United States · United States Congress · 31 March 1977
Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to increase from 50 to 90 the percentage of the cost of a water or waste project which the Department of Agriculture may fund by a grant to a local association. Requires that such a grant be in an amount that will leave the average domestic user payment rate in the area served by the project at no more than: (1) one percent of the median family income of the area if such income falls in the lowest 25 percentile of the national median income; (2) one-and-one-half percent, if the median income falls in the 26 to 49 percentile; (3) two percent, if the median income falls in the 50 to 74 percentile; or (4) two-and-one-half percent, if the median income is above the 75 percentile of the national median income. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to seek State and Federal assistance if the maximum amount of a grant will be insufficient to result in the applicable user cost limitation prescribed. Specifies conditions under which the Secretary may increase the amount of a grant. Revises the priorities for recipients of such grants to accord the highest priority to specified municipalities or public agencies which have a hazardous public health situation (currently, such priority is accorded to municipalities or public agencies which already have community water supply or waste disposal systems, when due to unanticipated occurrences such systems are suddenly inadequate to serve the community needs).
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 1977
National Preventive Medicine, Health Maintenance and Health Promotion Act - Title I: Bureau of Human Development -- Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish a National Bureau of Human Development within the Public Health Service at the National Institutes of Health. States that it shall be the purpose of the Bureau to conduct, support, and foster basic and applied research and training relating to the maintenance of health and the prevention and cure of disease; to study the impact on human development of man-made agents in the environment; and to provide a noncategorical perspective at the National Institutes of Health for biomedical and social science research. Requires the Director of the Bureau to establish an Information Office for Human Development Research to collect, catalog, analyze, and disseminate all available information beneficial to any person concerned with human development research in any country. Establishes a National Human Development Policy Advisory Board to advise and assist the Bureau Director on Bureau research policy priorities, budget requests and allocations, and the future direction and mission of the Bureau. Requires the Board to annually submit a report to the President for transmittal to the Congress on the progress of the National Human Development Program towards the accomplishment of its objectives. Establishes, within the Bureau, a National Institute of Family Health to carry out research and training in the areas of maternal, paternal, child, and prenatal health. Establishes a National Family Health Advisory Council to advise and consult with the Director of the Family Health Institute. Establishes, within the Bureau, a National Institute on Population Sciences to carry out research related to population matters having both a preventive and curative emphasis on research in reproductive biology. Creates a National Population Sciences Advisory Council to advise and consult with the Director of the Population Institute. Incorporates the relevant programs of the former National Institute of Child Health and Human Development into the Population Institute. Establishes, within the Bureau, the National Institute of General Medical Sciences to carry out training and research relating to general medical sciences. Creates a National General Medical Sciences Advisory Council to advise and consult with the Director of the General Medical Institute. Directs the General Medical Council to assume the duties powers and functions of the National Advisory Health Council relating to research or training projects which concern the General Medical Council. Establishes, within the Bureau, a National Institute on Aging to conduct and support biomedical, social, epidemiological and behavioral research and training related to the special problems and needs of the aged. Creates a National Advisory Council on Aging to advise and consult with the Director of the Aging Institute. Establishes, within the Bureau, a National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences to carry out research and training relating to the prevention of human health problems caused by harmful man-made agents and the modifying effects of a variety of physical and biological states within man on susceptibility to and the course of disease induced by these agents. Creates a National Environmental Health Sciences Advisory Council to advise and consult with the Director of the Environmental Institute. Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish within the office of the Director of the National Institutes of Health the position of Associate Director of Preventive Medicine to foster and coordinate basic and applied research and training relating to the maintenance of health and the prevention of disease. Title II: National Center for Health Maintenance and Promotion - Designates the Center for Disease Control the "National Center for Health Maintenance and Promotion." Adds to the functions of the Center the encouragement of increased epidemiological research and programs, particularly with respect to chronic and degenerative diseases. Establishes as a component of the center a Bureau of Nutrition to establish and conduct a program to continuously monitor, survey, and evaluate the Nations nutritional status. Establishes within the Public Health Service a Bureau of Health Education to serve as the focus for health education programs for the Public Health Service. Title III: National Center for Health Services Research - Includes the evaluation of the efficiency and effectiveness of health maintenance and promotion procedures and programs in the duties of the National Center for Health Services Research. Title IV: National Center for Health Statistics - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, acting through the National Center for Health Statistics, to make a continuing survey of the needs, interest, attitudes, knowledge, and behavior of the American public regarding health. Directs the Secretary to use the results of such survey and similar surveys as a basis for formulating policy respecting preventive medicine, health maintenance, and health promotion. Title V: Office of Health Information and Health Promotion - Directs the Office to provide the Congress and the Secretary with recommendations with respect to preventive medicine, health maintenance and promotion, on all health related budget requests from the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare.
