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United States · Official source
846 records where Sen. Magnuson, Warren G. [D-WA] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1978
Declares it the sense of the Senate that the President should negotiate with the Government of Panama, or any other appropriate country, regarding the construction, maintenance, and operation of a new canal connecting the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1978
Authorizes and requests the President to designate the week of April 16-22, 1978 as "National Oceans Week."
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1978
National Agricultural Land Policy Act - Title I: Objectives - Declares that it is the policy of the Federal Government, in cooperation with State and local governments, to use all practicable methods to retain and protect agricultural land, to reduce its conversion to nonagricultural uses, and to limit the encroachment of industrial activities. Title II: Research Program - Establishes a three-year Agricultural Land Review Commission to study: (1) agricultural land in the United States; (2) the effects of industrial development, climate and other factors on the productivity of such land; (3) the acquisition of such land by persons not engaged in agricultural activities; and (4) methods of protecting such land, and of reducing the amount of it being converted to nonagricultural uses. Authorizes the Commission to make grants to institutes of higher learning to do research pursuant to its study. Requires the Commission to report its findings, conclusions and recommendations to the President and to Congress. Title III: Demonstration Programs - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to pay up to 75 percent of the cost and to provide technical assistance to any State pilot project undertaken to demonstrate and test methods of reducing the amount of agricultural land being converted to nonagricultural uses. Requires all such projects to be completed within five years after enactment of this Act. Directs the Secretary to report his findings, conclusions and recommendations to the President and to Congress. Title IV: General Provisions - Defines terms used in this Act. Title V: Funding - Authorizes for Title II programs the appropriation of $15,000,000. Authorizes for Title III programs the appropriation of $75,000,000 each for fiscal years 1979 and 1980, and $100,000,000 each for fiscal years 1981, 1982, and 1983.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1978
Amateur Sports Act - Title I: Declaration of Policy - Makes findings and states that the policy of Congress is to promote amateur athletics and protect the right of amateur athletes to participate in athletic competition. Title II: Olympic Committee Reorganization - Amends the corporate charter of the Olympic Committee to (1) provide for a principal place of business of the United States Olympic Committee (Corporation); (2) set forth the objectives and purposes of the Corporation; (3) set forth the powers of the Corporation; and (4) subject to civil liability any person who uses an Olympic designation without authority to promote a private financial interest. Permits contributors or suppliers of goods or services to use the name of the United States Olympic Committee or its designation to advertise that such goods or services have been furnished to, approved, or selected by the Corporation. Requires the Corporation to establish in its constitution and bylaws provisions for the resolution of disputes involving the opportunity of an amateur athlete or other specified individuals to participate in sanctioned athletic competitions. Authorizes the Corporation to recognize as a national governing body any amateur sports organization (but only one for each sport) which submits an application for recognition and complies with eligibility requirements. Sets forth such eligibility requirements. Sets forth the duties and powers of a national governing body and the requirements which an amateur sports organization must meet to hold an athletic competition sanctioned by a national governing body. Grants to the Corporation the power of review over the actions of any national governing body and invests a United States district court with jurisdiction to enjoin any action of a national governing body inconsistent with the terms of the Corporate charter. Sets forth procedures for the Corporation in (1) processing a complaint against a national governing body by an individual athlete or an amateur sports organization; (2) revoking recognition of a national governing body; and (3) replacing an incumbent national governing body. Provides for arbitration of a determination of the Corporation. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to lend financial assistance to the Corporation in developing amateur athletics in the United States. Authorizes appropriations for carrying out the work of the national governing bodies.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1978
Amends the Reservoir Salvage Act of 1960, as amended, to authorize appropriations to the Secretary of the Interior for fiscal years 1979-1983 for administration, investigation, and salvage operations of the program providing for recovery, protection, and preservation of significant scientific, prehistorical, historical, or archeological data which may be lost through federally regulated, permitted, or licensed construction projects.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1978
Community Schools and Comprehensive Community Education Act - Authorizes the Commissioner of Education to make grants to State and local educational agencies to pay the Federal share of establishing community education programs. Defines "community education program" as a program operated by a local educational agency providing educational, recreational, health care, cultural, and other related services for the community. Establishes a Community Education Advisory Council to advise the National Institute of Education concerning community education programs.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1978
Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct that, except as provided in Title X of such Act (Population Research and Voluntary Family Planning Programs), no program for which funds are authorized by such Act which directly or indirectly provide health services shall exclude from such programs or services the provision of abortions as a health service.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1978
Provides that no provision of the Social Security Act shall be construed as prohibiting financial support for any abortion as a health service.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1978
Amends the Indian Health Care Improvement Act to direct that no program for which funds are authorized which directly or indirectly provide health services shall exclude from such programs or services the provision of abortions as a health service.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1978
