United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1978
Gasohol Motor Fuel Act - Requires the Secretary of Energy to establish a program to promote the development and use of alcohol-blended fuels in the United States. Directs the Secretary to study the most suitable raw materials for the production of alcohol-blended fuels. Requires that such study emphasize alternative fuel sources to petroleum and natural gas, and evaluate the efficiency of various production and distribution systems. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress within six months after the enactment of this Act concerning the results of such study. Directs the Secretary to set production goals for alcohol- blended fuel development within six months after the completion of the study. Directs the Secretary to require that motor fuel sold in 1981 be one percent alcohol-blended. Sets increasing percentage requirements for succeeding years ending in 1990 where motor fuel shall be ten percent alcohol-blended. Empowers the Secretary to enforce the provisions of this Act and enumerates the enforcement procedures and penalties. Requires that all facilities constructed to distill alcohol for motor fuel use shall use fuel sources which are renewable. Directs the Secretary to establish, within six months after the enactment of this Act, procedures for the certification of alcohol distilling facilities. Requires the Secretary to give first priority for fuel sources to operate such distillation facilities to renewable energy resources. Grants last priority for fuel sources to petroleum, petroleum derivatives and natural gas. Empowers the Secretary to waive the preference for renewable resources upon a finding that they are economically or technically infeasible for use as fuel sources to power distillation facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1978
Food Amendments Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require processors of food for human consumption to develop, implement, and maintain adequate safety assurance procedures for each establishment which they own or operate. Sets forth requisite considerations in the development of such procedures. Exempts food processors whose establishments are unlikely, because of the nature or volume of food processing, to create more than a minimal risk of adulteration. Exempts from such procedures the processing of fresh fruits and vegetables, on-farm processing, fishing or the holding of fish on a vessel, and processing of food in a retail establishment. Provides that if the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare finds that any class of food is processed, stored, or handled so as to present an unreasonable risk of adulteration, or existing safety assurance procedures are not adequate to protect against such risk, he shall immediately publish such finding in the Federal Register and promulgate regulations, to be effective within one year, establishing safety assurance standards. Provides that if the Secretary finds that a threat to the public health caused by adulteration of food requires the immediate adoption of, or immediate amendment to, an applicable safety assurance standard, he may promulgate such standard or amendment, without compliance with procedural prerequisites, and shall comply therewith as soon as practicable. Requires persons, subject to the requirements of this Act, to keep and make available such records, pertaining to safety assurance procedures and standards, as the Secretary may require. States that whenever a food processor acquires information indicating that any food which he has processed and which has left his control may be adulterated, or whenever such a processor institutes a recall of any food, such processor shall immediately notify the Secretary. Permits any person to commence a civil action for mandatory or prohibitive injunctive relief against food processors in violation of this Act or regulations thereunder, or against the Secretary for failure to fulfill the requirements of this Act. States that the rulings of the court in any such action shall not be a bar to the institution of any judicial or administrative proceeding by the Secretary. Exempts from such provisions relating to safety assurance the processing of poultry, meat, and eggs, to the extent of the application of other specified statutes. Requires the Secretary to cooperate with the Small Business Administration for loans to assist affected small business concerns to comply with such provisions. Requires food manufacturers and packers to establish and implement a system of food coding, and apply such to all food products, which identifies the manufacturer, the plant, the food, the lot or batch number, and the date of packing. Directs the Secretary to make public sufficient information to enable consumers to comprehend the basic purposes of such coding systems. Exempts from such coding requirements packaged food which is packed in a retail establishment for sale therein or food not intended for human consumption. Permits the detainment for 20 days of any food, in interstate commerce, found or believed to be adulterated. Permits such detainment pending a seizure action, an action for injunction, or pending notification by the Secretary to a governmental authority having jurisdiction over such food. Imposes a civil penalty of $10,000 for each day of commission of prohibited acts regarding food, under the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Sets forth procedures for and rights relating to proceedings for issuance, amendment, or repeal of any regulation authorized under such Act. Permits the awarding of attorneys' fees for rulemaking proceedings and litigation, under specified conditions. Provides, under such Act, that as to establishments for the manufacturing, processing, preparing, packaging, or holding of food, inspection shall extend to records bearing upon whether a food may be adulterated. Provides, under such Act, that any person who imports, or offers for importation, into the United States any food or class of food shall file a certificate with the Secretary prior to such importation identifying the food or class of foods and establishing that such food or class has been produced in accordance with safety assurance procedures and standards under such Act. States that the disclosure of information under this Act shall be governed by the Freedom of Information Act, except that if the Secretary determines that information is not a trade secret, but the originator of such information does so claim, the Secretary shall notify such originator with particularity of his intention to disclose, and shall not disclose such information until ten days following receipt of such information by such originator. Directs the Commissioner of Food and Drugs to establish regional offices for facilitating the administration of such Act. Imposes criminal penalties of up to one year imprisonment and/or a $10,000 fine for commission of prohibited acts relating to food under such Act, by individuals who act knowingly, willfully, or without the care of a prudent man under the circumstances. Authorizes the Secretary to require food processors to submit to him a registration statement, describing plant locations and foods processed therein, and to update such statement as appropriate. Permits exemptions from such requirement where it is determined that such registration is not necessary for the prevention of an unreasonable risk of adulteration of food or for the protection of the public health. Exempts from such registration the processing of poultry, meat, and eggs, to the extent such processing is covered by other statutes; processing of food in a retail establishment; processing of alcoholic beverages; and fishing vessels or the holding of fish. Subjects both registered and exempted establishments to inspection under this Act. Provides, under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act relating to misbranded foods, that dates on labels shall conform to regulations promulgated by the Secretary. Requires such regulations to: (1) identify those foods, except fruits and vegetables, for which date information is required to promote honesty and fair dealing; (2) require such foods to bear on the package or label the date by which it is recommended that such food be sold at retail for consumption or the date after which it is recommended that such food not be sold; and (3) require that such date be printed on the package or label of such food in a clear and conspicuous manner and in such form as will enable the consumer