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 1977
Authorizes and requests the President to designate the year 1977 as the "Year of Education" in honor of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1977
Amends the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 to revise (1) the requirements for the transition from sales for foreign currencies to sales for dollars, (2) the allocation formula for assistance to most seriously affected countries, (3) the minimum quantity of commodities for food relief, (4) the limitations on the use of foreign currencies generated by food assistance programs, (5) the availability requirements for distribution of commodities, and (6) the valuation of commodities acquired through price support programs. Establishes a food for development program. Directs evaluation of food relief and food for development programs. Declares it the sense of Congress that the President review the operation of the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1977
Native Latex Commercialization Act - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to coordinate and carry out research culminating in the commercialization of latex from Parthenium or other hydrocarbon containing plants. Requires the Secretary to maintain a bank of research data on native latex. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into cooperative projects with the Government of Mexico to accomplish the purposes of this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct specified activities to promote the development of native latex. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the purposes of this Act.
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 · 28 March 1977
Rural Housing Act - Amends the Housing Act of 1949 to extend the availability of refinancing of indebtedness for rural housing assistance to elderly or handicapped families. Defines elderly or handicapped families for purposes of this Act. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a system of escrow accounts to enable borrowers to make periodic payments for taxes, insurance, and other necessary expenses. Authorizes and directs the Secretary to conduct specified programs of research, study and analysis of rural housing. Authorizes the Secretary to make expenditures from the Rural Housing Insurance Fund in order to correct construction defects or to pay claims of the owner of property arising from such defects. Empowers the Secretary to foreclose on mortgages only if the borrower has been given prior notice. Makes changes with respect to the Secretary's power to make rules and regulations. Authorizes increases in assistance to specified rural housing programs for fiscal years 1978 and 1979. Extends rural housing loans for elderly and handicapped families to include congregate housing facilities for families who require some supervision and central services. Requires that at least 60 percent of insured rural housing loans benefit persons of low income. Makes changes in the guaranteed housing loan program and the homeownership subsidy for low and moderate income persons. Makes it mandatory for the Secretary to provide rural rental assistance. Creates the position of Assistant Secretary for Equal Opportunity in the Department of Agriculture. Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to increase the funds available for grants for water and waste facilities. Amends the Housing Act of 1949 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to withhold assistance for specified programs from any otherwise eligible borrower who fails to incorporate energy conservation features into any structure commenced by such borrower after January 1, 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1977
Romania Earthquake Relief and Rehabilitation Act - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 1977 for relief and rehabilitation assistance to the victims of recent earthquakes in Romania. Authorizes the President to furnish such assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1977
Amends the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to authorize appropriations through fiscal year 1980 for research, demonstrations, and activities related to the provision, of vocational rehabilitation services to the handicapped. Designates specified amounts from such authorizations to be spent each fiscal year for spinal cord injury research and for the funding of existing and new spinal cord centers. Directs that no fewer than five regional comprehensive treatment centers for individuals with spinal cord injuries be established in each of the fiscal years 1978, 1979, and 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1977
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide payment for nutritional counseling as part of the home health services provided under the supplementary medical insurance program.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1977
Declares it the sense of the Senate that the President of the United States (1) should propose an immediate suspension of underground nuclear explosions to remain in effect so long as the Soviet Union abstains from conducting underground explosions, and (2) should set forth promptly a new proposal to the Government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and other nations for a permanent treaty to ban all nuclear explosions.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1977
Amends the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act to restrict the making of loans for the purpose of low cost grain storage on farms by the Commodity Credit Corporation to the storage of dry or high moisture forage, silage, or grain.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1977
Universal Voter Registration Act - Establishes the positions of Administrator and Assistant Administrator of Voter Registration within the Federal Election Commission. Specifies the duties of the Administrator, including (1) establishing and administering a voter registration program in accordance with this Act; (2) providing for the collection, analysis, and publication of voter registration information in coordination work the Secretary of Commerce; and (3) providing information and technical assistance to State and local officials concerning voter registration. Requires each State and local government to permit any individual who is eligible under applicable State and Federal law to register to vote in any Federal election to register on the date of a Federal election at the appropriate polling place. States that any individual so registering shall, if required by State or local authorities, establish his identity by (1) executing an affidavit containing certain information and (2) submitting either an affidavit executed by a person who is registered to vote at the polling place involved and is present at such polling place with the individual seeking registration or one of any forms of identification approved by the Commission. Directs the Commission to make grants for approved voter registration outreach programs to States which comply with the election day registration requirements of this Act. Conditions the amount of such grants on whether a State has a similar election day registration program in effect with respect to State and local elections. Stipulates that a registration