Stipulates that no person entitled to medical care under the Civilian Health and Medical Plan of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS) or to care at any military installation shall be denied an abortion as medical care.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1978
Requires health insurance contracts provided through the Government to Federal employees to cover the costs associated with an abortion.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 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 sponser exhibitions, and to assist State and local governments and nonprofit institutions in establishing Art Banks, of funds which may be expended for the work of any one artist during any one fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1978
Consumer and Agricultural Protection Act - Establishes a National Board of Agricultural Governors, independent of the Department of Agriculture and consisting in part of agricultural producers, whose primary duty shall be the annual establishment of cost of production prices for cotton, dairy products, dry beans, feed grains, poultry, rice, soybeans, sugar, livestock and wheat. States that such prices shall take into account: (1) machinery ownership costs; (2) general farm overhead costs; (3) a value for the management services contributed by the producer; (4) labor costs; and (5) a value for the land utilized. Sets 1978 cost of production prices as follows: (1) dry beans, $22.00 per hundredweight; (2) wheat, $4.75 per bushel; (3) sugar, $.25 (raw) per pound; (4) corn, $3.15 per bushel; (5) soybeans, $6.60 per bushel; (6) barley, $3.00 per bushel; (7) grain sorghum, $5.39 per hundredweight; (8) oats, $1,65 per bushel; (9) cotton, $.70 per pound; (10) cattle, $.55 per pound; (11) calves, $.65 per pound; (12) milk, $12.00 per hundredweight; (13) hogs, $.50 per pound; (14) rice, $10.00 per hundredweight; and (15) poultry, $.40 per pound. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to guarantee or make direct nonrecourse loans to producers of specified nonperishable commodities. Specifies formula for the determination of loan levels and conditions for the calling of such loans. Directs the Board to establish mandatory release prices for each commodity, expressed in terms of a percentage of the cost of production price plus storage costs and interest charges. Requires the release for domestic or export sale of a portion of a commodity under loan when such commodity's market price reaches the mandatory release price level. Requires the Secretary to establish and maintain a National Commodity Reserve of cotton, feed grains, rice, soybeans, sugar, and wheat, for provision during national emergencies and for the protection of producers from depressed prices. Requires the Secretary, upon receiving written production estimates from producers prior to the production year, to determine and announce production adjustments if he finds that, in the absence of such adjustments, domestic stocks, including Reserve quantities, will exceed domestic and foreign demand and the replenishment needs of the reserve. Directs the Board to apportion production cutbacks and mandatory set-asides among producers equally. Specifies civil penalties for the use of land removed from production for harvesting any crop or for grazing. Permits production adjustments with respect to livestock, dairy products, poultry, and perishable commodities (designated by the Board) only upon a vote by a majority of the producers of such a commodity. Provides for coverage under this Act of any commodity not specified, by means of a petition and majority-vote referendum among the producers of such commodity. Permits the termination of such commodity, whether specified or unspecified by the same means. Bars the importation of a specified commodity at less than the domestic cost of production price, adjusted for transportation and handling costs. Authorizes the board to impose price maintenance custom duties on imported agricultural commodities. Prohibits the purchase of domestic specified commodities for foreign assistance programs at less than cost of production prices.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1978
Rehabilitation Amendments - Title I: Amendments to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 - Revises the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to: (1) extend the authorization of appropriations for grants for services for the handicapped and for studying the needs of the severely handicapped; and (2) extend, and set forth a formula for determining, the authorization for appropriations for vocational rehabilitation services. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to Indian tribes for the development of vocational rehabilitation services. Amends: (1) the requirements for annual State vocational rehabilitation plans; (2) the scope of rehabilitation services; and (3) the formula for computing State allotments. Extends the appropriation for vocational rehabilitation research and for rehabilitation personnel training. Eliminates certain restrictions with respect to use of research funds. Authorizes research grants to profitmaking entities. Makes amendments concerning Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers and Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers. Directs the Secretary to develop a long-term rehabilitation manpower plan designed to target resources on areas of personnel shortages. Extends the authorization for appropriations for the following: (1) rehabilitation facility construction and operation; (2) vocational training services grants and contracts; (3) special projects and demonstrations; (4) the National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths and Adults; (5) program evaluations; (6) program projections; and (7) the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board. Provides for the development and delivery of psychiatric services as an integral part of rehabilitation programs. Title II: Comprehensive Services for the Severely Handicapped - Severely Handicapped Comprehensive Services Act - Establishes a program of grants to the States for programs of assistance to the severely handicapped. Requires each State receiving a Federal allotment for planning, providing comprehensive services, and for constructing and operating facilities for severely handicapped individuals to provide the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare with satisfactory assurances that each program: (1) has an individual plan for severely handicapped individuals; and (2) provides for an annual review of such plan. Requires each State receiving such an allotment to provide the Secretary with satisfactory assurances that the State has in effect a system to protect and advocate the rights of severely handicapped individuals. Requires each recipient of assistance under this Act to take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified handicapped individuals. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1983 for grants for planning, provision of comprehensive services, and for construction and operation of facilities for severely handicapped individuals. Directs that the Federal share for such allotments not exceed 75 percent of the necessary cost as determined by the Secretary, except in rural areas where it may not exceed 90 percent. Directs the Secretary to allot such funds to the States on the basis of: (1) the population; (2) the need for services for severely handicapped; and (3) the financial need of the States. Requires any State desiring to receive such Federal funds to submit a State plan to the Secretary. Sets forth requirements which must be included in such plan. Directs the Secretary to discontinue funding State projects which fail to comply with the requirements of their plan. Authorizes States to seek judicial review of any such determination. Authorizes and directs the Secretary to provide financial assistance, for the establishment and operation of area centers for the employment of the severely handicapped which will create and utilize the best methods of appraising and developing the employment potential of severely handicapped individuals. Enumerates the activities such centers must undertake. Requires the Secretary to establish a demonstration program of models for independent living for severely handicapped individuals. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants or contracts to carry out such programs. Requires the Secretary to establish a demonstration program of models for infant and preschool services for severely handicapped children. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants or contracts for such programs. Directs the Secretary to make grants to university affiliated facilities in meeting the cost of administering and operating: (1) interdisciplinary programs for professionals providing services to the severely handicapped; and (2) exemplary service programs which have as a purpose the prevention of severely handicapping conditions or which demonstrate innovative service approaches to the problems experienced by the severely handicapped. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to university affiliated facilities to assist in meeting the costs of the renovation or modernization of facilities being used in connection with such activities. Authorizes the Secretary to provide financial assistance for the establishment and operation of community centers for severely handicapped individuals. Authorizes the Secretary, through the regional administrators of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, to make project grants to public agencies or private nonprofit institutions for: (1) projects concerning the establishment and improvement of comprehensive services to severely handicapped individuals in areas as parent counseling and training, seizure control systems, community based counseling, housing, and other necessary services and systems for the maintenance of severely handicapped individuals in the community; (2) public awareness and public education programs to assist in the elimination of social, attitudinal, and environmental barriers confronted by severely handicapped individuals; (3) technical assistance for services and facilities for severely handicapped individuals; and (4) gathering and dissemination of information concerning severely handicapped individuals. Directs the Secretary to appoint temporary panels of experts at the regional level to evaluate projects to be assisted. Authorizes the Secretary to establish and carry out a research program to determine the problems of severely handicapped individuals and discover solutions to such problems. Authorizes the Secretary to provide financial assistance for the cost of projects and programs for training, traineeships, and related activities designed to assist in increasing the numbers of personnel trained in providing services to severely handicapped individuals and in performing other functions necessary to the development of such services. Authorizes the Secretary to provide for the continuing evaluation of all programs and activities conducted pursuant to this Title. Directs the Secretary to contract for the conduct of an objective study to: (1) determine the social and economic consequences of removing severely handicapped individuals from institutions and placing them in community living arrangements; and (2) determine the effect of such community living arrangements upon the lives of severely handicapped individuals removed from institutions. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress annually concerning the conditions affecting the severely handicapped. Directs the Secretary to prescribe general regulations for all the States to prescribe: (1) the kinds of services needed to provide adequate programs for severely handicapped individuals; (2) standards as to the scope and quality of services provided for severely handicapped individuals; (3) the general manner in which a State shall determine priorities for services and facilities; and (4) general standards of construction and equipment for facilities. States that, except as otherwise specifically provided, nothing in this title shall be considered as conferring on any Federal officer or employee the right to exercise any supervision or control over the administration, personnel, maintenance, or operation of any facility for severely handicapped individuals with respect to which any funds have been or may be expended under this Act. Title III: Federal Council on Handicapped Individuals - Establishes the Federal Council on Handicapped Individuals. States that the Council shall: (1) provide advice and assistance to the President concerning the problems and needs of handicapped and severely handicapped individuals; (2) review and evaluate on a continuing basis all policies, programs, and activities concerning handicapped and severely handicapped individuals conducted or assisted by all Federal Departments and agencies; (3) serve as an ombudsman on behalf of handicapped individuals by making recommendations to the President, to the Secretary and to the Congress with respect to Federal policies, programs, and activities concerning handicapped and severely handicapped individuals; (4) inform the public about the problems and needs of handicapped and severely handicapped individuals by collecting and disseminating information; and (5) provide public forums for discussing and publicizing the problems and needs of handicapped and severely handicapped individuals by conducting or sponsoring conferences, workshops, and other such meetings. Directs the Secretary: (1) to make available to the Council such assistance as it may require and (2) not to delegate any duties assigned to the Secretary under this Title to any person not assigned to the office of the Secretary.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1978
National Infant Screening Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants and contracts to public and private entities to acquire the automated equipment, supplies, and personnel required to conduct multiple screening for metabolic disorders of blood specimens routinely collected from newborn infants for metabolic disorders. Requires the States to develop plans for the screening, diagnosis, and management of newborn infants for metabolic disorders. States that no entity shall be eligible for a grant under this Act unless it is in compliance with the applicable State plan.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1978
