imposes conditions on such appropriations and stipulates procedures for discharging investment insurance liability. Stipulates the purposes for which the income and revenues earned by or transferred to the corporation may be spent without limitations. Sets forth limitations on such investment programs, including investment safeguard provisions, duration, and prohibits insuring investors responsible for bribery as defined in this title. Sets forth the powers of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation. Requires the Auditor- General of the International Development Cooperation Administration to audit the Corporation and conduct its security functions. Establishes an Advisory Council to the Corporation, composed of representatives of the American business community, for consultation regarding the Corporations' objectives. Declares that no laws, with the exception of this title, shall be construed to prohibit investment insurance activities in Yugoslavia or Romania, if the President determines such programs to be in the national interest. Requires the Corporation to establish criteria to minimize the potential environmental impact of insured projects. Requires the Corporation to report to Congress annually with respect to its operations. Title III: Housing Investment Guarantees - Sets forth Congressional findings with respect to the role of the United States in assisting worldwide housing investment. Authorizes the Administrator of the International Development Corporation (IDCA) to guarantee loans incurred in connection with such housing investment. Sets forth (1) limitations upon such guarantees and (2) the types of housing programs which shall be emphasized in making such guarantees. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this title. Imposes upon housing guarantees authorized by subsequently repealed statutes the laws and fees which were originally applicable to such guarantees. Prohibits guarantee payments for any loss arising from fraud or misrepresentation. Imposes limitations upon such guarantees with respect to housing for the poor and amounts for projects within any single country (exempting Israel, Portugal, and Lebanon through fiscal year 1979). Title IV: Agricultural and Productive Credit and Self-Help Development Communities Programs - Declares it the sense of Congress that the purpose of this program is the stimulation of private participation in the establishment of pilot programs in not more than five Latin American countries. Authorizes the IDCA to guarantee loans for agricultural credit and self-help community development programs. Limits the total dollar amount of such guarantees. Requires consultation with the Inter-American Foundation in developing eligibility criteria for such guarantees. Title V: Reimbursable Services and Commodities - Authorizes any agency of the United States to furnish services and commodities on an advance-of-funds or reimbursable basis to friendly countries, international organizations, the American Red Cross, and certain volunteer nonprofit relief agencies, when the Administrator determines it to be in furtherance of the purposes of this Act. Authorizes the Administrator to use a specified amount to stimulate reimbursable aid programs consistent with chapter I of this Act. Sets forth procedures governing excess property and advance acquisition of property pursuant to this Act. Chapter IV: Multilateral Development Assistance - Title I: General Multilateral Development Assistance Policy - Sets forth Congressional findings and policy with respect to United States participation in international development assistance agencies. Declares that the United States should encourage (1) equitable contributions to such agencies by participant countries, and (2) the participation of women in the economies of member and recipient countries of such aid and in such agencies. Requires the Administrator to ensure that United States bilateral development programs are coordinated with multilateral programs. Title II: International Financial Institutions - Sets forth Congressional policy with respect to United States participation in international financial institutions. Makes the Administrator of IDCA responsible for formulating the positions of and instructing the representatives of the United States to such institutions. Title III: United Nations Programs - Authorizes the Administrator to make contributions to international organizations in furtherance of this chapter, when the President determines it to be in the national interest. Authorizes appropriations for such purposes for fiscal year 1979. Makes the the Administrator responsible for formulating the positions of and instructing the representatives of the United States to the International Fund for Agricultural Development. Authorizes the President to permit United States participation in the International Fertilizer Development Center. Chapter V: Special Programs - Title I: Economic Support Fund - Authorizes the President to furnish assistance to countries and organizations to promote economic or political stability. Declares it the sense of Congress that assistance to the Middle East should promote respect, security, and economic development in that area. Authorizes appropriations to the President for fiscal year 1979 for economic support funds in the Middle East, Israel, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon (including technical and scientific cooperation programs and special requirements). Expresses Congressional support of an internationally recognized settlement of the Rhodesian conflict leading to majority rule. Declares it the intent of Congress to support a Zimbabwe Development Fund. Declares it the sense of Congress that the United States should furnish economic support to Zambia, Botswana, Lesotho, Swaziland, and Mozambique to strengthen their economies and minimize their dependence on minority-ruled regimes. Authorizes appropriations to the President for fiscal year 1979 for economic dislocation and refugee assistance in South Africa. Prohibits the use of such funds for military or paramilitary purposes. Declares it the sense of Congress that such funds shall not be furnished to any country which restricts emigration. Title II: International Disaster Assistance - Authorizes the President to furnish international disaster relief and rehabilitation assistance, including assistance relating to disaster prediction and preparedness. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1979 for such purposes. Authorizes the President to appoint a Special Coordinator for International Relief to coordinate aid by United States agencies and foreign donors. Chapter VI: Private Initiative In Development - Title I: General Policy to encourage the participation of private voluntary organizations in overseas development. Authorizes the Administrator of IDCA to furnish assistance for public and private voluntary initiatives in development, under specified principles. Directs the Administrator to draw upon the resources of such organizations to the maximum extent practicable in implementing programs authorized by this Act. Authorizes the Administrator to pay transportation charges on contributions for development and relief of needy people by the American Red Cross and certain United States volunteer agencies. Establishes within the Administration an International Development Institute to finance, implement, and coordinate development activities involving private and voluntary agencies. Establishes an Advisory Board to the Institute to advise on the planning and administration of programs authorized by this chapter. Authorizes appropriations to the Administrator for fiscal year 1979 to carry out this title, of which a specified amount shall be available for the Peace Corps to carry out the purpose of the Peace Corps Act. Transfers the Peace Corp to the International Development Institute. Chapter VII: Administrative - Title I: Organization - Stipulates the organizational structure of the International Development Cooperation Administration. Directs the President to establish a Development Coordination Committee to advise the President with respect to the coordination of United States policies and programs affecting developing countries. Declares that nothing in this Act shall be construed as infringing upon the powers or functions of the Secretary of State. Sets forth the organizational powers of the Administrator with respect to functions transferred to the IDCA. Transfers to the IDCA the functions and property of the Agency for International Development. Permits the President to transfer to the IDCA functions of other agencies which primarily relate to the functions of the IDCA under this Act. Specifies the procedures for such transfer. Stipulates the formula for computing the annuity of any AID employee who is eligible for retirement under the Foreign Service system who retires during fiscal year 1979. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1979 for the operating expenses of the IDCA. Title II: Personnel - Establishes a career personnel system of officers of the IDCA who shall be known as International Development Officers to formulate and implement programs authorized by this Act. Sets forth the qualifications, compensation, and duty assignments of such officers. Prohibits discrimination or the use of a political test with respect to such officers. Requires the Administrator to pay particular attention to the recruitment and promotion of women as International Development Officers. Authorizes the President to appoint the representative of the United States to the Inter-American Economic and Social Council. Authorizes the employment of experts and consultants to carry out this Act. Authorizes the Administrator to assign any IDCA employee to any office with a foreign government or international organization. Authorizes the Administrator to maintain special missions or staffs abroad. Authorizes the President to appoint the Chair of the Development Assistance Committee or any successor committee thereto of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. Transfers to the IDCA the personnel of the Agency for International Development. Title III: Administrative Requirements - Prohibits entering into obligations upon the United States in excess of $100,000 for grant and loan assistance or economic support prior to the completion of project plans and cost estimates, legislative action in the recipient country, and certification by the chief IDCA officer in the recipient country that such country can effectively maintain and utilize such project. Sets forth procurement requirements. Prohibits funds under this Act from being used for the procurement of any agricultural commodity when the commodity's domestic price is below parity. Permits recipients of loan and grant or economic support assistance to use such funds to pay shipping differentials owed to the United States under the Merchant Marine Act, 1936. Exempts the ocean transport between foreign countries (1) of commodities purchased with foreign currencies made available under this Act or the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954, or (2) of fresh fruit and products under this Act, from requirements that cargoes procured by the United States be transported in United States flag vessels. Sets forth protections for United States patents and technical information in furnishing grant and loan or economic support assistance. Regulates the use of foreign currencies, procurement, and the use of funds for support purposes, to carry out this Act. Directs the Administrator, so far as is practicable, to assist in the equitable participation of American small business in furnishing goods and services to the IDCA. Establishes an Office of Small Business in the IDCA to carry out this purpose. Title IV: General Provisions - Authorizes the President to utilize a limited amount of funds authorized under this Act each year in furtherance of the purposes of this Act, when the President determines such authorization to be important to the security of the United States. Authorizes the Administrator to transfer not more than 15 percent of funds authorized for grant and loan assistance for other purposes under this Act. Sets forth procedures for Congressional oversight of such authority. Sets forth procedures for the termination of assistance, the payment of assistance and contracts, and related financial matters. Prohibits assistance under this Act to any government which engages in a consistent pattern of gross violations of human rights. Sets forth procedures for Congressional oversight of such prohibition. Prohibits the Administrator from considering the race, religion, national origin, or sex of any employee of the United States in making overseas assignments to carry out this Act. Prohibits assistance to any country which objects to the presence of any such United States employee on such grounds. Prohibits assistance to any