United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1977
Crude Oil and Natural Gas Information Act -- Directs the President to investigate the production, transportation, and sale of domestically-produced crude oil and natural gas. Requires that the study include an independent estimate of the production capacity of oil and gas fields and reservoirs. Authorizes the President to issue and enforce subpenas to obtain the information required for such investigation. Directs the President to report to the Congress on the results of the continuing investigation required by this Act within six months, and to submit reports annually thereafter.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1977
Small Business Energy Research Incentives Act - Title I: Small Business Act Amendments - Authorizes the Small Business Administrator to make loans to assist any small business concern in financing plant construction and equipment acquisition for the production, installation, or maintenance of solar energy equipment or other energy conservation equipment. Permits the Administration to make grants to non-profit organizations for the provision of training seminars showing small business concerns methods for design, installation, and maintenance of solar energy equipment. Title II: Federal Nonnuclear Energy Research and Development Act of 1974 Amendments - Establishes within the Energy Research and Development Administration an Office of Invention and Innovation to evaluate proposals by any individual or small business concern for the development of an energy- related invention and to provide grants for the development of such invention.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1977
Conservation and Solar Energy - Federal Buildings Act - Directs the Federal Energy Administrator to establish methods of determining the life cycle cost effectiveness for buildings, considering the life cycle fuel and energy requirements for such buildings. Requires that all Federal buildings be life cycle cost effective and that such determination serve as a basis for the awarding of contracts in the procurement and leasing of new Federal buildings. Directs the Administrator to promote the use of life cycle cost effective methods in all buildings. Directs the Administrator to establish energy performance targets for existing buildings which are compatible with new building performance standards developed by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. Requires all Federal agencies to conduct an energy audit of existing buildings within their jurisdiction. Requires that a specified percentage of the gross square footage of building space be selected by each agency for retrofitting with appropriate energy conservation measures.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1977
Agricultural Emergency Assistance Act - Title I: Findings and Purpose - States the findings of Congress that Federal crop insurance available nationwide for all agricultural production and producers is not possible in the foreseeable future, and that a well-coordinated Federal emergency assistance program is necessary to help agricultural producers cope with natural disasters. Title II: Responsibilities of the Secretary of Agriculture; Conservation Assistance - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to coordinate all Federal programs within the executive branch which are designed to assist agricultural producers in alleviating distress caused by natural disasters. Authorizes an additional appropriation of $10,000,000 for drought emergency conservation measures for fiscal year 1977. Title III: Crop Production Assistance - Directs the Secretary to make payments if, because of natural disaster or condition beyond the control of the producers, the total quantity of a crop on a farm (wheat, feed grains, rice, soybeans or upland cotton), which the producers are able to harvest, is an amount less than the amount calculated by a specified formula. Specifies a formula for calculating the amount of such payments. Limits the assistance program to 1978 through 1982. Title IV: Livestock Production Assistance - Requires the Secretary to establish minimum reserve inventories of twenty million bushels of grain for disaster relief purposes. Authorizes the acquisition of hay and other livestock forages for such inventories. Authorizes the purchase of commodities for such purposes through the Commodity Credit Corporation. Authorizes the Secretary, under specified conditions, to pay up to three-fourths (currently, 80 percent) of the actual cost of transporting a maximum ninety-day supply of hay or other livestock forage, or additional supplies if necessary, from areas in which hay is plentiful to livestock producers in major disaster or emergency areas, or producers who face undue financial hardship in maintaining their livestock herds. Stipulates a formula for computing the amount of such hay or forage. Sets civil and criminal penalties for unapproved disposal of hay or forage for which transportation costs are paid under this title. Title V: Credit Assistance - Amends the Emergency Livestock Credit Act of 1974 to change from eighteen months preceding enactment of such act to five years preceding the date of the loan application the period during which the cost of the borrower's highest level of livestock operations is to be the measure of the maximum amount of total loans for which he may be eligible. Authorizes, under the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act, a grace period of two years during which, under appropriate circumstances, all principal and interest payments may be postponed, except for annual payments equal to one percent of the principal. Limits the beneficiaries of such grace period to borrowers whose farming, ranching or aquaculture operations are located in disaster areas meeting specified requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals an income tax deduction for all the ordinary and necessary expenses paid or incurred in traveling between the individual's principal place of construction related employment and a temporary construction project work site.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1977
Authorizes and requests the President of the United States to designate the week beginning on the Sunday preceding the fourth Thursday in November of each year as "National Family Week."
