United States · United States Congress · 3 November 1977
Requires the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to issue the city of Cheyenne, Wyoming, a quitclaim deed for specified land heretofore conveyed to such city, removing from such conveyance the conditions and reservations requiring the use of such land for park and recreational purposes and prohibiting its alienation in whole or part.
United States · United States Congress · 3 November 1977
Exempts from the excess land provisions of Federal reclamation laws those lands situated in the Elk Water Users' Association and the Lovell Irrigation District, Wyoming, which have an irrigation water supply from sources other than a Federal reclamation project and which are receiving a supplemental supply from the Shoshone project, Wyoming.
United States · United States Congress · 3 November 1977
Expresses the Senate's best wishes to the Congressional Medal of Honor Society of the United States of America on the occasion of its national convention to be held in San Jose, California, November 9 through November 13, 1977, and expresses renewed appreciation and tribute to the individual members of the organization and to all recipients of the Medal of Honor.
United States · United States Congress · 28 October 1977
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior should impose a moratorium with respect to any increase in the charges currently being made for grazing livestock on public lands for such a period as may be necessary to permit the appropriate committees of the Congress a reasonable opportunity to hold hearings on the proposed new formula.
United States · United States Congress · 19 October 1977
States that during the year following the enactment of this Act the Secretary of the Interior shall neither withhold water delivery from any beneficiary of a Federal reclamation project nor initiate any proceeding intended to require the sale of privately owned bonds within any project, for purposes of achieving conformity with acreage limitations or residency requirements of reclamation law. Prohibits the Secretary from approving the sale of excess lands during the year following the enactment of this Act unless final excess land regulation become effective.
United States · United States Congress · 10 October 1977
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to construct hydroelectric powerplants at specified locations. Stipulates that the power generated by such facilities shall be delivered to the Secretary of Energy for distribution and marketing through existing Federal hydroelectric power marketing systems. Authorizes appropriations in specified amounts for the construction of each facility under this Act. Authorizes appropriations in such amounts as may be required by the Secretary of Energy to interconnect such facilities.
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 · 26 September 1977
Tuition Tax Credit Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a credit against an individual's income tax in an amount equal to 50 percent of the sum of the amounts paid by him to educational institutions as tuition (though no more than $500 for any single individual) for the attendance of the taxpayer, the taxpayer's spouse, or any of his dependents with respect to whom he is entitled to a personal exemption.
United States · United States Congress · 16 September 1977
Amends the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act of 1973 to establish special first sale prices for crude oil which is owned by a State or political subdivision thereof.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 1977
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to transfer annual franchise fees received from concessioner-operated facilities at Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, to the appropriate school districts serving that Park as reimbursement for educational facilities furnished by such districts to pupils who are dependents of persons engaged in the administration, operation, and maintenance of the Park and living at or near the Park on United States property which is not subject to taxation by the State or local agencies. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to maintain a sufficient portion of such fees in a special fund in order to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1977
Amends the Federal Water Project Recreation Act to declare it the policy of Congress that full consideration be given to outdoor recreation and fish and wildlife enhancement in the planning and construction of water resources development projects, and that such activities shall receive support and encouragement. Requires such projects to furnish initial and continuing recreation facilities and land and water areas therefor. Directs that such facilities be included in determinations of the economic benefits of such projects. Sets forth the requirements for the furnishing and administration of land and water areas associated with recreation and fish and wildlife purposes and the cost allocation procedures between Federal and non-Federal interests for such purposes. Exempts small boat harbor projects, national recreation area projects, and fish and wildlife projects from specified requirements of the Federal Water Project Recreation Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1977
Reaffirms the determination of the United States to fulfill its responsibilities to the Federal Republic of Germany and to the member nations of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1977
Amends the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 with respect to the duty of the Secretary of the Treasury to investigate the effects of imports on national security at the request of any Federal department or agency. Decreases to six months the period during which the findings of such investigation must be reported to the President, when the investigated imports are refined petroleum products.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 1977
Extends, by two months through January, 1978, the compulsory completion date of federally assisted construction activities undertaken to mitigate the impact of the drought of 1976-1977. Terminates the authority of the Secretary of the Interior to provide drought relief on November 30, 1977. Increases the number of uses to which funds authorized by law to facilitate emergency actions to mitigate the impacts of the 1976-1977 drought may be put. Removes limitations on the amount which the Secretary may extend to any State water resource agency for drought relief.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 1977
Amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act to permit without separate inspection the interstate movement of meat food products processed by federally inspected establishments and which are derived from meat slaughtered or processed at a State-inspected establishment in a State whose meat inspection requirements are at least equal to the Federal requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 1977
Provides for the transfer and conveyance: (1) of the silver service of the United States ship Wyoming to the Wyoming State Museum; and (2) of the ship's nameplate and ship's bell to the University of Wyoming.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 1977
National Crude Oil Supply and Transportation Act - Expresses the intent of Congress that the continuation of a transportation system to deliver Alaskan crude oil to Northern Tier or inland States be accomplished through expedited administrative procedures. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish a time schedule for the completion of required environmental impact statements in order to select a crude oil transportation system by February 1, 1978. Establishes criteria to be considered by the Secretary in selecting a transportation route. Directs the Secretary and other appropriate Federal officials to take all actions necessary to provide rights of way, permits, leases, and other authorizations necessary for the construction, operation, and maintenance of the transportation system approved under this Act. Declares that the actions of Federal officers and agencies under this Act shall not be subject to judicial review by the courts. Allows for claims that: (1) actions under this Act will deny Constitutional rights; and (2) actions taken are beyond the scope of authority conferred by this Act, provided that such claims are filed within 60 days following the date of the challenged action. Vests exclusive jurisdiction to hear such claims in the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia, acting as a special court. Stipulates that any judicial proceedings should be completed at the earliest possible date. Declares that nothing in this Act shall authorize or imply an exemption from provisions of the antitrust laws.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1977
Amends the Veterans' Administration Physician and Dentist Pay Comparability Act of 1975 to extend from September 30, 1977, to September 30, 1978 the authority of the Veterans' Administration to enter into special pay agreements with physicians and dentists employed in the Department of Medicine and Surgery. Permits such physicians and dentists to enter into new agreements with the Veterans' Administration for up to four years of additional service in the Department upon completion of the initial period of service.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1977
Federal Officials' Antidefamation Act - Renders a person who with actual malice, makes a false and defamatory communication concerning a Federal official liable for damages in a Federal court defamation suit.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1977
Amends Title XVI (Supplemental Security Income for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled) of the Social Security Act to make benefits under such Title payable to a resident alien only if such alien has continuously resided in the United States for at least five years. Exempts from such residency requirement a resident alien whose blindness or disability commenced after the date of his admission.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1977
Crude Oil Pricing Reform Act - Amends the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act to exempt first sale prices of crude oil produced from (1) properties from which crude oil was first produced after May 31, 1977; (2) stripper wells, or deep stripper wells; and (3) tertiary enhanced recovery projects from pricing regulations under such Act. Stipulates that mandatory ceiling prices applicable to first sales of nonexempt crude oil shall be equal to the weighted average first sale price for exempt crude oil.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1977
Veterans Disability Compensation and Survivor Benefits Act -- Title I: Veterans Disability Compensation -- Increases the rates of disability compensation for disabled veterans. Title II: Survivors Dependency and Indemnity Compensation -- Increases the rates of dependency and indemnity compensation for the survivors of disabled veterans. Title III: Clothing Allowance and Effective Date Provisions -- Increases the clothing allowance for disabled veterans who wear prosthetic appliances that tear clothes. Declares that the provisions of this Act shall become effective on October 1, 1977.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1977
Veterans Health Care Amendments Act - Requires the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to furnish initial readjustment professional counseling (including a general mental and psychological assessment) for any veteran with readjustment problems who requests such aid within four years after his discharge or release from service, or within two years after enactment of this Act, whichever is later. Requires further mental health services on an outpatient basis if a physician employed by the Veterans' Administration determines on the basis of initial counseling that such services are necessary for the veteran's successful readjustment. Directs the Chief Medical Director to provide for the training of professional, paraprofessional, and lay personnel necessary to carry out such programs. Directs the Administrator to ensure that all potentially eligible veterans are advised of such potential eligibility. Authorizes the Administrator to provide a preventive health care program to ensure the best possible health care for veterans with service- connected disabilities. Directs the Administrator to provide for a health maintenance pilot program to demonstrate the medical advantages and cost-effectiveness of furnishing comprehensive preventive health care services to veterans with varied types