United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1977
Directs the Joint Economic Committee to undertake an investigation of past and prospective changes in the United States and world economies, and the impact of such changes on the economies of the United States and other nations. Authorizes the Joint Committee to expend not more than $900,000 for such study from July 1, 1977 through December 31, 1978.
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 · 9 June 1977
National Climate Program Act - Requires the President to establish a National Climate Program to: (1) obtain, analyze, and disseminate climate data; (2) perform research to improve understanding of climate and the causes of fluctuations and anomalies in climate, and develop models for predicting climate changes; (3) develop methods to detect and predict such changes, to give early alerts of incipient anomalies, and to evaluate prediction techniques; (4) support and conduct assessments to the impact on human activities of climate changes; and (5) disseminate information on climate predictions. Authorizes the Program to make grants to education institutions for the establishment of climate study centers, and for regional studies programs. Requires the President to designate a Federal agency, referred to as the "lead agency," within which the Program will be administered. Requires the head of the lead agency to establish a National Climate Program Office to administer the Program. Stipulates that the President shall ensure that representatives of Federal agencies, conducting activities relating to the Program, are designated to serve on a Management Council for the Program which shall advise the lead agency, the Office, the State Department, and the President on specified matters relating to climate, and participate in developing the Program's budget. Requires the head of the lead agency, in consultation with the Management Council, to appoint an Advisory Council consisting of representatives of diverse interests relating to the Program to perform certain advisory and reporting functions. Requires the Office to publish a preliminary five-year plan including goals, priorities funding requirements, and the involvement of Federal agencies. Sets forth procedures for budget development. Permits authorized Federal officers or agencies to enter into contract or grant arrangements to exercise functions vested in them under this Act. Sets forth restrictions with respect to patents on inventions made or conceived under such contract or grant arrangement. Authorizes $50,000,000 for appropriation to Federal departments and agencies for fiscal year 1978 for the purpose of conducting the Program.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1977
Rural Development Act Amendments - Amends the Rural Development Act of 1972 to establish a National Rural Development Bank, subscribed by the United States, and a National Rural Development Bank Board to govern it. Empowers such Bank to organize and make available a stable, continuous, and dependable source of financial resources that will provide equity-participation investment, loans, and the discounting, rediscounting, refinancing, and purchase of loans extended by local rural financial institutions to the residents of rural areas, rural corporations, agricultural producer organizations and other cooperatives, rural industrial, and business enterprises, quasi-public bodies in rural areas, rural counties and municipalities, Indian tribes on Federal and State reservations or other federally recognized Indian tribal groups, and other units of rural local general and special purpose government that will establish, construct, and operate private and public facilities, works, and services in rural areas and will provide remunerative employment to increasing numbers of rural residents.
United States · United States Congress · 27 May 1977
Repeals the McSweeney-McNary Act of 1928 and amends the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 to substitute for the existing reforestation and forest products research program a new program of investigations, experiments, tests, and other activities necessary to obtain, analyze, demonstrate, and disseminate scientific information about protecting, managing, and utilizing forest and rangeland renewable resources in rural, suburban, and urban areas. Specifies the content of renewable resource management, environmental, protection, utilization, and assessment research fields. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to establish forest and rangeland research facilities and to make competitive grants to public and private institutions and agencies and to individuals to further such research activities. Directs the Secretary to make and keep current a comprehensive survey and analysis of the present and prospective conditions of and requirements for the renewable resources of the forests and rangelands of the United States and of the supplies of such renewable resources. Authorizes such appropriations as may be necessary.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt certain gambling activities conducted by tax exempt organizations from treatment as unrelated business activities.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1977
White House Conference on Energy Conservation Resolution - Requests the President to convene a White House Conference on Energy Conservation as soon as practicable, but not later than December 31, 1978. Establishes a National Energy Conservation Planning and Advisory Council to plan and conduct the Conference. Directs the Council to prepare and submit a final report to the President and to transmit recommendations for administrative and legislative action to the President and the Congress. Authorizes the appropriation of $5,000,000 to carry out this resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1977
Authorizes and directs the Joint Committee on the Library to procure and place in the Capitol statues or busts of Martin Luther King, Junior, and Carl Hayden.