Genetic Disease Amendments - Title I: Revision and Extension of Genetic Diseases - Amends the National Sickle Cell Anemia, Cooley's Anemia, Tay-Sachs, and Genetic Diseases Act to include genetic conditions, as well as genetic diseases, within the program of research, counseling, and education established by such Act. Extends the authorization of appropriations for such program for three fiscal years, through 1981. Title II: National Commission Amendment - Directs the National Commission for the Protection of Human Subjects of Biomedical and Behavioral Research to conduct a study of the ethical, social, and legal implications of voluntary testing, counseling, and information and education programs with respect to genetic diseases and conditions.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1978
Urges the Secretary of Defense not to include within the competitive rate program (under which services are procured for the movement of the household goods of Department of Defense employees) the movement of household goods of Department personnel who are being transferred between the continental United States and Alaska or Hawaii.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1978
Amends the Community Mental Health Centers Act to direct the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish a grant program with State and local government agencies and nonprofit organizations to provide assistance and related services to victims of rape.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1978
Directs the Secretary of Transportation to enter into a contract with each State for payment of 100 percent of the costs of repairing highways and surface rails of urban mass transportation systems (other than railroads) which were damaged as a result of the winter weather of 1977-1978. Authorizes appropriations of $250,000,000 out of the Highway Trust Fund to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1978
Food Amendments Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require processors of food for human consumption to develop, implement, and maintain adequate safety assurance procedures for each establishment which they own or operate. Sets forth requisite considerations in the development of such procedures. Exempts food processors whose establishments are unlikely, because of the nature or volume of food processing, to create more than a minimal risk of adulteration. Exempts from such procedures the processing of fresh fruits and vegetables, on-farm processing, fishing or the holding of fish on a vessel, and processing of food in a retail establishment. Provides that if the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare finds that any class of food is processed, stored, or handled so as to present an unreasonable risk of adulteration, or existing safety assurance procedures are not adequate to protect against such risk, he shall immediately publish such finding in the Federal Register and promulgate regulations, to be effective within one year, establishing safety assurance standards. Provides that if the Secretary finds that a threat to the public health caused by adulteration of food requires the immediate adoption of, or immediate amendment to, an applicable safety assurance standard, he may promulgate such standard or amendment, without compliance with procedural prerequisites, and shall comply therewith as soon as practicable. Requires persons, subject to the requirements of this Act, to keep and make available such records, pertaining to safety assurance procedures and standards, as the Secretary may require. States that whenever a food processor acquires information indicating that any food which he has processed and which has left his control may be adulterated, or whenever such a processor institutes a recall of any food, such processor shall immediately notify the Secretary. Permits any person to commence a civil action for mandatory or prohibitive injunctive relief against food processors in violation of this Act or regulations thereunder, or against the Secretary for failure to fulfill the requirements of this Act. States that the rulings of the court in any such action shall not be a bar to the institution of any judicial or administrative proceeding by the Secretary. Exempts from such provisions relating to safety assurance the processing of poultry, meat, and eggs, to the extent of the application of other specified statutes. Requires the Secretary to cooperate with the Small Business Administration for loans to assist affected small business concerns to comply with such provisions. Requires food manufacturers and packers to establish and implement a system of food coding, and apply such to all food products, which identifies the manufacturer, the plant, the food, the lot or batch number, and the date of packing. Directs the Secretary to make public sufficient information to enable consumers to comprehend the basic purposes of such coding systems. Exempts from such coding requirements packaged food which is packed in a retail establishment for sale therein or food not intended for human consumption. Permits the detainment for 20 days of any food, in interstate commerce, found or believed to be adulterated. Permits such detainment pending a seizure action, an action for injunction, or pending notification by the Secretary to a governmental authority having jurisdiction over such food. Imposes a civil penalty of $10,000 for each day of commission of prohibited acts regarding food, under the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Sets forth procedures for and rights relating to proceedings for issuance, amendment, or repeal of any regulation authorized under such Act. Permits the awarding of attorneys' fees for rulemaking proceedings and litigation, under specified conditions. Provides, under such Act, that as to establishments for the manufacturing, processing, preparing, packaging, or holding of food, inspection shall extend to records bearing upon whether a food may be adulterated. Provides, under such Act, that any person who imports, or offers for importation, into the United States any food or class of food shall file a certificate with the Secretary prior to such importation identifying the food or class of foods and establishing that such food or class has been produced in accordance with safety assurance procedures and standards under such Act. States that the disclosure of information under this Act shall be governed by the Freedom of Information Act, except that if the Secretary determines that information is not a trade secret, but the originator of such information does so claim, the Secretary shall notify such originator with particularity of his intention to disclose, and shall not disclose such information until ten days following receipt of such information by such originator. Directs the Commissioner of Food and Drugs to establish regional offices for facilitating the administration of such Act. Imposes criminal penalties