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1977
Commends the President's intention to give diplomatic priority to pursuit of nonproliferation measures. Endorses negotiations with world leaders (1) to curb the spread of nuclear enrichment and reprocessing facilities, (2) to achieve acceptance of nuclear safeguards, (3) to explore international provision of nuclear fuel services, (4) to agree on sanctions against nations seeking to acquire nuclear explosives, (5) to strengthen the International Atomic Energy Agency, and (6) to act promptly on legislation enacting a statement of United States nonproliferation policy.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1977
Amends Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to reduce the requirements for eligibility for disability benefits for blind persons. Requires that a blind individual have at least six quarters of coverage to be eligible for disability benefits. Sets forth a method of computing the average monthly wage of a blind individual for the purpose of determining such individual's primary insurance amount. Provides that in no case shall such amount be less than the amount which would be determined without regard to an individual's blindness. States that no reduction will be made from the benefits to which a blind person is entitled because of such person's refusal to accept State-approved rehabilitative services under the Vocational Rehabilitation Act. Continues the payment of such benefits as long as blindness lasts, the amount of an individual's earnings notwithstanding.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1977
Young Farmers' Homestead Act - Establishes as an agency within the Department of Agriculture the Federal Farm Assistance Corporation. Authorizes the Corporation to purchase farm land in value of up to $200,000 per unit. Provides that the Corporation shall make such farms available for lease and subsequently for sale. Directs that the farms may be leased to an eligible applicant for a period of not less than two years nor more than seven years with specified restrictions upon the use of such land. Provides that the lessee may at any time within six months prior to the expiration of his lease make application to the Board of Directors of the Corporation for purchase of such unit upon the expiration of such lease. States that the Board shall approve such application if it determines that the lessee can successfully manage and operate such farm unit. Specifies a formula to be used in determining the selling price of each farm. Provides that a buyer may obtain financing through an available source, but if private financing is not available, the Farmers Home Administration shall furnish the financing at a specified rate. Requires the Corporation to file annually with the Secretary of Agriculture a complete report as to the business of the Corporation. Provides that the financial transactions of the Corporation shall be audited at least once each year by the General Accounting Office. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to appoint an advisory council to advise the Board regarding the administration of this Act. Provides that the Council's advice shall include recommendations on what the eligibility requirements should be for leasing farm units and what experience should be required for leasing a farm. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to carry out this Act. Specifies criminal provisions applicable to the Federal Farm Assistance Corporation.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1977
Amends the National School Lunch Act to extend the authorization for (1) the Summer Food Service Program for children, (2) the Commodity Distribution Program, and (3) that part of the Act relating to the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, through fiscal year 1982. Amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to extend the Nonfood Assistance Program through 1982.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt trade or business expenses incurred in providing day care services on a regular basis in a taxpayer's dwelling unit from the prohibition on deducting expenses with respect to a dwelling unit which is used by the taxpayer as his residence.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1977
Petroleum Marketing Practices Act - Title I: Franchise Protection - Prohibits a franchisor from terminating or failing to renew a franchise unless specified conditions exist. Enumerates the basis upon which a franchisor may terminate or fail to renew a franchise. Exempts trial franchises from the requirements of this Act. Requires that 90 days advance notice of termination or nonrenewal be made in writing and delivered to the franchisee. Directs the Administrator of the Federal Energy Administration to publish in the Federal Register a summary of this Act. Authorizes civil actions in a United States district court against any franchisor who violates any requirement of this Act. Provides for the preemption of State laws unless such law is the same as the applicable provisions of this Act. Title II: Octane Disclosure - Requires the Federal Trade Commission to: (1) establish testing procedures for the determination of the octane rating of automotive gasoline; (2) establish requirements applicable to refiners with respect to the testing of automotive gasoline; (3) establish a certification procedure applicable to the distribution of automotive gasoline; and (4) establish requirements applicable to retailers of gasoline with respect to display of the octane rating of automotive gasoline at the point of sale. Prohibits any person who distributes automotive gasoline from making representations respecting the octane rating of gasoline unless the gasoline has been tested in accordance with the procedures established by the Federal Trade Commission. Grants to the Commission the procedural, investigative, and enforcement powers necessary to make effective the rules required to be prescribed. Makes it an unfair or deceptive act or practice in or affecting commerce under the Federal Trade Commission Act to violate the rules prescribed by this Act. Authorizes judicial review of the rules prescribed under this Act. Title III: Prohibition on Certain Unfair Practices in the Marketing of Automotive Gasoline - Prohibits dual distribution marketers of automotive gasoline (defined in this Act as a person who markets automotive gasoline at both wholesale and retail) in or affecting commerce from establishing or maintaining retail prices which do not recover the cost of gasoline transferred to, or purchased by, retail outlets controlled by such marketer plus the cost of operating such retail outlets. Defines terms for purposes of this Title. Disallows any person engaged in the marketing or distribution of automotive gasoline in or affecting commerce from selling at retail as a loss leader unless such person operates as a franchisee through a single retail outlet. Requires gasoline marketers to maintain books and records, consistent with sound accounting principles, prescribed by the Administrator of the Federal Energy Administration. Sets fines for violations of this Title and authorizes injunctions of illegal acts under specified circumstances.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1977
Federal Mine Safety and Health Amendments Act - Title I: Amendments to the General Provisions of the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969 - Amends the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969 to extend the applicability of the provisions of such Act to mines other than coal mines. Transfers the functions of the Secretary of the Interior in developing health and safety standards to the Secretary of Labor. Title II: Mine Safety and Health Standard Amendments - Amends the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969 to establish the duty of: (1) each mine operator and miner to comply with the health and safety standards of the Act, and (2) each mine operator to furnish a place of employment free from recognized hazards. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to promulgate, modify, or revoke mine health and safety standards in accordance with prescribed criteria and procedures. Authorizes the Secretary to utilize advisory committees in the development of standards. Requires the Secretary to act within 60 days upon recommendations from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Authorizes the Secretary, or the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare: (1) to enter any mine subject to this Act; and (2) to make reasonable inspections and investigations and to question privately employers, owners, operators, agents, or employees. Requires inspections of underground mines at least four times a year. Stipulates that no advance notice of inspections shall be given. Requires the maintenance of records by mine operators with regard to work-related deaths, injuries, illness, miner exposure to toxic substances, and mine accidents. Authorizes special inspections of mines by the Secretary upon request by any miners or representatives of miners where any violation of standards or imminent danger is alleged to exist. Establishes procedures for review of decisions of the Secretary with respect to establishment and enforcement of standards. Establishes procedures for the enforcement of mine health and safety standards through issuance of citations, imposition of civil and criminal penalties, and injunctive relief. Establishes special procedures to counteract imminently dangerous conditions. Requires that copies of all notices, orders, and decisions affecting mine safety in a particular mine be conspicuously posted at such mine site. Stipulates that, in the event of mine closures by orders issued pursuant to this Act, that miners idled as a result of any such order shall be entitled to full compensation for the period they are idled within prescribed limits. Establishes a Federal Mine Safety and Health Commission to supervise the activities of administrative law judges in proceedings brought under the Act. Requires that mine operators establish safety training programs for new miners and for all miners in accordance with prescribed criteria. Directs the Secretary to require that mine rescue teams comprised of Federal mine inspectors be maintained at district and field offices. Authorizes the Secretary and the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish procedures for measuring concentrations of respirable dust. Repeals provisions allowing for modifications of or exceptions from mandatory safety standards for underground mines. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Transfers functions of the Secretary of the Interior with respect to mine health and safety to the Secretary of Labor and the Federal Mine Safety and Health Commission. Directs the Secretary of Labor to establish an advisory committee to review all standards previously promulgated by the Secretary of the Interior. Establishes a Mine Safety and Health Administration in the Department of Labor to carry out mine safety and health functions assigned to the Secretary of Labor. Establishes qualifications and criteria for selection of individuals as mine inspectors. Stipulates that the National Mine Health and Safety Academy shall be maintained as an agency of the Department of the Interior to assist in the training of mine inspectors and other personnel. Repeals the Federal Metal and Nonmetallic Mine Safety Act of 1966.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1977
Education of the Handicapped Amendments - Authorizes appropriations under the Education of the Handicapped Act for fiscal year 1977 through fiscal year 1982 for developing: (1) regional resource centers; (2) centers and services for deaf-blind children; (3) programs for the early education of handicapped children; (4) special regional education programs; (5) programs for training personnel working with handicapped children; (6) research and demonstration projects; and (7) instructional media for the handicapped.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1977
Energy Crisis Relief Act - Establishes procedures for determination by the President that an energy emergency or energy crisis exists, upon request by a Governor of an affected State. Authorizes the President to coordinate Federal energy emergency relief activities upon declaration that such an emergency exists. Stipulates that such relief may include: (1) delivery and allocation of energy supplies to the affected area; (2) establishment of an energy conservation program in the affected area; and (3) emergency energy loans to individuals, public or nonprofit organizations. Authorizes the President to take the following actions where an energy crisis is declared to exist: (1) direct Federal agencies to terminate existing contracts to provide necessary energy supplies to the affected areas; (2) impose price ceilings for energy supplies; and (3) impose compulsory energy conservation programs. Authorizes the President to exercise additional authority under the Disaster Relief Act of 1974 where appropriate.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1977
National Child Nutrition Information and Education Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to formulate and carry out a program, through a system of grants to State educational agencies, to provide for: (1) the nutritional training of food service and educational personnel; and (2) the conduct of nutrition education activities in schools and child care institutions eligible under the School Lunch and Child Nutrition Acts. States that the amount of such grants shall be based on a rate of 50 cents for each child enrolled in such facilities. Authorizes appropriations of such amounts as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act. Requires State educational agencies to keep accounts as may be necessary to enable the Secretary to determine whether the provisions of this Act have been complied with. Establishes, within the National Agricultural Library of the United States Department of Agriculture, a Food and Nutrition Information and Education Resources Center to assemble and collect food and nutrition education materials and to disseminate such information to State educational agencies and other interested persons. States that a maximum of $1,500,000 from the funds appropriated under this Act shall be used for the establishment and maintenance of such center.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1977
Tanker Safety Act Title I: Amendments to the Ports and Waterways Safety Act - Ports and Waterways Safety Act Amendments - Amends the Ports and Waterways Safety Act of 1972 to direct the Secretary of Transportation to establish and maintain vessel traffic systems for the waters of the maritime safety zone. Defines "maritime safety zone" as extending 200 nautical miles from the shoreline of the United States. Exempts from this title foreign vessels which are in transit to places outside the United States. Directs the Secretary to : (1) establish procedures for the handling and emergency removal of oil or hazardous materials; (2) prescribe minimum safety equipment requirements for structures in or on the navigable waters of the United States or on the shores adjacent to such waters; (3) establish water or waterfront safety zones or other measures for controlled access and activity to protect vessels, structures, waters, or shore areas; and (4) establish procedures for inspection to assure compliance with minimum safety requirements. Requires the Secretary to take into account specified factors regarding navigation and vessel safety and protection of the marine environment in carrying out the duties required under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to require the use of pilots on self-propelled vessels of the United States engaged in foreign commerce or on foreign vessels operating in the navigable waters of the United States. Directs the Commandant of the Coast Guard to establish eligibility requirements for the issuance of a license to pilot any steam vessel. Specifies certain qualifications which must be met to receive such a license. Specifies conditions under which the Commandant may revoke such a license. Requires the Secretary to develop, and seek adoption by the States of uniform, minimum standards relating to the regulation of pilotage at least equal to those required of federally licensed pilots. Authorizes the Secretary or the National Transportation Safety Board to investigate incidents which cause damage to any vessel or structure or which affect or may affect the navigation or vessel safety or environmental quality of ports, harbors, navigable waters, or the waters of the maritime safety zone. Grants subpoena powers in order to conduct such inquiry. Prohibits vessels which are determined to be unsafe or which may create a threat to the marine environment or which fail to comply with applicable regulations from entering or operating in the navigable waters or ports of the United States. Exempts the Panama Canal from the provisions of this Act. Directs the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to establish specified standards governing the design, repair, manning and maintenance of any vessel to increase navigation and vessel safety and marine environmental protection for vessels carrying oil or any hazardous material in bulk which are documented under the laws of the United States or which enter the navigable waters of the United States. Requires that all such vessels, after January 1, 1978, be equipped with specified navigational devices, a segregated ballast capacity and gas inerting system, and a double hull. Requires that such vessels hold a certificate of compliance issued by the Secretary in order to enter the navigable waters of the United States. Directs the Secretary to prescribe manning and training requirements for the crews of such vessels. Stipulates that the Federal Government shall exercise authority in the 200 mile maritime safety zone established under this Act by: (1) prohibiting the discharge of any oil or hazardous material within such zone; (2) by enforcing the provisions of any international agreement to which the United States is a party concerning navigation or vessel safety or protection of the marine environment; (3) prescribing vessel control traffic; and (4) inspecting vessels destined for any port or place within the United States. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to appoint persons as maritime safety officers. Grants such individuals arrest powers, and boarding and inspection powers, with or without a warrant. Directs the Secretary to establish a national program for inspection of any vessel subject to the Ports and Waterways Safety Act of 1972. Requires yearly inspection of all vessels and a special structure inspection for vessels over ten years old. Specifies the documents which must be kept on board any vessel subject to such Act. Sets forth civil and criminal penalties for violations of this Act. Requires the Secretary to report annually to the Congress regarding: (1) the administration of the Ports and Waterways Safety Act; (2) a summary of inspection and enforcement activities; and (3) recommendations to Congress for any necessary additional legislative authority. Directs the Secretary of State, in cooperation with the Secretary of Commerce, to enter into negotiations with adjacent or opposite foreign nations to establish the boundaries of the maritime safety zone and to enter into negotiations with Canada, Mexico, and any neighboring nation to establish compatible vessel standards and vessel traffic control systems. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to transmit regulations promulgated under this Act to the appropriate international organizations for consideration as international standards. Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary in such amounts as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act. Title II: Increased Use of United States Vessels - Equitable Cargo Share Act - Amends the Merchant Marine Act, 1936, to direct the Secretary of Commerce to assure that at least 20 percent of the gross tonnage of all oil transported on ocean vessels for import into the United States is carried on privately owned United States-flag commercial vessels. Increases such amount to 25 percent after June 30, 1978, and to 30 percent by June 30, 1980, if the tonnage of United States-flag vessels is sufficient to carry such quantities. Authorizes the Secretary to establish a system of reasonable classification of persons and imports subject to such quota and requires that all persons in the same classification be treated in substantially the same manner. Authorizes the Secretary to grant credits toward such import requirements in the case of oil transported by United States vessels, over 100,000 deadweight tons, between foreign ports until an oil discharge facility, capable of discharging fully laden vessels of over 20,000 tons, is in operation on any coast of the United States. Directs the Secretary to report annually to the Congress and the President on the implementation and effectiveness of such import plan. Exempts from this Act refiners whose total capacity is less than 30,000 barrels of oil per day. Stipulates that license fees for imports of crude oil into the United States shall be reduced by 15 cents per barrel for a period of five years from the date of enactment of this Act if the Secretary of the Treasury determines that such oil is being transported on United States-flag vessels and the amount resulting from nonpayment of license fees is passed on to the ultimate consumer.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1977
Defense Production Act Amendments -- Amends the Defense Production Act of 1950 to prohibit any Federal contracting officer who by virtue of his position is authorized to solicit or select sources of supply, or describe requirements for, enter into, award, modify, terminate, administer, or make determinations or findings with respect to any contract while so employed, from accepting compensation from any contractor without the written permission of the standards of conduct counselor for his employing agency. Prohibits such contracting officer from owning a controlling interest in any contractor who has been affected by action taken by such officer. Prohibits such contracting officer from accepting employment within two years following his employment with the United States from any contractor who was affected by the action of such officer within three years prior to the termination of his or her employment with such agency, and from accepting employment with such a contractor in a position which was created or subsidized by revenues realized through a Federal contract handled by such officer until five years after the termination of such officer's employment with such agency. Prohibits contractors from offering to any such officer any compensation such officer is prohibited from receiving under this Act. Establishes a Conflict of Interest Review Board to review compliance by contracting officers with this Act. States that the Board shall issue advisory opinions with respect to compensation offered to such contracting officer after notice is published in the Federal Register and interested parties have had an opportunity to present testimony relating to the issuance of such advisory opinion. States that reliance on such advisory opinion shall be a defense to a civil or criminal case brought under this Act. Requires meetings of the Board at which such advisory opinions will be considered to be open to the public. Authorizes the Board to issue rules to implement this Act. Requires the Board to report annually to Congress respecting its activities and recommendations of legislative or regulatory actions to promote high ethical standards for Government employees. Requires the following persons to file specified information with the Board: (1) former Government employees who were employed in any given fiscal year as a representative of a Government contractor in any action in which the United States was a party or in any transaction with the United States; and (2) any Federal employee who was previously employed by a Government contractor at a salary rate equal to or greater than that for positions in grade GS-13. Exempts specified persons from the filing requirements of the Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1977
Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to promulgate national standards for clinical laboratories. Defines the terms "laboratory" and "clinical laboratory" for purposes of this Act. Directs the Secretary to develop job-related proficiency and practical examinations for clinical laboratory personnel, and to develop mechanisms designed to assure the continued competence of such personnel. Directs the development of standards for the proficiency testing of clinical laboratories. Applies such standards to: (1) clinical laboratories engaged in business in interstate commerce; and (2) any other clinical laboratories located in States which do not have primary enforcement responsibility as provided for by this Act for the regulation of such laboratories. Delegates to States the responsibility for primary enforcement of the national standards over clinical laboratories not engaged in interstate commerce and those that are engaged in interstate commerce and located or doing business within the State when responsibility is specifically delegated by the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to establish a system for the licensure of clinical laboratories subject to the national standards promulgated by the Secretary. States that such licenses shall specify the categories of tests and procedures which such laboratory may perform and shall be valid for a period not to exceed 24 months. Sets forth the requirements for issuance, renewal, and revocation of a license. Provides judicial review for any person aggrieved by the revocation of the license of his laboratory. Applies the national standards to Federal clinical laboratories under the jurisdiction of the Secretary and to all other such laboratories, except those under the jurisdiction of the Armed Forces or the Veterans' Administration or those under any agency which has in effect equally stringent standards. Prohibits the solicitation or acceptance of specimens for laboratory tests or procedures by a clinical laboratory which is required to be licensed by the Secretary and which either does not have such a license or is not permitted under such license to perform the planned test or procedure. Establishes a penalty consisting of a fine or imprisonment or both for the violation of such prohibition. Prohibits false or fraudulent billing practices in connection with services provided under the Social Security Act. Establishes a penalty consisting of a fine or imprisonment or both for the violation of such prohibition. Prohibits an employer from taking action against an employee who has assisted or participated in an investigation of such employer pursuant to this Act. Establishes a procedure for investigating and correcting employers' retaliatory actions against employees. Authorizes the Secretary to provide grants and technical assistance to States to assist in