readily to identify and understand the significance of such date. States that packaged foods for human consumption, except fresh fruits and vegetables, to which vitamin, mineral, or amino acid has been added, or for which any claim respecting the presence of any vitamin, mineral, or amino acid or respecting nutritional value is made on the package or label, or in advertising or promotion, shall be deemed misbranded unless nutritional information is provided in accordance with regulations promulgated by the Secretary. Requires mandatory ingredients of foods to be listed on the labels. Requires each ingredient to be listed by its common or usual name. Permits the Secretary to exempt from such requirements foods received in bulk containers at retail establishments, under specified conditions, and incidental additives present in foods. Requires public eating places serving margarine or oleomargarine to conspicuously notify the public of such fact. States that, unless a State or local law promotes the interests of consumers without unduly burdening interstate commerce, Federal labeling laws shall supersede all State and local laws. Exempts alcoholic beverages from the labeling requirements of this Act relating to date information, nutritional information, and ingredient listing by common name, but requires a study of the need for non- exemption of such beverages. Requires a study of the need for a logo or symbol on labels indicating the absence of artificial flavors or colors.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1978
Authorizes the appointment of Members of Congress to meet with representatives of the Japanese Diet for discussion of common problems in the interests of relations between the United States and Japan.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1978
Family Planning Services and Population Research Act Extension - Amends the Public Health Service Act to extend for five fiscal years authorization of appropriations for family planning programs.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1978
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Act Extension - Amends the Public Health Service Act to extend for five years authorization of appropriations for sudden infant death syndrome counseling, information, educational, and statistical programs.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1978
Authorizes the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution to acquire the Museum of African Art. Establishes within the Smithsonian Institution a bureau to be known as the Museum of African Art. Sets forth the functions of such bureau. Establishes a Commission for the Museum of African Art to assist the Board in the operation and development of the Museum. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1978
Amends Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to extend medical assistance under such Title to individuals who are unable to care for their personal needs due to a physical or mental handicap which may result in death or which has lasted or may last continuously for at least one year.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1978
Social Security Refinancing Act - Amends Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) and XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, and the Internal Revenue Code to finance the payment of disability insurance benefits and hospital insurance benefits through general tax revenues, rather than through employment and self-employment tax revenues. Reduces employment and self-employment tax rates below the rates established by the Social Security Financing Amendments of 1977.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1978
Regulatory Procedures Reform Act - Title I: Planning and Management - Amends the Administrative Procedure Act to establish a single GS-18-level office in each agency to plan and manage the agency's regulatory activities. Requires such office to: (1) adopt deadlines and track the process of regulatory proceedings; (2) establish priorities; (3) improve administrative procedure; (4) periodically review agency regulations and identify those which are inconsistent or no longer necessary; and (5) report annually to Congress on the extent to which the agency has met the deadlines it has set for itself pursuant to this Act for the resolution of matters before it and on the priorities of such agency. Title II: Administrative Procedures - Requires persons initiating any matter before an agency to submit in writing all the facts and arguments upon which such person proposes to reply. Requires each agency considering a matter subject to this Act to conduct an informal hearing at the conclusion of which the presiding employee shall designate any disputed question of fact or remaining question of law for resolution in an adjudicative hearing but only if he determines that such a matter can only be resolved with sufficient accuracy in such an adjudicative hearing. Establishes civil penalties for failure to comply with an agency subpena. Requires each agency to maintain public files of significant agency actions along with copies of the briefs and arguments submitted with respect to such actions. Authorizes the establishment of employee boards to review decisions of presiding employees. Permits such review only when the agency issues a public finding which specifies the particular issues to be reviewed. Title III: Administrative Law Judges - Changes references to "hearing examiners" in the Act to "administrative law judges." Establishes procedures for appointing persons as administrative law judges. Title IV: General Provisions - Establishes the effective date of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1978
Health Services Extension Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 1979: (1) for grants to State health and mental health authorities to assist in meeting the costs of providing comprehensive public health services; (2) for immunization of children; (3) for the control of diseases borne by rodents; (4) for other disease control programs; (5) for programs for the prevention and control of venereal disease; (6) for testing and counseling, information and education concerning programs relating to genetic diseases; and (7) for lead-based paint poisoning prevention. Establishes a program of grants to the States for hypertension control programs. Authorizes the appropriation of funds for such programs through fiscal year 1979. Amends the Act to extend through fiscal year 1983 the authorization of appropriations: (1) for planning and developing migrant health centers; (2) for operating such centers; (3) for inpatient and outpatient hospital services for migrant workers in high impact areas; (4) for planning and developing community health centers; and (5) for operating community health centers. Amends the Act to authorize appropriations through fiscal year 1981: (1) for hemophilia programs; (2) for blood separation centers; (3) for primary care centers in community hospitals as such hospitals are defined for purposes of this Act; and (4) for establishing, operating and training personnel for home health services as defined in the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1978
College Opportunity Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to revise the standards for determining the family contribution with regard to basic student grant amounts authorized by such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1978