outreach program may include projects relating to registration by mail, registration through the use of mobile units, or bilingual registration, and those projects otherwise designed to improve voter registration methods and procedures. Lists the purposes for which grant funds may be used. Sets forth criminal penalties for any person who knowingly and willfully (1) registers, or attempts to register, to vote under this Act for the purpose of voting more than once in any Federal election; (2) conspires with any person for the purpose of enabling such person to make false registration to vote in a Federal election under this Act or for the purpose of enabling or encouraging any individual to make such false registration to vote in a Federal election; or (3) falsifies any information with respect to the name, residence, or age of such person, or any other information for the purpose of establishing eligibility to register to vote in a Federal election under this Act. Directs the Commission to institute actions to prevent any violation of this Act. Requires Federal courts to expedite consideration of actions involving a violation of, or a constitutional challenge to, any provision of this Act. Prohibits commercial use of any list compiled by a State or local government of individuals registered to vote in a Federal election.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1977
States that the lack of a national policy on investment can adversely affect the economic health and well being of the Nation. Declares the policy of the Federal Government to be that it will provide incentives to assure maximum investment in private enterprise. Requires the President to include in his annual economic report to Congress an Investment Policy Report which shall include information on levels of capital investment available, trends in such levels and reviews of economic programs affecting capital investment.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1977
National Education Investment Act -- Establishes the National Education Trust Fund within the Treasury. States the purposes of such fund to be: (1) to provide funds for the reduction or elimination of real property taxation as a means of financing elementary and secondary education; (2) to promote equitable per pupil expenditures; and (3) to achieve State tax systems based upon the personal income of all State residents to finance such education. Authorizes to be appropriated to the fund such sums as may be necessary for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1978, and the succeeding two fiscal years. Establishes procedures for State and local governments to receive monies from the fund, and provides for judicial review of the Secretary of the Treasury's decisions regarding applications.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1977
Declares the sense of the Senate that no ban on saccharin should take effect unless and until the Food and Drug Administration has conducted hearings on the appropriateness of safety tests conducted on this food additive, and whether an exemption from such ban should be granted for special dietary uses.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1977
Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to specifically encompass pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions within the prohibition against sex discrimination in employment, including discrimination with respect to fringe benefit plans.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1977
National Consumer Cooperative Bank Act - Title I: National Consumer Cooperative Bank - Establishes the National Consumer Cooperative Bank. States that the Bank shall (1) encourage the development of new and existing cooperatives eligible for its assistance by providing specialized credit and technical assistance; (2) maintain broad-based control of the Bank by its voting stockholders; (3) encourage broad-based ownership, control and active participation by members in eligible cooperatives; (4) assure that the net savings from its operations and the operations of borrowers from the Bank are made available or accounted for to the stockholders or members of the cooperative organization; and (5) assist in improving the quality and availability of goods and service to consumers. Authorizes the creation of no less than four nor more than 12 corporate regional banks. States that the Bank shall have the power to make and service loans, commitments for credit, guarantees, furnish financially related services, technical assistance, and issue obligations. Enumerates additional powers necessary to carry out its powers and duties under this Act. Requires the Bank to hold an annual meeting of stockholders. Permits the Bank to obtain funds through the public or private sale of its bonds, debentures, notes, and other evidences of indebtedness. Authorizes the Bank to make loans to eligible organizations which shall be repayable in not more than 40 years. States that the objective of the Bank shall be to provide the type of credit needed by eligible borrowers, at the lowest reasonable cost on a sound business basis, taking into account the cost of money to the Bank. Defines "eligible cooperatives" for purposes of assistance under this title. Title II: Self-Help Development Fund - Establishes in the Treasury a Consumer Cooperative Self-Help Development Fund. Permits the Cooperative Bank and Assistance Administration to make a capital investment advance out of the Fund to any eligible cooperative if the Administration determines that the applicants' initial or supplemental capital requirements exceed its ability to obtain a Title I Loan from the Bank or other sources, and the membership of the applicant consists substantially of low-income persons. Title III: Cooperative Technical Assistance - Directs the Cooperative Bank and Assistance Administration to make available information and services concerning the organization or reorganization of cooperatives to best achieve the objectives of this Act and to best provide the means through which various types of goods, services, and facilities can be made available to members and patrons. States that such assistance may include investigations, surveys, and director and management training and assistance. Authorizes appropriations to the Administration of sums necessary for the administration of this title. Title IV: The Cooperative Bank and Assistance Administration and General Provisions - Establishes the Cooperative Bank and Assistance Administration. Directs the Administration to assure that the objectives of this Act are carried out. States that until the stock of the Bank held by the United States has been fully retired the Bank shall be exempt from any form of taxation. Requires the Administration and the Board to report annually to the appropriate committees of Congress on the activities of the Administration and on the Bank's capital, operations, financial condition, the self-help development fund, and to make recommendations for legislation to improve its services.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1977
Directs the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation to conduct an investigation and study of the telecommunications policies of the Federal Government.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1977
