United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1977
Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to reimburse the city of Frederick, Maryland, for funds paid to the Confederate Army on July 9, 1864, in return for which such Army did not destroy Federal military and hospital supplies, plus interest incurred by the city in financing the repayment of such sums to the banks from which provided the cash for such payment.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1977
Declares it the sense of the Senate that the President of the United States (1) should propose an immediate suspension of underground nuclear explosions to remain in effect so long as the Soviet Union abstains from conducting underground explosions, and (2) should set forth promptly a new proposal to the Government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and other nations for a permanent treaty to ban all nuclear explosions.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1977
Universal Voter Registration Act - Establishes the positions of Administrator and Assistant Administrator of Voter Registration within the Federal Election Commission. Specifies the duties of the Administrator, including (1) establishing and administering a voter registration program in accordance with this Act; (2) providing for the collection, analysis, and publication of voter registration information in coordination work the Secretary of Commerce; and (3) providing information and technical assistance to State and local officials concerning voter registration. Requires each State and local government to permit any individual who is eligible under applicable State and Federal law to register to vote in any Federal election to register on the date of a Federal election at the appropriate polling place. States that any individual so registering shall, if required by State or local authorities, establish his identity by (1) executing an affidavit containing certain information and (2) submitting either an affidavit executed by a person who is registered to vote at the polling place involved and is present at such polling place with the individual seeking registration or one of any forms of identification approved by the Commission. Directs the Commission to make grants for approved voter registration outreach programs to States which comply with the election day registration requirements of this Act. Conditions the amount of such grants on whether a State has a similar election day registration program in effect with respect to State and local elections. Stipulates that a registration outreach program may include projects relating to registration by mail, registration through the use of mobile units, or bilingual registration, and those projects otherwise designed to improve voter registration methods and procedures. Lists the purposes for which grant funds may be used. Sets forth criminal penalties for any person who knowingly and willfully (1) registers, or attempts to register, to vote under this Act for the purpose of voting more than once in any Federal election; (2) conspires with any person for the purpose of enabling such person to make false registration to vote in a Federal election under this Act or for the purpose of enabling or encouraging any individual to make such false registration to vote in a Federal election; or (3) falsifies any information with respect to the name, residence, or age of such person, or any other information for the purpose of establishing eligibility to register to vote in a Federal election under this Act. Directs the Commission to institute actions to prevent any violation of this Act. Requires Federal courts to expedite consideration of actions involving a violation of, or a constitutional challenge to, any provision of this Act. Prohibits commercial use of any list compiled by a State or local government of individuals registered to vote in a Federal election.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to authorize any taxpayer to elect to have any portion of any overpayment of tax or any contribution in money which the taxpayer forwards with the return for such taxable year be available, as the taxpayer may designate on such return, for the National Endowment for the Arts or the National Endowment for the Humanities.
United States · United States Congress · 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 · 15 March 1977
Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to specifically encompass pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions within the prohibition against sex discrimination in employment, including discrimination with respect to fringe benefit plans.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1977
National Consumer Cooperative Bank Act - Title I: National Consumer Cooperative Bank - Establishes the National Consumer Cooperative Bank. States that the Bank shall (1) encourage the development of new and existing cooperatives eligible for its assistance by providing specialized credit and technical assistance; (2) maintain broad-based control of the Bank by its voting stockholders; (3) encourage broad-based ownership, control and active participation by members in eligible cooperatives; (4) assure that the net savings from its operations and the operations of borrowers from the Bank are made available or accounted for to the stockholders or members of the cooperative organization; and (5) assist in improving the quality and availability of goods and service to consumers. Authorizes the creation of no less than four nor more than 12 corporate regional banks. States that the Bank shall have the power to make and service loans, commitments for credit, guarantees, furnish financially related services, technical assistance, and issue obligations. Enumerates additional powers necessary to carry out its powers and duties under this Act. Requires the Bank to hold an annual meeting of stockholders. Permits the Bank to obtain funds through the public or private sale of its bonds, debentures, notes, and other evidences of indebtedness. Authorizes the Bank to make loans to eligible organizations which shall be repayable in not more than 40 years. States that the objective of the Bank shall be to provide the type of credit needed by eligible borrowers, at the lowest reasonable cost on a sound business basis, taking into account the cost of money to the Bank. Defines "eligible cooperatives" for purposes of assistance under this title. Title II: Self-Help Development Fund - Establishes in the Treasury a Consumer Cooperative Self-Help Development Fund. Permits the Cooperative Bank and Assistance Administration to make a capital investment advance out of the Fund to any eligible cooperative if the Administration determines that the applicants' initial or supplemental capital requirements exceed its ability to obtain a Title I Loan from the Bank or other sources, and the membership of the applicant consists substantially of low-income persons. Title III: Cooperative Technical Assistance - Directs the Cooperative Bank and Assistance Administration to make available information and services concerning the organization or reorganization of cooperatives to best achieve the objectives of this Act and to best provide the means through which various types of goods, services, and facilities can be made available to members and patrons. States that such assistance may include investigations, surveys, and director and management training and assistance. Authorizes appropriations to the Administration of sums necessary for the administration of this title. Title IV: The Cooperative Bank and Assistance Administration and General Provisions - Establishes the Cooperative Bank and Assistance Administration. Directs the Administration to assure that the objectives of this Act are carried out. States that until the stock of the Bank held by the United States has been fully retired the Bank shall be exempt from any form of taxation. Requires the Administration and the Board to report annually to the appropriate committees of Congress on the activities of the Administration and on the Bank's capital, operations, financial condition, the self-help development fund, and to make recommendations for legislation to improve its services.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1977
Federal Physicians Comparability Allowance Act - Entitles physicians employed by the Federal Government to a professional allowance in addition to basic pay. Authorizes Federal agencies to enter into service agreements with prospective government physicians whereby the physician is paid a bonus of up to $5,800 per annum in return for agreeing to work a specified number of years in such agency.