National Institutes of Health Care Research Act - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish the National Institutes of Health Care Research. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Institutes, to conduct and support research, demonstrations, evaluations, and statistical and epidemiological activities respecting the accessibility, acceptability, planning, organization, distribution, utilization, and financing of systems for the delivery of health care. Establishes the National Institute for Health Policy Research in the Institutes and requires the Secretary, acting through such Institute, to undertake and support research evaluation and demonstration projects respecting health services systems and delivery. Establishes the National Institute for Health Statistics and Epidemiology in the Institutes and requires the Secretary, acting through such Institute, to collect statistics on the extent and nature of illness and disability of the population of the United States. Establishes in the Institutes the National Center for the Evaluation of Medical Technology. Requires the Secretary, acting through such Center, to establish, in consultation with the Council for the Evaluation of Medical Technology, priorities for research, demonstrations, and evaluations of medical technologies. Lists guidelines for establishing such priorities. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Center, to assist public and/or private nonprofit entities in meeting the costs of planning and establishing new centers for research, demonstrations, and evaluations concerning the safety, efficiency, effectiveness, social, ethical and economic impact of particular medical technologies. Directs the Secretary to establish in such Center a National Council for the Evaluation of Medical Technologies. Authorizes the Council to publish material on exemplary standards, norms, and criteria concerning the utilization of particular medical technologies. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1979, 1980 and 1981 for: (1) health services research, evaluation, and demonstration activities; (2) health statistical and epidemiological activities; and (3) medical technology research, evaluation and demonstration activities. Requires the Secretary to provide National Research Service Awards to the Institutes and for research matters set forth in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1978
Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs Assistance Act - Authorizes the Commissioner of Education to provide financial assistance to assist in the development of the Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis-Saint Paul. Authorizes up to $5,000,000 to be appropriated for such purpose.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1978
Title I: Community Mental Health Centers Extension - Community Mental Health Centers Extension Act - Amends the Mental Retardation Facilities and Community Mental Health Centers Construction Act of 1963 to authorize through fiscal year 1979 appropriations for: (1) grants for planning community mental health centers (CMHC) programs; (2) public or nonprofit private community mental health centers and other public or private nonprofit entities which provide mental health services; (3) consultation and educational services of CMHC's; and (4) the National Center for the Prevention and Control of Rape. Allows unexpended grants made to CMHC's to be carried forward to the subsequent grant period without being deducted from the subsequent grant award. Title II: Biomedical Research Extension - Biomedical Research Extension Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Surgeon General to make research chemicals and research animals available to appropriate public authorities, health officials and scientists engaged in special study. Directs that the appointed members of the Board of Regents of the National Library of Medicine be appointees of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare rather than of the President. Authorizes through fiscal year 1981 appropriations for medical libraries for programs under the Public Health Service Act. Authorizes the Director of the National Cancer Institute to provide for the establishment of new centers for basic research. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1979 for the National Cancer Institute. Authorizes through fiscal year 1979 appropriations for research and training in diseases of the heart, blood vessels, lung, and blood and the management of blood resources. Requires that National Research Service Awards to include cost of living increase allowances. Reduces from 20 months to 12 months the length of service in a health-related activity in which a nonteaching recipient of a National Health Service Award must engage for each year of such Award to the individual. Establishes a new formula for the calculation of the amount which the United States is entitled to recover from an individual who fails to fulfill the service obligations incurred by receipt of a National Health Service Award. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1979, 1980, and 1981 for payments under National Research Service Awards and grants for such Awards.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1978
Community Employment Development Act - Title I: Comprehensive Employment and Training Act Amendments - Extends the authorization for appropriations for activities under the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act of 1973. Revises the method for determining the maximum allocation of funds under such Act for the Special Federal Responsibilities programs and the Job Corps. Amends the formula for allocating funds for Comprehensive Manpower Services to, among other changes, channel a greater percentage of money to prime sponsors with high unemployment rates and with a high number of low-income persons. Limits eligibility for participation in the public service employment program to persons who (1) have been unemployed for at least 12 weeks, (2) have engaged in intensive job search activities, (3) have had income of 70 percent or less of the low-income level during the three months prior to being employed, and (4) have, where appropriate, been offered search and relocation allowances under the Trade Act of 1974. Revises requirements for sponsor applications for public service employment assistance. Replaces the Emergency Jobs Programs with a Countercyclical Employment Program whose purpose is to provide public service employment for a number of persons equal to 25 percent of the excess of the number of unemployed persons over 4 1/2 percent of the labor force. Sets eligibility standards for public service employment under such program similar to those established under this Act for comprehensive manpower services participation. Title II: Special Impact Youth Amendments - Amends the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 to establish a Special Youth Program, through which $10,000,000 is to be provided annually during fiscal years 1979-81 to community development corporations for specified purposes, including payment of wages and allowances to youths who are working or engaging in on-the-job training in community development corporations or their subsidiaries.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1978
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) remove the limitation on the amount of the income tax credit allowed employers who hire unemployed individuals; (2) make the credit refundable; (3) limit the types of tax against which the credit may be applied; and (4) restrict its application to the hiring of individuals between the ages of 16 and 19.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1978
Authorizes the President to award in the name of Congress, a Medal of Honor to a certain individual, for acts of valor performed on Guadalcanal in November 1942.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1978
Nurse Training Amendments - Amends Title VIII (Nurse Training) of the Public Health Service Act to extend for two fiscal years, through fiscal year 1980, the program of financial assistance for nurse training.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1978
Health Planning Amendments - Title I: Revision and Extension of National Health Planning and Development Authority - Amends the Public Health Service Act to permit the Governor of any State which comprises part of an interstate health service area, such an area being an entity designed to facilitate health planning and development functions for a specified region, to request, without the concurrence of the Governors of other States which are part of such area, the redesignation of an interstate area made up of an entire standard metropolitan statistical area. States that no proposed revision of the boundaries of a health service area shall comprise an entire State without prior consensus of the Governor. Directs health systems agencies, such agencies being the bodies designated to provide health planning and development services in a health service area, and Statewide Health Coordinating Councils, to adopt procedures to ensure that no such agency or Council member, employee, consultant, or agent have any actual or apparent conflict of interests with any persons, organization or other entities. Sets forth criteria for selecting health system agency governing body and executive committee members. Directs that there be opportunity for residents of a health service area to participate in the selection process. Excludes from the open meeting requirement confidential agency meetings on personnel issues. Provides for the inclusion on the governing bodies