country which is more than six momths in default on loans under this Act or the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 except in certain circumstances. Prohibits relieving recipients of such loans of liability thereunder. Requires the Administrator to terminate for one year assistance to any country which aids or abets international terrorism, unless the President finds that national security requires otherwise. Prohibits furnishing assistance under this Act to any Communist country, unless the President finds that such assistance is vital to the security of the United States and will promote the independence of such country. Limits the amount of assistance under this Act which may be furnished for the construction of any productive enterprise. Title V: Reporting Requirements - Requires the Chair of the Development Coordination Committee to transmit an annual report to Congress with respect to foreign assistance for the previous fiscal year. Permits legislative veto of program changes under this Act. Title VI: Miscellaneous Provisions - Sets forth the effective date, statutes repealed, savings provisions, definitions, severability, exclusions, and amendments to other laws, under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1978
Nurse Training Amendments - Amends Title VIII (Nurse Training) of the Public Health Service Act to extend for two fiscal years, through fiscal year 1980, the program of financial assistance for nurse training.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1978
Expresses the insistence of the Senate that the Government of the Republic of Korea cooperate with a certain investigation of the Senate Select Committee on Ethics. Declares that failure of the Government to cooperate with such investigation will have a negative impact on relations between the United States and the Republic of Korea, including assistance for the latter country.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1978
National Alcohol Fuels Commission Act - Establishes the National Alcohol Fuels Commission to study the use of alcohol as an alternative fuel source. Charges the Commission with the duty to study the short and long-term potential of alcohol fuels derived from plant, animal and industrial sources and wastes, and from coal. Directs the Commission to study alternative feedstocks and desirability of converting present feedstocks into alcohol fuels. Requires the Commission to identify and study technical, economic, legal, environmental and social factors involved with the production, manufacture, distribution and use of alcohol fuels. Directs relevant Federal agencies to appoint a liaison officer and to cooperate closely with the Commission. Requires the Committee to file a final report with the President and the Congress no later than December 31, 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 15 December 1977
Declares it the sense of Congress that the United States should encourage the United Nations to hold a World Alternate Energy Conference to consider alternate ways to meet the world's energy needs and to establish an International Alternate Energy Commission to encourage worldwide use of alternate energy sources.
United States · United States Congress · 4 November 1977
National Reserves System Act - States the purpose of this Act is to establish the National Reserves System for the protection of outstanding ecological, scenic, historic, cultural, and recreational landscapes through new local-State-Federal partnerships. Establishes a National Reserves Council whose duties are to receive and evaluate proposals for feasibility studies and implement such studies, making recommendations, reviewing management programs, and coordinating Federal programs for the approval of such areas to be designated as National Reserve Planning Areas. Sets criteria for recommending such areas so designated. Requires the establishment of State and local planning and management agencies, except by written request for a waiver from a Governor, which, as single units or multijurisdictional bodies have the authority to plan, implement, and manage prospective National Reserves. Authorizes the Council to designate areas as National Reserve Planning Areas, after which financial, technical, and other assistance is to be provided. Stipulates that such assistance and services to any agency or State not exceed: (1) 75 percent of the cost of developing the management program of such prospective National Reserve; or (2) $500,000. Designates the Pine Barrens, New Jersey as a National Reserve Planning Area. Prescribes guidelines for the use of agencies in developing management programs for prospective reserves. Authorizes the Council to review, approve, and monitor such programs. Provides for the submittal of revised management programs initially disapproved. Empowers the Council and other Federal departments and agencies, as appropriate, to provide grants, loans, licenses, and permits to agencies implementing approved management programs. Allows such grants to be used in the acquisition of or interests in lands, compensation to landowners, payments in lieu of taxes to local governments, and other expenses incurred. Conveys lands acquired by the Council to such National Reserves provided the title to such lands so conveyed reverts to the United States upon notification. Establishes a National Reserves System Fund in which moneys available including such moneys from a revolving fund for interest-free loans, are without fiscal year limitation. Directs agencies managing National Reserves to review such programs and report to the Council. Authorizes the Council to withhold disbursement of funds, revert title of lands and other interests acquired with Federal funds to the United States, and retain moneys otherwise due any such State in the event that such a reserve is significantly vitiated. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1978, and each year thereafter.
United States · United States Congress · 4 November 1977
Declares the Senate denunciation of the disregard of human rights by the Government of Democratic Kampuchean (Cambodia). Calls upon the President to express the concern of the American people, and to initiate efforts to end these violations.
United States · United States Congress · 1 November 1977
Amends the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to designate a specified segment of the Delaware River as a component of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.
