United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1977
Small Business Energy Research Incentives Act - Title I: Small Business Act Amendments - Authorizes the Small Business Administrator to make loans to assist any small business concern in financing plant construction and equipment acquisition for the production, installation, or maintenance of solar energy equipment or other energy conservation equipment. Permits the Administration to make grants to non-profit organizations for the provision of training seminars showing small business concerns methods for design, installation, and maintenance of solar energy equipment. Title II: Federal Nonnuclear Energy Research and Development Act of 1974 Amendments - Establishes within the Energy Research and Development Administration an Office of Invention and Innovation to evaluate proposals by any individual or small business concern for the development of an energy- related invention and to provide grants for the development of such invention.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1977
Older Americans Financial Security Act - Authorizes and directs the Secretary of Labor, through the Bureau of Labor Statistics, to prepare, as part of the Consumer Price Index published monthly by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a consumer price index (to be known as the Consumer Price Index for the Aged and other Social Security Beneficiaries) designed to reflect the relevant price information for individuals, as a group, who are 65 years of age or older or are otherwise entitled to monthly benefits under Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act. Provides that the automatic cost-of-living increases in benefits which are authorized under Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act may be made on a semiannual basis (rather than only on an annual basis as at present). Modifies the Social Security retirement test by revising the formula for determination of an individual's yearly excess earnings.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1977
Authorizes and requests the President of the United States to designate the week beginning on the Sunday preceding the fourth Thursday in November of each year as "National Family Week."
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1977
Commends the President's intention to give diplomatic priority to pursuit of nonproliferation measures. Endorses negotiations with world leaders (1) to curb the spread of nuclear enrichment and reprocessing facilities, (2) to achieve acceptance of nuclear safeguards, (3) to explore international provision of nuclear fuel services, (4) to agree on sanctions against nations seeking to acquire nuclear explosives, (5) to strengthen the International Atomic Energy Agency, and (6) to act promptly on legislation enacting a statement of United States nonproliferation policy.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1977
Health Services Research, Health Statistics, Medical Libraries, Biomedical Research and Research Training Extension Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize appropriations through fiscal year 1978 for: health services, research, evaluation, and demonstration activities supported by such Act; health statistics medical libraries; cancer control programs; the National Cancer Institute; heart, blood, lung, and blood disease prevention and control programs; the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute; and National Research Service Awards.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1977
Health Services, Hemophilia and Health Planning and Development Extension Act - Title I: Amendments to the Public Health Service Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to extend through fiscal year 1978 the assistance programs for comprehensive public health services, migrant health, community health centers, hemophilia programs, and national health planning and development and health resources development. Repeals the provision of the Public Health Service Act which authorizes project grants to public and nonprofit private agencies for training, studies, and demonstrations for developing comprehensive health plans. Title II: Amendments to the Community Mental Health Centers Act - Amends the Community Mental Health Centers Act to extend through fiscal year 1978 grants for community mental health centers planning and operations. Extends the time period during which the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare must act on an application for a grant to plan a community mental health center to 120 days after the date of submission of the application.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1977
Petroleum Marketing Practices Act - Title I: Franchise Protection - Prohibits a franchisor from terminating or failing to renew a franchise unless specified conditions exist. Enumerates the basis upon which a franchisor may terminate or fail to renew a franchise. Exempts trial franchises from the requirements of this Act. Requires that 90 days advance notice of termination or nonrenewal be made in writing and delivered to the franchisee. Directs the Administrator of the Federal Energy Administration to publish in the Federal Register a summary of this Act. Authorizes civil actions in a United States district court against any franchisor who violates any requirement of this Act. Provides for the preemption of State laws unless such law is the same as the applicable provisions of this Act. Title II: Octane Disclosure - Requires the Federal Trade Commission to: (1) establish testing procedures for the determination of the octane rating of automotive gasoline; (2) establish requirements applicable to refiners with respect to the testing of automotive gasoline; (3) establish a certification procedure applicable to the distribution of automotive gasoline; and (4) establish requirements applicable to retailers of gasoline with respect to display of the octane rating of automotive gasoline at the point of sale. Prohibits any person who distributes automotive gasoline from making representations respecting the octane rating of gasoline unless the gasoline has been tested in accordance with the procedures established by the Federal Trade Commission. Grants to the Commission the procedural, investigative, and enforcement powers necessary to make effective the rules required to be prescribed. Makes it an unfair or deceptive act or practice in or affecting commerce under the Federal Trade Commission Act to violate the rules prescribed by this Act. Authorizes judicial review of the rules prescribed under this Act. Title III: Prohibition on Certain Unfair Practices in the Marketing of Automotive Gasoline - Prohibits dual distribution marketers of automotive gasoline (defined in this Act as a person who markets automotive gasoline at both wholesale and retail) in or affecting commerce from establishing or maintaining retail prices which do not recover the cost of gasoline transferred to, or purchased by, retail outlets controlled by such marketer plus the cost of operating such retail outlets. Defines terms for purposes of this Title. Disallows any person engaged in the marketing or distribution of automotive gasoline in or affecting commerce from selling at retail as a loss leader unless such person operates as a franchisee through a single retail outlet. Requires gasoline marketers to maintain books and records, consistent with sound accounting principles, prescribed by the Administrator of the Federal Energy Administration. Sets fines for violations of this Title and authorizes injunctions of illegal acts under specified circumstances.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1977
Federal Mine Safety and Health Amendments Act - Title I: Amendments to the General Provisions of the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969 - Amends the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969 to extend the applicability of the provisions of such Act to mines other than coal mines. Transfers the functions of the Secretary of the Interior in developing health and safety standards to the Secretary of Labor. Title II: Mine Safety and Health Standard Amendments - Amends the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969 to establish the duty of: (1) each mine operator and miner to comply with the health and safety standards of the Act, and (2) each mine operator to furnish a place of employment free from recognized hazards. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to promulgate, modify, or revoke mine health and safety standards in accordance with prescribed criteria and procedures. Authorizes the Secretary to utilize advisory committees in the development of standards. Requires the Secretary to act within 60 days upon recommendations from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Authorizes the Secretary, or the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare: (1) to enter any mine subject to this Act; and (2) to make reasonable inspections and investigations and to question privately employers, owners, operators, agents, or employees. Requires inspections of underground mines at least four times a year. Stipulates that no advance notice of inspections shall be given. Requires the maintenance of records by mine operators with regard to work-related deaths, injuries, illness, miner exposure to toxic substances, and mine accidents. Authorizes special inspections of mines by the Secretary upon request by any miners or representatives of miners where any violation of standards or imminent danger is alleged to exist. Establishes procedures for review of decisions of the Secretary with respect to establishment and enforcement of standards. Establishes procedures for the enforcement of mine health and safety standards through issuance of citations, imposition of civil and criminal penalties, and injunctive relief. Establishes special procedures to counteract imminently dangerous conditions. Requires that copies of all notices, orders, and decisions affecting mine safety in a particular mine be conspicuously posted at such mine site. Stipulates that, in the event of mine closures by orders issued pursuant to this Act, that miners idled as a result of any such order shall be entitled to full compensation for the period they are idled within prescribed limits. Establishes a Federal Mine Safety and Health Commission to supervise the activities of administrative law judges in proceedings brought under the Act. Requires that mine operators establish safety training programs for new miners and for all miners in accordance with prescribed criteria. Directs the Secretary to require that mine rescue teams comprised of Federal mine inspectors be maintained at district and field offices. Authorizes the Secretary and the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish procedures for measuring concentrations of respirable dust. Repeals provisions allowing for modifications of or exceptions from mandatory safety standards for underground mines. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Transfers functions of the Secretary of the Interior with respect to mine health and safety to the Secretary of Labor and the Federal Mine Safety and Health Commission. Directs the Secretary of Labor to establish an advisory committee to review all standards previously promulgated by the Secretary of the Interior. Establishes a Mine Safety and Health Administration in the Department of Labor to carry out mine safety and health functions assigned to the Secretary of Labor. Establishes qualifications and criteria for selection of individuals as mine inspectors. Stipulates that the National Mine Health and Safety Academy shall be maintained as an agency of the Department of the Interior to assist in the training of mine inspectors and other personnel. Repeals the Federal Metal and Nonmetallic Mine Safety Act of 1966.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1977
Education of the Handicapped Amendments - Authorizes appropriations under the Education of the Handicapped Act for fiscal year 1977 through fiscal year 1982 for developing: (1) regional resource centers; (2) centers and services for deaf-blind children; (3) programs for the early education of handicapped children; (4) special regional education programs; (5) programs for training personnel working with handicapped children; (6) research and demonstration projects; and (7) instructional media for the handicapped.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1977
Defense Production Act Amendments -- Amends the Defense Production Act of 1950 to prohibit any Federal contracting officer who by virtue of his position is authorized to solicit or select sources of supply, or describe requirements for, enter into, award, modify, terminate, administer, or make determinations or findings with respect to any contract while so employed, from accepting compensation from any contractor without the written permission of the standards of conduct counselor for his employing agency. Prohibits such contracting officer from owning a controlling interest in any contractor who has been affected by action taken by such officer. Prohibits such contracting officer from accepting employment within two years following his employment with the United States from any contractor who was affected by the action of such officer within three years prior to the termination of his or her employment with such agency, and from accepting employment with such a contractor in a position which was created or subsidized by revenues realized through a Federal contract handled by such officer until five years after the termination of such officer's employment with such agency. Prohibits contractors from offering to any such officer any compensation such officer is prohibited from receiving under this Act. Establishes a Conflict of Interest Review Board to review compliance by contracting officers with this Act. States that the Board shall issue advisory opinions with respect to compensation offered to such contracting officer after notice is published in the Federal Register and interested parties have had an opportunity to present testimony relating to the issuance of such advisory opinion. States that reliance on such advisory opinion shall be a defense to a civil or criminal case brought under this Act. Requires meetings of the Board at which such advisory opinions will be considered to be open to the public. Authorizes the Board to issue rules to implement this Act. Requires the Board to report annually to Congress respecting its activities and recommendations of legislative or regulatory actions to promote high ethical standards for Government employees. Requires the following persons to file specified information with the Board: (1) former Government employees who were employed in any given fiscal year as a representative of a Government contractor in any action in which the United States was a party or in any transaction with the United States; and (2) any Federal employee who was previously employed by a Government contractor at a salary rate equal to or greater than that for positions in grade GS-13. Exempts specified persons from the filing requirements of the Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1977
Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to promulgate national standards for clinical laboratories. Defines the terms "laboratory" and "clinical laboratory" for purposes of this Act. Directs the Secretary to develop job-related proficiency and practical examinations for clinical laboratory personnel, and to develop mechanisms designed to assure the continued competence of such personnel. Directs the development of standards for the proficiency testing of clinical laboratories. Applies such standards to: (1) clinical laboratories engaged in business in interstate commerce; and (2) any other clinical laboratories located in States which do not have primary enforcement responsibility as provided for by this Act for the regulation of such laboratories. Delegates to States the responsibility for primary enforcement of the national standards over clinical laboratories not engaged in interstate commerce and those that are engaged in interstate commerce and located or doing business within the State when responsibility is specifically delegated by the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to establish a system for the licensure of clinical laboratories subject to the national standards promulgated by the Secretary. States that such licenses shall specify the categories of tests and procedures which such laboratory may perform and shall be valid for a period not to exceed 24 months. Sets forth the requirements for issuance, renewal, and revocation of a license. Provides judicial review for any person aggrieved by the revocation of the license of his laboratory. Applies the national standards to Federal clinical laboratories under the jurisdiction of the Secretary and to all other such laboratories, except those under the jurisdiction of the Armed Forces or the Veterans' Administration or those under any agency which has in effect equally stringent standards. Prohibits the solicitation or acceptance of specimens for laboratory tests or procedures by a clinical laboratory which is required to be licensed by the Secretary and which either does not have such a license or is not permitted under such license to perform the planned test or procedure. Establishes a penalty consisting of a fine or imprisonment or both for the violation of such prohibition. Prohibits false or fraudulent billing practices in connection with services provided under the Social Security Act. Establishes a penalty consisting of a fine or imprisonment or both for the violation of such prohibition. Prohibits an employer from taking action against an employee who has assisted or participated in an investigation of such employer pursuant to this Act. Establishes a procedure for investigating and correcting employers' retaliatory actions against employees. Authorizes the Secretary to provide grants and technical assistance to States to assist in meeting the cost of enforcing the standards established for the regulation of clinical laboratories. Establishes an advisory council on clinical laboratories in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare to advise the Secretary with respect to national standards promulgated under this Act, the implementation and administration of clinical laboratory regulation, and coordination between Federal and State regulatory programs. Directs the Secretary to establish within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare an Office of Clinical Laboratories. States that the purpose of such Office shall be: (1) to establish a uniform regulatory policy for the administration of the functions authorized by this Act, the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and the Medicaid and Medicare programs of the Social Security Act; and (2) to provide guidance for the laboratory components of other health programs administered and enforced by the Secretary. Amends the Social Security Act to prohibit reimbursement under the Medicare, Medicaid or Maternal and Child Health and Crippled Childrens' Services programs for any portion of the cost of a clinical laboratory service which represents a commission, finders fee, or rent which is above the market value of the facility. Prohibits the making of any grant or reimbursement by the Secretary, or the award of any contract under the Medicare or Medicaid programs of the Social Security Act, including but not limited to grants to or contracts with hospitals, or skilled nursing facilities, or in connection with the procurement and reimbursement for clinical laboratory services, unless the laboratory meets the licensing requirements established by the Secretary. Raises the status of the offense of defrauding the Medicare and Medicaid programs from that of a misdemeanor to that of a felony. Increases the maximum fine for such offenses from $10,000 to $25,000. Increases the maximum term of imprisonment from one to five years. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study of existing regulations governing the qualifications of clinical laboratory supervisors, technologists, and technicians, and of the regulatory bodies established to develop and enforce such regulations. Requires such study: (1) to assess the need for national standards for certifying laboratory technical personnel and certifying entities; (2) to project the numbers of laboratory personnel who will be needed in 1980, 1985, and 1990; and (3) to analyze the costs to laboratories of compliance with such national standards should they be promulgated as a result of such study. Directs the Secretary to study the financial arrangements entered into by hospitals, reimbursed for the provision of health services under the Medicare and Medicaid programs, for the provision of clinical laboratory services by persons who provide such services in such hospitals. Directs the Secretary to report the findings of such study to Congress within six months, and that the study include recommendations for such corrective legislation as the Secretary determines to be necessary.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1977
Air Transportation Regulatory Reform Act - Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to direct the Civil Aeronautics Board, in the exercise of its duties with respect to interstate and overseas air transportation, to consider as being in the public interest the development of an air transportation system which relies on competitive market forces to determine the variety, quality and price of air services. Requires the Board to issue certificates to engage in scheduled or charter interstate or overseas passenger air transportation if certain conditions are met unless the Board finds that such transportation is not consistent with the public convenience and necessity (previously a certificate could only be granted if the public convenience and necessity required such service). Stipulates that such standards shall be used regarding applications to engage in all-cargo operations before January 1, 1979. Requires the Board, with respect to applications to engage in all-cargo transportation after such date, to issue the requested certificate regardless of whether it is inconsistent with the public convenience and necessity. Stipulates that if an air carrier holding nonstop authority to engage in scheduled air transportation between any two points listed on its certificate does not exercise such authority to a specified extend the Board shall issue a certificate authorizing such transportation to another carrier. Establishes notice procedures which the Board must follow before granting such authority. Authorizes air carriers to apply to the Board at the beginning of each year for a restricted discretionary certificate to serve additional pairs of points not included in such carrier's certificate. Restricts the number of additional points which carriers that have operated above a specified seat-mile level during the previous year may serve under such a certificate. Requires the Board, in the event that more than one application has been received to service particular points, to give preference to carriers which have operated below a specified number of seat-miles during the previous year. Prohibits air carriers engaged in such service from increasing fares or substantially reducing the level of capacity except upon 60 days' notice filed with the Board. Allows air carriers which have engaged continuously for 18 consecutive months in such service to apply to the Board to engage in unrestricted nonstop scheduled air transportation between such points. Stipulates that certificates to engage in interstate or overseas charter or all-cargo operations need only designate terminal and intermediate points as the Board deems practicable and need only designate the geographical areas in which such service may be rendered. Requires the Board to eliminate all closed door restrictions on any certificate. Directs the Board to remove other restrictions upon the request of a carrier or upon its own initiative. Limits the amount of charter trips which a carrier other than a charter air carrier may perform. Sets forth procedures regarding the suspension or revocation of certificates by the Board. Allows air carriers to terminate any interstate or overseas air transportation service required by its certificate upon 90 days' notice filed with the Board. Authorizes the Board to temporarily suspend such termination. Sets forth insurance and bonding requirements for air carriers. Authorizes air carriers to revise fares upon 60 days' notice filed with the Board where such rate change is within the authorized limits under this Act. Establishes a Federal subsidy program to insure adequate air service to communities which require but cannot otherwise obtain access to a national air transportation network. Eliminates mandatory Board jurisdiction over consolidation, merger, purchase, or acquisition of control agreements. Requires individuals desiring to enter into such a transaction to file a notice of such proposed action with the Attorney General. Requires the Attorney General upon a belief that such transaction would violate the antitrust laws, to notify the Board, the parties to the transaction, and other interested parties of such belief. Requires the suspension of such transaction after such notice is given. Authorizes the Attorney General to exempt a class of transactions from such premerger notification if such transactions do not affect the control of an air carrier directly engaged in the operation of aircraft and does not restrain competition or create a monopoly. Authorizes the Board to exempt any person or class of persons from the requirements of this Act if such exemption is in the public interest. Exempts air carriers which engage in air transportation solely with aircraft having a maximum passenger capacity of less than 56 passengers or a maximum payload capacity of less than 18,000 pounds from the requirement that they hold a certificate. Authorizes the Board to increase such capacity when the public interest so requires. Eliminates the power of the President to approve or disapprove the issuance, transfer, suspension, revocation, or modification of any certificate authorizing an air carrier to engage in overseas or foreign air transportation. Limits the Board's power to prescribe minimum and maximum fares for air transportation. Prohibits the Board from finding a rate to be too high unless before January 1, 1980, it is more than ten percent higher than the previous year and after such date 20 percent higher than the previous year. Prohibits the Board from finding a rate to be too low if such rate is above the carrier's direct cost for such service. Authorizes the Board to dispense with oral evidentiary proceedings for applications pertaining to interstate or overseas air transportation. Requires the Board to either grant or deny such applications within 30 days after a decision not to require a hearing. Stipulates that if the Board does not act within such time the application shall be deemed granted as applied for. Sets forth procedures for oral evidentiary proceedings for applications relating to air transportation.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1977