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 · 14 March 1977
Permits the Veterans' Administration to guarantee home mortgages for the purchase of homes or apartments converted to condominiums or cooperatives by removing the current restriction on such loans to new condominium housing developments, projects, or structures.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1977
Small Business Development Center Act - Authorizes the Small Business Administration to make grants to universities to assist them in developing centers to provide small businesses with a broad range of advice, information, and assistance. Limits the amount of such grant to no more than 75 percent of the cost of eligible activities in the operation or development of the center, except for grants to regional centers assisting State centers in research or other high cost activities. Establishes a Small Business Management and Technical Assistance Division within the Small Business Administration to administer the Small Business Development Center program through a Deputy Associate Administrator. Establishes a Small Business Development Center Advisory Board composed of 14 members to advise and confer with the Deputy Associate Administrator for Management and Technical Assistance. Authorizes the Administration to make grants to universities, organizations, and business concerns to support research to solve problems which affect small business concerns.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1977
Public Financing of Senate Elections Act - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to entitle candidates for the United States Senate, who agree to comply with certain recordkeeping requirements and spending limits, to payments in accordance with the terms of this Act. Conditions eligibility for funds with respect to primary and general elections upon receipt of contributions in specified minimum amounts. Sets forth formulas for the determination of the amount of money to which a candidate is entitled. Specifies maximum amounts which a candidate may expend in connection with primary and general elections and remain eligible for funds. Specifies a limit on the amount of personal and family funds a candidate may use. Provides for adjustments in spending limits on the basis of changes in prices. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to maintain a separate Senate Campaign Account in the Presidential Election Campaign Fund and to deposit in such account amounts available in the Fund after a determination that adequate sums are available for payments under the Presidential Election Campaign Fund Act. Sets forth guidelines for reducing payments under this Act if available funds are inadequate. Requires repayment of funds paid in excess of entitlement or used for other than campaign purposes. Requires candidates for the Senate who do not receive funds under this Act to report to the Federal Election Commission within 48 hours of spending or incurring obligations to spend a total sum in excess of the limit which would apply if the candidate had been receiving funds.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1977
Minority Business Development and Assistance Act - Establishes the Minority Business Development and Assistance Administration in the Department of Commerce. Creates the position of the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Minority Business Development and Assistance to direct such Administration. Empowers the Assistant Secretary to make grants and enter into contracts with any person in order to provide management and technical assistance to minority enterprises. Sets forth the functions of the Assistant Secretary including the establishment of goals for other Federal departments which may affect minority business enterprises and the collection and dissemination of information useful for the undertaking and the promoting of minority businesses. Directs the heads of Federal departments to cooperate with the Secretary of Commerce by furnishing specified information. Establishes the Advisory Council for Minority Enterprise to advise the Secretary on economic and social developments which affect minority business enterprises. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to submit as a part of the annual report of the Department of Commerce a report of his activities under this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of $10,000,000 in each fiscal year and such other sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of 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 · 25 February 1977
Interpreters for the Hearing Impaired Act - Directs Federal judges, upon determining that a party or a witness does not speak or understand English with sufficient facility due to a hearing impairment, to order that (1) the proceedings be conveyed to such party or witness through an appropriate mode of communication and (2) that the testimony of such an individual be interpreted for the court. Requires the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to certify interpreters for the hearing impaired and to prescribe a fee schedule for, and maintain a list of, interpreters so certified. Directs each district court to maintain a list of certified interpreters within its district. Sets forth guidelines for the selection of an interpreter if no certified interpreter is available within the district.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1977
Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to provide that units of general local government receiving grants under the hold-harmless provisions of such Act, shall be entitled, after fiscal year 1977, to continue to receive the amount to which they are presently entitled.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1977
Authorizes and requests the President of the United States to designate the week beginning on the Sunday preceding the fourth Thursday in November of each year as "National Family Week."
