United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1978
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a surviving spouse to treat as furnished consideration, for estate tax purposes, up to a 50 percent share of any joint farm or small business property which was unpaid for at the time of marriage, determined at the rate of two percent a year if such spouse actually participates in the operation of such farm or small business.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1978
Sugar Stabilization Act - Sets forth the policy of the Congress with respect to foreign trade in sugar. Title I: International Sugar Agreement - Authorizes the President to prohibit the importation of sugar from any country not a member of the International Sugar Organization, and to otherwise regulate foreign trade in sugar to implement the International Sugar Agreement. Establishes civil penalties for the violations of such regulations. Requires the President to submit to Congress an annual report on the Agreement. Title II: Domestic Sugar Program - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to make an annual estimate of the sugar consumption needs of the United States. Establishes a formula for determining the price objectives of domestic sugar. Authorizes the Secretary to establish a quota for the importation of sugar, and to adjust such quota. Authorizes the Secretary to impose an import fee in order to attain the price objective for sugar. Prohibits the established quota from being filled by direct-consumption sugar, except in specified circumstances. Permits the Secretary to suspend such quota and fees under specified circumstances. Authorizes the Secretary to impose a quota on the importation of "sugar-containing products. Prohibits the importation of sugar, liquid sugar, or "sugar-containing products" after the import quotas have been filled. Prohibits the importation of certain sugar or liquid sugar into the Virgin Islands in excess of 100 pounds annually. Prohibits the exportation of certain sugar from the United States. Regulates the exportation of sugar. Sets forth items to which the sugar quota shall not apply. Title III: General Provisions - Authorizes the Secretary to issue regulations to carry out this Act. Establishes penalties for the violation of such regulations. Requires certain information to be furnished to the Secretary by persons engaged in the manufacture, marketing, transports, or industrial use, of sugar. Prohibits officials engaged in the administration of this Act to invest in sugar. Establishes penalties for the violation of such prohibition. Authorizes the President to suspend the operation of Title II of this Act in a national emergency. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture (1) to conduct surveys and investigations to carry out this Act, and (2) to announce a "daily spot price" for raw sugar in specified circumstances. Terminates the authority of the Secretary under this Act on December 31, 1982.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1978
Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to direct the President to give preference, in the issuance of housing project guaranties, to foreign projects utilizing solar energy technology. Directs that such preference also be given to projects using other specified renewable energy technologies.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1978
Amends the National School Lunch and Child Nutrition Acts to extend the child care food program and the women, infants, and children (WIC) program through fiscal year 1979. Increases the appropriation authorized for the WIC program for fiscal year 1979 from $250,000,000 to $650,000,000.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1978
Comprehensive Rehabilitation Services Amendments - Title I: Amendments to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 - Extends through 1983 the authorization of appropriations for grants for basic vocational rehabilitation services under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Provides that State plans for providing rehabilitation services need be submitted only once every three years instead of annually. Changes the requirements with regard to the contents of State plans, including adding the requirements that the plans provide for vocational rehabilitation services to handicapped American Indians and provide for the establishment and maintenance of information and referral programs so that the handicapped will be aware of the various Federal and State programs which could benefit them. Changes procedures for the withholding of State grants for failure of the State plan to comply with Federal requirements or for failure of the administration of the plan to comply with the plan's own requirements. Allows State vocational rehabilitation services to include (1) the use of existing telecommunications systems which have the potential for improving service delivery methods and (2) the use of services providing recorded material for the blind and captioned material for the deaf. Changes the formula for the computation of State allotments for basic vocational services. Extends through fiscal year 1983 the set aside of funds at the Federal level for regional pilot projects for advising individuals of the benefits available to them under the Act. Establishes a new program of grants to the governing bodies of Indian tribes on reservations for demonstration projects under which the tribes shall develop and provide vocational rehabilitation services for handicapped American Indians residing on or near such reservations. Establishes a National Institute of Rehabilitation Research to be responsible for administering existing programs of rehabilitation research and for coordinating Federal programs and policies relating to research and rehabilitation. Directs the Institute to undertake a study of the way in which Federal programs providing benefits to handicapped individuals might be restructured so as to eliminate any disincentives for persons receiving benefits under such programs to obtain employment. Authorizes the Institute to make grants for the conduct of a research program concerning the use of existing telecommunications systems which have the potential for substantially improving delivery methods. Authorizes the Commissioner of Rehabilitation Services to make training grants for medical, social and psychological rehabilitation in addition to vocational rehabilitation. Extends through 1981 the Commissioner's authority to make grants for construction of rehabilitation facilities, for projects to provide vocational training services to handicapped individuals, and for special projects and demonstrations. Revises the program of guarantees of loans for construction of rehabilitation facilities. Renames the National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths and Adults the Helen Keller Center for Deaf-Blind Youths and Adults. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to the States to establish and operate comprehensive rehabilitation centers which shall provide a broad range of specified services to handicapped individuals. Adds to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 a new Title IV "National Council on the Handicapped," which establishes within Health, Education, and Welfare a National Council on the Handicapped. Sets forth the duties of the Council, including developing general policies for the Rehabilitation Services Administration and the National Institute of Rehabilitation Research. Renames the Architectural Transportation Compliance Board the Architectural Transportation and Communication Barriers Compliance Board, and adds nine handicapped individuals to the membership of the Board. Adds to the duties of the Board the duty to investigate and examine alternative approaches to the communication barriers confronting handicapped individuals. Authorizes United States district courts to award a reasonable attorney's fee to a prevailing plantiff in certain actions brought to enforce rights under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to provide technical assistance to (1) rehabilitation facilities and (2) nonprofits groups for the removal of architectural, transportation and communication barriers. Title II: Employment Opportunities for Projects with Industry - Employment Opportunities for Handicapped Individuals Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to establish a community service employment program for handicapped individuals with both public and private employers. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to handicapped individuals to enable them to establish and operate their own businesses. Title III: Comprehensive Services for Independent Living - Adds a new title VII to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 "Comprehensive Services for Independent Living." Authorizes, under such Title, the Commissioner to make grants (supplementary to grants under Title I of the Act) to assist States in providing independent living services designed to meet the needs of individuals whose disabilities are so severe that they do not presently have the potential for gainful employment but may benefit from vocational rehabilitation services which will enable them to live and function independently. Title IV: Interagency Programs - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants and contracts for the purpose of research and demonstration projects specifically designed to address the multiple and interrelated service needs of handicapped individuals, the elderly, and children, youths, adults, and families in need of protective services. Requires the submission of a report to Congress on such projects within four months of completion of the project.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1978
National Office of the Handicapped Act - Title I: National Office of the Handicapped - Establishes in the Office of Education the National Office of the Handicapped. Consolidates in such Office specified programs and functions of various Federal agencies dealing with the handicapped. Sets forth the organization of such Office. Title II: Federal Council on Handicapped Individuals - Establishes a Federal Council on Handicapped Individuals to provide advice and assistance to the President concerning the problems and needs of handicapped and severely handicapped individuals.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1978
Comprehensive Employment and Training Amendments - Revises generally the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act of 1973 (CETA). Consolidates the administrative provisions of such Act in a new title. Requires State prime sponsors to allow subareas to assist in the planning and delivery of services within their respective jurisdictions. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to act as a prime sponsor for an area under any of the employment and training programs when there is no other prime sponsor for an area or when services are not being provided to an area due to a complaint about the prime sponsor or disapproved plan. Revises the procedures for a prime sponsor to become eligible for grants. Requires each prime sponsor to submit a comprehensive employment and training plan consisting of a master plan and a single assurance that the prime sponsor will comply with the Act, the regulations, and the comprehensive employment and training plan. Sets forth the information to be included in the plans. Amends provisions regarding review of comprehensive plans and complaints about and sanctions against prime sponsors. Changes the composition and meeting requirements of prime sponsor planning councils and State employment and training councils. Consolidates various assurances presently required to be submitted by prime sponsors and redesignates them as program conditions. Sets out those conditions which are applicable to all programs. Includes among such conditions a requirement that small and minority businesses be given maximum reasonable opportunity to compete for contracts. Establishes in the Office of the Secretary of Labor an Office of Audits, Investigations, and Compliance to conduct and supervise audits and investigations relating to CETA programs and activities. Establishes an Office of Management Assistance in the Secretary's Office to provide management assistance to prime expenses. Redefines "unemployed" and "underemployed" for purposes of the Act. Permits institutionalized persons to be designated as "underemployed." Defines "economically disadvantaged" for purposes of the Act. Directs that "areas of substantial unemployment" be determined on the basis of yearly rather than quarterly data. Extends the general authorization for appropriations for activities under CETA. Makes specified changes in the comprehensive employment and training services programs. Restricts eligibility for participation, with certain exceptions, to individuals who are both (1) economically disadvantaged and (2) unemployed, underemployed, or in school. Authorizes prime sponsors to conduct occupational upgrading programs through agreements with public and private employers. Makes eligible for the ungrading program employees of participating employers who are operating at less than their full skill potential, particularly persons in entry level or dead end positions. Requires the Secretary of Labor to provide services to groups of persons with particular labor market disadvantages under the Special Federal Responsibilities Title of CETA. Adds as new groups which are specifically designated as targets of activities under such title handicapped workers, single parents, and displaced homemakers. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out job search and relocation activities as an ongoing national program. Authorizes the Secretary to promote the development of partnership arrangements between prime sponsors and employment security agencies. Consolidates the youth employment demonstration programs, the youth summer employment program, and the Job Corps in a separate title. Makes uniform the basic eligibility requirements for all programs except the demonstration projects as follows: (1) age 16 through 21 or, if authorized by the Secretary, 14 through 21; (2) economically disadvantaged; and (3) underemployed, unemployed, or in school. Deletes Job Corps provisions relative to background investigations of applicants, oaths of allegiance for members, sex-segregated centers, cost per enrollee limitations, and political activity and discrimination. Places Job Corps property under concurrent Federal-State criminal jurisdiction. Changes the name of the National Commission for Manpower policy to National Commission for Employment and Training Policy. Expands the Commission's membership. Combines the present public service employment programs and emergency unemployment programs into a single new program. Allocates public service employment funds among prime sponsors serving areas with high unemployment. Limits participation in the program to economically disadvantaged persons who have been unemployed for at least eight weeks. Creates a new title designed to place individuals in private sector jobs by providing financial assistance to prime sponsors for private sector initiatives, including on-the-job training and related activities. Directs participating prime sponsors to establish private industry councils to assist in the development of initiative programs.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1978
Dairy Head Reduction Act - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Agricultural Stablilization and Conservation Service and the Commodity Credit Corporation, to make incentive payments to any qualified dairyman of 15 cents per pound with respect to: (1) any dairy cow which such person markets and delivers for slaughter; and (2) any bred dairy heifer or dairy cow exported. Limits the number of animals for which such payments may be made to those in excess of 12 percent but not more than 25 percent of the average number of dairy cows which the dairyman owns during the 90 day period preceding the enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1978
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to authorize any taxpayer to elect to have any portion of any overpayment of tax or any contribution in money which the taxpayer forwards with the return for such taxable year be available, as the taxpayer may designate on such return, for the National Endowment for the Arts or the National Endowment for the Humanities.