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 · 23 May 1977
Establishes a delegation of United States citizens to confer with similar delegations from NATO democracies, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand, in commemoration of the Marshall Plan, to assess existing institutions and recommend means to perfect and preserve these institutions to protect the general welfare, liberty, and sovereignty of the people of the participating countries. Authorizes the appropriation of $500,000 to carry out this joint resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1977
Requires the Federal Communications Commission, in interpreting or implementing policy governing the nationwide telecommunications network, to consider specified matters affecting rural users of telecommunications services. Directs Congress: (1) to initiate studies to determine the potential economic impact of competition in the telecommunications industry; and (2) establish a national telecommunications policy which permits competition in such industry and assures that residents of less densely populated rural areas continue to receive telecommunications services on a par with urban areas.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1977
Political Leadership Intern Program Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to authorize the Commissioner of Education to make grants to institutions of higher education for the development and operation of student internship programs in the offices of elected officials at the local, State, and Federal levels of government.
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 · 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 · 19 May 1977
Honors Charles A. Lindbergh for his service to the country in peace and war and expresses the deep appreciation of the Senate for his advocacy and leadership in the conservation of natural resources.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1977
Grants a Federal Charter to the Gold Star Wives of America. Stipulates that the purpose of such organization is to honor the memory of those who made the supreme sacrifice in the service of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1977
Requests the President to propose a World Conference on Energy and Critical Material Resources to develop a program of international cooperation in the area of energy and critical resource research and development, including the recommendation of methods to safeguard against the proliferation of nuclear weapons capabilities.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1977
Amends the Rural Development Act of 1972 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to make grants for research related to the production and marketing of industrial hydrocarbons derived from agricultural commodities and forest products. Directs the Secretary to carry out a program of four pilot projects for the production and marketing of such hydrocarbons by guaranteeing loans not to exceed $15,000,000 per project to public, private, or cooperative organizations. Authorizes, for the research grant program, the appropriation of up to $24,000,000, not more than $3,000,000 of which may be awarded to the colleges and universities of any one State.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1977
Economic Impact Act - Amends the Employment Act of 1946 to authorize the Joint Economic Committee to analyze all bills introduced into Congress which authorize expenditures in excess of specified amounts, or which the Committee determines will affect employment, price levels, State expenditures, or Federal Government receipts in order to determine the economic impact of such bills.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1977
1981 White House Conference on Aging Act - Declares it the policy of the Congress that the Federal Government should work with the States and citizens to develop recommendations and plans to meet the needs of older persons. Requires that programs developed under this resolution place emphasize upon the right of older persons to free choice and self-help in planning their futures. Authorizes the President of the United States to call a White House Conference on Aging in 1981 to develop recommendations for research and action in the field of aging. Requires the Conference to include representatives of Federal, State, and local governments, professional and lay people working in the field of aging including older persons themselves. Directs that a final report of the White House Conference, containing a comprehensive statement of a coherent national policy on aging and the recommendations of such Conference, be submitted to the President and Congress within a specified time. Sets forth the responsibilities and duties of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare in administering this resolution. Directs the Secretary to establish an advisory committee to the Conference and such other technical committees as may be necessary to carry out such Conference.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1977
Criminal Code Reform Act - Title I: Codification, Revision, and Reform of Title 18 - Defines the criminal jurisdiction of the United States. Declares a general rule that the existence of Federal jurisdiction is not preemptive. Enumerates offenses which are exceptions to the rule. Lists culpable states of mind; defines them; and requires that, unless otherwise specified, a culpable state of mind must be shown with respect to each element of every offense in this Act. Specifies the particular state of mind which must be shown if an offense is described without designating the required state of mind. Details standards relative to the liability of an accomplice, of an organization for the conduct of its agent, and of an agent for the conduct of an organization. Sets forth criminal offenses against the United States. Designates a category for each offense for purposes of punishment rather than prescribing a penalty for each crime separately. Organizes