and degrees of service-connected disabilities. Requires a comprehensive annual report to Congress on such programs. Requires the Administrator to carry out programs providing inpatient and outpatient treatment and rehabilitation services on a nationwide basis to eligible veterans suffering from alcohol or drug dependence or abuse disabilities. Directs the Administrator to assist the Secretary of Labor in providing veterans receiving such treatment with appropriate job and training opportunities. Requires the Administrator, when an applicant for such treatment has received a less than honorable discharge from the armed services, to advise such applicant of his right to apply for review and correction of such discharge. Requires the provision of such services to eligible veterans who are charged with or convicted of any criminal offense and who are not confined and not required to participate in such a treatment program; and permits provision of such services, under specified conditions, to eligible veterans similarly charged or convicted, if a court does require participation in such a program. Allows a member of the active armed services with alcohol or drug problems to transfer to any Veterans' Administration facility for treatment within the last 30 days of such member's tour of duty. Directs the Administrator and the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare to coordinate the Professional Standards Review program carried out under part B of title XI (General Provision) of the Social Security Act and the comparable programs carried out by the Department of Medicine and Surgery to assess the quality of patient care in Veterans' Administration health care facilities. Requires the Chief Medical Director, through the Administrator, to report to Congress on the effectiveness of such coordination. Requires the Chief Medical Director to report to Congress, not later than three months after the end of each fiscal year, on all activities in which he or a designee, as a representative of the Veterans' Administration, has participated in an advisory or coordinating capacity with respect to programs carried out by the executive branch.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to qualify certain trusts established to provide benefits and satisfy claims under the Black Lung Acts as tax exempt organizations.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1977
Grants a Federal charter to the National Ski Patrol System, Incorporated. Declares that the purpose of such corporation is to promote public safety in skiing.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1977
Requires the amendment of the public survey records to eliminate a conflict between the official cadastral survey and a private survey of the so-called Wold Tract within the Medicine Bow National Forest, Wyoming.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1977
Authorizes the appropriation of $5,000,000 for fiscal year 1978, and $5,000,000 for each of the four succeeding fiscal years for grants to the States for the establishment and expansion of veterans cemeteries owned by the States. Sets forth the conditions under which grants may be made to the States under this Act. Authorizes the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to make payments, for the calendar year 1978 and each calendar year thereafter, to the States for the interment of veterans and for the maintenance of State veterans' cemeteries. Requires the Administrator to conduct biennial surveys to determine the reasonable cost of interment and perpetual care maintenance for the purposes of payment under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1977
Federal Construction Costs Reduction Act - Raises from $2,000 to $40,000 the dollar value of contracts to which the Davis-Bacon Act setting minimum wages on federally-affected construction projects applies. Directs the Secretary of Labor to increase such threshold level yearly in proportion to the rise in the Consumer Price Index. Makes the Act applicable only to the wages of unskilled laborers. Exempts apprentices, helpers, and trainees from the Act and forbids the Secretary from taking any action which discourages the customary utilization of apprentices, helpers, and trainees. Requires the "prevailing wage" (contracts covered by the Act must provide that covered employees are paid at a rate determined by the prevailing wage) to be set at the average wage paid laborers employed on at least three projects similar to the subject project which were carried out in the immediate geographic area during the previous two years. Requires such determination to be made no later than 60 days prior to the opening of invitations for bids for projects covered by the Act. Requires, in lieu of the weekly wage reports presently required by the Act, that in the event there is no evidence that a contractor is violating the Act, such contractor need only submit an affidavit certifying his compliance. States that where evidence of such violation exists, the contractor must submit weekly certified payroll statements and other records required by the Secretary. Establishes a Federal Construction Appeals Board to which any interested party may appeal wage rate determinations or other Labor Department rules likely to have a substantial effect on future wage rate determinations. (Amends 5 U.S.C. 5314; 5315)
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 1977
Establishes within the Department of Agriculture an Advisory Committee on Timber Sales Procedures to study the methods by which the Forest Service sells timber and to make independent recommendation with respect to establishing procedures by which the Service will be able to sell timber in a manner which will, over the long term, provide for community stability and which will provide the most stable return to the Federal Government while maintaining diversity in terms of sizes, types and locations of operations and facilities which process timber. Terminates such Advisory Committee upon its submission of its findings and recommendations to the Secretary of Agriculture and to the appropriate committees of Congress. Repeals the provision of the National Forest Management Act of 1976 which directs the Secretary to take appropriate action to obviate collusive practices in bidding for trees, portions of trees, or forest products from National Forest System lands.