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 1978
Comprehensive Older Americans Act Amendments - Title I: Amendments to the Older Americans Act of 1965 - Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to require each Federal agency proposing to establish programs and services substantially related to the purposes of such Act to consult with the Administration on Aging prior to the establishment of such programs and services. Authorizes a recipient of a grant under the Older Americans Act of 1965 to enter into an agreement with a profitmaking organization to carry out the provisions of such Act. Declares it to be the purpose of Title III of such Act (Grants for State and Community Programs on Aging) to encourage and assist State and local agencies to concentrate resources to serve older persons by entering into cooperative arrangements with the providers of social services or nutrition services or multipurpose senior centers, for the planning and provision of social services, nutrition services, or multipurpose senior centers. Defines terms used in such Title. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1979, 1980, and 1981 for grants approved under such Title. Requires each State, to be eligible to receive a grant under such Title, to designate a State agency as the sole State agency: (1) to develop and administer a State plan formulated pursuant to this Act; and (2) to designate planning and service areas. Requires each such area agency on aging to prepare and develop an area plan. Sets forth specified material to be included in such plan. Requires each State, in order to be eligible for grants under such Title, to submit to the Commissioner on Aging a State plan. Sets forth specified material to be included in such plan. Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to insure any mortgage for a multipurpose senior center in accordance with the provisions set forth in this Act. Creates a Multipurpose Senior Center Insurance Fund to be used by the Secretary as a revolving fund for carrying out all insurance provisions with respect to such mortgages. Authorizes the Commissioner, under the Act, to make grants to eligible tribal organizations, as defined in this Act, to pay all of the costs for the delivery of social and nutritional services for Indians who are age 60 and over. Sets forth criteria for applications for such grants. Requires the Commissioner to make grants to States for: (1) the establishment and operation of nutrition projects for older persons which five or more days a week, provide, in a congregate setting, at least one hot or cold meal per day, each of which assures a minimum of one-third of the daily recommended dietary allowances; and (2) the establishment and operation of multipurpose senior centers which shall be community facilities for the organization and provision of a broad spectrum of social services or nutrition services, or both, for older persons; (3) the provision of legal services for the elderly; and (4) the conduct of projects under which a State ombudsman receives and investigates complaints made by or on behalf of older persons who are residents of long-term care facilities relating to administrative action which may adversely affect the health, safety, welfare, or rights of such residents. Declares that, under the Act, a national manpower policy shall be developed for the field of aging which will reflect the present and future needs for training personnel in all programs serving the elderly. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants for the purpose of conducting studies on: (1) the problems experienced by State and area agencies on aging and other service providers in operating transportation services; (2) the impact of this Act and other service and benefit programs in meeting the long-range needs of the elderly population; and (3) the differences in unit costs, service delivery and access between rural areas and urban areas for services assisted under this Act and the special needs of the elderly residing in rural areas. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to develop and operate statewide, regional, metropolitan area, county, city, or community model projects which will demonstrate methods to expand or improve social services and promote the well-being of older persons. Requires the Commissioner in making such grants to give special consideration to projects designed: (1) to assist in meeting the housing needs of older persons; (2) to provide continuing education to older persons; (3) to provide preretirement education information; (4) to provide services to assist in meeting the particular needs of physically and mentally impaired older persons; (5) to meet the special needs of, and improve the delivery of services to older persons who are not receiving adequate services under other provisions of this Act; (6) to assist older persons to remain within their communities and out of institutions; (7) to establish comprehensive service systems for older persons residing in rural areas; and (8) to develop or improve methods of coordinating all available home social services for the homebound elderly, blind, and disabled by establishing demonstration projects. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to and enter into contracts with appropriate bodies to support programs of legal services and ombudsman programs established under provisions of this Act. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to support the development of comprehensive, coordinated systems of community long-term care for older persons. Requires such grants to be used for the development of programs which provide a full continuum of services designed to support alternatives to institutional living, including (1) adult day health; (2) individual assessment of need, service plan development, monitoring, and evaluation of service effectiveness; (3) supported living in public and private, nonprofit housing; (4) family respite services; (5) preventative health services; (6) home health, homemaker, and other rehabilitative and maintenance in-home services; (7) geriatric health maintenance organizations; and (8) other services which the Commissioner determines are appropriate. Redesignates Title IV (Training and Research) of the Act "Training, Research, and Discretionary Projects and Programs. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1981 for: (1) multidisciplinary centers of gerontology; and (2) the Older American Community Service Employment Program. Title II: White House Conference on Aging - 1981 White House Conference on Aging Act - Declares it the policy of the Congress that the Federal Government should work with the States and citizens to develop recommendations and plans to meet the needs of older persons. Requires that programs developed under this Act place emphasis upon the right of older persons to free choice and self-help in planning their futures. Authorizes the President of the United States to call a White House Conference on Aging in 1981 to develop recommendations for research and action in the field of aging. Requires the Conference to include representatives of Federal, State, and local governments, and professional and lay people working in the field of aging including older persons. Directs that a final report of the White House Conference, containing a comprehensive statement of a coherent national policy on aging and the recommendations of such Conference, be submitted to the President and Congress within a specified time. Sets forth the responsibilities and duties of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare in administering this Act. Directs the Secretary to establish an advisory committee to the Conference and such other technical committees as may be necessary to carry out such Conference. Title III: Study of Racial and Ethnic Discrimination in Programs for Older Americans - Directs the Commission on Civil Rights: (1) to undertake a comprehensive study of discrimination based on race or ethnic background in any federally assisted programs and activities which affect older persons; and (2) to identify any federally assisted activity in which evidence is found of persons or organizations who are otherwise qualified being, on the basis of race or ethnic background, excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, refused employment or contracts with, or subject to discrimination under, such activity.
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 1978
Constitutional Amendment - Eliminates the force and effect of any treaty provision which denies or abridges any constitutionally enumerated right. Prohibits a treaty from permitting any foreign power or international organization to supervise, control, or adjudicate (1) the rights of United States citizens or (2) matters essentially within the domestic jurisdiction of the United States. Predicates the effectiveness of a treaty as internal law of the United States upon the passage of appropriate legislation. Requires executive agreements with foreign powers or international organizations to be made in the manner and to the extent prescribed by law.
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 1978
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 · 19 April 1978
Unified Education and Training Act - Establishes an executive department to be known as the Department of Education to be administered by a Secretary of Education. Declares the purpose of such Department to be to coordinate and administer Federal educational and training programs in such a manner as to eliminate duplication of effort and conflicting policies without interference with State and local school systems or private institutions. Transfers to the Secretary specified functions of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare and the Commissioner of Education various educational responsibilities of other Federal agencies and instrumentalities. Redesignates the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, and the Secretary of such Department as the Department of Health and Welfare, and the Secretary of Health and Welfare. Directs the Secretary of Education to prepare an annual report to the President for submission to the Congress. Establishes a Commission on School Finance to: (1) study and assess the financial needs of public elementary and secondary education and the tax resources available; (2) assess individual Federal education programs; (3) assess the level of Federal aid and its impact on State and local educational systems; and (4) conduct appropriate research and studies.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1978
Foreign Mission Solar Energy Demonstration Act - Requires the Secretary of State to demonstrate solar energy and other renewable energy technologies by using such energy sources in Foreign Service buildings located abroad. Directs the Secretary to consult with the Secretary of Energy concerning the most viable techniques adaptable to the local resources and environmental conditions of the host country. Requires the Secretary of State to insure that projects under this Act are demonstrated to, and are available for inspection by, officials and other citizens of the host country. Directs the Secretary to give priority to projects in less developed countries.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1978
Solar Global Marketing Survey Act - Directs the Secretary of Commerce, in consultation with the Secretary of Energy, to conduct a global market survey to determine which foreign countries might serve as markets for solar energy equipment manufactured in the United States. Requires such survey be computed by September 1, 1980. Limits the amount which may be authorized to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 April 1978
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide identical income tax rates for single persons and married couples filing joint returns. Limits the earned income that must be reported by a married individual filing a separate return to the amount actually earned by that individual.
United States · United States Congress · 11 April 1978
Brucellosis Indemnification Act - Title I: Brucellosis Indemnification Program - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to compensate any farmer or rancher who owns any dairy cow which, under any Federal law, is destroyed in order to control or eradicate brucellosis. Sets a formula for such compensation, requiring the payment of at least $200 per cow. Denies any such compensation with respect to any dairy cow moved or handled by its owner in violation of any law or regulation for the prevention of the dissemination of any communicable disease of livestock for which such cow was destroyed. Title II: Vaccination Program; Research Program - Directs the Secretary to make grants to States for conducting: (1) without charge to farmers or ranchers, a brucellosis vaccination program; and (2) intensive research concerning methods of identifying brucellosis and of improving anti-brucellosis vaccines. Title III: Deferral of Certain Payments on Operating and Emergency Loans Made Under the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act - Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to require the Secretary to make all principal and interest payments coming due on any operating or emergency loan relating to the dairy operation of a farmer or rancher who owns dairy cattle subject to a quarantine imposed in order to control or eradicate brucellosis. Limits the Secretary's payments to the period of the quarantine and for 60 days thereafter. Requires the farmer or rancher to reimburse the Secretary, without interest, for such payments. Title IV: General Provisions - Authorizes the Secretary to issue regulations under this Act, and defines terms used therein.
