United States · United States Congress · 30 March 1977
Cargo Claims Adjustment Act - Amends the Interstate Commerce Act, the Rail Passenger Service Act of 1970, and the Harter Act to allow shippers, who file suit against a common carrier regulated under such Acts for damage to, or loss of, cargo in an amount less than $2,000 to include in such suit a claim for the recovery of reasonable attorney's fees unless the common carrier has established informal dispute-settlement proceedings to which both parties agree to be bound. Stipulates that an award for attorney's fees may be allowed only if the shipper has filed a claim with the carrier and the carrier has not paid such amount within 120 days of its receipt. Directs the Interstate Commerce Commission to review and approve dispute-settlement procedures and to insure that such procedures conform with standards specified in this Act. Requires that persons who are authorized to settle cargo claims be independent of the carrier or carriers sponsoring the dispute-settlement procedures. Stipulates that where informal dispute settlement procedures are available and the shipper brings an action in court in lieu of such procedure then the defendant carrier who successfully defends an action for damage or loss of cargo may be awarded attorney's fees. Stipulates that where such procedures do not exist the successful defendant carrier may only collect attorney's fees if the suit was brought in bad faith. Authorizes the Interstate Commerce Commission to establish requirements to assure that claimants who are entitled to recover for damage to or loss of property from carriers do in fact receive such award.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 1977
Comprehensive Oil Pollution Liability and Compensation Act - Title I: Domestic Oil Pollution Liability, Compensation, and Fund - Establishes in the Treasury of the United States a fund 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 to exceed three cents per barrel of oil, imposed upon owners of facilities receiving 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. Lists the types of injuries which may be compensated under this Act and the potential claimants who have standing to assert claims involving each such type of damage. Imposes joint, several, and strict liability on the owners and operators of each pollution source. Specifies liability limits, except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct, for ships and other vessels. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish limits on the liability of classes of facilities used for transporting, producing, processing, storing, or transferring oil. Requires the owner or operator: (1) of any such facility; or (2) 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 Transportation 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 person's 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. Sets forth procedures 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. Subrogates any person or governmental entity, including the fund, paying compensation to all the claimant's claims and rights under this Act. Specifies procedures for and the measure of recovery in actions brought by the fund against owners, operators, or guarantors of alleged pollution sources. Declares that the rights and remedies under this Act shall be exclusive with respect to economic loss caused by oil pollution. Sets penalties for persons failing to comply with specified provisions in this Act. Title II: Effective Dates; Conforming Amendments; Severability - Specifies the effective date of this Act. Amends specified laws, including the Deepwater Port Act of 1974 and the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, to conform with the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1977
Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to pay a specified sum to certain corporations in settlement of such corporations' claims against the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1977
Maritime Appropriation Authorization Act - Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Commerce for fiscal years 1978 and 1979 for: (1) vessel construction and rehabilitation; (2) the payment of obligations incurred for operating-differential subsidy; (3) research and development expenses; (4) reserve fleet expenses; (5) the Merchant Marine Academy; and (6) financial assistance to State marine schools.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1977
Juvenile Justice Amendments - Amends administrative provisions of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974 to designate the Assistant Administrator, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, of the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration as such Office's chief executive officer, subject to only the general policy direction of the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration. Sets forth provisions relative to the authority of the Assistant Administrator. Increases to ten the number of individuals authorized to be appointed in positions in the Office at levels above GS-15. Revises deadlines for submission of the annual analysis of and annual plan for delinquency programs. Empowers the Assistant Administrator to delegate authority to make regulations. Designates the Director of the Office of Drug Abuse Policy, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, and the Commissioner of the Office of Education as members of the Coordinating Council on Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. Reduces from six to four the minimum number of times which the Coordinating Council must meet annually. Requires that at least 7 of the 21 members of the National Advisory Committee for Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention be under age 22 at time of appointment, a minimum of three of whom shall have been