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide payment for rural health clinic services pursuant to program of Supplementary Medical Insurance Benefits for the aged and Disabled of such Title.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1977
Authorizes the Attorney General, in his discretion, in the case of any alien who is a native or citizen of Vietnam, Laos, or Cambodia and who has been inspected and admitted or paroled into the United States, to adjust the status of such alien to that of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence. Sets forth conditions for the granting of such adjusted status. Applies this Act to the resident spouse and children of any alien whose status is changed pursuant to this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1977
National Oil Pollution Liability and Compensation Act - Establishes a National Oil Pollution Compensation Fund in the Treasury of the United States for the purpose of paying otherwise uncompensated losses resulting from oil pollution. Enumerates the sources of moneys to be deposited in such fund, including a fee not to exceed three cents per barrel of oil, imposed upon owners of facilities involved in the transportation of oil. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to issue obligations to the Secretary of the Treasury at times when fund assets are insufficient to meet fund liabilities. Imposes joint, several, and strict liability upon the owners and operators of oil pollution sources. Specifies liability limits, except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct, for owners and operators of vessels and facilities. Requires owners of such vessels and facilities to maintain evidence of financial responsibility in an amount sufficient to satisfy applicable liability limits. Stipulates items which shall be recoverable as damages under this Act for losses resulting from discharges of oil. Establishes procedures for the administration of claims under this Act by the Secretary of Transportation. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to act on behalf of the public as trustee of the natural resources to recover for damages to such resources and for cleanup costs. Authorizes the Attorney General to act on behalf of groups of persons damaged by oil spills. Authorizes foreign claims for damages arising within the jurisdiction of the United States. Stipulates that documents and information relating to oil spill liability and compensation shall be made available to the public within specified limits as governed by the Freedom of Information Act. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to submit annual reports to Congress on the administration of the fund. Authorizes the appropriation of the following sums for the administration of this Act: $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1978; and $5,000,000 per year for fiscal years 1979 and 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1977
Solar Energy Government Building Act - Title I: Solar Hot Water and Space Heating Program for Federal Building - Directs the Administrator of General Services to establish a solar hot water and space heating devices in 15,000 federally owned buildings within six fiscal years following the date of enactment of this Act. Directs the Administrator to annually survey Federal buildings to determine those most suitable for the installation of solar hot water and space heating devices, considering geographic distribution and life-cycle cost evaluations in making such determination. Directs the Administrator to report annually to Congress on the status of the Program, including recommendations for future funding levels necessary to fully implement the six-year target set forth in this Act. Establishes an Advisory Committee on the Solar Energy Government Building Program of specified Government executives to assist the Administrator in the establishment and conduct of the Program. Authorizes the appropriation of $100,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1978 through 1983 for the purposes of this title. Title II: Federal Photovoltaic Utilization Program - Establishes a Federal Photovoltaic Utilization Program for the annual acquisition and use of photovoltaic solar electric systems, primarily for use by the Department of Defense. Directs the Administrator of General Services to administer the program with the assistance of the Secretary of Defense. Directs the Administrator of the Energy Research and Development Administration to establish a photovoltaic system evaluation and purchase program to insure that such systems reflect the most advanced, low-cost technology. Authorizes the appropriations of $25,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1978 through 1982 for design and engineering aspects of the program. Authorizes the appropriation of $100,000,000 for photovoltaic system acquisition in fiscal year 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1977
Young Families' Housing Act - Graduated Payment Mortgage Insurance Act - Amends the National Housing Act to permit the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to insure, on a regular basis, mortgages and loans with provisions for varying rates of amortization corresponding to anticipated variations in family income. Sets a percentage limit on the mortgage value ratio of mortgages which will be insurable under this Act. Prescribes eligibility requirements for such insurance. States that mortgages or loans insured pursuant to this Act shall not be subject to State usury laws in most cases. Individual Housing Account Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a deduction for amounts paid in cash into an individual housing account. Defines the term "individual housing account" for the purposes of this Act. Limits annual tax deductions to $2,500 and lifetime deductions to $10,000. Makes provisions for tax treatment upon distribution of such accounts. Exempts individual housing accounts from taxation under the Internal Revenue Code.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1977
Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require that 180 days after enactment of this Act labels of prescription drugs manufactured in final dosage form show the name and place of business of the manufacturer and, if different, the name and place of business of the packer or distributor.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1977
Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to prohibit the President from designating a country as a beneficiary developing country, for purposes of tariff preferences (under the President's authority to confer such designation when he determines it to be in the national economic interest), when such country has participated, or is participating, in withholding supplies of any vital commodity resource from international trade.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1977
Emergency Unemployment Compensation Extension Act - Redefines the "on" and "off" indicators used in determining emergency benefit periods under the Emergency Unemployment Compensation Act of 1974. Stipulates that amounts appropriated to the Extended Unemployment Compensation Account shall not be repayable advances. Extends the period for which emergency compensation is payable to encompass weeks ending on or before March 31, 1978, and, in the case of any individual who had a compensable week on or before March 31, 1978, weeks ending on or before June 30, 1978. Provides compensation to individuals in approved training programs after exhaustion of the maximum amount of emergency compensation otherwise payable.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1977
Regulatory Reform Act - Requires the President to submit to Congress a plan recommending reforms with respect to the regulation of: (1) energy, the environment, housing, and occupational health and safety by specified Federal agencies by April 30, 1979; (2) transportation and communications by specified Federal agencies by April 30, 1981; (3) banking and finance, international trade, and Government procurement by specified Federal agencies by April 30, 1983; and (4) food, consumer health and safety, economic trade practices, and labor- management concerns by specified Federal agencies by April 30, 1985. States that each such plan shall include recommendations for reform of such specified agencies and shall report on the cumulative impact of all Government regulatory activity reviewed, up to that date, on specific industry groupings. States that if the President fails to submit such plans by the specified dates, the Senate and House Committees on Government Operations shall draft their own plans to be submitted to Congress for action. Requires the Comptroller General and the Congressional Budget Office, contemporaneously with the development of the President's plan, to submit a report assessing the purpose, effects, efficiency, and cost effectiveness of each agency included in the plans submitted by the President. States that if no comprehensive regulatory reform legislation is enacted by August 1 of the year following the year in which a comprehensive plan has been submitted by the President, then all agencies affected thereby shall have no authority to issue any new rules not essential for preserving the public health and safety; if such reform is not enacted by October 1 of such year, such agency shall have no authority to enforce any rule not essential for preserving the public health and safety; if no such reform is enacted by December 31 of such year, such agency shall be terminated on such date. States that all rules of such terminated agency essential for preserving the public health and safety shall remain effective and shall be enforced by the Department of Justice. Requires the President to submit subsequent plans in the manner and in the order and frequency set forth by this Act every ten years.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1977