Department of Education Act - Establishes an executive department to be known as the Department of Education to be administered by a Secretary of Education. States that the principal function of such Department is to promote the cause and advancement of education throughout the United States. Transfers to the Secretary specified functions of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare and the Commissioner of Education, and various educational responsibilities of other Federal agencies and instrumentalities. Creates the Federal Interagency Committee on Education and the National Advisory Commission on Education. Redesignates the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, and the Secretary of such Department, as the Department of Health and Welfare, and the Secretary of Health and Welfare.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1977
Declares that the United States should do all that is possible to assist Romania, site of a recent earthquake. Expresses the sympathy of the United States to the victims and their families.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1977
Solar Air Rights Act - Declares that the heating and cooling of buildings accounts for a significant portion of the consumption of oil, natural gas, coal, and electric power in interstate commerce, and that the use of solar heating and cooling equipment reduces reliance on natural resources. Prohibits State and local laws which permit the construction of buildings or other obstructions which would interfere with the amount of sunlight necessary for the operation of solar heating and cooling equipment in buildings. Declares that State and local laws which are not inconsistent with the purposes of this Act are not preempted by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1977
Requires the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, under the Federal Crop Insurance Act, to reopen, for a special period ending 30 days after the normal closing date, any county which for any reason the Corporation has closed to new applications for crop insurance prior to the normal closing date, upon a determination by Secretary of Agriculture that an emergency exists in such county as a result of a natural disaster. Stipulates that terms, conditions, and premium rates shall be the same as those applicable to similarly situated eligible applicants prior to the most recent closing period for the crop to be insured. Directs the Treasury of the United States to reimburse the Corporation for such insurance issued. States that future adjustments in premium rates are not to take into account actuarial data arising from insurance issued during this reopening period. Applies the terms of this Act to the 1977 crop year only.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1977
Coal Utilization Act - Amends the Energy Supply and Environmental Coordination Act of 1974 by establishing a new Title II: Natural Gas and Petroleum Conservation Act. Requires that electric powerplants and major fuel-burning installations utilize coal or a fuel source other than natural gas, or petroleum. Establishes procedures and criteria for extensions of compliance dates and exemptions for facilities otherwise subject to the requirements of this Act. Requires consideration of environmental control requirements where appropriate. Specifies effective dates of January 1, 1979, for the prohibition on use of natural gas as a primary energy source, and January 1, 1990, for the prohibition on use of petroleum as a primary source with respect to existing facilities. Requires all Federal facilities to comply with the requirements of this Act. Authorizes exemptions for Federal facilities by the President where determined to be in the paramount national interest. Establishes procedures to allow for just compensation for disruption of energy supply contracts caused by operations of the provisions of this Act. Imposes civil and criminal penalties for violations of the provisions of this Act. Specifies the amount of civil penalties based on amounts of oil and natural gas used in excess of the maximum allowable amount. Authorizes exemptions from compliance with this Act where necessary to protect public health, safety, or welfare during emergencies. Amends the Energy Supply and Environmental Coordination Act of 1974 to establish a new Title III: Coal Substitution Incentive Act. Authorizes the Administrator of the Federal Energy Administration to make and guarantee loans to assist industries in the purchase and installation of air pollution control devices for coal-fired boilers and heating devices. Limits the aggregate amount of outstanding loan guarantees to $5,000,000,000. Limits the aggregate amount of outstanding loans to $1,000,000,000. Establishes additional criteria and limitations on the making of such loans and guarantees. Stipulates that no such commitments shall be made after January 1, 1985. Authorizes the appropriation of $200,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1978 through 1982 for the purposes of this Act. Stipulates that priority consideration shall be given to requests for assistance by facilities in receipt of coal conversion orders issued by the Administrator under the Energy Supply and Environmental Coordination Act of 1974. Authorizes the Federal Energy Administrator to prohibit powerplants or major fuel-burning installations from burning natural gas where (1) burning of petroleum products by such installations is practicable and (2) the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency has certified that such facilities will be in compliance with the Clean Air Act. Extends the authority of the Federal Energy Administrator to issue coal conversion orders under such Act until September 30, 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1977
Small Business Development Center Act - Authorizes the Small Business Administration to make grants to universities to assist them in developing centers to provide small businesses with a broad range of advice, information, and assistance. Limits the amount of such grant to no more than 75 percent of the cost of eligible activities in the operation or development of the center, except for grants to regional centers assisting State centers in research or other high cost activities. Establishes a Small Business Management and Technical Assistance Division within the Small Business Administration to administer the Small Business Development Center program through a Deputy Associate Administrator. Establishes a Small Business Development Center Advisory Board composed of 14 members to advise and confer with the Deputy Associate Administrator for Management and Technical Assistance. Authorizes the Administration to make grants to universities, organizations, and business concerns to support research to solve problems which affect small business concerns.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1977