under the jurisdiction of the juvenile justice system. Sets the quorum of the Committee at 11 members. Makes mandatory the appointment of a subcommittee to advise the Assistant Administrator on particular functions of the Office. Revises provisions regarding other subcommittees. Authorizes the Advisory Committee to delegate its functions by means of grants and contracts. Empowers the committee to conduct programs to assist public or private citizen groups on juvenile delinquency. Requires that at least one percent of the funds appropriated for purposes of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act be used for the Advisory Committee. Stipulates that formula grants to State and local governments' juvenile justice related activities shall cover 90 percent of the approved cost of any assisted programs or activities. Waives the non-Federal matching share requirement for private nonprofit organizations which are conducting activities pursuant to State or local government contracts or grants. Directs that at least 10 percent of the minimum annual allotment of formula grants to a State be used to assist the State juvenile justice advisory group established pursuant to the State juvenile delinquency plan. Revises guidelines for the composition of such advisory groups and delegates to them certain additional functions. Makes specified amendments in the standards which must be included in a State juvenile justice plan. States that failure to comply within two years with the requirement that juveniles committing noncriminal offenses be placed in shelter facilities rather than in correctional institutions shall result in termination of formula grants and certain other funds unless the Administrator finds substantial compliance and a commitment to achieve full compliance. Eliminates provisions making available the formula grant allotment of a State whose juvenile justice plan fails to comply with mandatory standards due to neglect to public and private agencies for special emphasis programs. Revises present, and specifies additional, purposes for which assistance may be extended under special emphasis prevention and treatment programs. Eliminates the limit on formula funds which may be used by a State to meet the matching share requirement of certain essential Federal juvenile delinquency programs. Authorizes an increase in the Federal share of the cost of juvenile delinquency programs in the case of Indian tribes which lack sufficient funds to meet the local share. Sets forth provisions for the reallocation of excess formula grant funds for special emphasis treatment and prevention programs. Repeals the responsibility of the Administrator of the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration to oversee administration of the National Institute for Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. Directs the Advisory Committee for the National Institute to assist States, local governments, and private organizations in the adoption at State and local levels of Standards for the administration of juvenile justice. Authorizes the appropriation of specified sums for fiscal years 1977-82 to carry out certain provisions and programs of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act. Amends the Runaway Youth Act to expand the grant program thereunder to encompass the development of local facilities to meet the needs of all homeless youth. Prohibits a runaway house receiving assistance under such Act from disclosing statistical records profiling the parents and children which it serves to other than specified agencies unless the child involved, as well as his parent, consents. Revises monetary guidelines with respect to which grants and runaway houses are to be given priority. Authorizes the appropriation of specified sums for the runaway house grant program for fiscal years 1977-1982.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1977
Department of Education Act - Establishes an executive department to be known as the Department of Education to be administered by a Secretary of Education. States that the principal function of such Department is to promote the cause and advancement of education throughout the United States. Transfers to the Secretary specified functions of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare and the Commissioner of Education, and various educational responsibilities of other Federal agencies and instrumentalities. Creates the Federal Interagency Committee on Education and the National Advisory Commission on Education. Redesignates the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, and the Secretary of such Department, as the Department of Health and Welfare, and the Secretary of Health and Welfare.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1977
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to promote activities designed to make units of the National Park System more accessible to the public, including contracting with or subsidizing agencies or carriers to provide transportation services for access to such parks, operating such services directly and acquiring transportation equipment necessary for such services. Requires the Secretary to develop projects for transportation services providing access to such parks and to consult with transportation authorities, private carriers, and local organizations in the development of such projects. Lists parks to be included in such transportation projects and enumerates factors the Secretary shall consider in selecting additional parks.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1977