of agencies of persons having their principal place of business within the health service area, doctors of medicine and osteopathy, and nonprofessional health workers. Adds to the statement of goals to be included in the Health Systems Plan (HSP) of a health systems agency a description of institutional health services needed in the area. Requires a State health plan prepared by the Council to have the concurrence of the Governor. Requires a State health coordinating council to coordinate the State health plan with the State mental health plan developed pursuant to the Community Mental Health Centers Act. Requires such plan to assess the minimum requirements for institutional health services and specified other health services. Prohibits the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare from making any grant to a State health planning and development agency which does not have a State health plan in effect. Mandates health systems agencies to provide technical assistance in obtaining and filling out necessary forms to applicants applying for projects to achieve the HSP. Allows funds granted for State health planning and development and for regulation of health care rates to be used in a periods succeeding that for which it was granted without being deducted from the subsequent grant award. Extends the period of designation of a health systems agency from one to three years. Provides for a three year extension of such designation. Raises minimum grants to such agencies. Reduces by 25 percent per year for each year during which a State has not designated a State health planning and development agency, the amount of any allotment, grant, loan, or loan guarantee which the Secretary may have committed to a State under this Act. Requires periodic reviews of projects for which a certificate-of-need was issued. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1979, 1980, and 1981 for (1) grants to the States for specified health planning and development purposes, and (2) grants and allotments to the States for health resources development. Title II: Revision and Extension of Health Resources Development Authority - Requires the Governor of a State, as well as the Statewide Health Coordinating Council, to approve any State medical facilities plan under Title XVI (Health Resources Development) of the Public Health Service Act. Authorizes appropriations under such title for fiscal years 1979, 1980, and 1981 for the modernization, conversion, and construction of medical facilities. Directs the Secretary to establish a program of financial assistance to encourage the voluntary consolidation of duplicative hospital services and the discontinuance of unneeded hospital inpatient services. Allows incentive payments received to be used for: (1) the planning, development, and delivery of ambulatory care services; (2) home health care services; (3) long term services; (4) other services designated by the Secretary; (5) preparation of a hospital to serve patients of a closed hospital or reasonable termination pay for personnel who lose employment because of discontinued services; or (6) retraining personnel and assisting them in securing employment. Sets forth provisions governing the application for such incentive payments and the administration of the payment plan. Title III: Miscellaneous Amendments - Repeals Title IX (Education, Research Training, and Demonstration in the fields of Heart Disease, Cancer, Stroke, Kidney Disease, and Other Related Diseases) of the Public Health Service Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1978
National Alcohol Fuels Commission Act - Establishes the National Alcohol Fuels Commission to study the use of alcohol as an alternative fuel source. Charges the Commission with the duty to study the short and long-term potential of alcohol fuels derived from plant, animal and industrial sources and wastes, and from coal. Directs the Commission to study alternative feedstocks and desirability of converting present feedstocks into alcohol fuels. Requires the Commission to identify and study technical, economic, legal, environmental and social factors involved with the production, manufacture, distribution and use of alcohol fuels. Directs relevant Federal agencies to appoint a liaison officer and to cooperate closely with the Commission. Requires the Committee to file a final report with the President and the Congress no later than December 31, 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1978
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from the gross income of an employee, amounts paid or expenses incurred by the employer for educational assistance to the employee. Limits to 25 percent the amount of payments which may be made by such programs to shareholders or owners (or their spouses or dependents), each of whom owns more than five percent of the stock or of the capital or profits interest in the employer.
United States · United States Congress · 15 December 1977
Authorizes a $543,000,000 appropriation for reimbursing States for expenditures made with respect to services provided by such States under specified titles of the Social Security Act. Sets forth procedures and time limitations for making claims for reimbursement and maximums amounts which a State may receive for providing services under the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 December 1977
Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to pay a specified sum to a certain individual in full settlement of such individual's claims against the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 15 December 1977
Declares it the sense of Congress that the United States should encourage the United Nations to hold a World Alternate Energy Conference to consider alternate ways to meet the world's energy needs and to establish an International Alternate Energy Commission to encourage worldwide use of alternate energy sources.
United States · United States Congress · 1 December 1977
Municipal Securities Full Disclosure Act - Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to require preparation of an annual report by any issuer of municipal securities which has outstanding during any portion of a fiscal year an aggregate principal amount of municipal securities exceeding $50,000,000. Requires that such report contain specified information including: (1) identification and description of the issuer; (2) a description of the issuer's debt structure; (3) history of any default in payments of principal or interest; (4) description of issuers' tax authority and structure; and (5) a detailed financial statement. Requires that any issuer that offers or sells an issue of municipal securities shall prepare a distribution statement. Permits exceptions for offers or sales. Prescribes that such statement contain among other things: (1) a description of the offering, its price and plan of distribution; (2) a description of the security to be offered; (3) a description of intended use of the proceeds; and (4) a statement of counsel's opinion as to the legality of the offering. Exempts issuers in States with disclosure requirements conforming to the standards of this Act from reporting and document distribution provisions of this Act. Requires that such reports and statements shall be available to the security holder at the issuer's expense and shall be maintained at a designated location for examination by the public. Provides for the enforcement of this Act through civil actions brought by any person who acquires securities in an offering where the distribution document contains an untrue statement of material fact or omitted to state a material fact. Enumerates the responsibilities for assuring the adequacy and accuracy of information of certain participants in municipal finance. Directs the Securities and Exchange Commission to establish the Municipal Securities Disclosure Advisory Committee not later than 90 days after the passage of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 November 1977
Securities Protection Act - Makes it a Federal crime: (1) to forge, alter, or counterfeit a marketable security with intent to defraud, (2) to possess or engage in commerce in a forged, altered, or counterfeit security with intent to defraud, or (3) to possess or engage in commerce in any tool to forge, alter, or counterfeit any marketable security. Authorizes treble damage civil suits with respect to such violations. Makes it a Federal crime to steal or possess a stolen marketable security or to use a stolen, forged, or altered security at a financial institution.