United States · United States Congress · 25 October 1977
Omnibus Antiterrorism Act - Title I: Reorganization of Executive Office of the President - Establishes a Council to Combat Terrorism in the Executive Office of the President. Includes among the Council's functions (1) assisting the President to implement this Act, (2) assisting in the preparation of lists of countries aiding terrorist enterprises and of dangerous foreign airports, and (3) coordinating Federal efforts to combat terrorism. Directs the President to: (1) report to Congress on each act of terrorism which involves or affects United States citizens; and (2) impose sanctions against countries on the list of countries aiding terrorists and against airports on the list of dangerous foreign airports. Title II: Reorganization of the Department of State - Establishes a Bureau for Combating International Terrorism in the Department of State. Urges the President to seek international agreements which assure cooperation in combating terrorism. Lists provisions which should be given priority in negotiating such agreements. Requires the President to: (1) develop programs to insure full implementation of the Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts Against the Safety of Civil Aviation; (2) approve all defense article sales and credits made to any individual or group; and (3) include the names of all types of explosives on the United States Munitions List. Title III: Reorganization of the Department of Justice - Establishes an Office for Combating Terrorism in the Department of Justice. Directs the President to extend existing safety and security requirements to supplemental means of air transportation. Requires that all explosives contain identification and detection taggants. Title IV: Aircraft Sabotage and Piracy - Amends provisions of title 18, U.S. Code, that specify prohibited acts regarding the destruction of aircraft or aircraft facilities to, among other revisions, set forth penalties for committing violence against a passenger which is likely to endanger an aircraft in service and for communicating false information which results in endangering the safety of an aircraft in flight. Sets forth penalties for a person found in the United States who has committed against or aboard a foreign aircraft an offense in violation of the Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts Against the Safety of Civil Aviation. Authorizes civil penalties for carrying an accessible weapon aboard an aircraft and for imparting or conveying information known to be false regarding one of specified crimes aboard an aircraft. Specifies minimum penalties for threatening to commit air piracy or any other of certain crimes aboard an aircraft.
United States · United States Congress · 25 October 1977
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development should not implement the proposed reorganization of the field and insuring offices of the Department of Housing and Urban Development prior to the time when the appropriate committees of the Congress have had an opportunity to hold hearings on such reorganization.
United States · United States Congress · 12 October 1977
Declares that the President should instruct the United States delegation to the Belgrade Conference (1) to bring to the attention of attending countries incidents of harassment and human rights violations, especially violations of the rights of persons attempting to monitor the Final Act of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe, and (2) to urge observation of human rights and redress of such violations.
United States · United States Congress · 3 October 1977
Designates the South Portal Federal Office Building of the United States Department of Health, Education, and Welfare at 200 Independence Avenue Southwest, Washington, D. C., as the "Hubert H. Humphrey Building."
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1977
Regional Energy Development Act - Chapter I: Introductory - Declares that energy shortages and the high cost of energy have created economic hardships in the Northeastern States, which would especially benefit from regional cooperation with the United States through an entity capable of financing and otherwise promoting increased energy supply and energy conservation. Defines "Northeastern States" as Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts. Chapter II: Organization, Management, Powers - Authorizes the creation of a corporation for profit, which will not be an agency or establishment of the United States, and shall be known as the Energy Corporation of the Northeast. Directs the President to appoint incorporators who reside in the Northeastern States to serve as the initial Board of Directors of the Corporation, and to take whatever actions are necessary to establish the Corporation. Stipulates that a Northeastern State shall become a member of the Corporation when such State shall subscribe for State stock, contribute initial capital in the amount of $1 per capita, and enact supporting legislation. Allows the Corporation to become operational if at least three States become members before December 31, 1978. Authorizes States that are contiguous to members to join the Corporation in the same manner. Authorizes the Corporation to participate in joint ventures with public or private groups and to operate through subsidiaries. Requires the Corporation to submit annual reports and audits to the President, Congress, Governors and legislatures of Member States. Directs the Governors, on a rotating basis, to designate independent persons to evaluate the performance of the Corporation every two years. Chapter III: Projects and Programs of the Corporation - Authorizes the Corporation to participate in financing any project related to solving the energy needs of the Northeast. Allows the Corporation to assist projects by loans, guarantees or equity investments. Stipulates that before any financial assistance is provided, the Board of Directors of the Corporation must find that: (1) the project is expected to have a beneficial impact on the energy problems of the region; (2) the investment together with other Corporation activities will not materially impair the credit of the Corporation; (3) private capital is unavailable or insufficient; and (4) unless this limitation is specially waived, the Corporation will not operate the project on a continuing basis or invest more than 50 percent of the total cost. Authorizes rejection of each project by the Governor of the Member State in which it is located. Charges the Board with reviewing periodically the allocation of Corporation resources among the Member States to assure a measure of equity in the distribution of benefits. Limits the Corporation's investment in any one project to the greater of 10 percent of its borrowing authority or $200,000,000. Chapter IV: Financing - Stipulates that capital subscriptions from the States ($1 per capita initial contribution) and private investors shall determine the borrowing authority of the Corporation according to a formula of $15 borrowing backed by Federal guarantees for each $1 capital contribution. Authorizes the contribution of additional capital by the States after the initial subscription. Authorizes the issuance of capital securities to States and private investors in a form determined by the Board. Permits the Corporation to issue its own obligations which shall be general obligations