Consumer Controversies Resolution Act - States that existing mechanisms for the resolution of controversies involving consumer goods and services are largely unavailable, inaccessible, ineffective, expensive, or unfair. Declares it to be the purpose of this Act to assure all consumers convenient access to consumer controversy resolution mechanisms which are expeditious, effective, and fair. Directs the Federal Trade Commission, in implementing the provisions of this Act: (1) to enter into or renew cooperative agreements with the States under which the Commission will provide financial assistance for the development, establishment, improvement, or maintenance of State systems for the resolution of controversies involving consumers, and (2) to take such other actions as are appropriate to fulfill the purposes of this Act. Directs the Commission to establish an Office of Consumer Redress. States that the Commission may enter into cooperative agreements with States for the provision of financial assistance to consumer controversy resolution systems upon submission by a State of a satisfactory State plan for the resolution of consumer controversies. Sets forth the requirements which a State plan must meet to be considered satisfactory. Directs the Commission to review such plans periodically. Specifies the purposes for which assistance funds provided to the States may be used, including: (1) compensation to personnel who assist consumers involved in consumer controversies; (2) the recruitment, training, and education of such personnel; (3) public education and publicity regarding the availability and proper use of consumer controversy resolution mechanisms; and (4) research and development of improved controversy resolution mechanisms. States that the Federal share of the estimated cost of a cooperative agreement shall not exceed 70 percent of the total cost of such agreement. Authorizes the Commission to award grants for research or demonstration projects consistent with the purposes of this Act. Requires each recipient of assistance under this Act to keep such records as the Federal Trade Commission shall prescribe. Directs the Commission to submit an annual report to the President and Congress. Authorizes to be appropriated not more than $5,000,000 for fiscal year 1978, and $25,000,000 for fiscal year 1979.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1977
Directs the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Bureau of Reclamation: (1) to study opportunities to augment, utilize or conserve water supplies available to Federal reclamation projects and to undertake conservation activities to mitigate damages to such projects from the 1976-1977 drought period; (2) to purchase water supplies and redistribute such water within Federal reclamation projects; (3) to study and evaluate potential facilities to mitigate the effects of a recurrence of drought and make recommendations to the President and to Congress evaluating such facilities; and (4) to make payments to Federal reclamation project landowners who are without irrigation water supplies to carry out soil conservation measures. Authorizes the Secretary to defer without penalty the 1977 and 1978 payments of any installment charges owed to the United States on Federal reclamation projects as he deems necessary because of financial hardship caused by extreme drought conditions. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress by March 1, 1978, on expenditures under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1977
Amends the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973 to authorize appropriations not to exceed $13,000,000 for the United States Railway Association in order to meet its administrative expenses for fiscal year 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1977
Waterway User Charge Act - Directs the Secretary of the Army, after consultation with the Secretary of Transportation, and after conducting public hearings, to promulgate regulations establishing waterway user charges to recover at least 50 percent of the Federal navigation-related costs of the administration, operation, maintenance, new construction and rehabilitation of the waterways of the United States. Stipulates that the user charges shall equal ten percent of such costs during the first fiscal year after their establishment and shall be increased by such amount for each of the succeeding fiscal years until the maximum of 50 percent of such costs is reached. Requires the Secretary of the Army, in conjunction with the Secretary of Transportation, to submit a report to Congress regarding the implementation of the user charges pursuant to this Act no later than three years after the establishment of such charges.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1977
Tonnage Measurement Simplification Act - Transfers from the Secretary of the Treasury to the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, responsibility for measuring vessels by tonnage before such vessel may be documented. Requires that a vessel be measured if it engages in international voyage by sea, or it is at least 24 meters in length and is self-propelled. Stipulates that a vessel not required to be measured by this Act may be measured if requested by the owner. Specifies instances in which remeasurement shall be required. Stipulates that a vessel measured prior to the effective date of this Act shall be considered as having been measured as required by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1977