offenses by type rather than alphabetically. Specifies the types of offenses as follows: (1) offenses of general applicability, including criminal attempt, criminal conspiracy, and criminal solicitation; (2) offenses involving national defense, including treason and related offenses, sabotage and related offenses, espionage and related offenses, and atomic energy offenses; (3) offenses involving international affairs, including foreign relations crimes, and immigration, naturalization, and passport crimes; (4) offenses involving government processes, including general obstructions of government functions, obstructions of law enforcement, obstructions of justice, contempt offenses, perjury and related offenses, and commercial bribery and related offenses; (5) offenses involving taxation, including internal revenue offenses and customs offenses; (6) offenses involving individual rights, including civil rights crimes, privacy crimes, and political rights crimes; (7) offenses involving the person, including homicide offenses, assault offenses, kidnapping and related offenses, highjacking offenses, and sex offenses; (8) offenses involving property, including arson and other property destruction offenses, burglary and other criminal intrusion offenses, robbery, extortion, blackmail, theft and related offenses, counterfeiting and related offenses, commercial bribery and related offenses, and investment, monetary, and antitrust offenses; and (9) offenses involving public order, safety, health, and welfare, including organized crime offenses, drug offenses, explosives and firearms offenses, riot offenses, public health offenses, gambling offenses, obscenity offenses, prostitution, failure to obey an officer, and violating State or local law in a Federal enclave. Includes among new Federal offenses (1) a series of crimes dealing with obstruction of an election and misuse of power for political purposes, (2) consumer fraud, (3) possession of eavesdropping devices, (4) possession of burglar's tools, and (5) conspiracy in the United States to assassinate a foreign official outside the United States. Revises other offenses, among them (1) contempt (adds invalidity of court orders as a defense), (2) unlawful discrimination (includes sex as unlawful basis), (3) rape (includes all sexual assaults, modifies evidentiary requirements and redefines statutory rape), (4) failure to appear or testify (adds new defenses), (5) riot (narrows applicability), and (6) marijuana possession (decriminalizes possession of small amounts and reduces penalties for possessing larger quantities). Repeals provisions defining certain crimes including those relative to registration of Communists and communicating with a foreign country for the purpose of influencing policy. Directs that, except as otherwise specifically provided, a defendant who has been found guilty of an offense described in any Federal statute be sentenced in accordance with this Act. Authorizes a sentencing court to (1) order a presentence study of a defendant, either before or after receipt of the presentence report and commit the defendant to the custody of the Bureau of Prisons pending receipt of such a study or (3) order a presentence psychiatric examination of a defendant. Specifies factors to be considered by a sentencing court, including: (1) the nature and circumstances of the offense and the history and characteristics of the defendant; (2) the need for the sentence imposed to deter similar conduct, protect the public, or provide the defendant needed training; and (3) the applicable sentencing range set forth in guidelines promulgated by the United States Sentencing Commission (established in title II of this Act). Authorizes a court to order a person found guilty of deceptive practices to notify interested persons of the conviction. Empower a court to order a guilty defendant to make restriction to a victim of the offense. Authorizes imposition of a term of probation, unless such sentence is specifically prohibited, with respect to all but the most serious class of felonies. Lists permissable terms of probation for each category of offenses. Requires as a mandatory condition of probation that a defendant not commit another crime. Enumerates discretionary conditions of probation. Sets forth provisions relative to the running of a term of probation and revocation of probation. Authorizes imposition of a fine upon any person found guilty of an offense. Sets limits on the amount of a fine for each category of offenses. Prescribes higher maximums for organizational than for individual defendants. Permits as an alternative maximum fine twice the gain derived or twice the loss caused by an offense. Directs the court, in determining the amount of a fine and the method and fine for its payment, to consider the defendants' financial status. Prohibits the court from imposing a term of imprisonment as an alternative to payment of a fine. Details procedures for the modification or remission of a fine. Authorizes the imposition of a term of imprisonment upon an individual found guilty of an offense. Specifies maximum terms for each category of offense. Empowers a court to designate a term of parole ineligibility up to nine-tenths of the sentence imposed. Lists factors to be considered in setting or modifying a term of imprisonment or parole ineligibility. Prescribes guidelines relative to concurrent and consecutive terms. Designates which Federal agency is to have primary responsibility for detecting and investigating the commission of each criminal violation under this Act. Defines the law enforcement authority, including authority to arrest and execute process, of certain officials and employees of the following departments and agencies: (1) Federal Bureau of Investigation, (2) Drug Enforcement Administration, (3) Department of the Treasury, (4) United States Postal Service, (5) United States Marshals Service, (6) United States Probation Service, (7) Bureau of Prisons, (8) Immigration and Naturalization Service, and (9) Department