Opportunities for Adoption Act - Makes it the purpose of this Act to facilitate the elimination of obstacles to adoption and facilitate the placement in permanent adoptive homes of children, particularly children with special needs, by: (1) promoting the establishment of uniform adoption regulations in the States and territories of the United States in order to eliminate jurisdictional and legal obstacles to adoption; (2) providing Federal financial assistance to States for the purpose of assisting public and private nonprofit agencies and adoptive and prospective adoptive parents in meeting costs of adoption in order to remove or alleviate the financial obstacles which present serious barriers to adoption by qualified persons; (3) providing for the establishment of a national office of adoption information and services in the Department of Health, Education and Welfare to (A) insure quality standards for adoption services (including preplacement and postplacement and postadoption counseling and standards to protect the rights of children in need of adoption) and (B) provide for a national adoption information exchange system. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to appoint a committee on uniform adoption regulations. Directs such Committee to: (1) review current conditions, practices, and laws relating to adoption, with special reference to their effect on facilitating or impeding the finding of suitable adoptions; (2) propose to the Secretary uniform adoption regulations which would facilitate adoption; and (3) report its proposals to the Congress and the President not later than nine months after the Committee members have been appointed. Requires the Secretary to publish the proposed regulations in the Federal Register within six months following their receipt. Directs the Secretary to make grants to States for allocation, by State agencies principally responsible for services to families and children, to public and private nonprofit adoption agencies which meet standards of quality prescribed pursuant to this Act for the purpose of assisting; (1) such agencies in meeting the cost involved in the adoptive placement of children with special needs (including locating suitable homes and providing preplacement and postplacement and postadoptive counseling to children in need of adoption and to prospective and actual adoptive parents); (2) such agencies in meeting the cost of providing prenatal and postpartum services to mothers, voluntarily planning to place their children for adoption, who are unable to assume such costs, in order to protect the health and welfare of both the mother and child, but only to the extent that assistance under other Federal or State programs in the community in question is not readily available to provide adequately for such services; (3) prospective adoptive parents of children with special needs, who would consider adoption but for their financial inability to meet such child's needs, by sufficiently defraying adoption costs to enable the prospective adoptive parents to adopt such children; and (4) adoptive parents in locating and, where appropriate, defraying the cost of postplacement and postadoption special services to children requiring such services as a result of conditions which existed prior to their placement, up to an amount not exceeding the amount which similar services would cost the state in question were it to provide or secure such services as the guardian of such children. Directs the Secretary, in cooperation with State agencies, to ensure (1) annual reviews of the need for and adequacy of assistance; (2) assistance is being provided pursuant to an adoption assistance agreement; and (3) the establishment of a system in each State under which a family providing foster care to a child will be notified of the possibility of financial assistance for adoptive placement under this Act. Directs the Secretary to encourage and facilitate the consideration of comprehensive adoption assistance legislation by those States which have not enacted such legislation. Excludes assistance provided under this Act to adoptive parents or prospective adoptive parents from being taken into account in determining benefits available to such parents under any other Federal programs. Establishes within the Office of the Secretary a National Office of Adoption Information and Services headed by a Director. Makes it the duty of the Director to (1) establish a national adoption data, tracking, and analysis system; (2) conduct a continuing adoption education program, including the making of grants, and the publishing of materials regarding adoption and adoption assistance programs; (3) conduct a program of grants and contracts for the demonstration of methods and programs to enable families having children placed in foster homes to care for such children in their own home; (4) prepare an annual report evaluating and measuring the impact of programs authorized by this Act including in such report (A) the total number of children placed in adoptive homes and the number of such children placed under adoptive assistance agreements; and (B) estimates of the number of children in foster care or other custodial institutions who have been in such institutions for at least six months; (5) ensure that federally assisted adoption agencies are in compliance with applicable rules and regulations; (6) notwithstanding any other provisions of law, ensure the operation of national adoption information system, utilizing computers and modern data processing methods, to assist in the location of children in need of adoption and in the placement in adoptive homes of children awaiting adoption, and for the promotion of cooperative efforts with any similar programs operated by or within any State; and (7) coordinate and consult with other appropriate Federal departments and agencies with respect to services and benefits provided under this Act. Directs the Secretary and Attorney General of the United States to jointly conduct a study to determine the nature, scope, and effect of the interstate placement of children in adoptive homes by unlicensed persons or agencies and to submit such study, together with any legislative recommendations, to Congress within two years after the date of enactment of this Act. Authorizes appropriations of $20,000,000 for fiscal year 1978 and of such sums as may be necessary for the succeeding three years.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1977
Amends Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to decrease from 20 to 10 the number of years a divorced woman must have been married to an insured individual in order for her to qualify for wife's or widow's benefits on his wage record.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1977
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to extend coverage to include expenses incurred in providing a papanicolaou test for the detection of uterine cancer.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1977
Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to permit to be included within a group of workers certified by the Secretary of Labor as eligible for adjustment assistance thereunder individuals whose last total or partial separation from employment occurred up to two years prior to the date of the petition on which such certification was granted.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1977
Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to include as an unlawful employment practice discrimination on the basis of physical handicap. States that nothing in this Act shall be construed to require any employer to provide any special services to handicapped employees.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1977