payable out of any revenues. Prohibits the Corporation from pledging the credit of the United States or the credit of Member States. Chapter V: Guarantee of Obligations - Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to guarantee obligations of the Corporation. Permits the Secretary to agree with the Corporation that the United States will purchase the product of its projects, if necessary, in the event market conditions preclude private sale. Chapter VI: State Legislation - Requires Member States, upon joining the Corporation, to enact legislation: (1) assuring decisions within 90 days of application on request for permits required for Corporation projects; (2) exempting the property, income, and operations of the Corporation from State and local taxation; and (3) specifying that insofar as the provisions of any State, general, special, or local law may be inconsistent with this Act, the provisions of this Act and the legislation enacted under this Chapter are controlling. Chapter VII: Miscellaneous - Specifies terms of construction and separability of the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 1977
Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make loans to local government units with populations of at least 100,000 persons for the establishment of nonprofit clinics for the spaying and neutering of dogs and cats. Requires the Secretary to promulgate regulations establishing maximum fees for such services. Authorizes appropriations not to exceed $4,000,000 for fiscal year 1978, and for each of the four succeeding fiscal years to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 1977
Declares that the President should establish a Commission on Domestic and International Hunger and Malnutrition which should: (1) collect and generate information and resources on food, hunger, malnutrition and related concerns; (2) assess current programs affecting domestic and international hunger and malnutrition; (3) analyze and report its findings and recommendations to the President, the Congress, and the public; and (4) assist the President and the Congress in implementing its recommendations.
United States · United States Congress · 21 September 1977
Continues the Senate Select Committee on Nutrition and Human Needs through December 31, 1979. Authorizes the expenditure of additional funds, not to exceed $250,000 per annum, by the Select Committee.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1977
Declares it the sense of the Senate that the Privacy Protection Study Commission should be commended for its report, "Personal Privacy in an Information Society," and that the Congress should implement the Commission's recommendations.
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 · 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 · 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
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 · 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 · 16 June 1977
(Reported to Senate from the Committee on Foreign Relations (without written report)) Declares the sense of the Senate that the United States should press the Soviet Union for an accounting of the circumstances which precipitated the detention of Robert C. Toth and that every appropriate means should be taken to obtain his safe return to the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1977
States that an individual or family, whose income is increased by reason of a general increase in monthly social security benefits, will not, because of such general increase suffer a loss of or reduction in the benefits the individual or family has been receiving under certain Federal or federally assisted programs.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1977
Amends the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 to eliminate the requirement that States match Federal funds for improvement of nonoperational portions of stations used in intercity rail passenger service and of related facilities and fencing in the Northeast Corridor. Increases the appropriations authorized under such Act for such improvements.
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 · 19 May 1977
Declares it the sense of the Senate that the actions of Uganda deserve condemnation by the world community and by the Organization of African Unity. Urges nations to halt deliveries of arms to Uganda. Declares it the sense of the Senate that the United States Ambassador to the United Nations request an investigation of the situation in Uganda by the appropriate United Nations agency.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1977
Authorizes and requests the President to designate 1979 as "Thomas A. Edison Centennial Year. Establishes the "Thomas A. Edison Centennial Commission." Stipulates that such Commission shall terminate on September 30, 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1977
Prohibits commerce in contraband cigarettes. Defines "contraband cigarettes" as a quantity of more than 20,000 cigarettes, bearing no evidence of payment of applicable State cigarette taxes, which are in the possession of any person other than (1) a person licensed by the State where the cigarettes are found or by the Internal Revenue Service, (2) a common or contract carrier, or (3) a government agent in the performance of duties. Subjects dealers in cigarettes to such reporting requirements as the Secretary of the Treasury may prescribe.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1977
Bikeway Transportation Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to make grants for 80 percent of the cost to States and municipalities of bikeway construction projects in urban territories or connecting such areas with national, State, or local parks, seashores or recreational areas. Requires such bikeway projects to be in accordance with a continuing comprehensive transportation planning process carried on cooperatively by States and local communities and in accordance with construction standards established by the Secretary.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1977
National School Lunch Act and Child Nutrition Act of 1966 Amendments - Amends the National School Lunch Act to authorize the appropriation of such sums as are necessary for fiscal years 1977 through 1982 to enable the Secretary of Agriculture to maintain the program of assistance to States in providing nonprofit food service programs for children in day care and recreation centers during the summer months. Directs the Secretary to assist States in the development of information and technical assistance to encourage greater utilization of meals prepared at the facilities of sponsors or schools. Establishes a fund to aid sponsoring institutions offering federally subsidized food service year round in the purchase of equipment to enable such institutions to create or expand onsite meal preparation. Entitles institutions demonstrating adequate administrative and financial responsibility and meeting appropriate eligibility criteria to participate in the program. Permits the Secretary to develop guidelines for site size limitations to promote quality food service programs. Sets forth priority criteria to be utilized in determining sponsorship where more than one institution seeks to serve the same area. Stipulates that residential camps can only be reimbursed for meals served to children eligible for free or reduced price meals under the National School Lunch Act and Child Nutrition Act. Specifies the amounts of Federal assistance that can be made available to sponsors for food service operations. Directs every sponsor when applying for the program to submit a complete budget for administrative costs related to the program. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study of the food service operations carried out under the National School Lunch Act. Specifies various factors that must be taken into consideration in such study. Requires the Secretary to make any necessary changes in the reimbursement levels for operations costs pursuant to such study. Directs the Secretary to analyze the administrative expenditures to sponsors participating in the program and prescribe maximum levels of reimbursement of such expenditures. Requires the Secretary to report his findings and recommendations to Congress. Makes financial assistance available to sponsors only for meals served during the months of May through September with certain exceptions made for sponsors developing programs to cover children on school vacations. Directs the Secretary to forward advance payments to each State. Sets forth a formula for determination of the amounts of such advance payments. Requires sponsors receiving funds under such Act to serve meals containing a combination of foods and meeting prescribed nutritional standards. Requires each State to promote meal quality for prescribing model meal specifications and including such specifications in contracts between sponsors and food service management companies. Directs the States to develop a standard form contract for use by sponsors and food service management companies. Requires sponsors to use competitive bidding on any contract worth more than $10,000. Stipulates that a food service management company must register with the administering State agency in order to participate in the program. Sets forth items which such registration statement must include. Requires the Secretary to maintain records on all registered food service management companies for use by State agencies. Directs each sponsor to make positive efforts to utilize small and minority owned businesses as supply sources. Requires each sponsor receiving program payments in excess of $50,000 to have an independent certified public accountant audit its program claims and documentation. Specifies the time limits for composing proposed and final regulations under this Act. Directs participating service institutions to utilize, insofar as practicable, foods designated as in abundance by the Secretary. Permits the Secretary to fund sponsors directly if he is unable to utilize State agencies. Stipulates that Federal assistance under such Act may not be used to replace expenditures by State and local agencies. Directs the Secretary to pay to each State a varying percentage of its administrative costs incurred under such Act. Prohibits a food service management company from subcontracting with a single company for the total meal or its assembly. Requires the keeping of such records and accounts as may be necessary to enable the Secretary to determine whether the States, State agencies, and sponsors are in compliance with such Act. Directs each State desiring to participate in the program to submit a management and administrative plan including specified material. Imposes fines and/or imprisonment for specified violations of such Act. Directs the Secretary to purchase agricultural commodities for the school lunch program and authorizes the appropriation from the general funds of the Treasury of such sums as are necessary for such purchases. Amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to authorize the appropriation of such sums as are necessary to enable the Secretary to carry out a special milk program to encourage fluid milk consumption by children in nonprofit schools and child care institutions in the United States by reimbursing schools and institutions for part of the cost of the milk they serve. Makes children who are eligible for free lunches eligible for free milk when milk is made available at times other than meal times. Stipulates that the reimbursement for milk shall not be less than 5 cents per half-pint but in no event may such reimbursement exceed the actual cost of the milk. Requires the Secretary to make an additional payment of up to 45 cents with semi-annual cost-of-living adjustments, for breakfasts served under the School Breakfast Program to children in especially needy schools. Authorizes appropriations under the Nonfood Assistance Program for equipment to enable schools to prepare and serve food of amounts not to exceed $40,000,000. Makes funds available to the States for use in Nonfood Assistance Programs operating in areas in which poor economic conditions exist. Specifies that the amount of such funds shall be a percentage of the funds expended by the States in the previous year's School lunch Program. Requires States to give priority to schools without either food service programs or facilities to prepare and cook hot meals when apportioning funds received under the Nonfood Assistance Program. Reserves a specified percentage of the funds appropriated for Nonfood Assistance Programs for disbursement by the Secretary to assist schools without facilities in preparing and cooking hot meals. Requires any such funds appropriated for the purpose of enabling schools to produce their own hot meals to be used only for facilities at the school or a kitchen operated by the local school district except in certain specified situations. Requires the Secretary to pay to each State agency a percentage of its administrative costs incurred pursuant to the administration of the Child Nutrition Act and National School Lunch Act. Specifies what administrative costs such funds may be used to pay. Permits an adjustment to the percentage allowed for administrative costs in the event a State agrees to assume certain administrative responsibilities previously performed by the Department of Agriculture. Requires each State agency to submit a plan for the utilization of administration expense funds. Permits payment of administration expense funds only if a State agrees to maintain its level of funding prior to enactment of this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to create a program to provide for nutritional training of educational and food service personnel and to disseminate sound nutrition information to children. Directs the Secretary to make grants to implement such a program. Permits the Secretary to make grants to schools and educational agencies to pay the costs of pilot demonstration projects with respect to nutrition education. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to carry out such program. Specifies the uses to which funds available under such program may be utilized. Requires State educational agencies participating in such a program to keep such accounts and records as may be necessary to enable the Secretary to determine whether they are in compliance with the program requirements. Requires each participating State to appoint a State coordinator on nutrition education. Directs the State coordinator to develop and furnish to the Secretary a comprehensive plan for nutrition education. Establishes within the National Agricultural Library of the United States a Food and Nutrition Information and Education Resources Center. Delineates the responsibilities of such Center.