of the Interior. Revises provisions relative to interception of communications for law enforcement purposes. Permits interception of communications with respect to certain crimes not presently covered, such as criminal solicitation of specified offenses and aircraft hijacking. Restricts interception of communications without a court order in emergency situations to offenses involving treason, sabotage, espionage, or a risk of death, rather than to conspiracies involving national security or organized crime. Amends provisions regarding extradition. Repeals provisions relating to extradition of persons fleeing the United States to countries under the control of the United States and to extradition of persons fleeing to the United States from such countries. Prohibits extradition of a person convicted in absentia unless assurances are made that proceedings will be reopened or unless the person fled after having been present when his trial commenced. Details new procedures for the arrest and detention of persons who have committed extraditable offenses. States that extraditability shall be found in an appropriate hearing only upon proof of certain facts, including (1) an applicable treaty covering the offense involved is in effect, (2) the pending criminal charge against the person sought, or the prosecution for the offense of which he was convicted, was brought within any applicable statute of limitations, and (3) probable cause that the person sought and the person arrested are identical and that the person sought has committed or has been convicted of the alleged offense. Permits hearsay to be admitted in extradition hearings. Prescribes standards and procedures for waiver of extradition hearings and for appeal of a judgment issued in such a hearing. Expands the criminal jurisdiction of United States magistrates to authorize trial of all misdemeanors by such officers. Restricts the election of defendant to be tried by a district court rather than by a magistrate to misdemeanors punishable by more than six months imprisonment. Repeals provisions relative to additional bail and demonstration pretrial services agencies. Permits Federal prosecution of a juvenile charged with a Federal felony if such prosecution is in the interest of justice, even though State jurisdiction exists and the appropriate State has adequate juvenile services. Specifies guidelines for (1) surrender to State authorities of persons age 18-21 who are arrested and charged with a Federal offense and (2) pretrial release of juveniles. Increases the time which a juvenile may be detained prior to trial. Authorizes, where in the interest of justice, prosecution as an adult of a juvenile under 16 years of age who is charged with murder. Allows a victim of juvenile delinquency to obtain information regarding final disposition of any action taken as a result of the incident. Revises procedures for determining mental competency to stand trial. Sets limits on the time a person deemed incompetent may be confined. Requires that a person deemed incompetent be released if, after appropriate time limits, he still is incompetent to stand trial, has no prospect of becoming competent, but does not, by clear and convincing evidence, pose a substantial risk to others of serious bodily or property damage. Sets the same standard for hospitalization of persons acquitted by reason of insanity and of mentally ill prisoners due for release as that for persons incompetent to stand trial who have no prospect to attain capacity to do so in the foreseeable future. Directs that psychiatric examinations required under this Act be conducted by at least two psychiatrists or clinical psychologists. Lists guidelines for psychiatric and hospital reports. Permits, unless contrary to a plea agreement or inconsistent with United States Sentencing Commission policy statements, a defendant to appeal a sentence greater than the maximum allowed under applicable Sentencing Commission guidelines and the Government to appeal a sentence less than the applicable minimum. Sets forth standards and procedures for appellate court review. Details special probation and expungement procedures for first offense drug possessors. Designates as eligible for parole any prisoner (1) who is sentenced to a term of six months or longer and (2) who has served the term of parole eligibility imposed by the sentencing court or six months, whichever occurs later. Directs the United States Parole Commission to grant parole to an eligible prisoner if, having regard for guidelines and pertinent policy statements of the United States Sentencing Commission concerning parole, it determines (1) release at that time is consistent with the factors that led to imposition of the particular sentence, (2) there is no undue risk of failure to conform to the conditions of parole warranted under the circumstances, and (3) release, in light of the prisoner's conduct during incarceration, would not have a substantially adverse effect on institutional discipline. Directs the Bureau of Prisons to conduct a complete study of every prisoner who is due to become eligible for parole. Entitles a prisoner who is eligible for parole to an interview in accordance with specified procedures. Sets forth ranges for terms of parole according to categories of offense. Directs the Parole Commission to set conditions of parole, taking into consideration any guidelines or statements of the Sentencing Commission, the circumstances of the offense, the history of the parolee, the need to protect the public from further crimes of the parolee, and the need of the parolee for educational, medical, and other services. Requires as a mandatory condition that the parolee not commit another crime. Details procedures for revocation of parole and appeal of Parole Commission decisions. Increases the number of crimes with respect to which proceeds, instrumentalities, and other property may be forfeited. Prescribes forfeiture procedures. Empowers the Attorney General to bring civil actions to prevent