Intergovernmental Coordination Act - Requires, under the Intergovernmental Cooperation Act of 1968, any Federal agency which administers any program requiring a State plan as a condition of assistance to give the Governor of the State, or such agency as the Governor may designate, an opportunity to comment on the relationship of such State plan to any comprehensive or other State plan or program or to any plan or program of any affected areawide planning agency or unit of general local government. Directs such department or agency to require that any affected areawide comprehensive planning agency or unit of general local government be provided with an opportunity to review any State plan which has specific applicability to or effect upon areawide or local planning and programming or which establishes criteria or distribution formulas or systems for State subgrants of Federal assistance. Repeals title VIII of the Federal Property and administrative Services Act of 1949 known as the Federal Urban Land-Use Act. Requires, whenever any Federal agency contemplates the disposal of any interest in real property, that reasonable notice be given to the Governor of the State in which such land is located and to the head of the governing body of the unit of general local government having jurisdiction over zoning and land-use regulation in the geographical area within which such land is located in order to afford the State and local government the opportunity of planning and zoning for the use of such land in accordance with State, areawide, and local comprehensive planning. Requires, to the extent practicable, prior to a commitment to acquire any real property or any interest in real property, any Federal agency to notify the State, the appropriate areawide agency and the unit of general local government exercising zoning and land-use jurisdiction over the land proposed to be purchased of the intent of such agency to comply, to the extent practicable, with the zoning regulations and planning objectives of the State, area-wide agency, or local government with jurisdiction over such land. Permits any areawide agency which is designated under State laws or interlocal agreement to perform areawide comprehensive planning and has been designated as a planning and development clearinghouse to perform areawide planning under any Federal assistance program. Requires clearinghouses to prepare, adopt, and update annually a program for the coordinated use of Federal areawide planning assistance to develop and implement a unified and comprehensive areawide development plan. States that unless such program for the coordinated use of Federal areawide planning assistance has been adopted, no grant which assists areawide planning shall be made after two years from the date of enactment of this Act to any areawide planning agency under the authority of specified Federal assistance laws. Requires the concurrence of local governments within the jurisdiction of such development clearinghouse before such program may be effective. Requires such plan to be consistent with national urban growth and rural development policies. Provides that funds made available under any Federal assistance program for projects or activities undertaken by any areawide agency designated under State law or inter-local agreement to perform areawide comprehensive planning and to serve as a planning and development clearinghouse may be used jointly with funds made available for such projects or activities under any other Federal assistance program subject to regulations prescribed by the President.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1977
Dedicates the canal and towpath of the Chesapeake and Ohio and National Historical Park to Justice William O. Douglas in recognition of his outstanding service as a conservationist and for his efforts to preserve and protect the canal and towpath. Authorizes and directs the Secretary of the Interior to take steps to appropriately inform the public of the contributions of Justice Douglas. Authorizes and directs the Secretary to erect and maintain an appropriate memorial to Justice Douglas within the exterior boundaries of the Park.
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
Tanker Safety Act Title I: Amendments to the Ports and Waterways Safety Act - Ports and Waterways Safety Act Amendments - Amends the Ports and Waterways Safety Act of 1972 to direct the Secretary of Transportation to establish and maintain vessel traffic systems for the waters of the maritime safety zone. Defines "maritime safety zone" as extending 200 nautical miles from the shoreline of the United States. Exempts from this title foreign vessels which are in transit to places outside the United States. Directs the Secretary to : (1) establish procedures for the handling and emergency removal of oil or hazardous materials; (2) prescribe minimum safety equipment requirements for structures in or on the navigable waters of the United States or on the shores adjacent to such waters; (3) establish water or waterfront safety zones or other measures for controlled access and activity to protect vessels, structures, waters, or shore areas; and (4) establish procedures for inspection to assure compliance with minimum safety requirements. Requires the Secretary to take into account specified factors regarding navigation and vessel safety and protection of the marine environment in carrying out the duties required under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to require the use of pilots on self-propelled vessels of the United States engaged in foreign commerce or on foreign vessels operating in the navigable waters of the United States. Directs the Commandant of the Coast Guard to establish eligibility requirements for the issuance of a license to pilot any steam vessel. Specifies certain qualifications which must be met to receive such a license. Specifies conditions under which the Commandant may revoke such a license. Requires the Secretary to develop, and seek adoption by the States of uniform, minimum standards relating to the regulation of pilotage at least equal to those required of federally licensed pilots. Authorizes the Secretary or the National Transportation Safety Board to investigate incidents which cause damage to any vessel or structure or which affect or may affect the navigation or vessel safety or environmental quality of ports, harbors, navigable waters, or the waters of the maritime safety zone. Grants subpoena powers in