of up to one year imprisonment and/or a $10,000 fine for commission of prohibited acts relating to food under such Act, by individuals who act knowingly, willfully, or without the care of a prudent man under the circumstances. Authorizes the Secretary to require food processors to submit to him a registration statement, describing plant locations and foods processed therein, and to update such statement as appropriate. Permits exemptions from such requirement where it is determined that such registration is not necessary for the prevention of an unreasonable risk of adulteration of food or for the protection of the public health. Exempts from such registration the processing of poultry, meat, and eggs, to the extent such processing is covered by other statutes; processing of food in a retail establishment; processing of alcoholic beverages; and fishing vessels or the holding of fish. Subjects both registered and exempted establishments to inspection under this Act. Provides, under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act relating to misbranded foods, that dates on labels shall conform to regulations promulgated by the Secretary. Requires such regulations to: (1) identify those foods, except fruits and vegetables, for which date information is required to promote honesty and fair dealing; (2) require such foods to bear on the package or label the date by which it is recommended that such food be sold at retail for consumption or the date after which it is recommended that such food not be sold; and (3) require that such date be printed on the package or label of such food in a clear and conspicuous manner and in such form as will enable the consumer readily to identify and understand the significance of such date. States that packaged foods for human consumption, except fresh fruits and vegetables, to which vitamin, mineral, or amino acid has been added, or for which any claim respecting the presence of any vitamin, mineral, or amino acid or respecting nutritional value is made on the package or label, or in advertising or promotion, shall be deemed misbranded unless nutritional information is provided in accordance with regulations promulgated by the Secretary. Requires mandatory ingredients of foods to be listed on the labels. Requires each ingredient to be listed by its common or usual name. Permits the Secretary to exempt from such requirements foods received in bulk containers at retail establishments, under specified conditions, and incidental additives present in foods. Requires public eating places serving margarine or oleomargarine to conspicuously notify the public of such fact. States that, unless a State or local law promotes the interests of consumers without unduly burdening interstate commerce, Federal labeling laws shall supersede all State and local laws. Exempts alcoholic beverages from the labeling requirements of this Act relating to date information, nutritional information, and ingredient listing by common name, but requires a study of the need for non- exemption of such beverages. Requires a study of the need for a logo or symbol on labels indicating the absence of artificial flavors or colors.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1978
Declares that a certain individual shall continue to be classified as a nonimmigrant alien, under the Immigration and Nationality Act.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1978
Declares the support of the Senate for the National Drug Abuse Conference in Seattle in April 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1978
Authorizes and requests the President to designate the week of April 16-22, 1978 as "National Oceans Week."
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1978
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from the gross income of an employee, amounts paid or expenses incurred by the employer for educational assistance to the employee. Limits to 25 percent the amount of payments which may be made by such programs to shareholders or owners (or their spouses or dependents), each of whom owns more than five percent of the stock or of the capital or profits interest in the employer.
United States · United States Congress · 15 December 1977
Amends the Intervention on the High Seas Act to redefine terms and establish procedures in a manner consistent with the Protocol Relating to Intervention on the High Seas in Cases of Pollution by Substances Other Than Oil, 1973. Places the burden of proof on the United States to establish that the substance reasonably could have posed a grave and imminent danger at the time of the intervention in actions brought against the United States for use of excessive measures during the course of an intervention. Authorizes the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to determine when a substance other than those enumerated in the Protocol is liable to create a hazard. Permits the President to accept amendments to the list of substances contained in the Protocol, other than convention oil.
United States · United States Congress · 15 December 1977
Amends the Volunteers in National Forests Act to remove the limitation on the amount authorized to be appropriated for the purposes of such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 December 1977
Codifies and enacts the Interstate Commerce Act as subtitle IV of title 49, United States Code, "Transportation."
United States · United States Congress · 15 December 1977
Amends the Interstate Commerce Act to establish expedited procedures for the determination of matters involving carriers other than rail carriers before the Interstate Commerce Commission. Permits the Commission or a division to void the requirement that an initial decision be made on such matters where questions of policy, new or novel issues of law, or issues of general transportation policy are involved. Establishes review procedures for initial decisions made by a division, an individual Commissioner or an authorized employee. Stipulates that such an initial decision shall be deemed an action of the Commission on the twentieth day after it is served on the interested parties unless it is appealed during such period or by the end of an extended period as authorized or is stayed by the Commission, an individual Commissioner, division, or employee or appeal board. Authorizes the Commission to establish regulations to permit appeal boards to review specified types of initial decisions and issue administratively final decisions in specified situations. Stipulates that review after the appeal of an initial decision has been determined may only be granted on a clear showing that material new evidence, changed circumstances or matters of general transportation importance are involved. Authorizes the Commission to change final decisions where warranted because of material error, new evidence, or substantially changed circumstances. Stipulates that actions of the Commission shall become effective on the thirtieth day of service of such action upon the interested parties unless the Commission provides otherwise. Defines final actions by the Commission for purposes of judicial review.