and restrain racketeering offenses and to enjoin a practice that constitutes or could constitute a fraudulent scheme or consumer fraud. Establishes in the Treasury a Victim Compensation Fund from which victims of Federal crimes against the person or their surviving dependents may be compensated upon filing a claim with the United States Victim Compensation Board. Conditions compensation upon the offense having been reported to a law enforcement officer within 72 hours, the claim being filed within one year of the offense, and the claimant sustaining a certain minimum loss. Limits compensation to $50,000 per victim per offense. Reduces compensation by amounts received from certain other sources. Excludes from the recodification numerous provisions presently included in Title 18, among them the provisions of the Speedy Trial Act. Title II: Miscellaneous Amendments - Reenacts specified sections of the Organized Crime Control Act of 1970 and of the Gun Control Act of 1968 which are not included in Title 18 of the United States Code as recodified by this Act as parts of those respective Acts. Provides for punishment of persons violating those sections through the sentencing provisions of Title 18. Revises the oath which must be submitted by an absentee buyer seeking to purchase a firearm from a licensed importer, manufacturer, or dealer. Adds a new rule on burdens of proof to the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure which sets forth standards relative to (1) proof of offenses, defenses, affirmative defenses, and jurisdiction and (2) presumptions and prima facie evidence. Reenacts, with certain revisions, provisions regarding jurisdiction over offenses committed in Indian country which are not included in the recodification. Confers jurisdiction on Kansas and New York with regard to offenses committed by or against Indians on Indian reservations. Establishes a United States Sentencing Commission as an independent Commission in the judicial branch. Designates as the primary duty of the Commission promulgation of (1) guidelines setting forth ranges of sentences to be used by sentencing courts in accordance with the provisions of this Act and (2) general policy statements regarding application of the guidelines and other aspects of sentencing. Directs the Commission to develop, taking into consideration enumerated factors, categories of offenses and defendants for use in creating its sentencing guidelines. Reenacts certain provisions deleted from Title 18 by this Act regarding gathering and disclosing national defense or classified information as parts of the Subversive Activities Control Act of 1950 and the Espionage and Sabotage Act of 1954. Retains the criminal penalties specified in those sections and stipulates that sections of Title 18 on culpable states of mind shall not apply to such provisions. Title III: General Provisions - States that any holding that a provision or application of a provision of this Act is invalid shall not affect the validity of other provisions or applications of a provision. Continues the Bureau of Prisons and the Federal Prison Industries, which were created under sections of Title 18 deleted by this Act, under Title 28 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure). Sets as the effective date of this Act the first day of the calendar month first beginning 24 months after enactment, with the exceptions of sections establishing the United States Sentencing Commission which are to take effect upon enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1977
Authorizes the printing of additional copies of the current committee print, "Toward a National Growth Policy: Federal and State Development in 1975", for use by the Joint Economic Committee.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1977
Urban Trees Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to make grants, on a matching basis, to the States, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and Guam in order to provide financial assistance to urban areas for arboriculture programs. Defines "arboriculture" as the planting, growing, maintenance, and protection of trees and shrubs. Authorizes appropriations of up to $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1977 to carry out such grant program. Requires that grants under this Act be made in accordance with an urban arboriculture plan for the selection, planting, and maintenance of trees agreed upon in advance by the Secretary and the State forester or other appropriate official. Authorizes the Secretary to provide technical assistance to urban areas for arboriculture programs under this Act.
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 · 28 April 1977
American Youth Hostel Act - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior, through the Director of the Bureau of Outdoor Recreation, to make grants to States, local governments, and private nonprofit institutions to defray 75 percent of the cost of renovating structures for use as youth hostels. Requires each grant applicant to: (1) assure that its equity in the structure to be renovated plus funds to be placed in escrow equal at least 25 percent of renovation costs; (2) submit a renovation plan; (3) indicate that it intends to operate the hostel or assure that upon completion of renovation that it will transfer title to the structure to American Youth Hostel, Inc., free of all encumbrances; (4) conform to regulations to be adopted by the Director relative to hostel supervision and renovation; and (5) comply with other specified provisions. Requires that a public hearing be held with respect to each application for a renovation grant under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1977
Customs Paperwork Simplification Act - Amends the Tariff Schedules of the United States to raise the resident tariff exemption on items imported for personal use or gifts to $300. Raises to $500 the value of merchandise which can be imported by mail.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1977