order to conduct such inquiry. Prohibits vessels which are determined to be unsafe or which may create a threat to the marine environment or which fail to comply with applicable regulations from entering or operating in the navigable waters or ports of the United States. Exempts the Panama Canal from the provisions of this Act. Directs the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to establish specified standards governing the design, repair, manning and maintenance of any vessel to increase navigation and vessel safety and marine environmental protection for vessels carrying oil or any hazardous material in bulk which are documented under the laws of the United States or which enter the navigable waters of the United States. Requires that all such vessels, after January 1, 1978, be equipped with specified navigational devices, a segregated ballast capacity and gas inerting system, and a double hull. Requires that such vessels hold a certificate of compliance issued by the Secretary in order to enter the navigable waters of the United States. Directs the Secretary to prescribe manning and training requirements for the crews of such vessels. Stipulates that the Federal Government shall exercise authority in the 200 mile maritime safety zone established under this Act by: (1) prohibiting the discharge of any oil or hazardous material within such zone; (2) by enforcing the provisions of any international agreement to which the United States is a party concerning navigation or vessel safety or protection of the marine environment; (3) prescribing vessel control traffic; and (4) inspecting vessels destined for any port or place within the United States. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to appoint persons as maritime safety officers. Grants such individuals arrest powers, and boarding and inspection powers, with or without a warrant. Directs the Secretary to establish a national program for inspection of any vessel subject to the Ports and Waterways Safety Act of 1972. Requires yearly inspection of all vessels and a special structure inspection for vessels over ten years old. Specifies the documents which must be kept on board any vessel subject to such Act. Sets forth civil and criminal penalties for violations of this Act. Requires the Secretary to report annually to the Congress regarding: (1) the administration of the Ports and Waterways Safety Act; (2) a summary of inspection and enforcement activities; and (3) recommendations to Congress for any necessary additional legislative authority. Directs the Secretary of State, in cooperation with the Secretary of Commerce, to enter into negotiations with adjacent or opposite foreign nations to establish the boundaries of the maritime safety zone and to enter into negotiations with Canada, Mexico, and any neighboring nation to establish compatible vessel standards and vessel traffic control systems. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to transmit regulations promulgated under this Act to the appropriate international organizations for consideration as international standards. Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary in such amounts as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act. Title II: Increased Use of United States Vessels - Equitable Cargo Share Act - Amends the Merchant Marine Act, 1936, to direct the Secretary of Commerce to assure that at least 20 percent of the gross tonnage of all oil transported on ocean vessels for import into the United States is carried on privately owned United States-flag commercial vessels. Increases such amount to 25 percent after June 30, 1978, and to 30 percent by June 30, 1980, if the tonnage of United States-flag vessels is sufficient to carry such quantities. Authorizes the Secretary to establish a system of reasonable classification of persons and imports subject to such quota and requires that all persons in the same classification be treated in substantially the same manner. Authorizes the Secretary to grant credits toward such import requirements in the case of oil transported by United States vessels, over 100,000 deadweight tons, between foreign ports until an oil discharge facility, capable of discharging fully laden vessels of over 20,000 tons, is in operation on any coast of the United States. Directs the Secretary to report annually to the Congress and the President on the implementation and effectiveness of such import plan. Exempts from this Act refiners whose total capacity is less than 30,000 barrels of oil per day. Stipulates that license fees for imports of crude oil into the United States shall be reduced by 15 cents per barrel for a period of five years from the date of enactment of this Act if the Secretary of the Treasury determines that such oil is being transported on United States-flag vessels and the amount resulting from nonpayment of license fees is passed on to the ultimate consumer.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1977
Amends the Consumer Product Safety Act to authorize the Consumer Product Safety Commission to adopt directly, without following established procedures for the development of standards, any standards which were published by another Federal agency or any other qualified organization when such standards would eliminate or reduce the unreasonable risk of injury associated with a product. Amends the Federal Hazardous Substances Act to assess a civil penalty of up to $2,000 for each violation of specified provisions of such Act, or of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act,or of the Household Refrigerators Act. Provides judicial review for any person charged with such violation. Gives the Commission the power to make payments to participants in Commission rulemaking proceedings. Directs the Chairman of the Commission to appoint a Director of Compliance to the Commission.