Amends the Rural Development Act of 1972 to declare that small farm extension programs shall consist of extension programs with respect to improving operations of small farmers using paraprofessional personnel to work with small farmers on an intensive basis. Authorizes appropriations not to exceed $20,000,000 for small farm research and extension programs for each of fiscal years 1978 and 1979. Specifies the allocation of such funds, with 19 percent for research and 77 percent for extension programs. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to evaluate and report on such programs annually to Congress. Defines "small farmer" as any farmer with gross sales from farming of under $20,000 per year who depends on farming as his primary source of income.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1977
Extends funding of programs under the Food Stamp Act of 1964 through fiscal year 1982. Eliminates charges for coupon allotments and makes coupons redeemable for cash. Drops the eligibility requirement that household members be related. Requires national income standards of eligibility to be the income guidelines for the nonfarm United States prescribed by the Office of Management and Budget. Specifies exclusions and deductions from household income for qualification purposes. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to pay up to 75 percent of all costs of State program investigations, prosecutions, and other activities related to recovering losses. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct pilot, experimental and research projects to increase program efficiency.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1977
Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1972 to redefine the term "navigable waters" as it applies to regulation of discharges of oil and hazardous substances and to regulation of marine sanitation devices to include the belt of seas extending 197 nautical miles from the outer limit of the territorial seas. Stipulates that such boundary shall be reduced to a line equidistant between the United States and a foreign nation where such line of equidistance between the two countries is less than 200 miles. Authorizes the Attorney General to initiate class actions to recover private claims arising from discharges of oil and hazardous substances. Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to act as trustee of the natural resources of the navigable waters in recovering damages caused by oil or hazardous substances in accordance with prescribed criteria in assessing the amount of such damages.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1977
Amends the Ports and Waterways Safety Act of 1972 to establish a 200-mile marine pollution control zone to which the provisions of such Act shall apply. Stipulates that such zone shall be reduced to a line equidistant between the United States and a foreign nation where such line of equidistance between the two countries is less than 200 miles. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to establish standards of performance for all vessels in order to protect the waters of the United States and the marine pollution control zone. Authorizes the Administrator to request the Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating to review vessel design standards if inadequate to meet such standards of performance. Directs the Secretary to review standards applicable to United States-flag vessels engaged in coastwise trade. Authorizes the imposition of stricter standards by the Secretary and the Administrator with respect to such vessels as compared to those standards applicable to other vessels.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1977
Requests the President of the United States to convene a White House Conference on Small Business with the help of the Senate Small Business Committee to develop recommendations, including suggestions for joint legislative and executive action, for revitalizing and maintaining the economic viability of the small business infrastructure.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1977
Department of Energy Organization Act - Title I: Declaration of Purposes - Declares it the purpose of this Act to establish a permanent Department of Energy in the executive branch to assist in the development of a coordinated national energy policy. Title II: Establishment of Department - Establishes a Department of Energy in the executive branch. Establishes an Energy Information Administration and an Economic Regulatory Administration within such Department. Title III: Transfers of Functions - Transfers to the Secretary of Energy all functions now vested in the Federal Energy Administration, the Energy Research and Development Administration, and the Federal Power Commission. Transfers energy-related functions from the Department of the Interior to the new Secretary. Transfers specified functions of the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, the Interstate Commerce Commission, the Secretary of the Navy, and the Secretary of Commerce to the new Secretary. Title IV: Board of Hearings and Appeals - Establishes a three-member Board of Hearings and Appeals within the Department to make agency determinations as required by law. Prohibits persons having interests in energy companies from serving as Board members. Title V: Administrative Procedures and Judicial Review - Stipulates that the provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act shall apply to rules and regulations issued by the Secretary or a delegate. Requires that opportunity for oral presentations of viewpoints be afforded where regulations are likely to have a substantial economic impact. Requires hearings on rules which substantially impact a single geographic area to be held in such geographic area. Stipulates that United States district courts shall have exclusive jurisdiction of cases arising under this Act without regard to amount in controversy, except where otherwise provided in authority transferred to the Secretary. Title VI: Administrative Provisions - Establishes a Leasing Liaison Committee to obtain information and make recommendations on Federal leasing activities conducted by the Secretary of the Interior which relate to energy resources. Requires officers and employees of the Department of Energy to disclose known financial interests in energy companies. Imposes criminal penalties for knowing violations of such disclosure requirements. Authorizes the Secretary to delegate authority to other officers, to create regional officers, and to establish advisory committees. Requires the Secretary to submit annual reports to the President for submission to the Congress. Title VII: Transitional Savings and Conforming Provisions - Stipulates that transfers of personnel authorized by this Act shall not result in reduction in grade or unemployment for one year after enactment of this Act. Stipulates that orders, rules, and proceedings established or commenced under previous authority shall not be affected by the transfers under this Act. Amends the Federal Energy Administration Act, the Energy Reorganization Act, the Federal Power Act, the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act, the Energy Conservation Standard for New Buildings Act, the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935, the Rural Electrification Act of 1936, and other provisions of law to conform with the changes made by this Act. Title VIII: Effective Date and Interim Appointments - Stipulates that the provisions of this Act shall take effect no later than 120 days after the Secretary first takes office. Establishes procedures for interim appointments of officers prior to the effective date of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1977