National Domestic Development Bank Act - Establishes a National Domestic Development Bank to provide an alternative source of funds for community facilities and economic development. Outlines the special authority of the Bank to purchase obligations and make loans to finance construction, or reconstruction to energy-efficient standards, of community facilities and public works. Provides for the establishment of regional operating divisions of the Bank and for technical assistance in areas related to the Bank's activities. Provides for capitalization of the Bank and an audit report to Congress. Grants the Bank tax-exempt status, with specified limitations. Provides a partial tax exclusion to individuals for 50 percent of Bank dividends.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1977
Authorizes the Attorney General to institute a civil action for or in the name of the United States in an appropriate district court whenever he has reasonable cause to believe that a State or its agents are subjecting persons involuntarily confined in any correctional facility, juvenile correction center, mental hospital, nursing home, or facility for the chronically ill, retarded, or physically handicapped to conditions which deprive such persons of their Federal Constitutional or Statutory rights. Permits the Attorney General to intervene in any action of public importance commenced in a Federal court in which relief is sought from conditions allegedly depriving involuntarily confined persons in State institutions of their Federal rights.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1977
Child Health Assessment Act - Amends Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require State plans for the administration of such Title to include a provision for the early periodic screening of physical and mental defects in children under the age of six who are members of families eligible for Aid to Families with Dependent Children. Establishes a Child Health Assessment Program under Medicaid. Requires State Medicaid plans to include the provision of child health assessments and primary care to specified individuals under the age of 21. Directs that child health assessments be provided only by a health care provider who enters into an agreement with the State agency responsible for the administration of the Medicaid plan to: (1) provide to specified individuals periodic health assessments; (2) provide a minimum range of diagnostic and treatment services; (3) be readily accessible on an ongoing basis; and (4) make required reports to the State to the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare. Allows an individual who has received a health assessment to remain eligible for all care and services provided under the State plan for six months after such individual's family has become ineligible for Medicaid or Aid to Families with Dependent Children. Requires State medicaid plans to provide that the State will encourage participation by physicians and health care centers in the child assessment program and that the State will assure the physicians and health care centers of the availability of appropriate support services. Provides for the funding of the program out of the sums appropriated for State medicaid programs. Allows the Secretary to reduce, by 20 percent, a State's Medicaid funds if the State does not comply with standards promulgated for the Child Health Assessment Program. Allows the Secretary to make additional payments to States that have met the criteria for good performance of the State's Child Health Assessment Program. Sets forth the criteria for determining good performance under such program. Repeals previous provision of the Social Security Act relating to appropriations for Child Health Care Assessment programs.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1977
Authorizes the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration to provide for radio and television coverage of proceedings in the Senate Chamber during the second session of the Ninety-fifth Congress. Directs the Committee to maintain videotapes and recordings of such coverage to be made available to public and commercial broadcasting stations. Directs the Committee to compile a daily written summary of Senate proceedings to be made available to the news media and to Senate Members, officers, and committees.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1977
Taxpayer Assistance Fairness Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to suspend interest on tax deficiencies resulting from advice obtained from Internal Revenue Service taxpayer assistance programs. Provides for the availability of written confirmations of certain oral advice given under these programs. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to make annual reports on interest suspensions and taxpayer service errors. Orders the Secretary to make an efficiency report on the programs to certain Congressional Committees within six months after this enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 1977
Handicapped Condition Antidiscrimination in Employment Act - Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to include as an unlawful employment practice discrimination on the basis of handicap. Permits consideration of a handicapped condition (1) where the health of the handicapped individual or fellow employees may be endangered and (2) with respect to employee benefit plans.
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 · 18 April 1977
Indian and Alaska, Native Housing and Community Development Act - Creates, in the Department of Housing and Urban Development, an Office of Indian and Alaska Native Affairs, through which the Secretary of HUD shall carry out functions relating to Indian and Alaska Native housing and community development. Creates the office of Assistant Secretary for Indian and Alaska Native Affairs. Directs the Assistant Secretary to submit specified reports to Congress, and conduct an annual conference on Indian and Alaska Native Housing.