United States · United States Congress · 4 November 1977
Civil Rights Commission Act - Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1957: (1) to impose upon the Commission on Civil Rights the duty of studying and collecting information concerning legal developments constituting a denial of the equal protection of the laws under the Constitution on account of age or handicap, and appraise Federal laws and policies with respect to such denials; and (2) to extend such Commission for five years, until the end of fiscal year 1983.
United States · United States Congress · 3 November 1977
Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize grants to assist medical schools in the establishment and operation, within such schools, of education programs in geriatrics.
United States · United States Congress · 31 October 1977
Denounces South Africa for the death of Steve Biko and for certain repressive measures against the opponents of apartheid, including closing of newspapers and other restrictions.
United States · United States Congress · 25 October 1977
Omnibus Antiterrorism Act - Title I: Reorganization of Executive Office of the President - Establishes a Council to Combat Terrorism in the Executive Office of the President. Includes among the Council's functions (1) assisting the President to implement this Act, (2) assisting in the preparation of lists of countries aiding terrorist enterprises and of dangerous foreign airports, and (3) coordinating Federal efforts to combat terrorism. Directs the President to: (1) report to Congress on each act of terrorism which involves or affects United States citizens; and (2) impose sanctions against countries on the list of countries aiding terrorists and against airports on the list of dangerous foreign airports. Title II: Reorganization of the Department of State - Establishes a Bureau for Combating International Terrorism in the Department of State. Urges the President to seek international agreements which assure cooperation in combating terrorism. Lists provisions which should be given priority in negotiating such agreements. Requires the President to: (1) develop programs to insure full implementation of the Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts Against the Safety of Civil Aviation; (2) approve all defense article sales and credits made to any individual or group; and (3) include the names of all types of explosives on the United States Munitions List. Title III: Reorganization of the Department of Justice - Establishes an Office for Combating Terrorism in the Department of Justice. Directs the President to extend existing safety and security requirements to supplemental means of air transportation. Requires that all explosives contain identification and detection taggants. Title IV: Aircraft Sabotage and Piracy - Amends provisions of title 18, U.S. Code, that specify prohibited acts regarding the destruction of aircraft or aircraft facilities to, among other revisions, set forth penalties for committing violence against a passenger which is likely to endanger an aircraft in service and for communicating false information which results in endangering the safety of an aircraft in flight. Sets forth penalties for a person found in the United States who has committed against or aboard a foreign aircraft an offense in violation of the Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts Against the Safety of Civil Aviation. Authorizes civil penalties for carrying an accessible weapon aboard an aircraft and for imparting or conveying information known to be false regarding one of specified crimes aboard an aircraft. Specifies minimum penalties for threatening to commit air piracy or any other of certain crimes aboard an aircraft.
United States · United States Congress · 25 October 1977
Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development should not implement the proposed reorganization of the field and insuring offices of the Department of Housing and Urban Development prior to the time when the appropriate committees of the Congress have had an opportunity to hold hearings on such reorganization.
United States · United States Congress · 12 October 1977
Repeals the existing program of mortgage protection life insurance for veterans with a permanent and total service-connected disability who are entitled to assistance in acquiring a suitable housing unit with special fixtures or movable facilities made necessary by the nature of the veteran's disability. Establishes a new program of mortgage protection life insurance, which includes the following provisions: (1) sets the maximum amount of insurance under a policy provided under this Act at no more than $40,000; and (2) expands eligibility to include any veteran entitled to compensation for (a) permanent and total service-connected disability, or (b) the loss or loss of use of one lower extremity together with residuals of organic disease or injury which so affect the functions of balance or propulsion as to preclude locomotion without resort to a wheelchair, and any veteran who establishes to the satisfaction of the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs that he is unable to obtain commercial life insurance at a standard rate because of his service-connected disability.
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 1977
Requests the President to issue a proclamation designating the week beginning November 13, 1977, and ending November 19, 1977, as "National Gifted and Talented Children Week."
United States · United States Congress · 3 October 1977
Designates the South Portal Federal Office Building of the United States Department of Health, Education, and Welfare at 200 Independence Avenue Southwest, Washington, D. C., as the "Hubert H. Humphrey Building."