Voluntary Standards and Accreditation Act - Title I: National Standardization - Requires the Federal Trade Commission to promulgate rules relating to the procedures and practices of standards-development organizations, testing laboratories, and certification agencies, and the use of product listings and certificates of approval in marketing. Requires the Commission when promulgating rules under this title to give all interested persons an opportunity for oral presentations of data, views, and arguments, and a single opportunity to present rebuttal testimony in writing. Permits the Commission to exempt the activities of a standards-development organization, testing laboratory, or certification agency from the requirements of the newly promulgated rules. Permits the Commission to enforce the procedures set forth pursuant to this Act upon its own initiative or upon a written petition filed with it by any interested person. States that any violation of this title or failure to comply with any Commission rule promulgated under this title shall be prosecuted as an unfair trade practice pursuant to the Federal Trade Commission Act. Directs the Commission to notify by publication in the Federal Register, the Secretary of Commerce and all Federal departments and agencies which use the publications of a standards-development organization, of any violation of this title by such an organization or by a certification agency. Directs a department or agency notified by the Commission that an organization is in violation of this title to cease using the services of such organization unless such organization complies within a period determined by the Commission. Subjects to the provisions of this Act any private organization that: (1) develops standards; (2) sponsors the activity of developing or adopting standards; (3) tests, inspects, or certifies products; or (4) sells or uses standards, product listings, or certificates of approval. Directs the Commission to specifically advise an organization that voluntarily submitted its rules for review and does not comply with the new rules, on the procedure such organization may undertake to come into compliance. Authorizes the Secretary to grant financial assistance to nonprofit standards-development organizations to insure representation of consumer, small business, and other interests in decisions. Requires all Federal agencies to utilize standards set by certified private agencies whenever possible in order to avoid duplication of effort. Directs all standards-development organizations, testing laboratories, and certification agencies subject to regulation by the Commission to establish appeals bodies to consider complaints filed by interested persons. States that such appeals bodies shall have no powers of enforcement except those given to them by the organizations' creating such bodies. Title II: International Standardization - Establishes an Institute of Standards and Accreditation within the National Bureau of Standards of the Department of Commerce to develop the resources, facilities, and expertise necessary to assist the Secretary and the Commission in the exercise of their responsibilities under this Act. Requires the Secretary, through the Institute, to provide for and assist appropriate participation by private nonprofit organizations in international standardization activities as representatives of the United States. Requires the Secretary to make arrangements for direct governmental participation in such international standardization activities where the Secretary determines private participation is insufficient or cannot be established. Directs the Secretary to list each international standards and certification agreements developed pursuant to this title unless to do so would not be in the public interest. Establishes an interagency committee on international standardization policy and a public committee on international standardization policy to provide policy guidance to the Secretary in carrying out his duties under this title. Establishes procedures for petitioning the Secretary to delist a particular international standard or certification and for judicial review of the Secretary's determinations. Title III: Testing Laboratory Accreditation - Requires the Secretary, through the Institute, to set forth procedures to establish a voluntary national laboratory accreditation program to accredit certification laboratories for a class of technology or a specific product if the establishment of such laboratory is found to be in the public interest. Directs the Secretary to establish criteria committees to establish criteria to accredit such laboratories. Sets forth procedures for the development of such criteria and the accreditation of such laboratories. Establishes procedures for the removal, withdrawal, or termination of accreditation. Title IV: National Standards Management Board - Establishes as an independent instrumentality in the executive branch, a National Standards Management Board to develop the necessary rules, procedures, policies, and criteria to manage and coordinate national standards-development activities. Directs the Board to develop rules and policies to be used by the Institute when accrediting standards-development organizations and approving national standards. Title V: Miscellaneous Provisions - Directs the Secretary to appoint a Director of the Institute of Standards and Accreditation to supervise the Institute, its equipment, and its functions.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1977
Family Farm Antitrust Act - Finds that vertical integration of the agricultural industry by corporations engaged in the processing, distributing and retail industries, and other conglomerate corporations, tends to create monopolies in the agricultural industry and produce unfair competition for family farms, contributing to the decline of rural populations and the consequent crowding of metropolitan centers. Declares it to be the national policy to restore competition to the agricultural industry and to provide for the continuance of the family farm. Prohibits persons engaged in commerce in a business other than farming, whose nonfarming business assets exceed $3,000,000 from engaging in farming or the production of agricultural products, or participating in farming by any means of acquisition or control of another person who is engaged in farming. Specifies exceptions including charitable, educational, or nonprofit institutions, and farmer-owned and controlled cooperatives. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to acquire at fair market value any property or interest of which a person is required to divest himself under the provisions of this Act, if the person is otherwise unable to divest himself of such property.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1977