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 1977
Amends the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973 to direct the Consolidated Rail Corporation (Con Rail) to make premium payments in order to maintain insurance policies providing medical or life insurance benefits to employees and retirees under such Act. Entitles the corporation to a loan under such Act to make such payments. Deems such costs to be expenses of the administration of the respective estates of the railroads in reorganization.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1977
Solar Energy and Energy Conservation Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals alternative income tax deductions or credits for insulation installation, heating improvements and conversion to solar heating and cooling in their principal residences. Allows a tax credit for the same improvements in commercial buildings.
United States · United States Congress · 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
National Preventive Medicine, Health Maintenance and Health Promotion Act - Title I: Bureau of Human Development -- Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish a National Bureau of Human Development within the Public Health Service at the National Institutes of Health. States that it shall be the purpose of the Bureau to conduct, support, and foster basic and applied research and training relating to the maintenance of health and the prevention and cure of disease; to study the impact on human development of man-made agents in the environment; and to provide a noncategorical perspective at the National Institutes of Health for biomedical and social science research. Requires the Director of the Bureau to establish an Information Office for Human Development Research to collect, catalog, analyze, and disseminate all available information beneficial to any person concerned with human development research in any country. Establishes a National Human Development Policy Advisory Board to advise and assist the Bureau Director on Bureau research policy priorities, budget requests and allocations, and the future direction and mission of the Bureau. Requires the Board to annually submit a report to the President for transmittal to the Congress on the progress of the National Human Development Program towards the accomplishment of its objectives. Establishes, within the Bureau, a National Institute of Family Health to carry out research and training in the areas of maternal, paternal, child, and prenatal health. Establishes a National Family Health Advisory Council to advise and consult with the Director of the Family Health Institute. Establishes, within the Bureau, a National Institute on Population Sciences to carry out research related to population matters having both a preventive and curative emphasis on research in reproductive biology. Creates a National Population Sciences Advisory Council to advise and consult with the Director of the Population Institute. Incorporates the relevant programs of the former National Institute of Child Health and Human Development into the Population Institute. Establishes, within the Bureau, the National Institute of General Medical Sciences to carry out training and research relating to general medical sciences. Creates a National General Medical Sciences Advisory Council to advise and consult with the Director of the General Medical Institute. Directs the General Medical Council to assume the duties powers and functions of the National Advisory Health Council relating to research or training projects which concern the General Medical Council. Establishes, within the Bureau, a National Institute on Aging to conduct and support biomedical, social, epidemiological and behavioral research and training related to the special problems and needs of the aged. Creates a National Advisory Council on Aging to advise and consult with the Director of the Aging Institute. Establishes, within the Bureau, a National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences to carry out research and training relating to the prevention of human health problems caused by harmful man-made agents and the modifying effects of a variety of physical and biological states within man on susceptibility to and the course of disease induced by these agents. Creates a National Environmental Health Sciences Advisory Council to advise and consult with the Director of the Environmental Institute. Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish within the office of the Director of the National Institutes of Health the position of Associate Director of Preventive Medicine to foster and coordinate basic and applied research and training relating to the maintenance of health and the prevention of disease. Title II: National Center for Health Maintenance and Promotion - Designates the Center for Disease Control the "National Center for Health Maintenance and Promotion." Adds to the functions of the Center the encouragement of increased epidemiological research and programs, particularly with respect to chronic and degenerative diseases. Establishes as a component of the center a Bureau of Nutrition to establish and conduct a program to continuously monitor, survey, and evaluate the Nations nutritional status. Establishes within the Public Health Service a Bureau of Health Education to serve as the focus for health education programs for the Public Health Service. Title III: National Center for Health Services Research - Includes the evaluation of the efficiency and effectiveness of health maintenance and promotion procedures and programs in the duties of the National Center for Health Services Research. Title IV: National Center for Health Statistics - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, acting through the National Center for Health Statistics, to make a continuing survey of the needs, interest, attitudes, knowledge, and behavior of the American public regarding health. Directs the Secretary to use the results of such survey and similar surveys as a basis for formulating policy respecting preventive medicine, health maintenance, and health promotion. Title V: Office of Health Information and Health Promotion - Directs the Office to provide the Congress and the Secretary with recommendations with respect to preventive medicine, health maintenance and promotion, on all health related budget requests from the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1977