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1977
Amends the Public Health Service Act to prohibit a school of medicine from receiving a capitation grant to be made in the fiscal year 1978 unless its application for such grant is supported by assurances satisfactory to the Secretary of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare that the school will increase its enrollment of full time, third-year students in the 1978-1779 school year by at least five percent over the smaller of: (1) the number of full-time first-year students; or (2) the number of full-time third-year students enrolled in school year 1977-1978. Excludes from the determination of the enrollment increase of full-time, third-year students in a given school, those full time, third-year students who were not second-year students in such school and who: (1) are not citizens of the United States; (2) were previously enrolled in a school of medicine in a State which is not accredited by the appropriate bodies; (3) first enrolled after October 12, 1976, in a school of medicine not in a State; or (4) did not successfully complete part I of the National Board of Medical Examiners' examination by August 15, 1977. Sets forth the reasons for which the Secretary may waive the requirement of increased enrollment. Stipulates that a school of medicine which did not comply with the increase requirements shall not be eligible to receive a capitation grant in the fiscal year ending September 30, 1979.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1977
Regional Energy Development Act - Chapter I: Introductory - Declares that energy shortages and the high cost of energy have created economic hardships in the Northeastern States, which would especially benefit from regional cooperation with the United States through an entity capable of financing and otherwise promoting increased energy supply and energy conservation. Defines "Northeastern States" as Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts. Chapter II: Organization, Management, Powers - Authorizes the creation of a corporation for profit, which will not be an agency or establishment of the United States, and shall be known as the Energy Corporation of the Northeast. Directs the President to appoint incorporators who reside in the Northeastern States to serve as the initial Board of Directors of the Corporation, and to take whatever actions are necessary to establish the Corporation. Stipulates that a Northeastern State shall become a member of the Corporation when such State shall subscribe for State stock, contribute initial capital in the amount of $1 per capita, and enact supporting legislation. Allows the Corporation to become operational if at least three States become members before December 31, 1978. Authorizes States that are contiguous to members to join the Corporation in the same manner. Authorizes the Corporation to participate in joint ventures with public or private groups and to operate through subsidiaries. Requires the Corporation to submit annual reports and audits to the President, Congress, Governors and legislatures of Member States. Directs the Governors, on a rotating basis, to designate independent persons to evaluate the performance of the Corporation every two years. Chapter III: Projects and Programs of the Corporation - Authorizes the Corporation to participate in financing any project related to solving the energy needs of the Northeast. Allows the Corporation to assist projects by loans, guarantees or equity investments. Stipulates that before any financial assistance is provided, the Board of Directors of the Corporation must find that: (1) the project is expected to have a beneficial impact on the energy problems of the region; (2) the investment together with other Corporation activities will not materially impair the credit of the Corporation; (3) private capital is unavailable or insufficient; and (4) unless this limitation is specially waived, the Corporation will not operate the project on a continuing basis or invest more than 50 percent of the total cost. Authorizes rejection of each project by the Governor of the Member State in which it is located. Charges the Board with reviewing periodically the allocation of Corporation resources among the Member States to assure a measure of equity in the distribution of benefits. Limits the Corporation's investment in any one project to the greater of 10 percent of its borrowing authority or $200,000,000. Chapter IV: Financing - Stipulates that capital subscriptions from the States ($1 per capita initial contribution) and private investors shall determine the borrowing authority of the Corporation according to a formula of $15 borrowing backed by Federal guarantees for each $1 capital contribution. Authorizes the contribution of additional capital by the States after the initial subscription. Authorizes the issuance of capital securities to States and private investors in a form determined by the Board. Permits the Corporation to issue its own obligations which shall be general obligations payable out of any revenues. Prohibits the Corporation from pledging the credit of the United States or the credit of Member States. Chapter V: Guarantee of Obligations - Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to guarantee obligations of the Corporation. Permits the Secretary to agree with the Corporation that the United States will purchase the product of its projects, if necessary, in the event market conditions preclude private sale. Chapter VI: State Legislation - Requires Member States, upon joining the Corporation, to enact legislation: (1) assuring decisions within 90 days of application on request for permits required for Corporation projects; (2) exempting the property, income, and operations of the Corporation from State and local taxation; and (3) specifying that insofar as the provisions of any State, general, special, or local law may be inconsistent with this Act, the provisions of this Act and the legislation enacted under this Chapter are controlling. Chapter VII: Miscellaneous - Specifies terms of construction and separability of the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 1977
Declares that the President should establish a Commission on Domestic and International Hunger and Malnutrition which should: (1) collect and generate information and resources on food, hunger, malnutrition and related concerns; (2) assess current programs affecting domestic and international hunger and malnutrition; (3) analyze and report its findings and recommendations to the President, the Congress, and the public; and (4) assist the President and the Congress in implementing its recommendations.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 1977
Directs the Secretary of Labor, under the Fair Labor Standards Act, to appoint a committee to advise on the administration and enforcement of provisions authorizing employment of the handicapped at wages less than the minimum wage pursuant to special certificates.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 1977
Urban Grant University Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to authorize appropriations for, and establish a program of grants to, urban universities for (1) development of urban-oriented educational, research, or service programs; and (2) assistance in carrying out such programs. Authorizes a five year comprehensive grant to a university qualifying as an "urban grant university" and establishes criteria for such designation. Creates an Urban University Advisory Council to (1) review, along with the Commissioner of Education, "urban grant university" applications; (2) advise the Commissioner; and (3) make recommendations to the President and to the Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 1977
White House Conference on the Arts Act - Directs the President to call a White House Conference on the Arts, to be held by December 31, 1979, to assist in developing a climate wherein the arts can flourish. Establishes a National Conference Planning Council on the Arts to plan and conduct such Conference. Requires the Council to submit a report on such Conference to the President. Authorizes the Chairman of the Council, with the approval of Council members, to make grants to States to defray the costs of participating in the Conference program. Authorizes appropriations necessary to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 1977
Indian Tribal Governmental Tax Status Act - Provides that recognized Indian tribes shall be treated as State governments in determining the tax treatment of: (1) charitable donations to the tribes; (2) excise tax liability on special fuels; manufacturing, communications and highway motor vehicles use; (3) tribal colleges fellowships, scholarships, and universities; (4) tribal taxes; (5) tribal retirement systems and donations to employee benefit systems; (6) contributions to candidates for tribal offices; and (7) interest on tribal bonds and other obligations. Defines "recognized Indian tribes" to include all tribes, bands, communities, villages, and groups of Indians and Alaska Natives which are designated by the Secretary of the Treasury, after consultation with the Secretary of the Interior, as performing substantial governmental functions.