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1977
Denies veterans' benefits to an individual whose discharge from military service during the Vietnam era under less than honorable conditions is administratively upgraded, under temporarily revised standards, to discharge under honorable conditions; but only when such veteran's claim for benefits is based solely on such upgraded discharge.
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1977
Requires the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives to install telecommunication devices to enable deaf persons and persons with speech impairments to engage in toll-free communications with Members of Congress. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1977
National Food Stamp Reform Act - Extends the Food Stamp Act of 1964 through fiscal year 1982. Excludes from the definition of "food" which may be purchased with food stamps alcoholic beverages, tobacco, ice cubes, artificial food colorings, powered and liquid cocktail mixes, carbonated beverages, cooking wines, and chewing gum; and any other food, class of food, food product or condiment which the Secretary of Agriculture, in consultation with the President of the National Academy of Sciences - National Research Council (Food and Nutrition Board), determines to have an negligible or low nutritional value or to be an insignificant enhancement of palatability. Includes residents of federally subsidized housing for the elderly in the definition of "household." Redefines "elderly person" as someone 65 years or older (currently, 60 years of age). Defines "nutritionally adequate diet" as a diet sufficient to feed a family of four persons, consisting of a man and a woman between 20 and 54 years of age, one child between ages nine and eleven and one child between six and eight, and which meets additional specified conditions. Directs the Secretary to establish uniform national standards of eligibility for participation by households in the food stamp program. Requires the income standards of eligibility in every State to be the nonfarm income poverty guidelines prescribed by the Office of Management and Budget, adjusted annually; but limits the standards for Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Guam to those of the 50 States. Sets a 90-day accounting period for certification or recertification of food stamp applicants. Limits the maximum allowable financial resources (liquid and nonliquid assets) of a household to $1,500, except that, for households or two or more persons with one or more members 65 years or older, such resources are limited to $2,250. Specifies holdings excluded from the determination of such resources. Requires household income for purposes of the food stamp program to be the gross income of the household less: (1) a deduction of $25 a month for any household in which there is at least one elderly person; and (2) an additional deduction equal to 15 percent of all earned income to compensate for taxes, mandatory deductions, and work expenses. Includes in gross income: (1) all monetary payments to or on behalf of any household member except payments made for medical costs; (2) all income tax refunds and Federal income tax credits; (3) the value of all in-kind items; and (4) the value of all benefits received under any publicly or privately funded assistance program. Excludes from gross income: (1) payments for medical costs made on behalf of the household; (2) compensation for services performed by a student residing with the household who is not yet 18; (3) Uniform Relocation Assistance payments; (4) infrequent or irregular quarterly income; (5) all loans except deferred repayment education loans; and (6) the cost of producing self-employed income. Authorizes the Secretary to establish temporary emergency eligibility standards for households which are victims of a disaster. States that no household shall be eligible for participation in the Food Stamp program which includes an able-bodied adult between the ages of 18 and 65 who: (1) incurs a reduction of income as a result of voluntarily reducing his or her number of hours of employment without good cause; (2) fails to register for employment at a State or Federal employment office; (3) has refused to accept employment or public work within 30 miles of the person's principal residence; (4) fails to actively seek employment; or (5) is enrolled in an institution of post-secondary education as a substitute for full-time employment. Excludes from this class of ineligible individuals mothers with dependent children, primary or secondary school students, post-secondary level students or trainees' employed part-time, enrollees in a drug addiction or alcoholic treatment program, and persons working at least 30 hours per week. States that refusal to work at a plant site because of a strike or other labor dispute shall be deemed to be a refusal to accept employment. Declares that no person shall be eligible who is not a citizen or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence. States that no minor shall be considered a household member if such minor resides in a household in which no other member has a legal duty to support him unless: (1) the individual who had such a duty is financially unable to perform it; or (2) no individual with such duty exists. Requires each household receiving food stamps to report its income at least once each month. Declares that no household that knowingly transfers liquid or nonliquid assets for the purpose of qualifying or attempting to qualify for the food stamp program shall be eligible to participate in the program for a minimum of 90 days. States that no