meeting the cost of enforcing the standards established for the regulation of clinical laboratories. Establishes an advisory council on clinical laboratories in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare to advise the Secretary with respect to national standards promulgated under this Act, the implementation and administration of clinical laboratory regulation, and coordination between Federal and State regulatory programs. Directs the Secretary to establish within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare an Office of Clinical Laboratories. States that the purpose of such Office shall be: (1) to establish a uniform regulatory policy for the administration of the functions authorized by this Act, the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and the Medicaid and Medicare programs of the Social Security Act; and (2) to provide guidance for the laboratory components of other health programs administered and enforced by the Secretary. Amends the Social Security Act to prohibit reimbursement under the Medicare, Medicaid or Maternal and Child Health and Crippled Childrens' Services programs for any portion of the cost of a clinical laboratory service which represents a commission, finders fee, or rent which is above the market value of the facility. Prohibits the making of any grant or reimbursement by the Secretary, or the award of any contract under the Medicare or Medicaid programs of the Social Security Act, including but not limited to grants to or contracts with hospitals, or skilled nursing facilities, or in connection with the procurement and reimbursement for clinical laboratory services, unless the laboratory meets the licensing requirements established by the Secretary. Raises the status of the offense of defrauding the Medicare and Medicaid programs from that of a misdemeanor to that of a felony. Increases the maximum fine for such offenses from $10,000 to $25,000. Increases the maximum term of imprisonment from one to five years. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study of existing regulations governing the qualifications of clinical laboratory supervisors, technologists, and technicians, and of the regulatory bodies established to develop and enforce such regulations. Requires such study: (1) to assess the need for national standards for certifying laboratory technical personnel and certifying entities; (2) to project the numbers of laboratory personnel who will be needed in 1980, 1985, and 1990; and (3) to analyze the costs to laboratories of compliance with such national standards should they be promulgated as a result of such study. Directs the Secretary to study the financial arrangements entered into by hospitals, reimbursed for the provision of health services under the Medicare and Medicaid programs, for the provision of clinical laboratory services by persons who provide such services in such hospitals. Directs the Secretary to report the findings of such study to Congress within six months, and that the study include recommendations for such corrective legislation as the Secretary determines to be necessary.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1977
Declares that specified land of the United States shall be held in trust for specified communities of the Mdewakanton Sioux in Minnesota. Includes the land held in trust for each community under this Act in the reservation lands of such community.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1977
Authorizes the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to construct a replacement lock and dam project on the Mississippi River near Alton, Illinois. Authorizes the Secretary to undertake steps to provide for wildlife protection and recreational activities in conjunction with such project. Withdraws all authority for the Secretary of the Army to construct or study the feasibility of construction or modification of channels in the Mississippi River north of its juncture with the Illinois River. Creates an Upper Mississippi River System Council. Directs the Council to prepare a master plan by 1981 for the management of the Upper Mississippi River. Requires public hearings on a preliminary plan prior to preparation of a final plan. Establishes criteria to be considered in preparing such master plan. Authorizes the appropriation of $20,000,000 for such study.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1977
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide payment for rural health clinic services pursuant to program of Supplementary Medical Insurance Benefits for the aged and Disabled of such Title.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1977
Authorizes the Attorney General, in his discretion, in the case of any alien who is a native or citizen of Vietnam, Laos, or Cambodia and who has been inspected and admitted or paroled into the United States, to adjust the status of such alien to that of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence. Sets forth conditions for the granting of such adjusted status. Applies this Act to the resident spouse and children of any alien whose status is changed pursuant to this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1977
National Oil Pollution Liability and Compensation Act - Establishes a National Oil Pollution Compensation Fund in the Treasury of the United States for the purpose of paying otherwise uncompensated losses resulting from oil pollution. Enumerates the sources of moneys to be deposited in such fund, including a fee not to exceed three cents per barrel of oil, imposed upon owners of facilities involved in the transportation of oil. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to issue obligations to the Secretary of the Treasury at times when fund assets are insufficient to meet fund liabilities. Imposes joint, several, and strict liability upon the owners and operators of oil pollution sources. Specifies liability limits, except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct, for owners and operators of vessels and facilities. Requires owners of such vessels and facilities to maintain evidence of financial responsibility in an amount sufficient to satisfy applicable liability limits. Stipulates items which shall be recoverable as damages under this Act for losses resulting from discharges of oil. Establishes procedures for the administration of claims under this Act by the Secretary of Transportation. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to act on behalf of the public as trustee of the natural resources to recover for damages to such resources and for cleanup costs. Authorizes the Attorney General to act on behalf of groups of persons damaged by oil spills. Authorizes foreign claims for damages arising within the jurisdiction of the United States. Stipulates that documents and information relating to oil spill liability and compensation shall be made available to the public within specified limits as governed by the Freedom of Information Act. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to submit annual reports to Congress on the administration of the fund. Authorizes the appropriation of the following sums for the administration of this Act: $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1978; and $5,000,000 per year for fiscal years 1979 and 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1977
Solar Energy Government Building Act - Title I: Solar Hot Water and Space Heating Program for Federal Building - Directs the Administrator of General Services to establish a solar hot water and space heating devices in 15,000 federally owned buildings within six fiscal years following the date of enactment of this Act. Directs the Administrator to annually survey Federal buildings to determine those most suitable for the installation of solar hot water and space heating devices, considering geographic distribution and life-cycle cost evaluations in making such determination. Directs the Administrator to report annually to Congress on the status of the Program, including recommendations for future funding levels necessary to fully implement the six-year target set forth in this Act. Establishes an Advisory Committee on the Solar Energy Government Building Program of specified Government executives to assist the Administrator in the establishment and conduct of the Program. Authorizes the appropriation of $100,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1978 through 1983 for the purposes of this title. Title II: Federal Photovoltaic Utilization Program - Establishes a Federal Photovoltaic Utilization Program for the annual acquisition and use of photovoltaic solar electric systems, primarily for use by the Department of Defense. Directs the Administrator of General Services to administer the program with the assistance of the Secretary of Defense. Directs the Administrator of the Energy Research and Development Administration to establish a photovoltaic system evaluation and purchase program to insure that such systems reflect the most advanced, low-cost technology. Authorizes the appropriations of $25,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1978 through 1982 for design and engineering aspects of the program. Authorizes the appropriation of $100,000,000 for photovoltaic system acquisition in fiscal year 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1977