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 · 7 April 1977
Amends the Rural Development Act of 1972 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to implement a nationwide rural source water quality assistance program. Requires affected localities to submit rural source water quality plans to the Secretary for approval. Stipulates that plans developed pursuant to this act shall be consistent with plans and programs under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and other appropriate State programs. Authorizes the Secretary to appoint an advisory board to assist in carrying out the provisions of this Act. Directs the Secretary to prepare annual reports on the program in connection with budget preparation for fiscal years 1979 through 1990. Stipulates that the provisions of this Act shall terminate on September 30, 1991.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1977
Youth Employment and Training Act - Amends the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act of 1973 to establish a National Young Adult Conservation Corps, to be administered by the Secretary of Labor through interagency agreements with the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture, for the purpose of carrying out projects on Federal or non-Federal public lands or waters. Qualifies for work on such projects United States citizens and lawfully admitted persons who have either (1) attained age 14 but not age 16, (2) attained age 16 but not age 19 and have left school, or (3) have attained age 22 but not age 24. Stipulates that no qualified individual may enroll in the Corps for a total of more than 12 months. Directs the Secretary of the Interior or Agriculture, as appropriate, in consultation with the Secretary of Labor, to determine the location of each residential and nonresidential campsite. Lists type of projects which may be performed by the Corps including (1) silvicultural measures, (2) erosion control, (3) wildlife habitat and range management improvements, (4) recreation development, (5) forest insect and disease prevention and control, and (6) general sanitation. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to enter into agreements with prime sponsors under the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act and with Indian tribes, bands and groups to pay the cost of community improvement projects to be carried out exclusively by persons age 16-21 and certain persons age 14-15 or 22-23. Directs persons seeking to conduct community improvement projects to submit applications containing specified information to entities eligible to enter into agreements with the Secretary. Directs those entities desiring funds to submit a proposed agreement to the Secretary, each such proposed agreement to include project applications approved by the entity's planning council or like organization. Authorizes the Secretary, in reviewing proposed agreements, to approve or deny project applications on an individual basis. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to provide financial assistance to prime sponsors under the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act and Indian tribes, groups, and bands for the provision of employment opportunities and appropriate training and supportive services to unemployed youths and young adults who are members of low-income households. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to establish innovative and experimental programs to test new approaches for dealing with the unemployment problems of youth. Sets forth standards relative to the selection of activities to be funded under this Act and the allocation of funds.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1977
Child Nutrition Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a universal food service program which will provide at least one free meal per day to all students in public and nonprofit private schools of high school grade and under, and to children in service institutions. Authorizes the Secretary to formulate and fund a program to give nutritional education and training to food service employees and students. Establishes a National Advisory Council on Child Nutrition to advise the Secretary in the administration of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1977
Establishes in the Department of State the United States Passport Service which shall have as its purpose the administration of the laws and regulations relating to nationality, documentation, protection, and control of international travel of nationals of the United States. Transfers to the Service all functions, powers, duties, and authority of the Passport Office of the Department of State, together with those funds, liabilities, commitments, authorizations, allocations, personnel, properties, and records of the Department of State which the Secretary of State shall determine to be primarily related to, and necessary for, the exercise of such functions, powers, duties, and authority. Provides for the appointment of a Director and enumerates his duties and responsibilities. Establishes a fund for the Service. States that the fund shall be capitalized on the basis of: (1) an initial appropriation by the Congress to the fund of a sum of at least $59,700,000; and (2) any unexpended balances of appropriations, the inventories, and other physical assets of the Passport Office (exclusive of buildings occupied and land). Prohibits fiscal year limitations upon use of the fund for financing the direct cost and expenses of operating and maintaining the Service.
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 · 5 April 1977
Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States Postal Services should issue, during 1977, a commemorative stamp honoring Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1977
Domestic and International Food Security Act - Title I: Producer Storage Program - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to formulate and carry out a program under which the producers of wheat and feed grains will be able to extend the time period of a price support loan for any period up to three years. States formulas for determining at which times the Secretary may call for delivery to market of one-quarter, one-half, or all of the commodities stored by a producer under this program. Requires the Secretary, 90 days before the beginning of the marketing year for each respective crop, to announce: (1) the total quantity of such commodity which will be held under the program; and (2) the maximum quantity of any commodity which any producer may have in storage. Sets formulas for the determination of such quantities. Authorizes the Secretary to make loans through the Commodity Credit Corporation to assist producers to construct new storage facilities or to expand or improve existing facilities. Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to prohibit the corporation from selling in any quarter any quantity of its stocks in excess of a quantity equal to one-half of the total quantity of the particular commodity on hand at the beginning of such quarter. Prohibits the sale of any of such stocks at less than 150 per cent of the current national average loan rate for the particular commodity. Title II: International Emergency Food Reserve - Authorizes the President: (1) to enter into negotiations with other nations to develop an international system of food reserves to provide for humanitarian food relief needs; and (2) to establish and maintain an International Emergency Food Reserve, as a contribution of the United States toward the development of such a system, to be made available in the event of food emergencies in foreign countries. Requires for such Reserve minimum stocks of two million tons, allowing an increase up to 6,000,000 tons pursuant to an international agreement.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1977