United States · United States Congress · 16 September 1977
Sets forth penalties for killing, maiming, or committing specified other acts against members of a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group with the intent to destroy such group. Expresses the sense of Congress with respect to extradition of persons charged with such an act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 1977
Amends the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973 to authorize the Secretary of Transportation to guarantee securities and obligations issued by a railroad in reorganization to State and local taxing authorities to secure the railroad's tax obligations when the Consolidated Rail Corporation, the United States Railway Association, or the Federal Government asserts a superior interest in payment out of the estate of such railroad during reorganization or liquidation proceedings under the Bankruptcy Act. Directs the Secretary, if insufficient funds are unavailable to discharge such guarantees, to issue notes or other obligations to the Secretary of the Treasury. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to sell such obligations. Authorizes appropriations in such amounts as may be necessary to discharge all of the Secretary of Transportation's obligations under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 1977
Economic Opportunity Amendments - Extends the authorization for appropriations for the following programs under the Economic Opportunity Act: (1) demonstration community partnership agreements, (2) rural and urban community action programs, (3) special programs to combat rural poverty, (4) Headstart and Follow Through, (5) Community economic development, (6) Native American projects, (7) research and demonstration projects, and (9) evaluation programs. Extends the authorization for appropriations administration and coordination of programs under such Act. Sets a minimum size of 15 members for community action agencies and changes the maximum length of service for community representatives on community action boards from six to seven years. Provides for direct community action sponsorship of summer youth recreation program. Sets a permanent Federal/non-Federal funding ratio of 80/20 for community action agencies. Revises administrative authority within the Community Services Administration. Phases out the National Advisory Council. Abolishes the Intergovernmental Advisory Council on Community Services. Authorizes the making or guaranteeing of loans to Community Action Agencies and eligible community-based organizations for business, housing, and community development projects. Repeals authorization for an environmental action program, day care projects, and specified other activities under the Economic Opportunity Act. Revokes authorization for assistance under the Emergency Conservation Service's program for winterization of old or substandard dwellings, improved space conditioning, and insulation.
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 1977
Right to Financial Privacy Act - States that the purposes of this Act are to protect and preserve the confidential relationship between financial institutions and their customers and the constitutional rights of those customers, and promote commerce by prescribing policies and procedures to insure that customers have the right to challenge unwarranted disclosure of their records. Prohibits any Federal agency or employee, or any State or local government from obtaining copies of, or the information contained in, the financial records of any customer from a financial institution unless the financial records are described with particularity and: (1) such customer has authorized such disclosure in accordance with this Act; (2) such financial records are disclosed in response to an administrative subpena or summons; (3) such financial records are disclosed in response to a court order; or (4) such financial records are disclosed in response to a judicial subpena. Grants to a customer whose financial records have been subpoenaed, the right to challenge the relevancy and scope of the summons and the relationship of the records sought to the investigation from which the subpena issued. States that no financial institution may provide a Federal agency or employee, or any State or local government, copies of or the information contained in the financial records of any customer except in accordance with the requirements of this Act. Sets forth provisions governing customer authorization, administrative subpenas and summons, judicial subpenas, and search warrants. Makes the requirements of this Act inapplicable to specified disclosures including: (1) records used in making reports on returns required by the Internal Revenue Code; (2) grand jury subpenas; and (3) records required by supervisory agencies for use in the regulation of such institution. Prescribes civil and criminal penalties for violations of the provisions of this Act. Makes injunctive relief available to stop and prevent violations of this Act. Invalidates any waiver of the rights granted by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 1977
Better Jobs and Income Act - States that it is the intent of Congress to provide training and job opportunities to principal earners in families with children and to provide income support and supplementation to low-income families and individuals. States that Congress finds it necessary to consolidate and reform Federal and State income assistance programs. Title I: Cash Assistance Program Under The Social Security Act - Amends the Social Security Act to add Title XXI entitled "Income Supplement and Income Support for Families and Individuals". Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare (HEW), in accordance with the provisions of such Title, to make payments to an eligible household unit (household), as such term is defined in this Act, for any month in which the available income of such household is less than the maximum amount payable according to provisions of this Act, and in which the value of the household's assets does not exceed the allowable amount specified in this Act. Excludes from eligibility for payments as a member of a household: (1) individuals who are not citizens of the United States or aliens not lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States; (2) individuals confined in penal or correctional institutions; (3) inmates of public institutions. Directs HEW, to assist in the effective implementation of the Employment Opportunities Program established by Title II of this Act, to notify the Secretary of Labor of each adult member of a household with respect to which amounts are payable under this Act. Enumerates exemptions to such reporting requirement based on the need of an otherwise available worker in the home, the disability of such an individual, or status as a full-time student. Directs HEW, in the case of any blind or disabled individual who has not attained age 65 and who is receiving payments under this Act, to provide for referral of such individual to the appropriate State agency administering the State plan for vocational rehabilitation services approved under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Directs the referral of such an individual who is under age 16 to the State agency administering the State plan, required by this Act, for services to disabled children, for review, at least quarterly, of the blindness or disability of such individual and the need for and utilization of the services made available under such plan. Specifies the amount of payment to a household. States that such amount shall be the "maximum payable amount" as determined by regulations set forth in this Act, reduced by the amount of "available income" as determined under provisions of this Act. Directs the payment of sum in addition to the amount payable to an eligible household in order to offset liability for Federal income tax due on earned income. Sets forth tables specifying the maximum payable amount to a household according to the number of members and the status of each member as adult, child, or aged, blind or disabled. Reduces the amount payable for each member who is eligible for subsidized work or training under the Employment Opportunities Program established