Public Official Integrity Act - Title I: Amendments to Title 28, United States Code - Requires the Attorney General to investigate all specific allegations of criminal law violations by specified individuals, including the President, Vice President, persons in the Executive branch compensated at a rate of pay prescribed for positions I and II of the Executive Schedule, and any national campaign manager or chairman of any national campaign committee seeking the election or reelection of the President. Requires the Attorney General to decide within 60 days whether the matter warrants prosecution and if so, directs him to apply to the division of the U.S. Courts of Appeals responsible for the appointment of a special prosecutor. Requires the Attorney General to apply for the appointment of a special prosecutor whenever, in the course of any criminal investigation, he determines that the continuing investigation or resulting prosecution may so directly and substantially affect the political or personal interests of the President or the Attorney General or the interests of the President's political party as to make it inappropriate in the interest of the administration of justice for the Department of Justice to conduct such investigation. Enumerates the authority and duties of a special prosecutor. Gives a special prosecutor all the investigative and prosecutorial functions and powers of the Department except those which specifically require the Attorney General's personal action. Requires a special prosecutor to report annually to Congress and at the conclusion of such special prosecutor's duties to the division of the court. Requires a special prosecutor to promptly advise the House of Representatives of any substantial and credible information which may constitute grounds for an impeachment. States that a special prosecutor may only be removed from office by impeachment and conviction, or by the Attorney General for extraordinary improprieties, malfeasance in office, willful neglect of duty, permanent incapacitation, or conduct constituting a felony. Permits the division of the court to terminate an office of special prosecutor at any time on the grounds that the investigations and prosecutions of such prosecutor have been completed. Requires the chief judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia to assign three judges or justices for two-year periods to a division of the Court to be the special panel of the court for the appointment of special prosecutors. Terminates the provisions of this Act which pertain to a special prosecutor five years after the date on which this Act takes effect. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to be held by the Department as a contingent fund for the use of any special prosecutor appointed pursuant to this Act. Requires the Attorney General to promulgate rules requiring any officer or employee of the Department, including a United States Attorney, to disqualify himself from participation in a particular investigation or prosecution if such participation may result in a personal, financial, or political conflict of interests or the appearance of such conflict. Establishes within the Department an Office of Government Crimes to be directed by a person appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate and who has not, during the five years preceeding such appointment, held a high-level position of trust and responsibility on the personal campaign staff of, or in an organization or political party working on behalf of, a candidate for any elective Federal Office. Confers upon the Office jurisdiction over: (1) criminal violations of Federal law related to his Government position, employment, or compensation, by any individual who holds or who held a position as an elected or appointed Federal Government officer, employee or special employee; (2) criminal violations of Federal laws relating to lobbying, conflicts of interest, campaigns, and election to public office committed by any person except insofar as such violations relate to matters involving discrimination or intimidation on the grounds of race color, religion or national origin; (3) the supervision of investigations and prosecutions of criminal violations of Federal law involving State or local government officials or employees; and (4) such other matters as the Attorney General may deem appropriate except as to matters referred to the special prosecutor pursuant to this Act. Requires the Attorney General to report annually to Congress on the activities of the Office. Title II: Congressional Legal Counsel - Establishes as an office of Congress, the Office of Congressional Counsel headed by a Congressional Legal Counsel. Makes the office directly accountable to the Joint Leadership Group established under this Act. Directs the Office to defend Congress, a Member, officer, or employee of Congress, or any agency or committee of Congress in a civil action which arises from performance of official duties if so authorized by a two-thirds vote of the Leadership Group of the relevant House or Houses or by a majority vote of the relevant House or Houses of Congress. Directs the Office to bring a civil action to enforce a Congressional subpoena if authorized to do so by a majority vote of the appropriated House. Directs the Office to represent the interests of Congress as intervenor or amicus curiae in a suit in which Congress is not a party if authorized by the appropriate House, in the event such appearance or intervention is in the name of one House, or by both Houses in the event that such appearance or intervention is in the name of the entire Congress. Authorizes to be appropriated for each fiscal year through fiscal year 1982, such sums as may be necessary to enable the Office to carry out its duties and functions. Provides that until such sums are first appropriated, for a period of up to 12 months, the expenses of the office shall be paid from the contingent fund of the Senate. Title III: Government Personnel; Financial Disclosure Requirements - Declares it to be the policy of the United States that there be uniform requirements for full public financial disclosure by high-level officers and employees of the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches of the Government. States that such financial disclosure requirements shall not be inconsistent with the public financial disclosure requirements contained in the Code of Official Conduct adopted by the Senate.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1977
Victims of Crime Act - Directs the Attorney General to make grants to qualified State programs for the compensation of victims of crime. Specifies requirements for program certification, including that the program (1) offer compensation for personal injuries suffered as a result of certain State and Federal crimes, (2) offer compensation to surviving dependents of persons whose deaths resulted from being victim to such a crime, (3) require cooperation with law enforcement agencies as a condition for recovery, (4) grant claimants the right to a hearing, and (5) subrogate the State to any claim the victim or dependent has against the perpetrator to the extent of the amount compensated by the State. States that grants made under this Act shall total 50 percent of the allowable compensation paid to victims and dependent survivors of victims of State crimes designated by the State as appropriate for compensation under this program and 100 percent of the allowable compensation paid to victims and dependent survivors of victims of crimes which would constitute designated State crimes except for the fact that the crime is subject to exclusive Federal jurisdiction. Limits compensation with respect to any single claim to (1) loss resulting from medical and related treatment, physical and occupational therapy and rehabilitation, and past and anticipated future earnings up to $200 per week and (2) a total of $50,000. Establishes an Advisory Committee on Victims of Crime to advise the Attorney General with respect to the administration of this Act and the compensation of victims of crime.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1977