United States · United States Congress · 6 December 1977
Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships - Implements the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973. Applies this Act to ships registered in or of the nationality of the United States or a country party to the Convention and ships registered in or of the nationality of a country not a party to the Convention travelling in all waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. Exempts (1) warships, naval auxiliaries or other ships owned by the United States while engaged in noncommercial service, subject to standards prescribed by the appropriate Federal department and agencies, and (2) other ships specifically excluded by the Convention. Authorizes the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to administer, enforce, and prescribe regulations to carry out the provisions of the Convention and this Act, utilizing other Federal departments and agencies as necessary. Authorizes the Secretary to designate persons to issue certificates required by the Convention. Stipulates that (1) certificates shall not be issued to ships of countries not a party to the Convention, and (2) certificates issued by a participating country of the Convention shall be honored. Prescribes that ships required to carry a valid certificate are subject to inspection. Directs the Secretary to ascertain any ship required to have a certificate which either does not have one on board or has a condition in disagreement with the certificate until such ship can proceed to sea without harming the marine environment. Allows any person whose ship is detained to petition the Secretary. Permits compensation for any loss or damage suffered by a ship unreasonably detained or delayed. Directs the Secretary, after consultation with the Environmental Protection Agency, to establish regulations for determining the adequacy of reception facilities of a port or terminal and to issue certificates indicating such facilities for receiving residues and mixtures containing oil or noxious liquid substances from seagoing ships are adequate. States conditions under which such certificate can be inspected, suspended, or revoked. Requires the listing of such certified ports and terminals in the Federal Register. Allows the Secretary to deny entry to any ship retaining residues and mixtures containing oil or noxious liquids to a port or terminal required to have but not holding a valid certificate. Requires immediate reporting of any knowledge of a violation to the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to investigate any such report of violation and take appropriate action, acting through the Secretary of State in cases involving a ship not of United States registry or nationality. Imposes a fine of not more than $50,000 for each violation or imprisonment for not more than five years, or both, and a civil penalty of not more than $10,000, or $1,000 in cases of false, fictitious, or fraudulent statements or representations. Deems a ship liable in rem for any pecuniary fine or penalty incurred. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to refuse or revoke clearance required by R.S. 4197 to any ship liable for such a penalty. Sets forth procedure of action to be taken in accepting a proposed amendment to the Convention received by the United States from the Secretary-General of the Inter-Governmental Maritime Consultative Organization. Permits any person having an interest adversely affected by (1) any person who is alleged to be in violation of these provisions or (2) a Secretary who is alleged to be in neglect in performing duties under this Act to bring a suit against such party, subject to specified procedures and jurisdictions. Authorizes the court to award costs of litigation. Allows the Attorney General to intervene in any action not involving the United States. Repeals the Oil Pollution Act, 1961, and the Oil Pollution Act Amendments of 1973. Authorizes the Secretary to inspect such vessels subject to this Act, except public vessels engaged in noncommercial service entering navigable waters of and documented under the laws of the United States. Directs the Secretary and the heads of Federal departments to issue regulations, standards, and certificates upon enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 November 1977
Rehabilitation Cost Assistance Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to provide grants to States to reimburse them for a study to assess the cost of assuring accessibility to handicapped individuals in federally assisted education programs. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to educational institutions to pay the Federal share of the cost of removing architectural barriers. Establishes criteria for such grant programs.
United States · United States Congress · 1 November 1977
Amends the Interstate Commerce Act to authorize the Interstate Commerce Commission to exempt common or contract carriers or freight forwarders from the provisions of such Act where such regulation would serve little or no useful public purpose.
United States · United States Congress · 25 October 1977
Public Broadcasting Financing Act - Title I: Construction and Planning of Facilities - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to establish new procedures for the planning and construction of public telecommunications facilities. Sets forth new requirements for the application to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting for construction grants. States that such applications must include a five-year plan outlining the applicant's projected facilities requirements and must contain assurance that the planned facilities will be used only for educational or cultural purposes. Title II: Telecommunications Demonstrations - Authorizes the appropriation of $1,000,000 for fiscal year 1979 to be available to the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare for disbursement as grants for demonstration projects in the improvement of public telecommunications services. Title III: Corporation for Public Broadcasting - Subjects the Corporation for Public Broadcasting to the requirements of Title VI (Equal Employment Opportunities) of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and Title IX (prohibition of discrimination in education because of sex or blindness) of the Education Amendments of 1972. Adds to the 15 member Presidentially-appointed board of directors of the Corporation, four members appointed by organizations representing public radio and television licensees. Provides for the reduction of such board by attrition to 15 members, 11 of whom shall be Presidentially-appointed. Terminates the provision for Presidential designation of the chairman of such board. States that the chairman shall be elected from the board membership. Establishes the Public Broadcasting Fund in the Treasury. Authorizes a initial appropriation of funds to such Fund and provides for annual contributions of public moneys to the Fund based on the amount of non-Federal financial support received by public broadcasting entities. Sets forth regulations governing the use of the Fund. Title IV: General Provisions - Defines terms used in this Act and amends existing definitions to conform to the amendments made by this Act to the Communications Act of 1934.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 1977
Amends the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 to define "official State policy" as the contents of any management program as evidenced by the laws of the coastal State involved. Amends the Marine Mammal Protection Act to change the application of the prohibition against Federal authorization of construction or alteration of terminals, docks or other such facilities on the navigable waters of the Puget Sound or other specified waters in the State of Washington which will or may result in an increase in the volume of crude oil handled at such facility by disregarding oil to be refined for consumption in the State of Oregon.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 1977
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Organic Act - Title I: Declaration of a National Ocean Policy - Declares the policy and purpose of this Act. Title II: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - Establishes within the Department of Commerce the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Transfers to the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration: (1) certain functions of the Department of the Interior relating to commercial fisheries, migratory marine species of game fish, and marine minerals technology; (2) all functions of the National Science Foundation under the National Sea Grant College and Program Act of 1966; and (3) certain functions of the Department of Defense relating to surveys and charting of lakes and connecting waters, and water research. Sets forth the responsibilities of the Administrator with regard to the formulation and implementation of ocean and atmospheric programs. Establishes a working capital fund for the purpose of carrying out the activities of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Requires the Secretary to promulgate rules and regulations to carry out the purposes of this Act. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Sets forth the procedure for transfer of personnel, positions, records, and funds to the Administration. Requires a comprehensive review of each Administration program every five years.