Amends the Tariff Schedules of the United States to permit the duty-free importation of crude petroleum and crude shale oil from Canada, when an equivalent amount of the same kind and quality of domestic or duty-paid foreign crude petroleum and crude shale oil has been exported to Canada within 30 days prior to entry.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1977
Older Americans Tax Counseling Assistance Act - Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury, through the Internal Revenue Service, to enter into agreements with private or public nonprofit agencies or organizations for the purpose of providing training and technical assistance to prepare volunteers to provide tax counseling assistance for elderly individuals in the preparation of their Federal income tax returns. Directs the Secretary to utilize and support the services of volunteers and to establish the qualifications required and the terms and conditions of service as a volunteer. States that service as a volunteer under this Act shall not be considered service as an employee of the United States. Authorizes the Secretary to direct the attention of elderly individuals to provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 which affect the aged.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1977
Agricultural Solar Energy Research, Development, and Demonstration Act -- Title I: Existing Programs -- Amends the Bankhead-Jones Act of 1935 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct and to stimulate research and development relating to uses of solar energy with respect to farm buildings, farm homes and farm machinery. Authorizes the appropriation of $25,000,000 each fiscal year to carry out such research and development. Includes the agricultural uses of solar energy in the agricultural extension programs. Directs that loans, under the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act, be made for the purchase of farm equipment which utilizes solar energy and for the acquisition and installation of any qualified solar energy thermal conversion system in any residential structure located on a family farm. Title II: Solar Demonstration Farms -- Establishes within the Department of Agriculture the Research and Demonstration Planning Committee which shall be responsible for compiling a list of solar energy research projects and for meeting with regional representatives of the State departments of agriculture to determine which projects will be useful and beneficial to the several States. Requires each State department of agriculture to establish one large model farm and within one year to establish not less than ten demonstrations of solar energy research projects using the most efficient or practicable research projects demonstrated on such model farm. Stipulates the terms of any agreement entered into between selected farmowners and the State departments of agriculture for the establishment of such demonstration projects. Authorizes the appropriation of $20,000,000 for the purposes of this Title, of which 80 percent is to be used by State departments of agriculture for the model farm and demonstration projects.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1977
Agricultural Energy Demonstration Act - Establishes within the Department of Agriculture an Office of Agricultural Energy Demonstration which shall conduct, monitor, and annually report to Congress on an agricultural energy conservation and renewable energy demonstration program. Specifies the applications of energy conservation and of renewable energy technology to be demonstrated, including solar energy and geothermal resources, and specifies guidelines for the allocation of funds provided for such applications. Authorizes appropriations for such program in the amounts of $20,000,000 for fiscal year 1978 and $30,000,000 for fiscal year 1979.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1977
Interpreters for the Hearing Impaired Act - Directs Federal judges, upon determining that a party or a witness does not speak or understand English with sufficient facility due to a hearing impairment, to order that (1) the proceedings be conveyed to such party or witness through an appropriate mode of communication and (2) that the testimony of such an individual be interpreted for the court. Requires the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to certify interpreters for the hearing impaired and to prescribe a fee schedule for, and maintain a list of, interpreters so certified. Directs each district court to maintain a list of certified interpreters within its district. Sets forth guidelines for the selection of an interpreter if no certified interpreter is available within the district.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1977
Solar and Energy Conservation Commercialization Act - Amends the National Housing Act to specify additional types of solar energy systems eligible for financial assistance under such Act. Stipulates that such systems shall include solar heating and cooling and hot water systems, geothermal and wind energy systems, and other energy conservation measures and equipment such as insulation, heat pumps, and devices to improve furnace efficiency. Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to make grants and loans to individuals and families to assist in the purchase of solar, renewable source, and energy conservation measures and equipment. Authorizes grants and loans for similar purposes to neighborhood, community, or nonprofit groups. Amends the Small Business Act to authorize the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to make loans to small businesses to assist in the purchase and installation of solar, renewable source, and energy conservation improvements and equipment. Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, the Administrator of the Small Business Administration, and the Federal Energy Administrator to cooperate in carrying out the provisions of this Act and to jointly submit an annual report to the President and the Congress on activities carried out under this Act. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1978 through 1981.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1977
Directs that orders of a State court or of a court of the District of Columbia relative to the custody of children of divorced or separated parents be given full faith and credit by every other State and the District of Columbia until such issuing court no longer has under the law of the State in which it is located, or declines to exercise, jurisdiction over modifications of such orders.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1977
Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize the President to furnish energy production and conservation assistance to developing countries, including solar, wind, and water projects. Authorizes consultative visits by the Energy Research and Development Administration to design such projects. Authorizes the President to carry out studies to identify the energy needs, uses, and resources of various countries and regions, with special emphasis on the transfer of energy technology. Requires that $10,000,000 of appropriations for development assistance for fiscal year 1978 be spent only for such purposes.
![Official portrait of Sen. Humphrey, Hubert H. [D-MN]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/h000953_200.jpg)