Library Services and Construction Act Amendments - Authorizes the appropriation of $150,000,000 for fiscal year 1977 and each succeeding fiscal year ending prior to October 1, 1982, for the purpose of making grants to States for library services. Authorizes the appropriation of $97,000,000 for fiscal year 1977 and each succeeding fiscal year ending prior to October 1, 1982, for the purpose of making grants to States for public library construction. Authorizes the appropriations of $20,000,000 for fiscal year 1977 and each succeeding fiscal year ending prior to October 1, 1982, for the purpose of making grants to States to enable them to carry out interlibrary cooperation programs. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary for fiscal year ending 1977 and each succeeding fiscal year ending prior to October 11, 1982, for the purpose of making grants to States to enable them to carry out public library service programs for older persons. Declares an additional purpose of the Library Services and Construction Act to strengthen major urban resource libraries. Defines "major urban resource library" as any public library located in a standard metropolitan statistical area with a population of 100,000 or more individuals. Directs the Commissioner of Education to make grants to States which have approved programs for the strengthening of major urban resource libraries. Extends the limitations placed on State grants to permit use of such grants for: (1) the support and expansion of library services of major urban resource libraries; (2) the support and expansion of library services of any public library of a State in which no major urban resource library exists. Requires a State to expend a specific percentage of the Federal funds it receives under such Act to support and expand the library services of the major urban resource libraries within such State, or in a State without such libraries, to support and expand the services of the public libraries of such State.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1977
Minority Business Development Act - Establishes the Minority Business Development Administration in the Department of Commerce. Creates the position of the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Minority Business Development to direct such Administration. Empowers the Assistant Secretary to make grants and enter into contracts with any person in order to provide management and technical assistance to minority enterprises. Sets forth the functions of the Assistant Secretary including the establishment of goals for other Federal departments which may affect minority business enterprises and the collection and dissemination of information useful for the undertaking and the promoting of minority businesses. Direct the heads of Federal departments to cooperate with the Secretary of Commerce by furnishing specified information. Calls for interagency cooperation with the Assistant Secretary's investigative function. Directs the Assistant Secretary to submit an annual report to the President, the Office of Management and Budget, and Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1977
Family Farm Security Act - Title I: Land Acquisition Loans - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to guarantee loans to enable young people who wish to engage in farming on a career basis to purchase land necessary for such purpose. Stipulates that no loan shall be guaranteed in an amount in excess of: (1) 75 percent of its total amount; (2) the appraised value of the property; or (3) $150,000, whichever is less. Authorizes the Secretary to make payment adjustments extending payments for up to an additional ten years for loans having a maximum term of 20 years. Authorizes the Secretary during the first ten years of a loan, at the borrower's request, to pay a portion of the payment due under such terms as the Secretary deems appropriate. Requires the borrower to pay the remainder and to begin to repay the Secretary, in the eleventh year, for any sums paid on his behalf unless such individual is granted an extension. Stipulates that such loans may only be made available to individuals who would be unable to purchase the farmland for which the loan is made without the assistance of this Act. Directs the Secretary to provide for the appointment of local county committees to assist in the screening of applicants for loan guarantees and payment adjustment assistance. Authorizes appropriations in such amounts as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this title. Requires the Secretary to report to specified committees of Congress the amount of funds required to operate the loan guarantee program within two years after the enactment of this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to guarantee such loans in an amount up to five times the funds appropriated for such purpose. Title II: Operating Loans - Authorizes the Secretary to make operating loans of up to $50,000 to individuals whose loans are guaranteed under title I of this Act and who are unable to finance their actual needs at reasonable rates and terms through commercial sources. Sets forth the repayment period and interest rate for such loans. Authorizes appropriations in such amounts as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this title.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1977
Emergency Unemployment Compensation Extension Act - Redefines the "on" and "off" indicators used in determining emergency benefit periods under the Emergency Unemployment Compensation Act of 1974. Stipulates that amounts appropriated to the Extended Unemployment Compensation Account shall not be repayable advances. Extends the period for which emergency compensation is payable to encompass weeks ending on or before March 31, 1978, and, in the case of any individual who had a compensable week on or before March 31, 1978, weeks ending on or before June 30, 1978. Provides compensation to individuals in approved training programs after exhaustion of the maximum amount of emergency compensation otherwise payable.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1977
Regulatory Reform Act - Requires the President to submit to Congress a plan recommending reforms with respect to the regulation of: (1) energy, the environment, housing, and occupational health and safety by specified Federal agencies by April 30, 1979; (2) transportation and communications by specified Federal agencies by April 30, 1981; (3) banking and finance, international trade, and Government procurement by specified Federal agencies by April 30, 1983; and (4) food, consumer health and safety, economic trade practices, and labor- management concerns by specified Federal agencies by April 30, 1985. States that each such plan shall include recommendations for reform of such specified agencies and shall report on the cumulative impact of all Government regulatory activity reviewed, up to that date, on specific industry groupings. States that if the President fails to submit such plans by the specified dates, the Senate and House Committees on Government Operations shall draft their own plans to be submitted to Congress for action. Requires the Comptroller General and the Congressional Budget Office, contemporaneously with the development of the President's plan, to submit a report assessing the purpose, effects, efficiency, and cost effectiveness of each agency included in the plans submitted by the President. States that if no comprehensive regulatory reform legislation is enacted by August 1 of the year following the year in which a comprehensive plan has been submitted by the President, then all agencies affected thereby shall have no authority to issue any new rules not essential for preserving the public health and safety; if such reform is not enacted by October 1 of such year, such agency shall have no authority to enforce any rule not essential for preserving the public health and safety; if no such reform is enacted by December 31 of such year, such agency shall be terminated on such date. States that all rules of such terminated agency essential for preserving the public health and safety shall remain effective and shall be enforced by the Department of Justice. Requires the President to submit subsequent plans in the manner and in the order and frequency set forth by this Act every ten years.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1977