United States · United States Congress · 19 October 1977
States that during the year following the enactment of this Act the Secretary of the Interior shall neither withhold water delivery from any beneficiary of a Federal reclamation project nor initiate any proceeding intended to require the sale of privately owned bonds within any project, for purposes of achieving conformity with acreage limitations or residency requirements of reclamation law. Prohibits the Secretary from approving the sale of excess lands during the year following the enactment of this Act unless final excess land regulation become effective.
United States · United States Congress · 12 October 1977
Makes continuing appropriations for the Departments of Labor, and Health, Education, and Welfare, and related agencies through fiscal year 1978 at a rate for operations not in excess of the rate in effect on September 30, 1977.
United States · United States Congress · 4 October 1977
Expresses the disapproval of the Senate of the proposed deferral of budget authority (deferral numbered D 78-21) for the acquisition, construction, and improvements by the Coast Guard including funding of the Puget Sound Vessel Traffic System and follow-up work related to the Medium Endurance Cutter replacement program.
United States · United States Congress · 3 October 1977
Designates the South Portal Federal Office Building of the United States Department of Health, Education, and Welfare at 200 Independence Avenue Southwest, Washington, D. C., as the "Hubert H. Humphrey Building."
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 1977
Seamen Documentation Act - Authorizes the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to issue merchant mariner's documents for the identification of seamen and the certification of ratings for which they have qualified. Stipulates that United States-flag vessels and public vessels of the United States operating in commercial service shall be required to have crew members holding such documents. Specifies exceptions to such requirement. Requires masters of vessels covered by this Act to make employment agreements in writing with each seaman before proceeding on foreign voyages or coastwise voyages between non-neighboring States or territories. Specifies the provisions which must be included in such an agreement. Sets forth the legal remedies regarding seamen who are engaged in a voyage without such an agreement. Requires that shipping agreements for: (1) foreign voyages (with specified exception); and (2) intercoastal voyages, be prepared in the format prescribed by the Secretary. Requires that a qualified individual designated by the Secretary supervise the engagements and discharges on such voyages or upon request by the master of a vessel on coastwise and certain foreign voyages. Requires masters of vessels on voyages for which written agreements are required to furnish crew members with documentary evidence of their service on the vessel. Prohibits the inclusion of any evaluation of the crew members' performance. Directs the Secretary to maintain a service record for each holder of a merchant mariner's document. Prohibits the Secretary from disclosing such information except to the individual involved or the representative of such individual. Authorizes the Secretary to require masters of vessels to submit reports in order to accomplish the provisions of this Act. Requires that log books be maintained on voyages on which engagements and discharges are supervised. Specifies the information to be included in such logs. Prescribes civil penalties for violations of this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to prescribe fees for any document or report under this Act. Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to eliminate the requirement that the master of a vessel deliver a crew list to the customer house. Repeals specified provisions of law to accomplish the purposes of this Act. of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 1977
Vessel Documentation Act - Requires the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to designate ports of documentation in the United States where vessels may be documented. Describes the vessels which shall be eligible for documentation. Stipulates that eligibility shall be based upon weight (minimum of five tons) and ownership by a citizen of the United States, or the Government of the United States or a political subdivision thereof. Authorizes the Secretary to prescribe the form of filing, the manner of filing, and the information to be contained in applications for certificates of documentation. Requires the Secretary to maintain a numbering system for the identification of documented vessels. Stipulates that a certificate of documentation issued under this Act is: (1) conclusive evidence of nationality for international purposes, but not in any proceeding conducted under the laws of the United States; (2) evidence of qualification to be employed in a specified trade; and (3) not conclusive evidence of ownership in any proceeding in which ownership is in issue. Authorizes the issuance of a registry for any vessel which is eligible for documentation. Allows the issuance of a coastwise license or an appropriately endorsed registry for any vessel which: (1) is eligible for documentation; (2) was built in the United States; and (3) qualifies under laws of the United States to be employed in the coastwise trade. Stipulates that vessels receiving such a license may be employed in coastwise trade and the fisheries. Establishes similar requirements for the issuance of Great Lakes licenses, fishery licenses, and pleasure vessel licenses. Prohibits the employment of a documented vessel in any trade other than a trade covered by the certificate of documentation. Stipulates that whenever the owner of a vessel knowingly falsifies or conceals a material fact, or makes a false representation in connection with the documentation of a vessel under this Act, in addition to any other penalty provided by law, that vessel, together with its equipment, is liable to seizure by, and forfeiture to, the United States. Authorizes the Secretary and the Secretary of State to provide for the issuance of a provisional registry for any vessel procured outside the United States which meets the ownership requirements of this Act. Directs the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to publish periodically a list of all documented vessels. Authorizes the Secretary to require owners and masters of documented vessels to submit reports to insure compliance with this Act. Prescribes a civil penalty of $500 for each violation of this Act. Repeals specified shipping laws so as to conform with this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 1977