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
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 · 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 · 2 February 1977
Declares that a certain individual died from injuries sustained after September 20, 1976, for the purposes of the Public Safety Officers' Benefits Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1977
Amends the Colorado River Basin Project Act to extend for an additional ten years until September 30, 1988, the period during which the Secretary of the Interior shall not undertake studies of water importation plans for the basin.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1977
Victims of Crime Act - Directs the Attorney General to make grants to qualified State programs for the compensation of victims of crime. Specifies requirements for program certification, including that the program (1) offer compensation for personal injuries suffered as a result of certain State and Federal crimes, (2) offer compensation to surviving dependents of persons whose deaths resulted from being victim to such a crime, (3) require cooperation with law enforcement agencies as a condition for recovery, (4) grant claimants the right to a hearing, and (5) subrogate the State to any claim the victim or dependent has against the perpetrator to the extent of the amount compensated by the State. States that grants made under this Act shall total 50 percent of the allowable compensation paid to victims and dependent survivors of victims of State crimes designated by the State as appropriate for compensation under this program and 100 percent of the allowable compensation paid to victims and dependent survivors of victims of crimes which would constitute designated State crimes except for the fact that the crime is subject to exclusive Federal jurisdiction. Limits compensation with respect to any single claim to (1) loss resulting from medical and related treatment, physical and occupational therapy and rehabilitation, and past and anticipated future earnings up to $200 per week and (2) a total of $50,000. Establishes an Advisory Committee on Victims of Crime to advise the Attorney General with respect to the administration of this Act and the compensation of victims of crime.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1977
Union Station Improvement Act - Amends the National Visitor Center Facilities Act of 1968 to direct the Secretary of the Interior to assign the lease and purchase option on Union Station, Washington, D. C., entered into pursuant to such Act to the Secretary of Transportation and to sublease that portion of Union Station which is required for the continued operation of the National Visitor Center. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to renegotiate the lease of Union Station and to exercise the purchase option included in such lease at the earliest practicable date. Authorizes the Secretary to acquire additional property interests not held by the United States for the development of Union Station. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to promptly complete all the improvements undertaken pursuant to such Act except the parking facility and the Southeast Ramp mass transit facility. Directs the Secretary to require the Washington Terminal Company to promptly complete the new railroad passenger station constructed under such Act.
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 · 28 January 1977
Wage Supplements for Handicapped Individuals Act - Amends the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to authorize the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to conduct demonstration projects, either directly or by way of arrangement with public or private agencies, for the payment of wage supplements to handicapped individuals who are employed in sheltered workshops or work activity centers which meet certain standards, including any promulgated under this Act by the Secretary jointly with the Secretary of Labor.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1977
Pilot Young Adult Conservation Corps Act - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to jointly extend the Youth Conservation Corps to provide year-round employment for 40,000 young adults.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1977
Bridge Replacement and Rehabilitation Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to make financial assistance available to States to rehabilitate unsafe highway bridges. Establishes the Federal share of a bridge replacement or rehabilitation project. Amends the Highway Safety Act of 1976 to authorize appropriations from the Highway Trust Fund for bridge replacement and rehabilitation projects.