by Title II of this Act and who is required to be referred to the Secretary of Labor unless such member is certified as being incapacitated, or has not been offered employment or training. Defines "available income" as: (1) 100 percent of Federal assistance income; (2) 80 percent of nonemployment income; and (3) 50 percent of earned income, plus "excess available income "from previous months which is attributed to the month in question, but less specified types of payments related to Federal assistance and nonemployment income and expenses incurred in maintaining employment. Prohibits the payment of benefits under this Act to a household if the value of its nonbusiness assets exceeds $5,000 in any month, or if the value of its business assets held for the production of self-employment income exceeds, in any month, a limit prescribed by HEW. Excludes from the determination of nonbusiness assets of a household: (1) the home, if it is the residence of such household; (2) the household goods and personal effects, including tools or similar items necessary for a member to engage in gainful employment; and (3) separate, identifiable amounts set aside for burial expenses. Directs that the payment to a household in Guam, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands be scaled according to the ratio of the per capita incomes of such territories in fiscal year 1980 to the per capita income of the State having the lowest such income. Requires that the determination of available income and the value of nonbusiness assets be similarly scaled. Exempts household members in such territories from the requirement for subsidized work or training until such time as the Employment Opportunities Program established by Title II of this Act is extended to such territories. Authorizes the States to enter into agreements with HEW under which the States will make supplemental payments to households receiving payment from HEW under this Act. Sets forth the method by which the amount of such supplements shall be determined. Requires the States to reimburse HEW for that portion of the cost of such supplements which is not covered by Federal participation. Sets forth directions for the computation of the amount of Federal participation in each State supplemental payment program. Requires each State to pay to HEW a specified percentage of the annual Federal expenditure for payments under this Act in order to assure that each State will continue to share responsibility for meeting the objectives of this Act. Establishes procedures to limit the fiscal liability of the States for participation in the program of State supplemental payments. Directs HEW to prescribe criteria for approval of State plans for counseling and services to blind or disabled children. Requires HEW to pay to the State agency administering such plan the costs incurred in each fiscal year. Sets forth requirements and measures for the administration of the income supplementation program established by this Act. Includes requirements for making application for benefits and for determining eligibility for benefits. Directs HEW to make adjustments in future payments for overpayments and underpayments to households. Requires HEW to establish procedures for the determination of disagreements by an affected individual. Establishes criminal penalties for fraud under this Act. Amends Title XX (Grants to States for Services) of the Social Security Act by establishing under such Title a new program of grants to States to enable each State to furnish assistance to meet the living expenses of needy families and individuals which are not met under the payment program established by this Act. Directs HEW to pay to each State that has an approved plan for such assistance, the total expenditures for the provision of such assistance. Sets limits on the total amount of such payments to any State for a given year. Excludes Guam, Puerto Rico, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Virgin Islands from such program except when the need for emergency assistance arises from natural disaster or other occurrence of regional or national significance beyond the control of the named territories. Authorizes the President to permit HEW to make payment to States for assistance in meeting living expenses when emergency conditions exist because of a natural disaster. Sets forth steps for the establishment of State plans to administer the assistance program established under Title XX. Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to increase the amount of the credit against personal income tax to which an individual is entitled based on the individual's earned income. Excludes from the definition of the term "earned income" amounts received as compensation for subsidized work and training under the Employment Opportunities Program established under Title II of this Act. Repeals Title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) of the Social Security Act and the program of Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC), and the Work Incentive Program for Recipients of AFDC of Title IV of such Act. Repeals the Food Stamp Act of 1964. Title II: Employment Opportunities Program - Establishes an employment opportunities program under the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act of 1973 pursuant to which the Secretary of Labor is to provide financial assistance to prime sponsors under the comprehensive manpower Services program, Indian tribes on State or Federal reservation, and, where no appropriate prime sponsor or Indian tribe exists, other entities. Conditions assistance under this title upon submission and approval of an employment opportunities plan, each such plan to include (1) a job search assistance program, (2) a subsidized work and training opportunities program, (3) provisions to assure integrated administration of such programs and for relating programs under this title to other public and private programs and activities, and (4) provisions for public hearings. Directs the Secretary to provide financial assistance to the State Governors to be used for certain activities facilitating and coordinating implementation of approved plans. States that any adult who is a member of a household unit which includes a child or which has been determined to be eligible for cash assistance under title I shall be eligible for job search assistance. Specifies minimum requirements for job search assistance programs, among them (1) use of a computerized job matching program in cooperation with the State employment security agency, (2) a program of job search assistance services, (3) referral to job opportunities of eligible individuals for an initial eight-week period and, thereafter, of eligible individuals who are members of households receiving assistance under title I of this Act and who have not found unsubsidized private or public employment, and (4) referral of eligible persons to subsidized work or training opportunities. Limits eligibility for subsidized work and training assistance to principal or sole earners in households which include at least one child, or to adults in such households if no household member has had earned income for six months, who have been unable to obtain unsubsidized work through the job search program. Requires that each subsidized work and training program plan include (1) the provision of both full- and part-time opportunities for subsidized work and training designed to lead to unsubsidized work, (2) specified assurances relative to wages, leave, and other working conditions of participants, (3) provisions for terminating participation of an individual after 52 weeks of subsidized work and training and for continuing wages or allowances to such a person during a designated period of renewed job search activity, and (4) provisions for subsequent placement in subsidized positions of eligible persons unable to find work during the renewed job search period.
United States · United States Congress · 7 September 1977
Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to pay a specified sum to a certain individual in full settlement of such individual's claims against the United States.
![Official portrait of Sen. Javits, Jacob K. [R-NY]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/j000064_200.jpg)