Tuition Tax Credit Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a credit against an individual's income tax in an amount equal to 50 percent of the sum of the amounts paid by him to educational institutions as tuition (though no more than $500 for any single individual) for the attendance of the taxpayer, the taxpayer's spouse, or any of his dependents with respect to whom he is entitled to a personal exemption.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 1977
Drug Benefits for the Aged Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish: (1) a Drug Benefit Program for the Aged to pay for prescription drugs from participating pharmacies; (2) a Drug Benefits List; (3) a Drug Benefits Council to advise the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare on matters relating to this Act; and (4) penalties for abuses of the benefits program.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 1977
Exempts disaster payments made in connection with the 1977 crops of wheat, feed grains, upland cotton, and rice from the payment limitations contained in the Agricultural Act of 1970 and the Agricultural Act of 1949.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 1977
Oil Pollution Liability and Compensation Act - Establishes the Oil Pollution Compensation Fund in the United States Treasury to be administered jointly by the Secretary of Commerce and the Secretary of the Treasury for the purpose of paying for otherwise uncompensated losses resulting from oil pollution. Enumerates the sources of moneys to be deposited in such fund, including a fee, not in excess of three cents, to be imposed on each barrel of oil received at any refinery, or at any terminal for export from or entry into the United States. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to exempt oil received by a refinery by pipeline if the Secretary determines that the handling of such oil, either at the refinery or in the pipeline, will not create a significant threat of an oil discharge. Establishes the general standard that an owner, operator, or insurer of a vessel or a facility which is the source of, or poses an imminent threat of, a discharge of oil shall be jointly, severally, and strictly liable for all damages and cleanup costs resulting therefrom. Specifies liability limits, except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct, for ships and other vessels. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish limits on the liability of classes of facilities used for transporting, producing, processing, storing, transferring, or handling oil. Requires the owner or operator of any such facility or any ship which uses such facility or navigable waters of the United States, to establish and maintain evidence of financial responsibility in an amount sufficient to satisfy applicable liability limits. Directs the person in charge of a vessel or facility to immediately notify the Secretary of Commerce of any pollution incident in which the vessel or facility is involved. Specifies procedures whereby the Secretary may, in the absence of such an admission, designate and advertise pollution sources. Directs the Secretary, in instances in which: (1) the owner and operator of a vessel or facility designated by the Secretary deny such vessel's or facility's involvement; (2) the source of the discharge is a public vessel; or (3) the Secretary is unable to designate the pollution source, to advertise procedures for presenting claims directly to the fund. Requires all other claims, with limited exceptions, to be initially presented to the owner or operator, or to such persons' guarantor. Permits claimants to either present a claim to the fund or to bring an action in an appropriate United States district court when an owner or operator and a guarantor deny liability or fail to settle the claim within a specified period. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish a procedure for the filing, processing, settlement, and adjudication of claims under this Act, including uniform procedures and standards for the appraisal and settlement of claims against the fund. Sets forth standards for the disposition and appeal of claims submitted to the fund. Requires both the plaintiff and the defendant in a court action brought against an owner, operator, or guarantor to forward copies of all pleadings to the fund. Permits the fund to intervene in such actions. Designates the President, or the authorized representative of any State, as the person to act on behalf of the people to recover damages to natural resources resulting from oil pollution. Establishes penalties for persons failing to comply with specified provisions of this Act. Amends specified laws to conform with the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1977
Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to convey specified lands in the Wenatchee National Forest, Washington, known as the Liberty Town Site.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1977
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to further consider the Liberty Town Site, Washington petition.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 1977
Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to settle claims for damages less than $2,500 arising from acts for which the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shall be found responsible.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 1977
Amends the National Weather Modification Policy Act of 1976 to extend to June 13, 1978, the date for submission of the report of the Secretary of Commerce on weather modification.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 1977
Amends the Act authorizing construction of Dulles Airport, Virginia, to expand the definition of airport under such Act thereby enlarging the jurisdiction of the United States Park Police at such airport and authorizing certain other actions.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 1977
Establishes the George W. Norris Home National Historic Site in the State of Nebraska.