Federal Employees Flexible and Compressed Work Schedules Act - Requires the Civil Service Commission to develop a three-year comprehensive plan to provide for the establishment of flexible and compressed work schedule experiments within executive agencies. Directs the head of each agency to determine whether or not the implementation of such an experimental program would be in the best interest of the agency. Requires the Chairperson of the Commission to take appropriate action to include any requesting agency in the implementation of the comprehensive plan. Title I: Flexible Scheduling of Work Hours - Permits Federal agencies to conduct one or more experiments to test flexible schedules which include: (1) designated hours and days during which an employee on such a schedule must be present for work; and (2) designated hours during which employees on such a schedule may elect the times of their arrival and departure. Empowers the head of an agency, at the request of an employee participating in a flexible hour program, to grant such employee compensatory time off in lieu of payment of such overtime hours. Disallows, with specified exceptions, the payment of premium pay for night-work to an employee working a flexible hour schedule solely because such employee elects to work optional hours at a time of day for which premium pay is otherwise authorized. Limits the number of optional hours which an employee on a flexible schedule may accumulate for carryover from a biweekly pay period to the succeeding biweekly pay period. Title II: Four-day Week and Other Compressed Work Schedules - Permits agencies to conduct one or more experiments to test a four-day workweek or other compressed schedules. Details provisions relating to the payment or overtime pay, Sunday pay, and holiday pay to individuals working such a schedule. Title III: Administrative Provisions - Prohibits the inclusion within any experiment under Titles I or II of this Act of employees within a unit with respect to which an organization of government employees has been accorded exclusive recognition except to the extent expressly provided under a written agreement between the agency and such organization. Prohibits the intimidation or coercion of other employees who are participating in an experiment under Titles I or II with respect to their rights under this Act. Sets forth reporting requirements for the Commission with respect to programs carried out under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1977
Amends the Social Security Act to provide that, if the delivery day for benefit checks under titles II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) and XVI (Supplemental Security Income Program) falls on a Saturday, Sunday or legal public holiday, benefit checks for such month shall be mailed for delivery on the first day preceding such designated day which is not a Saturday, Sunday or legal public holiday, without regard to whether the delivery of such checks is made in the same calendar month for which such benefit checks are issued. Requires the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to make the same provision for the mailing of veterans' benefits checks.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1977
Amends the National Labor Relations Act to require an employer which assumes the ownership or operation of a business to honor any applicable collective bargaining contract in its entirety. Amends the Labor Management Relations Act to permit a labor organization to bring suit against a new employer which refuses to honor an existing agreement in United States district court regardless of the citizenship of the parties or amount in controversy.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1977
National Meals-on-Wheels Act - Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to allow States to distribute Federal Funds for the establishment of: (1) projects to provide home-delivered meals to qualified homebound elderly persons; (2) an information and referral system for homebound individuals receiving such meals; and (3) an operation to seek volunteer personnel for the delivery of such meals and to compensate such personnel for related transportation expenses. Authorizes the appropriation of specified sums in fiscal years 1978 and 1979 for the purpose of providing home-delivered meals under this Act. Limits to five percent the amount of such funds which may be spent upon the administration of such program. Directs the Commissioner of the Administration on Aging to conduct a demonstration project involving at least three States to determine the feasibility of using the meals system designed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration for the elderly as a component of, or substitute for, regular nutrition projects assisted under the Older Americans Act of 1965.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1977
Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961: (1) to increase to $196,800,000 the appropriations authorized for fiscal year 1977 for military assistance; and (2) to limit to $34,500,000 for fiscal year 1977 the authorization of appropriations for military assistance for Portugal.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1977
Title I: Public Works Employment - Public Works Employment Act - Authorizes to be appropriated a sum not to exceed $2,000,000,000 for the purpose of making grants to States and local governments for local public works projects with respect to which unsuccessful applications for grants were made prior to December 23, 1976, under the Public Works Employment Act of 1976. Authorizes an additional sum not to exceed $2,000,000,000 for the purpose of making grants for local public works projects which are eligible for grants under title I of the Public Works Employment Act of 1976, including projects for which grant applications are pending, and for projects for the construction or improvement of health care or rehabilitation facilities owned and operated by private nonprofit entities. Limits the Federal share for any such project to 80 percent of its cost. Sets forth guidelines for making grants under this title, including the consideration of unemployment rates in grant allocation. Stipulates that up to two and one-half percent of funds appropriated under this title shall be available for projects requested by Indian Tribes of Alaska Native organizations. Title II: Youth Community Improvement Program- Youth Community Improvement Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce, under the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 to make grants and to enter into contracts with, any State, local government, Indian tribe, or Alaska Native organization to pay the cost of community improvement projects to be carried out by youths. Sets forth requirements for applications for assistance and for agreements evidencing grants or contracts under this title, including requirements relative to wages to be paid to participating youths, projects supervisory personnel, and job opportunities and skills development. Directs eligible applicants to establish or designate a local nonprofit organization to carry out activities funded under this title. Directs the Secretary to work with appropriate State education agencies to provide that academic credit be awarded for work experience gained through the youth community improvement program.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1977
Amends the Cape Cod National Seashore Act to prohibit the allowance of use and occupancy privileges to property owners who have constructed homes during a period of suspension of the Secretary of the Interior's authority to acquire land by condemnation. States that size and design requirements must be included in new standards issued by the Secretary for zoning by-laws. Directs the Secretary to review all existing zoning by-laws to determine whether they are consistent with such standards and to report to specified Congressional committees on necessary amendments to such by-laws. Empowers the Secretary to take action on any matter relating to the seashore if the Cape Cod National Seashore Advisory Commission is unable to make a recommendation to the Secretary within 45 days after such matter has been presented to it. Authorizes an additional $10,000,000 to be appropriated to complete acquisition within the seashore. Sets aside $5,000,000 in a reserve fund for emergency use by the Secretary to acquire property threatened by immediate development.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1977
Authorizes the Joint Committee on the Library to procure a bust or statue of Martin Luther King, Junior, and to cause such sculpture to be placed in a suitable location in the Capitol. Authorizes appropriations of not more than $25,000 to carry out this concurrent resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1977