United States · United States Congress · 11 April 1978
Rehabilitation Cost Assistance Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to provide grants to States: (1) to make a study of the costs involved in removing architectural, communications, and attitudinal barriers against handicapped persons in federally assisted programs; and (2) to pay the costs involved in assisting in such removal.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1978
National Interpreters for the Deaf Training Act - Amends the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to authorize the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, through the Commissioner of the Rehabilitation Services Administration, to establish up to 12 programs for training interpreters for the deaf. Designates six institutions which may serve as base centers and requires that the six additional authorized centers have ongoing operating programs for training interpreters. Permits centers to operate satellite interpreter training programs. Directs the Secretary to institute a program for the establishment of information and referral centers and of interpreter referral centers for the deaf in each State.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1978
National Art Bank Act - Establishes within the National Endowment for the Arts an Art Bank to be headed by a Director. Authorizes the Director to purchase visual works of art for the Art Bank, to make such works available on loan to certain private and governmental entities for public display, to sponsor exhibitions, and to assist State and local governments and nonprofit institutions in establishing Art Banks, or funds which may be expended for the work of any one artist during any one fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1978
Anti-Inflation Tax Reduction and Reform Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide cost-of-living adjustments for the individual income tax rates and withholding tables.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1978
States that the Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service should not implement the proposed reorganization of certain Internal Revenue Service district offices until the appropriate committees of Congress have had an opportunity to hold hearings on the proposal.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1978
Renewable Resources Extension Act - Provides for a nationally coordinated program to insure the most efficient utilization of forest and rangeland renewable resources. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a Renewable Resources Extension Program in cooperation with State directors of cooperative extension service programs and eligible colleges and universities. Requires the Secretary and relevant State officials to cooperate in the identification and study of needed areas of research, and in the dissemination of the results of such research. Requires the Secretary to coordinate the establishment of ongoing training programs for landowner, processors and other interested parties. Directs the Secretary to prepare a five-year Renewable Resources Extension Program to provide national guidance for State programs. Requires annual reporting to Congress on implementation of the plan.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1978
Solar Global Marketing Survey Act - Directs the Secretary of Commerce, in consultation with the Secretary of Energy, to conduct a global market survey to determine which foreign countries might serve as markets for solar energy equipment manufactured in the United States. Requires such survey be computed by September 1, 1980. Limits the amount which may be authorized to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1978
Brucellosis Relief Act - Title I: Brucellosis Indemnification Program - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to compensate any farmer or rancher who owns any dairy cow which, under any Federal law, is destroyed in order to control or eradicate brucellosis. Sets a formula for such compensation requiring the payment of at least $200 per cow. Denies any such compensation with respect to any dairy cow moved or handled by its owner in violation of any law or regulation for the prevention of the dissemination of any communicable disease of livestock for which such cow was destroyed. Title II: Vaccination Program; Research Program - Directs the Secretary to make grants to States for conducting: (1) without charge to farmers or ranchers, a brucellosis vaccination program; and (2) intensive research concerning methods of identifying brucellosis and of improving anti-brucellosis vaccines. Title III: Deferral of Certain Payments on Operating and Emergency Loans Made Under the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act - Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to require the Secretary to make all principal and interest payments coming due on any operating or emergency loan relating to the dairy operation of a farmer or rancher who owns dairy cattle subject to a quarantine imposed in order to control or eradicate brucellosis. Limits the Secretary's payments to the period of the quarantine and for 60 days thereafter. Requires the farmer or rancher to reimburse the Secretary, without interest, for such payments. Title IV: General Provisions - Authorizes the Secretary to issue regulations under this Act, and defines terms used therein.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1978
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals an income tax credit for a portion of the expenses incurred for the residential installations of insulation, solar and other renewable energy equipment, heating improvements and energy-conserving components between April 20, 1977, and January 1, 1986.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1978
Foreign Mission Solar Energy Demonstration Act - Requires the Secretary of State to demonstrate solar energy and other renewable energy technologies by using such energy sources in Foreign Service buildings located abroad. Directs the Secretary to consult with the Secretary of Energy concerning the most viable techniques adaptable to the local resources and environmental conditions of the host country. Requires the Secretary of State to insure that projects under this Act are demonstrated to, and are available for inspection by, officials and other citizens of the host country. Directs the Secretary to give priority to projects in less developed countries.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1978
Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to add Title V: Financing of General Election Campaigns for the House of Representatives - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to maintain in the Presidential Election Campaign Fund, the House of Representatives Election Campaign Account. Sets forth eligibility requirements to be met by candidates for election to the House of Representatives seeking payments from such Account. Limits expenditures from personal funds which may be made by candidates meeting such eligibility requirements. Entitles eligible candidates to specified matching payments. Limits to $150,000 the aggregate payments which may be made to all candidates in an election. Suspends certain expenditure limitations on eligible candidates if any candidate not eligible to receive payments pursuant to this Act makes expenditures or receives contributions in excess of specified amounts. Sets forth the procedure for requesting matching payments. Sets forth procedures to be followed by the Secretary of the Treasury in maintaining the House of Representatives Election Campaign Account. Directs the Federal Elections Commission to conduct examinations and audits of the campaign accounts of eligible candidates. Provides for the participation of the Commission in judicial proceedings arising under this Act. Authorizes appropriations necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1978
Expresses the concern of the House of Representatives regarding the slaughter of dolphins by Japanese fishermen in the Sea of Japan on February 23, and 24, 1978. Encourages the Government of Japan to join in certain discussions and infomration exchanges in an effort to eliminate such slaughter.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1978
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 · 16 March 1978
Solar Energy Transition Act - Directs each Federal agency to use and encourage the use of solar energy technologies. Requires each agency to review the programs, projects, and policies it is administering and assess the feasibility of alternative approaches utilizing solar energy technologies. Directs the Secretary of Energy to develop guidelines and otherwise assist the Federal agencies in the review required by this Act. Establishes the National Solar Energy Advisory Council to advise the Secretary in the performance of his duties under this Act. Directs the Secretary to report to the President and Congress annually starting April 20, 1980 on the progress of the Federal Government and the nation in converting to solar energy.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1978
Foreign Mission Solar Energy Demonstration Act - Requires the Secretary of State to demonstrate solar energy and other renewable energy technologies by using such energy sources in Foreign Service buildings located abroad. Directs the Secretary to consult with the Secretary of Energy concerning the most viable techniques adaptable to the local resources and environmental conditions of the host country. Requires the Secretary of State to insure that projects under this Act are demonstrated to, and are available for inspection by, officials and other citizens of the host country. Directs the Secretary to give priority to projects in less developed countries.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1978
Solar Global Marketing Survey Act - Directs the Secretary of Commerce, in consultation with the Secretary of Energy, to conduct a global market survey to determine which foreign countries might serve as markets for solar energy equipment manufactured in the United States. Requires such survey be computed by September 1, 1980. Limits the amount which may be authorized to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1978
Amends the Education of the Handicapped Act to: (1) change the formula for determining maximum State entitlement for the education of handicapped children under such Act; and (2) provide an alternative procedure for meeting the eligibility requirements for such entitlement in a State whose laws prohibit the general supervision required under such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1978
Expresses the condemnation by the Congress of the March 11, 1978, attack on Israel by the Palestine Liberation Organization, and the expressed intention of the PLO to continue such attacks and to disrupt the peace efforts between Israel and Egypt. Requests the President to make the disapproval of the Congress known to governments approving the PLO attack. Expresses Congressional approval of the peace efforts between Israel and Egypt. Urges other Middle East countries to join such efforts. Declares negotiation to be the best way to bring peace to the Middle East.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1978
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 · 13 March 1978
Agricultural Credit Act - Title I: Amendments to the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act - Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to establish a low-income farm ownership loan program for owners or operators of small or family farms, and to extend eligibility for farm ownership, equipment and operating loans to farm cooperatives. Provides loans for agricultural, animal, or poultry waste pollution abatement and control facilities. Increases the maximum allowable total principal indebtedness for real estate loans which may be outstanding by any one borrower to $200,000, or $300,000 in the case of a guaranteed loan. Removes the $500,000 ceiling from the aggregate principal of loans made using the Agricultural Credit Insurance Fund. Raises the ceiling on the annual aggregate amount of water and waste facility grants from $300,000 to $400,000, and increases from 50 percent to 75 percent the percentage of the development cost of such facilities which a grant may cover. Increases the amount of indebtedness which may be outstanding for operating loans for an individual from $50,000 to $100,000, or in the case of a guaranteed loan, $200,000. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to purchase the guaranteed portion of any rural development loan using funds from the Rural Development Insurance Fund and the guaranteed portion of all other loans with funds from the Agricultural Credit Insurance Fund. Replaces the current provision for an up to five-year renewal of an operating loan with a provision for the consolidation or rescheduling of outstanding loans for payment over a period not to exceed seven years from the date of such consolidation or rescheduling. Authorizes the Secretary to make loans and grants, and approve transfers and assumptions under such Act in connection with property securing a loan made, insured, or held by the Secretary notwithstanding the fact an area ceases to be eligible for assistance under the Act. Authorizes the Secretary to provide a procedure for appeal and review of determinations by a county committee that a loan applicant is able to obtain sufficient credit elsewhere to finance his actual needs at reasonable rates and terms. Increases from $15,000 to $25,000 the amount of a claim that can be compromised without approval of the Administrator of the Farmers Home Administration. Authorizes the Secretary to grant a moratorium upon the payment by an individual of interest and principal on a loan, if there is a showing of temporary inability to continue making payments which is beyond the individual's control. Title II: Emergency Agricultural Credit Adjustment Act - Authorizes the Secretary to insure or guarantee loans for the purpose of making payment of principal and interest installments or refinancing, in whole or in part, equipment or operating loans, giving preference to owners of small or family farms. Permits the Secretary to guarantee up to 90 percent of such loans. Limits the total principal balance outstanding on insured or guaranteed loans to $400,000. Allows the total outstanding principal indebtedness of any borrower to reach $150,000 without approval of the senior State official of the Farmers Home Administration. Limits the total principal amount of all outstanding loans under this title during 1978 to $2,000,000,000 and during 1979 to $4,000,000,000. Terminates such program on December 31, 1979. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Extends the Emergency Livestock Credit Act through September 30, 1979. Renames the Farmers Home Administration the Farm and Rural Development Administration.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1978