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 · 24 January 1977
Expresses the disapproval of the Senate of proposed deferral D 77-51 withholding funds appropriated for operating expenses for Program Support- Community Operations for certain communities associated with facilities of the Energy Research and Development Administration.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow limited income tax credit for the higher education expenses paid for the taxpayer, his spouse, and his dependents.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1977
Interim Regulatory Reform Act - Amends the Federal Trade Commission Act, the Communications Act of 1934, the Federal Power Act, the Consumer Product Safety Commission Act the Federal Aviation Act of 1958, and the Interstate Commerce Act, to require the Federal Trade Commission, the Federal Communications Commission, the Federal Power Commission, the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the Civil Aeronautics Board, the Interstate Commerce Commission, and the Federal Maritime Commission to submit to Congress and the Administrative Conference of the United States proposals for the recodification of all rules which such agencies have issued or have proposed to issue with the purpose of consolidating , coordinating, making more understandable, and modernizing such rules in order to facilitate effective and fair administration of such rules. Requires the Administrative Conference to submit to Congress and such agencies its comments on the initial proposals submitted under this Act and requires such agencies to revise their initial proposals in light of such comments. Requires the appropriate committees of Congress to take appropriate action on such proposals. Requires publication of such proposals in the Federal Register. Directs each such agency, except the Interstate Commerce Commission, to establish Advisory Committees on Law Revision to aid each agency in reviewing of the law of the United States relating to each such agency for the purpose of formulating and recommending to the Congress legislation that would better achieve the purpose for which such agency was established and promote competition and consumer protection. Requires each such agency to solicit the comments and recommendations of interested persons and governmental entities with respect to such law revision. Directs each Commission to coordinate its activities with both the Law Revision Counsel of the House of Representatives and the Congressional Research Service. Requires interim reports to be submitted to the President and Congress within six months of the enactment of this Act and final reports within two years of such enactment accompanied by an analysis of the consequences of such recommended revisions, a discussion of significant alternatives considered but not recommended, and such other information as may be useful to Congress and that may facilitate congressional consideration thereof. Specifies that the Federal Trade, Federal Communications, Federal Maritime and the Federal Power Commissions and the Civil Aeronautics Board shall grant or deny petitions to such agencies for the commencement of a proceeding for the issuance, amendment, or repeal of an agency rule within 120 days of the receipt of such petition. States that if such petition is granted, proceedings shall start as soon as practicable and if not, the reasons for such denial shall be published in the Federal Register. Provides that in the event such petition is not acted upon or is denied the petitioner may commence a civil action to require the initiation of such proceeding which shall issue if the failure to grant such petition is arbitrary and capricious, the action requested is necessary, and the failure of the petitioned Commission to take such action is inconsistent with this or any other Act applying to such Commission. States that the Federal Trade, Communications, Power, Consumer Product Safety and Maritime Commissions and the Civil Aeronautics Board must submit to Congress any budget estimate, request, legislative recommendations, testimony, or comments on legislation whenever such information is submitted to the President or the Office of Management and Budget. Requires those agencies to submit to the appropriate congressional committee upon request documents in the possession of such agency. Authorizes the Federal Communications, Power and Maritime Commission, the Civil Areonautics Board and the Interstate Commerce Commission to commence, defend, or intervene in any civil action which both such agency and the Attorney General are authorized to undertake involving any statute administered by such agencies if the Attorney General fails upon notification to commence, defend, or intervene in such action. Permits such agencies to seek or defend any action for an injunction without first notifying the Attorney General. Grants the Interstate Commerce Commission exclusive authority to commence, defend and supervise the litigation of specified action which it may become involved without first requesting the Attorney General to do so. States that if the Attorney General, upon request of the Commission does commence an action over which this Act gives the Commission exclusive authority, he may not settle or otherwise compromise the Commission's position without the consent of the Commission. Makes the killing of any officer or employee of the Interstate Commerce, Federal Trade, Federal Power, Federal Communications, and Federal Maritime Commissions, and the Civil Areonautics Board a Federal crime. Prohibits Commissioners of the Federal Trade, Communications, Power and Maritime Commissions, the Interstate Commerce Commission and Members of the Civil Areonautics Board