person who receives supplementary security income benefits under title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) of the Social Security Act. State supplementary payments under such title, or payments under specified provisions of title II (Old Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of such Act, shall be considered a member of a household for any month, if for such month, such individual resides in a State in which the Supplemental Security Income benefit has been increased specifically to include the bonus value of food coupon allotments. Requires food coupons to be designed with spaces for the user to sign upon receipt and redemption. Requires coupon users to present suitable identification; including signature and photograph, when redeeming coupons at approved food stores. States that the value of the food coupon allotment to which eligible households will be entitled shall be an amount sufficient to allow a household to purchase a nutritionally adequate diet. Requires the semi-annual adjustment of the value of an allotment based on changes in the cost of food. Establishes as the charge a household shall pay for its coupon allotment the lesser of: (1) the percentage of its income which would be expended for food by an average household of its size and income range in the same region of the country; or (2) 30 percent. Provides, under the requirements for State plans for the administration of the food stamp program, for closer State supervision of eligibility by households. Requires the State agencies administering the program to conduct nutrition education programs for recipients. Directs each State agency to establish an earnings clearance system for the purpose of checking the actual income and assets of a household against those reported by the household. Provides that if a State agency does not comply with the provisions of the Food Stamp Act, the Secretary may refer the matter to the Attorney General with a request for an injunction, or he may direct that there be no further issuance of coupons in the political subdivisions where such failure has occurred until such time as satisfactory corrective action has been taken. Establishes a national system for providing information to State agencies in order to assist them in preventing households from receiving food stamps in more than one State or in more than one political subdivision within a State. Sets a civil penalty not in excess of $10,000 for each violation of the Food Stamp Act of 1964 or regulations issued pursuant to it by specified persons, including State agencies. Directs the Secretary to pay to each State agency out of funds appropriated by Congress an amount equal to 75 percent of all direct costs of State food stamp program investigations, prosecutions, and State activities related to recovering losses sustained in the food stamp program. Specifies information to included in the Secretary's annual report in addition to information already given.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1977
Federal Property Lessor Assistance Act -- Authorizes the Administrator of General Services to renegotiate the amount of rent paid by the Government for real property leased by the United States which is under the authority or supervision of the Administrator in order to compensate the lessor of such property for increased utility costs incurred in operating such premises.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1977
Amends the provision of law dealing with Shoshone and Apapahoe Indian tribal funds to require the Secretary of the Interior to make per capita payments of the yearly interest accruals to those tribes. Directs the Secretary to add to the distribution fund of those trusts as much of that fund in excess of $1,000,000 as is needed (1) to prevent a decrease in per capita exceed 20 percent of the per capita for the preceding year.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 1977
Expands the program of making grants to States for the construction, remodeling or renovation of State veterans' care facilities to include hospital and domiciliary as well as nursing home care facilities. Authorizes the appropriation of $15,000,000 for fiscal years 1978 and 1979 and states that such sums shall remain available until expended. Repeals the authorization provisions of the existing program, together with the limitation on the amount any one State may receive.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 1977
Authorizes and directs the Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior to develop regulations permitting the payment of up to 50 percent of the amount due the Federal Government from grazing permitees in the form of range improvement work.
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 · 22 March 1977
Amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act to require that any imported meat or meat food product made in whole or in part of imported meat, or its package, be labeled "imported" "imported in part," or show the country of origin. Requires that anyone other than the ultimate consumer who cuts such meat or meat food product into pieces or breaks a package containing such products affix an "import" or country of origin label to each piece of meat or to each package.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1977
Amends the Merchant Marine Act, 1920, to stipulate that none of the laws restricting trade between points in the United States to vessels of the United States shall apply to inflatable boats used in river running.
![Official portrait of Sen. Hansen, Clifford P. [R-WY]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/h000170_200.jpg)