Establishes a two-year, seven-member advisory committee to advise the Administrator of the Federal Grain Inspection Service with respect to the implementation of the United States Grain Standards Act of 1976. Amends such Act to repeal the requirement that the State and other official agencies designated to perform inspection or weighing functions pay fees to the Administrator to cover the costs of the direct supervision of personnel of such agencies by the field office personnel of the Federal GRain Inspection Service. Authorizes appropriations to cover such supervisory costs. Amends each Act relative to recordkeeping. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, within six months of the effective date of this Act, to review certain recordkeeping provisions of Federal law and the regulations of the Commodity Credit Corporation as they apply to grain elevators, warehouses or other grain storage and handling facilities. Directs the Secretary on the basis of such review, to establish a single system for recordkeeping by such facilities that will meet the requirements of such regulations and the law.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1977
Public Official Integrity Act - Title I: Amendments to Title 28, United States Code - Requires the Attorney General to investigate all specific allegations of criminal law violations by specified individuals, including the President, Vice President, persons in the Executive branch compensated at a rate of pay prescribed for positions I and II of the Executive Schedule, and any national campaign manager or chairman of any national campaign committee seeking the election or reelection of the President. Requires the Attorney General to decide within 60 days whether the matter warrants prosecution and if so, directs him to apply to the division of the U.S. Courts of Appeals responsible for the appointment of a special prosecutor. Requires the Attorney General to apply for the appointment of a special prosecutor whenever, in the course of any criminal investigation, he determines that the continuing investigation or resulting prosecution may so directly and substantially affect the political or personal interests of the President or the Attorney General or the interests of the President's political party as to make it inappropriate in the interest of the administration of justice for the Department of Justice to conduct such investigation. Enumerates the authority and duties of a special prosecutor. Gives a special prosecutor all the investigative and prosecutorial functions and powers of the Department except those which specifically require the Attorney General's personal action. Requires a special prosecutor to report annually to Congress and at the conclusion of such special prosecutor's duties to the division of the court. Requires a special prosecutor to promptly advise the House of Representatives of any substantial and credible information which may constitute grounds for an impeachment. States that a special prosecutor may only be removed from office by impeachment and conviction, or by the Attorney General for extraordinary improprieties, malfeasance in office, willful neglect of duty, permanent incapacitation, or conduct constituting a felony. Permits the division of the court to terminate an office of special prosecutor at any time on the grounds that the investigations and prosecutions of such prosecutor have been completed. Requires the chief judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia to assign three judges or justices for two-year periods to a division of the Court to be the special panel of the court for the appointment of special prosecutors. Terminates the provisions of this Act which pertain to a special prosecutor five years after the date on which this Act takes effect. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to be held by the Department as a contingent fund for the use of any special prosecutor appointed pursuant to this Act. Requires the Attorney General to promulgate rules requiring any officer or employee of the Department, including a United States Attorney, to disqualify himself from participation in a particular investigation or prosecution if such participation may result in a personal, financial, or political conflict of interests or the appearance of such conflict. Establishes within the Department an Office of Government Crimes to be directed by a person appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate and who has not, during the five years preceeding such appointment, held a high-level position of trust and responsibility on the personal campaign staff of, or in an organization or political party working on behalf of, a candidate for any elective Federal Office. Confers upon the Office jurisdiction over: (1) criminal violations of Federal law related to his Government position, employment, or compensation, by any individual who holds or who held a position as an elected or appointed Federal Government officer, employee or special employee; (2) criminal violations of Federal laws relating to lobbying, conflicts of interest, campaigns, and election to public office committed by any person except insofar as such violations relate to matters involving discrimination or intimidation on the grounds of race color, religion or national origin; (3) the supervision of investigations and prosecutions of criminal violations of Federal law involving State or local government officials or employees; and (4) such other matters as the Attorney General may deem appropriate except as to matters referred to the special prosecutor pursuant to this Act. Requires the Attorney General to report annually to Congress on the activities of the Office. Title II: Congressional Legal Counsel - Establishes as an office of Congress, the Office of Congressional Counsel headed by a Congressional Legal Counsel. Makes the office directly accountable to the Joint Leadership Group established under this Act. Directs the Office to defend Congress, a Member, officer, or employee of Congress, or any agency or committee of Congress in a civil action which arises from performance of official duties if so authorized by a two-thirds vote of the Leadership Group of the relevant House or Houses or by a majority vote of the relevant House or Houses of Congress. Directs the Office to bring a civil action to enforce a Congressional subpoena if authorized to do so by a majority vote of the appropriated House. Directs the Office to represent the interests of Congress as intervenor or amicus curiae in a suit in which Congress is not a party if authorized by the appropriate House, in the event such appearance or intervention is in the name of one House, or by both Houses in the event that such appearance or intervention is in the name of the entire Congress. Authorizes to be appropriated for each fiscal year through fiscal year 1982, such sums as may be necessary to enable the Office to carry out its duties and functions. Provides that until such sums are first appropriated, for a period of up to 12 months, the expenses of the office shall be paid from the contingent fund of the Senate. Title III: Government Personnel; Financial Disclosure Requirements - Declares it to be the policy of the United States that there be uniform requirements for full public financial disclosure by high-level officers and employees of the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches of the Government. States that such financial disclosure requirements shall not be inconsistent with the public financial disclosure requirements contained in the Code of Official Conduct adopted by the Senate.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1977
Victims of Crime Act - Directs the Attorney General to make grants to qualified State programs for the compensation of victims of crime. Specifies requirements for program certification, including that the program (1) offer compensation for personal injuries suffered as a result of certain State and Federal crimes, (2) offer compensation to surviving dependents of persons whose deaths resulted from being victim to such a crime, (3) require cooperation with law enforcement agencies as a condition for recovery, (4) grant claimants the right to a hearing, and (5) subrogate the State to any claim the victim or dependent has against the perpetrator to the extent of the amount compensated by the State. States that grants made under this Act shall total 50 percent of the allowable compensation paid to victims and dependent survivors of victims of State crimes designated by the State as appropriate for compensation under this program and 100 percent of the allowable compensation paid to victims and dependent survivors of victims of crimes which would constitute designated State crimes except for the fact that the crime is subject to exclusive Federal jurisdiction. Limits compensation with respect to any single claim to (1) loss resulting from medical and related treatment, physical and occupational therapy and rehabilitation, and past and anticipated future earnings up to $200 per week and (2) a total of $50,000. Establishes an Advisory Committee on Victims of Crime to advise the Attorney General with respect to the administration of this Act and the compensation of victims of crime.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1977
Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1968 to allow the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to initiate civil actions to enforce the provisions of such Act. Permits courts to award attorneys' fees to prevailing plaintiffs in civil rights actions without regard to financial ability to assume such fees.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1977