Displaced Homemakers Act - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish a minimum of 50 Multipurpose Service Centers for displaced homemakers. States that each Center shall provide specified services, including: (1) job counseling; (2) job training and job placement; (3) health education and counseling; (4) financial management; (5) legal counseling and referral; and (6) outreach information with respect to Federal assistance programs. Sets forth factors to be considered by the Secretary in selecting Center sites. Directs the Secretary to designate a public or non-profit private organization to administer a Center once its site has been chosen. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants in accordance with specified guidelines to such organizations for the purpose of establishing and maintaining Centers. Directs the Secretary to prepare and furnish to Congress biennial evaluations which are to include a thorough assessment of each Center and recommendations concerning the administration and expansion of such Centers at the local, State, and Federal levels. Directs the Secretary to prepare and furnish to the Congress a study to determine the feasibility of, and appropriate procedures for, allowing displaced homemakers to participate in: (1) programs established under the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act of 1973; (2) work incentive programs under the Social Security Act; (3) related Federal employment, education and health assistance programs; and (4) programs established, or benefits provided, under Federal and State unemployment compensation laws.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1977
Declares it to be the sense of Congress that wasteful energy consumption in the United States must be eliminated. Requests the President to call for a National Energy Crusade and to designate an Energy Conservation Month. Requests the President to report to the Congress and to the nation on the status of energy conservation initiatives.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1977
Swimming Pool Safety Act - Prevents any Federal agency or recipient of Federal funds from acquiring, building, or operating any outdoor swimming pool unless such pool is: (1) enclosed by a six foot fence with self-latching gates; and (2) equipped with at least one life ring and one rescue hook. Directs the Administrator of General Services to promulgate rules and regulations as necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act and to report to Congress on the operation of these regulations.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1977
Commercial Fisheries Improvement Fund Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to make long-term, low interest, incentive loans for investment in shoreside facilities and fishing vessels for underutilized fisheries. Requires the Secretary, before approving a loan for the purchase of a new or used vessel, to determine that the applicant's contemplated operation of such vessel in a fishery will not cause economic hardship or injury to efficient vessels already operating in that fishery. Directs that loans made pursuant to this Act be made only to citizens or nationals of the United States. Stipulates that no corporation, partnership, or association organized under the laws of American Samoa shall be deemed a national of the United States unless 75 percent of the interest therein is owned by nationals or citizens of the United States. Establishes in the U.S. Treasury a Commercial Fisheries Improvement Fund to be used by the Secretary to make loans under this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of $250,000,000 as initial capital for all loans under this Act. Repeals provisions of the Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956 which make available loans for the financing or refinancing of the cost of purchasing, constructing, equipping, maintaining, repairing, or operating commercial fishing vessels or gear. Directs that any outstanding loans made under such provisions be handled in accordance with this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1977
Title I: Meat and Meat Products - Amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to require meat imports to be labeled as imports and to be subjected to tests regarding substances or levels of substances prohibited in any domestically produced animal. Title II: Dairy Products - Prohibits the importation of dairy products unless the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare certifies that such imports originated from pure and wholesome supplies and were manufactured in plants which comply with certain minimum standards of sanitation. Makes such products subject to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act after entry into the United States. Permits assessments and fees to be prescribed for such tests and inspections and the revocation of import privileges for failure to pay such fees.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1977
Turkey Relief and Rehabilitation Act - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize the President to grant assistance to the victims of earthquakes in Turkey. Authorizes the appropriation of $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1977 for such assistance. Requires that such assistance, to the maximum extent possible: (1) be distributed by United States voluntary relief agencies and other international relief and development organizations; and (2) be used for construction of seismic-resistant housing.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1977
Open Communications Act - Requires each Federal agency to publish in the Federal Register a list of all its positions compensated in excess of the rate prescribed for GS-14 under the General Schedule or comparable officers of the uniformed services. Requires each official holding such a position to prepare a record of each oral or written communication received by such official initiated by persons outside the agency, which (1) pertains to an agency proceeding, (2) seeks to influence agency action, or (3) is the subject of litigation involving the agency, if such communication is not routinely available for public inspection. Sets forth required content of such records. Exempts from the record requirements of this Act (1) certain interagency communication, (2) requests for information by the press, and (3) communications relating to military or foreign affairs. Requires each agency to include such records in a public file within ten working days after receipt of the communication. States that persons communicating with Federal officials need not be identified pursuant to this Act if such person provides information under an assurance of confidentiality for use in a civil or criminal enforcement investigation or in an administrative or judicial inforcement proceeding, or if such person is the subject of a civil or criminal enforcement investigation. Permits individual agencies to broaden the scope of the requirements of this Act. Requires the Administrative conference of the United States to study the procedures established to carry out this Act and report its finding to Congress two years after the enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1977
Rescinds the $350,000,000 appropriation for the CVN nuclear attack aircraft carrier program contained in the Department of Defense Appropriation Act, 1977.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1977
Equity in Social Security Act - Amends Title II (Old-Age, Survivors', and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act: (1) to eliminate the requirement that a husband be receiving at least one-half of his support from his wife, and that a widower be receiving at least one- half of his support from his wife at the time of her death in order to qualify for husband's and widower's insurance benefits; (2) to extend eligibility for such benefits to unmarried divorced husbands and widowers; (3) to extend without regard to any age limitation, husband's benefits to a husband who has in his care a minor child who is entitled to child's insurance benefits under Title II; and (4) to extend to widowers and surviving divorced fathers the same benefits as are available to widows and surviving divorced mothers with minor children in their care. Permits the payment of old-age insurance benefits to a married couple on their combined earnings record.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1977