Indian Child Welfare Act - Title I: Child Placement Standards - Sets standards concerning the validity of Indian Child placement including: (1) that such placement is made pursuant to an order of a tribal court, or where there is no such court that the Indian Tribe be accorded 30 days notice of such a placement proceeding and the right to intervene as an interested party; (2) that there be overwhelming evidence, including professional testimony, that the continued custody of the child would result in serious emotional harm to the child where there is parental or blood guardian opposition to the loss of such custody, or that there be clear and convincing evidence that such custody will result in serious physical harm to the child; and (3) that the voluntariness or consent to the loss of custody be certified by the witnessing judge. States that these provisions shall not effect temporary placements under circumstances where the physical or emotional well-being of the child is immediately threatened. Requires every nontribal government agency to grant a preference to members of the child's extended Indian family when such child is being offered for adoption. States that, absent good cause shown to the contrary, a nontribal government agency must follow the order of preferences stated in this Act. Grants continuing jurisdiction to a tribal court over placement where the child has not attained the age of 18 and has been placed in a home or institution outside of the reservation of which the child is a resident. Allows an Indian adoptive child who has attained the age of 18, upon application to the court which entered the final adoption decree, to discover the names and last known addresses of his or her natural parents, their tribal affiliation and the ground for the severance of their family relations. Title II: Indian Family Development - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to make grants to, or enter contracts with Indian tribes for the purpose of assisting such tribes in the establishment and operation of Indian family development programs and child welfare codes. States that family development programs shall consist of (1) a system for licensing or otherwise regulating Indian foster homes; (2) the construction and operation of family development centers, which may include facilities for counseling Indian families and facilities for the temporary custody of Indian children whose parents or guardians are unwilling or unable to care for them; (3) family assistance such as day and after school care, recreational activities and respite services; (4) a special home improvement program; (5) professional personnel to assist the tribal court in the disposition of domestic relations and child welfare matters; (6) education of Indians in skills relating to child welfare and family assistance programs, and scholarships for such education; and (7) a subsidy program for the increased support of Indian adoptive children. Provides for off-reservation Indian family development programs to be either operated directly by the Secretary or through grants and contracts with local Indian organizations. States that such programs may include features such as: (1) a system for regulating and supporting Indian foster and adoptive homes; (2) family assistance; and (3) an Indian family defense program which provides for representation by an attorney for every Indian child or his parents in child placement proceedings. Directs and authorizes the Secretary to undertake a study of the circumstances surrounding all child placements which have occurred during the 16 years preceding the effective date of this Act, where the child so placed is still under the age of 18. Authorizes the Secretary, in his discretion, to institute a habeas corpus action in the name of the United States on behalf of a parent or blood relative for the purpose of challenging the legality of the placement of a child if such parent or relative so requests. States that such action is to be brought in the United States District Court for the district in which the child resides. Directs the Secretary to disclose to an Indian adoptive child over 18 years of age, upon application, the names and addresses of parents and siblings and to aid such a child in enrolling in the tribe of which he is eligible for membership.
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 1977
Social Security Administration Act - Title I: Social Security Administration - Amends Title VII (Administration) of the Social Security Act to establish an independent agency of the Executive branch of the Government, a Social Security Administration, headed by a Board appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Declares that it shall be the duty of the Administration to administer the programs established by titles II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance), XVI (Supplemental Security Income) and XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, and to discharge the duties and responsibilities imposed on the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare in connection with the administration of the program established by title IV of the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969. States that the Administration shall also have the duty of studying and making recommendations as to the most effective methods of providing economic security through social insurance, and as to legislation and matters of administrative policy. Provides for the appointment of an Executive Director and a General Counsel of the Administration. Makes the Administration responsible for administering the old age, survivors, and disability insurance program, medicare, supplemental security income, and the black lung benefit program under the Coal Mine Health and Safety Act. Prohibits the mailing of announcements with Social Security and SSI checks which make reference by name, title, or signature to any officer of the United States. Transfers to the Social Security Administration: (1) all functions carried out by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare with respect to the administration of programs and activities the administration of which is vested in such administration by reason of this Act; and (2) all personnel, assets, liabilities, contracts, property, and records which the Director of the Office of Management and Budget determines to be employed, held or used by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare primarily in connection with the functions, activities, and programs which, by reason of this Act are vested in or become the responsibility of the Administration. Abolishes the position of Commissioner of Social Security. Title II: Miscellaneous and Conforming Amendments - Makes technical and conforming amendments to the Social Security Act, the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act, the Budget and Accounting Act, and the Executive Schedules of the United States Code.
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