Federal Aid in Nongame Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to provide financial assistance to State nongame fish and wildlife conservation programs. Authorizes the Secretary to transfer personnel, equipment, and scientific information to carry out this Act. Sets forth the formula for the apportionment of revenue to the States and limitations upon administrative expenses of the Secretary and the States chargeable to the Nongame Fish and Wildlife Conservation Fund. Permits any amount apportioned to a State but not expended or obligated after two fiscal years to be used by the Secretary to assist such programs in other States. Permits any such amount not paid or obligated by the Secretary at the end of two fiscal years to be made available for any nongame fish and wildlife resource project of the Fish and Wildlife Service. Directs all Federal departments and agencies to coordinate their programs with nongame fish and wildlife conservation projects administered by the States. Directs each Federal department and agency with management authority over land and water resources (1) to determine which programs under its authority may be extended to include conservation of nongame fish and wildlife species, (2) to notify the appropriate State agency of any such affirmative determination, and (3) to cooperate with the establishment of conservation agreements with State agencies for such efforts. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1978, 1979, and 1980 to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1977
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide payment for nutritional counseling as part of the home health services provided under the supplementary medical insurance program.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1977
Declares it the sense of the Senate that the President of the United States (1) should propose an immediate suspension of underground nuclear explosions to remain in effect so long as the Soviet Union abstains from conducting underground explosions, and (2) should set forth promptly a new proposal to the Government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and other nations for a permanent treaty to ban all nuclear explosions.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1977
Amends Title II (Old-Age, Survivors', and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to allow the State of New Jersey to establish a divided retirement system for purposes of providing social security coverage of State and Local employees under Federal-State agreements.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1977
Universal Voter Registration Act - Establishes the positions of Administrator and Assistant Administrator of Voter Registration within the Federal Election Commission. Specifies the duties of the Administrator, including (1) establishing and administering a voter registration program in accordance with this Act; (2) providing for the collection, analysis, and publication of voter registration information in coordination work the Secretary of Commerce; and (3) providing information and technical assistance to State and local officials concerning voter registration. Requires each State and local government to permit any individual who is eligible under applicable State and Federal law to register to vote in any Federal election to register on the date of a Federal election at the appropriate polling place. States that any individual so registering shall, if required by State or local authorities, establish his identity by (1) executing an affidavit containing certain information and (2) submitting either an affidavit executed by a person who is registered to vote at the polling place involved and is present at such polling place with the individual seeking registration or one of any forms of identification approved by the Commission. Directs the Commission to make grants for approved voter registration outreach programs to States which comply with the election day registration requirements of this Act. Conditions the amount of such grants on whether a State has a similar election day registration program in effect with respect to State and local elections. Stipulates that a registration outreach program may include projects relating to registration by mail, registration through the use of mobile units, or bilingual registration, and those projects otherwise designed to improve voter registration methods and procedures. Lists the purposes for which grant funds may be used. Sets forth criminal penalties for any person who knowingly and willfully (1) registers, or attempts to register, to vote under this Act for the purpose of voting more than once in any Federal election; (2) conspires with any person for the purpose of enabling such person to make false registration to vote in a Federal election under this Act or for the purpose of enabling or encouraging any individual to make such false registration to vote in a Federal election; or (3) falsifies any information with respect to the name, residence, or age of such person, or any other information for the purpose of establishing eligibility to register to vote in a Federal election under this Act. Directs the Commission to institute actions to prevent any violation of this Act. Requires Federal courts to expedite consideration of actions involving a violation of, or a constitutional challenge to, any provision of this Act. Prohibits commercial use of any list compiled by a State or local government of individuals registered to vote in a Federal election.
United States · United States Congress · 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.
![Official portrait of Sen. Case, Clifford P. [R-NJ]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/c000220_200.jpg)