Public Safety Officers' Group Life Insurance Act - Authorizes the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration to purchase from life insurance companies a policy or policies of group life insurance to provide the benefits provided under this Act. Provides that each such life insurance company must: (1) be licensed to issue life insurance in each of the 50 states of the United States and in the District of Columbia; and (2) as of the most recent December 31 for which information is available to the administration have in effect at least one percent of the total amount of group life insurance which all life insurance companies have in effect in the United States. Provides that any purchased policy shall automatically insure any Public Safety Officer employed by a State or local government which has applied to participate in the insurance program and agreed to deduct from such officer's pay the amount of the premium, to be forwarded to the proper Federal agency as designated by the Administration. Specifies the amount of life insurance an officer may receive on the basis of his pay rate. Requires that policies purchased under this Act provide officers accidental death and dismemberment insurance in an amount equal to the applicable amount of life insurance. Provides that each policy purchased by the Administration under this Act shall contain a provision, in terms approved by the Administration, to the effect that any insurance thereunder on any public safety officer shall cease two months after; (1) his separation or release from duty as such an officer; or (2) discontinuance of his pay as such an officer, whichever is earlier. Provides that each policy purchased under this Act shall contain a provision, in terms approved by the Administration, for the conversion of such insurance effective the day following the date such insurance would cease. Specifies that during the period such insurance is in force the insured, upon request to the Administration, shall be furnished a list of life insurance companies participating in the program established under this Act and upon written application (within such period) to the participating company selected by the insured and payment of the required premiums be granted insurance without a medical examination on a permanent plan then currently written by such company which does not provide for the payment of any sum less than the face value thereof for the payment of an additional amount of premiums if the insured engages in public safety activities. Requires that during any period in which a public safety officer is insured under a policy of insurance purchased by the Administration under this Act his employer shall withhold each pay period from his basic or other pay until separation or release from duty as a public safety officer an amount determined by the Administration to be such officer's share of the cost of his group life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment insurance. Sets forth the order of precedence in which the survivors of the officers will be awarded insurance benefits. States that each policy issued under this title shall include a schedule of basic premium rates and provides for the readjustment of rates. Establishes an Advisory Council on Public Safety Officer Group Life Insurance consisting of the Attorney General as Chairman, the Secretary of the Treasury, the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget. Provides that the Council shall meet once a year, or more often at the call of the Attorney General, and shall review the Administration of this Act and advise the Administration on matters of policy relating to activities thereunder.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1977
Municipal Taxable Bond Alternative Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a State, a possession of the United States, any political subdivision of any of the foregoing, or the District of Columbia, to elect to issue taxable obligations, the interest of which will be included in the gross income of the recipient. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to pay without condition or requirement 40 percent of the interest yield on each obligation for which the election of taxability has been made.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1977
Public Participation in Federal Agency Proceedings Act - Entitles any person to recover reasonable attorneys' fees and other costs of participation incurred by such person in any Federal agency proceeding if the participation of such person promotes or can reasonably be expected to promote a full and fair determination of the issues involved in the proceeding and the economic interest of such person in the outcome is small compared to the costs of participation in such proceeding, or such person does not have sufficient resources to participate effectively in such proceeding in the absence of an award under this Act. Requires each agency, whenever practicable, to determine, prior to the commencement of any proceeding, the eligibility of a person for an award under this Act and the amount of such award. Requires payment of such an award, where necessary, prior to the conclusion of such proceeding but in no event later than 90 days after the conclusion of such proceeding. Directs the head of each agency to report annually to Congress with respect to awards made under this Act. Entitles any person who is a party to, or intervenor in, any civil suit or proceeding for judicial review of agency action to costs incurred by such person in litigation if such person is afforded the relief sought in substantial measure, the court determines that such action served an important public purpose, the economic interest of such person in the outcome of such action is small compared with the cost of litigation, and the person does not have sufficient resources to participate effectively in such action absent an an award under this Act. Directs the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to report annually to Congress with respect to awards granted by courts of the United States under this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated for agency awards under this Act, $10,000,000 each year for fiscal years 1978, 1979, and 1980. Authorizes to be appropriated for judicial awards under this Act such sums as may be necessary. (Adds 5 USC 558a; 707)
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1977
Requires the imposition of mandatory sentences of not less than two years for certain burglary and aggravated assault convictions. Requires a mandatory sentence of not less than two years and which may be up to life imprisonment for certain second degree murder convictions. Requires a mandatory sentence of not less than two years for convictions of crimes involving the use of a firearm. Specifies mandatory sentences for crimes involving heroin. Increases the sentences of repeat Federal offenders. Waives the imposition of mandatory minimum sentences under this Act if the individual convicted (1) was less than 16 years of age at the time of the crime; (2) was mentally impaired; (3) was under substantial duress; or (4) was a minor accomplice. Provides for a special hearing before the court without a jury to determine whether any of the factors enumerated above are applicable.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1977
Deems service as a member of the Women's Air Force Service Pilots as active duty for the purposes of all laws administered by the Veterans' Administration.
United States · United States Congress · 12 January 1977
National Mass Transportation Assistance Act - Amends the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964 to authorize appropriations for urban transportation programs under such Act through fiscal year 1982. Establishes restrictions on the use of Federal funds available under such Act for these programs. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to approve as a project eligible for grants under such Act the: (1) payment of capital or operating expenses to carry out new or specialized mass transit service; (2) the payment of operating expenses related to regional commuter rail service; and (3) the payment of funds related to operating performance and the achievement of operating results under criteria established by the Secretary. Authorizes the use of funds under such Act for the payment of operating subsidies in areas other than urbanized areas. Removes the limitation that grants for management training programs under such Act be available only to students pursuing a graduate course of study. Directs the Secretary to convert specified equipment and facilities loans under the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964 and the Housing Amendments of 1955 to grants under specified conditions. Requires the Secretary to make a report to Congress before February 1, 1980, setting forth a detailed estimate of the cost of urban mass transportation grants. Directs the Secretary to require that projects, as a condition to receiving Federal financial assistance under such Act, be planned and operated to allow effective utilization of mass transportation services by elderly and handicapped persons. Stipulates that a specified portion of Federal monies made available under such Act for research, development, and demonstration projects may be set aside and used exclusively to increase the information and technology necessary to provide improved transportation services for the handicapped and elderly. Directs that local advisory committees be established immediately for drawing up a timetable to carry out the provisions of this Act requiring access to mass transportation systems by such individuals. Requires that at least half the members of such a committee be elderly or handicapped persons. Directs the Secretary to establish a National Advisory Council on Mass Transportation for Elderly and Handicapped to advise and consult with the Secretary of Health Education, and Welfare and the Secretary of Transportation on all matters relating to mass transportation for elderly and handicapped persons. Requires that at least half the members of such Council be elderly or handicapped persons. Requires the Secretary of Transportation, on or before October 1, 1978, to submit a comprehensive report to Congress on the mass transportation needs of elderly and handicapped persons.
![Official portrait of Sen. Kennedy, Edward M. [D-MA]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/k000105_200.jpg)