Solar Global Marketing Survey Act - Directs the Secretary of Commerce, in consultation with the Secretary of Energy, to conduct a global market survey to determine which foreign countries might serve as markets for solar energy equipment manufactured in the United States. Requires such survey be computed by September 1, 1980. Limits the amount which may be authorized to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1978
Solar Energy Bank Act - Creates a Government corporation to be known as the Solar Energy Development Bank to make long-term, low-interest loans to encourage the use of solar energy in commercial and residential dwellings. Establishes procedures governing the processing and approval of loan applications by the Bank. Prohibits conflicts of interest, on the part of officers or employees of the Bank. Prohibits the Bank or its employees from utilizing the Solar Bank to finance political activities. Imposes criminal penalties for the furnishing of false or misleading information by applicants for loans under this Act. Declares that the Solar Bank and its assets shall be exempt by Federal, State, and local taxation. Establishes a Solar Energy Fund in the Treasury of the United States to pay the expenses of the Bank. Authorizes the appropriation of $5,000,000,000 to the Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1978
Title I: Small Business Act Amendments - Empowers the Administrator of the Small Business Administration 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 establishment of training seminars that teach small business concerns methods of design, installation, and maintenance of solar energy equipment.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1978
Foreign Mission Solar Energy Demonstration Act - Requires the Secretary of State to demonstrate solar energy and other renewable energy technologies by using such energy sources in Foreign Service buildings located abroad. Directs the Secretary to consult with the Secretary of Energy concerning the most viable techniques adaptable to the local resources and environmental conditions of the host country. Requires the Secretary of State to insure that projects under this Act are demonstrated to, and are available for inspection by, officials and other citizens of the host country. Directs the Secretary to give priority to projects in less developed countries.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1978
Agriculture Emergency Act - Title I: Agricultural Export Expansion - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1954 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to establish abroad between six and 25 United States Agricultural Trade Offices, for the purpose of developing, maintaining, and expanding international markets for United States agricultural commodities. Changes the title of Agricultural Attaches to Agricultural Counselors, and requires each Counselor to submit to the Secretary an annual report detailing the social, political and economic factors affecting agriculture and agricultural trade in the country or area to which such Counselor is assigned. Establishes in the Department of Agriculture: (1) an Assistant Secretary for Commodity Programs, to perform duties related to agricultural stabilization and conservation; and (2) an Under Secretary for International Affairs to perform duties related to foreign agriculture. Amends the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act to direct the Secretary to provide Corporation financing to exporters of agricultural commodities who wish to extend deferred payment terms, not to exceed three years, to foreign buyers in order to meet foreign competition and to make additional export sales. Title II: Agricultural Credit - Subtitle A: Amendments to the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act - Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to provide loans to any farm owners or tenants for the purposes of meeting Federal, State, or local requirements for agricultural, animal, or poultry waste pollution abatement and control facilities. Establishes a low-income farm ownership loan program for owners or operators of small or family farms, and extends eligibility for real estate and operating loans to private domestic corporations and partnerships primarily engaged in farming or ranching. Extends eligibility for operating loans to farm cooperatives. Increases the maximum allowable total principal indebtedness for real estate loans which may be outstanding by any one borrower to $200,000, or $300,000 in the case of a guaranteed loan. Removes the $500,000 ceiling from the aggregate principal of loans made using the Agricultural Credit Insurance Fund. Increases the amount of indebtedness which may be outstanding for operating loans for an individual from $50,000 to $100,000, or in the case of a guaranteed loan, $200,000. Authorizes the Secretary to purchase the guaranteed portion of any rural development loan using funds from the Rural Development Insurance Fund and the guaranteed portion of all other loans with funds from the Agricultural Credit Insurance Fund. Replaces the current provision for an up to five-year renewal of an operating loan with a provision for the consolidation or rescheduling of outstanding loans for payment over a period not to exceed seven years from the date of such consolidation or rescheduling. Authorizes the Secretary to make loans and grants, and approve transfers and assumptions under such Act in connection with property securing a loan made, insured, or held by the Secretary notwithstanding the fact an area ceases to be eligible for assistance under the Act. Authorizes the Secretary to provide a procedure for appeal and review of determinations by a county committee that a loan applicant is able to obtain sufficient credit elsewhere to finance his actual needs at reasonable rates and terms. Increases from $15,000 to $25,000 the amount of claims that can be compromised without approval of the Administrator of the Farmers Home Administration. Authorizes the Secretary to grant a moratorium upon the payment