from engaging in any profession while serving as a Commissioner and from representing any person in a professional capacity before an agency on which he or she served as a Commissioner or Board member for a period of two years following such service as a Commissioner or Board member. States that the Federal tort claims law provisions shall not prohibit the bringing of a claim against the Federal Trade, Communications Power, or Maritime Commissions, the Interstate Commerce Commission, or the Civil Areonautics Board based upon misrepresentation or deceit before January 1, 1979 or based upon any malfeasance, nonfeasance, or misfeasance before January 1, 1979. Prohibits the use of appropriated funds to pay judgements from actions brought pursuant to such provision. Requires the appointment of Chairmen of the Federal Trade, Communications, Power, Consumer Product Safety and Maritime Commissions, the Interstate Commerce Commission and the Civil Areonautics Board to be made by and with the advise and consent of the Senate and limits the term of such Chairmanships to three years.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1977
Entitles any Federal employee or Member of Congress who is a Japanese-American World War II internee to credit for civil service retirement purposes for the period during which such individual was detained or interned in a camp or similar facility.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1977
Young Adult Conservation Corps Act - Amends the Act which established the Youth Conservation Corps to direct the Secretaries of Agriculture and Interior to jointly extend the Youth Conservation Corps to provide year-round employment for young adults. States that individuals employed as Corps members under this Act shall be either between the ages of 19 and 24 exclusively or school dropouts who are at least age 16; shall meet applicable physical standards; shall be given preference for employment if they reside in counties in which the unemployment rate was equal to or in excess of six percent for three consecutive months; and may be employed for a total of not more than 12 months. Specifies guidelines to be followed by the Secretaries in administering this Act, including those relative to the types of jobs and projects to be given preference and the wages to be paid Corps members. Extends the program under which grants are made to States and to assist them in meeting the cost of projects for the employment of young people to develop and maintain non-Federal public lands and waters. Designates a time period during which the Secretaries are to develop a plan to carry out the activities authorized by this Act and prepare the site location, facilities, and equipment selected in such plan.
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
Children and Youth Camp Safety Act - Requires each youth camp operator to provide each camper safe and healthful conditions and adequate supervision to prevent injury. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to promulgate camp safety regulations within nine months of enactment of this Act. Provides that during a two-year period following promulgation and annually thereafter States may assume responsibility for development and enforcement of safety standards. Requires such States to submit plans for such development and enforcement. Grants the Secretary a right of disapproval of such plans. Directs the Secretary to provide technical assistance and consultative services to assist in the development and implementation of State plans. Permits the Secretary to make grants to States for the development of youth camp safety plans, to assist such States with plan initiation and training costs, and for the early operation and improvement of youth camp safety programs. Permits representatives of the Secretary to inspect youth camps and to investigate their records. Requires youth camp operators to file annual reports with the Secretary on accidents resulting in death, injury, and serious illness. Requires the Secretary to provide for the citation of youth camp operators for any violation of any standard, rule, or order promulgated pursuant to this Act. Directs the Secretary to afford an opportunity for a hearing for any youth camp operator issued a citation or notice of a proposed penalty. Permits any youth camp operator adversely affected by the decision of the hearing examiner to obtain a review of the decision in the United States court of appeals. Provides that upon the request of any youth camp operator, director, or staff, or during any inspection the Secretary shall provide consultative services to youth camps in States which do not have in effect a State plan. Sets forth civil penalties for violations of this Act and regulations by youth camp operators. Grants United States district courts and other courts of competent jurisdiction the jurisdiction, upon petition of the State or Secretary as appropriate, to restrain youth camp conditions threatening imminent dangers. Directs the Secretary to establish an Advisory Council on Youth Camp Safety to advise and consult on policy matters relating to youth camp safety. States that this Act or regulations issued under this Act shall not be construed to interfere with the religious activities or any youth camp that is operated by any religious corporation, association, or society or operated for a particular religion.
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 1977
Amends Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to decrease from 72 to 65 the age at which earnings limitations are no longer applicable.
![Official portrait of Sen. Magnuson, Warren G. [D-WA]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/b6bcbf426a6727b130ff10246e7c1bfa_200.jpg)