Federal Employees Flexible and Compressed Work Schedules Act - Requires the Civil Service Commission to develop a three-year comprehensive plan to provide for the establishment of flexible and compressed work schedule experiments within executive agencies. Directs the head of each agency to determine whether or not the implementation of such an experimental program would be in the best interest of the agency. Requires the Chairperson of the Commission to take appropriate action to include any requesting agency in the implementation of the comprehensive plan. Title I: Flexible Scheduling of Work Hours - Permits Federal agencies to conduct one or more experiments to test flexible schedules which include: (1) designated hours and days during which an employee on such a schedule must be present for work; and (2) designated hours during which employees on such a schedule may elect the times of their arrival and departure. Empowers the head of an agency, at the request of an employee participating in a flexible hour program, to grant such employee compensatory time off in lieu of payment of such overtime hours. Disallows, with specified exceptions, the payment of premium pay for night-work to an employee working a flexible hour schedule solely because such employee elects to work optional hours at a time of day for which premium pay is otherwise authorized. Limits the number of optional hours which an employee on a flexible schedule may accumulate for carryover from a biweekly pay period to the succeeding biweekly pay period. Title II: Four-day Week and Other Compressed Work Schedules - Permits agencies to conduct one or more experiments to test a four-day workweek or other compressed schedules. Details provisions relating to the payment or overtime pay, Sunday pay, and holiday pay to individuals working such a schedule. Title III: Administrative Provisions - Prohibits the inclusion within any experiment under Titles I or II of this Act of employees within a unit with respect to which an organization of government employees has been accorded exclusive recognition except to the extent expressly provided under a written agreement between the agency and such organization. Prohibits the intimidation or coercion of other employees who are participating in an experiment under Titles I or II with respect to their rights under this Act. Sets forth reporting requirements for the Commission with respect to programs carried out under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1977
Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to establish the price support of milk at not less than 90 percent of the parity price therefor beginning at the start of the new marketing year. Requires semiannual adjustments but authorizes quarterly adjustments when there are sharp increases in the index of prices paid by farmers. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a sell-back price at a level high enough to encourage holding of stocks by the private sector rather than the Commodity Credit Corporation.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1977
Amends the Social Security Act to provide that, if the delivery day for benefit checks under titles II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) and XVI (Supplemental Security Income Program) falls on a Saturday, Sunday or legal public holiday, benefit checks for such month shall be mailed for delivery on the first day preceding such designated day which is not a Saturday, Sunday or legal public holiday, without regard to whether the delivery of such checks is made in the same calendar month for which such benefit checks are issued. Requires the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to make the same provision for the mailing of veterans' benefits checks.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1977
Amends the Small Business Act to authorize the Small Business Administration to offer reinsurance to any insurer or pool against excess losses resulting from products liability claims or completed operations claims against small business concerns. Authorizes the Administration to establish such limits on liability and charges for reinsurance as it deems appropriate.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1977
Amends the National Labor Relations Act to require an employer which assumes the ownership or operation of a business to honor any applicable collective bargaining contract in its entirety. Amends the Labor Management Relations Act to permit a labor organization to bring suit against a new employer which refuses to honor an existing agreement in United States district court regardless of the citizenship of the parties or amount in controversy.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1977
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide payment for optometric and medical vision care under the supplementary medical insurance program.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1977
National Meals-on-Wheels Act - Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to allow States to distribute Federal Funds for the establishment of: (1) projects to provide home-delivered meals to qualified homebound elderly persons; (2) an information and referral system for homebound individuals receiving such meals; and (3) an operation to seek volunteer personnel for the delivery of such meals and to compensate such personnel for related transportation expenses. Authorizes the appropriation of specified sums in fiscal years 1978 and 1979 for the purpose of providing home-delivered meals under this Act. Limits to five percent the amount of such funds which may be spent upon the administration of such program. Directs the Commissioner of the Administration on Aging to conduct a demonstration project involving at least three States to determine the feasibility of using the meals system designed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration for the elderly as a component of, or substitute for, regular nutrition projects assisted under the Older Americans Act of 1965.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1977
Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961: (1) to increase to $196,800,000 the appropriations authorized for fiscal year 1977 for military assistance; and (2) to limit to $34,500,000 for fiscal year 1977 the authorization of appropriations for military assistance for Portugal.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1977
Wage Supplements for Handicapped Individuals Act - Amends the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to authorize the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to conduct demonstration projects, either directly or by way of arrangement with public or private agencies, for the payment of wage supplements to handicapped individuals who are employed in sheltered workshops or work activity centers which meet certain standards, including any promulgated under this Act by the Secretary jointly with the Secretary of Labor.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1977
Extends up to three years the delimiting period of educational benefits paid by the Veterans' Administration to any veteran who was enrolled as a full-time student pursuing an approved course of education when his eligibility expired, or was enrolled as a part-time student receiving educational benefits, a loan or compensation under a program provided for in the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1977
Emergency Natural Gas Act - Authorizes the President to declare natural gas emergencies where severe natural gas shortages threaten the supply of natural gas for high-priority uses in areas of the United States. Authorizes the President to order transfers of supplies of interstate natural gas from one pipeline to another, or order the construction and operation of additional facilities to alleviate natural gas shortages. Stipulates that no such delivery or transportation may continue after April 30, 1977. Stipulates that such transfers as ordered by the President shall not subject the pipeline to regulation under the Natural Gas Act or other provisions of State or Federal law. Establishes procedures for enforcement orders and subpenas issued under this Act. Establishes criteria for compensation of pipelines for compliance with such orders. Exempts activities pursuant to this Act from the antitrust laws. Authorizes the President to require contracts for purchases of emergency supplies of natural gas before August 1, 1977. Stipulates that such transactions shall be exempt from Federal Power Commission regulation under the Natural Gas Act. Imposes civil and criminal penalties for violations of orders issued under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1977
Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to allow airlines to offer reduced air fares to individuals 21 years of age or younger or 65 years of age or older.
![Official portrait of Sen. Humphrey, Hubert H. [D-MN]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/h000953_200.jpg)