by an individual of interest and principal on a loan, upon a showing of temporary inability to continue making payments, beyond the individual's control. Subtitle B: Emergency Agricultural Credit Adjustment Act - Directs the Secretary to insure, guarantee, or make direct loans for the purpose of making payment of principal and interest installments or refinancing, in whole or in part, equipment or operating loans, giving preference to owners or operators of small or family farms. Requires the Secretary to guarantee 100 percent of the principal and interest of any such loan. Limits the total principal balance outstanding on insured or guaranteed loans to $200,000. Allows the total outstanding principal indebtedness of any borrower to reach $150,000 without approval of the senior State official of the Farmers Home Administration. Limits the total principal amount of all outstanding loans under this title during 1978 to $1,500,000,000, and during 1979 to $3,000,000,000. Terminates such program on December 31, 1979. Subtitle C: Miscellaneous Provisions - Extends the Emergency Livestock Credit Act through September 30, 1979. Title III: Wheat, Feed Grains, and Cotton Price Supports, Set-Aside and Release Prices - Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to provide for the 1978 and 1979 crops of the following commodities a sliding-scale of established prices, keyed to voluntary five percent increments above the required acreage set-aside level, ranging: (1) for wheat, from $3.00 per bushel for a 20 percent set-aside up to $5.00 per bushel for a 50 percent set-aside; (2) for corn, from $2.10 for a ten percent set-aside up to $3.49 for a 50 percent set-aside; and (3) for upland cotton, from 54 cents per pound for a 20 percent set-aside up to 85 cents per pound for a 50 percent set-aside. Sets the 1979 established price for a 50 percent set-aside of all three commodities at the January, 1979 parity price for the 1979 crops. Prohibits: (1) the Secretary from providing for the redemption of stored wheat and feed grains loans unless the market price for such commodities is not less than parity; (2) the calling of such loans until the market price for wheat and feed grains is at least 105 percent of parity; and (3) the Commodity Credit Corporation from selling its stocks of wheat and feed grains for less than the parity price of such commodities. Title IV: Sugar - Amends the Food and Agriculture Act of 1977 to increase the price support for the 1978 through 1980 crops of sugar beets and sugarcane to a minimum of 65 percent of parity, but not less than 17 cents per pound raw sugar equivalent. Title V: Meat Imports - Sets formulae for quotas on the importation of specified meat products as of January 1, 1979. Prohibits the annual importation of specified kinds of cattle in excess of the smaller of either: (1) the average number of such livestock imported during the period January 1, 1973, through December 31, 1977; or (2) 960,000 head. Title VI: National Farmer and Rancher Board - Establishes the National Farmer and Rancher Board, composed of bona fide farmers and ranchers from eight agricultural regions of the United States who shall be elected to such Board by agricultural producers according to specified procedures. Limits the duties of such Board to advising, consulting with, and making written recommendations to the President, the Secretary of Agriculture, and the Secretaries and Administrators of other specified departments and agencies on matters pertaining to the family farm and/or the production and marketing of agricultural commodities. Title VII: Congressional Review of Embargoes or Sale Suspensions - Amends the Food and Agriculture Act of 1977 to require notification of Congress of any embargo or suspension of a commercial export sale of specified commodities, and to permit Congress to halt such embargo by adoption of a resolution of disapproval within 60 days after notification. Title VIII: Government Purchases - Declares that it is the sense of Congress that all departments, agencies, and instrumentalities of all three branches of the United States Government use their resources and facilities to the maximum extent practicable to purchase agricultural products produced in the United States. Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1964 to exclude from food stamp coverage any food labeled imported. Title IX: Agricultural Tax Provisions - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an investment tax credit for buildings and structural components used in the business of farming. Grants an exemption from the excise tax for any trailer or semitrailer used for farming purposes or for transporting horses or livestock, whose gross vehicle weight is 10,000 pounds or less. Entitles aerial applicators to a refund of gasoline and special fuels taxes. Repeals the carryover basis provisions of the Tax Reform Act of 1976 which provide that beneficiaries receiving property from a decedent's estate will retain the decedent's basis in the property. Restores prior law which "stepped up" or "stepped down" the property's basis to its market value at the time of death without imposing tax consequences on the appreciation or depreciation the property underwent while held by the decedent. Allows a deduction from income for State estate taxes in the case of income in respect of a decedent. Title X: Natural Gas for Essential Agricultural Purposes - Directs the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to prohibit curtailment by a natural gas company of natural gas for essential agricultural, food processing, and food packaging purposes for which natural gas is necessary. Requires the Secretary to determine the purposes for which natural gas is necessary. Title XI: Increase Farm Storage Loan Ceiling - Amends the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act to increase the farm storage loan ceiling from $50,000 to $100,000. Title XII: Regulatory Reform - Authorizes either House of Congress by resolution to disapprove, in whole or in part, any rule or regulation prescribed by the head of any Federal department or agency. Requires the heads of all Federal departments and agencies to submit a comprehensive review and evaluation of their programs and activities so that the Congress may determine if the merits of each program or activity support its continuation or diminution rather than its termination.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1978
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 · 10 March 1978
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Federal Communications Commission should maximize local primary radio broadcast service in any proceeding respecting the provision of class I-A and I-B radio service. Prohibits the operation of a standard broadcast station with power in excess of 50,000 watts.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 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.
![Official portrait of Sen. Jeffords, James M. [I-VT]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/j000072_200.jpg)