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1977
Requires each Member of Congress, each employee of Congress, and each candidate for Congress to file annually with the Comptroller General a complete financial report including the amount and source of each item of income, reimbursement, and gift exceeding $100, the value of each asset and liability in excess of $5,000, information on business transactions exceeding $5,000, and the amount of taxes paid for the most recent tax year. Sets forth civil and criminal penalties for violation of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1977
Young Farmers' Homestead Act - Establishes as an agency within the Department of Agriculture the Federal Farm Assistance Corporation. Authorizes the Corporation to purchase farm land in value of up to $200,000 per unit. Provides that the Corporation shall make such farms available for lease and subsequently for sale. Directs that the farms may be leased to an eligible applicant for a period of not less than two years nor more than seven years with specified restrictions upon the use of such land. Provides that the lessee may at any time within six months prior to the expiration of his lease make application to the Board of Directors of the Corporation for purchase of such unit upon the expiration of such lease. States that the Board shall approve such application if it determines that the lessee can successfully manage and operate such farm unit. Specifies a formula to be used in determining the selling price of each farm. Provides that a buyer may obtain financing through an available source, but if private financing is not available, the Farmers Home Administration shall furnish the financing at a specified rate. Requires the Corporation to file annually with the Secretary of Agriculture a complete report as to the business of the Corporation. Provides that the financial transactions of the Corporation shall be audited at least once each year by the General Accounting Office. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to appoint an advisory council to advise the Board regarding the administration of this Act. Provides that the Council's advice shall include recommendations on what the eligibility requirements should be for leasing farm units and what experience should be required for leasing a farm. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to carry out this Act. Specifies criminal provisions applicable to the Federal Farm Assistance Corporation.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1977
Amends the Overseas Voting Rights Act of 1975 to make specified recommendations to States to facilitate voting by eligible individuals thereunder, including recommending that: (1) any official postcard which is duly executed by an eligible individual be accepted as a simultaneous application for registration and for an absentee ballot; and (2) if a special application is required for registration by mail, registration forms be sent with the absentee ballot and allowed to be returned with it. Directs the Presidential designee under the Federal Voting Assistance Act to request each State to furnish him with information on the current absentee registration of, and voting procedures for, citizens abroad and to make such information available to Federal agencies and persons qualified to vote under the Overseas Voting Rights Act. Directs the Administrator of General Services to cause to be printed and distributed to appropriate agencies official postcards for use in accordance with the provisions of the Overseas Voting Rights Act, and instructs such agencies to deliver or make available such postcards to qualified individuals not later than August 15 immediately before any general Federal election. Stipulates that balloting material be sent free of postage and by the most expedited service available. States that the exercise of any right to register or vote in Federal elections by any citizen outside the United States and the retention by such citizen of any State or district as his voting residence or voting domicile solely for the purpose of exercising such right shall not affect the determination of such citizen's place of residence or domicile for purposes of any tax imposed under Federal, State, or local law. Amends the Federal Voting Assistance Act of 1955 to direct the Presidential designee thereunder to request each State to inform him of any provisions of State law requiring the removal of the name of any person from such State's voter registration roll and to provide him with information relative to the number of absentee voters. Directs the Presidential designee to design, for purposes of the Federal Voting Assistance Act and the Overseas Citizens Voting Rights Act, a single form postcard application for registration to vote and for an absentee ballot. Requires provisions of present law (1) authorizing the appropriation of sums to the United States Postal Service for the purpose of reimbursement of revenues lost due to free postages and reduced rate mailing of specified materials, and (2) adjusting the postage rate of such materials if Congress fails to appropriate the amount so authorized to include materials sent under the Overseas Citizens Voting Rights Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend for four years (to June 14, 1981) the deadline for tax deductible charitable contributions of certain partial interests in recreation lands and historic lands and buildings for conservation purposes.
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
Young Families' Housing Act - Graduated Payment Mortgage Insurance Act - Amends the National Housing Act to permit the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to insure, on a regular basis, mortgages and loans with provisions for varying rates of amortization corresponding to anticipated variations in family income. Sets a percentage limit on the mortgage value ratio of mortgages which will be insurable under this Act. Prescribes eligibility requirements for such insurance. States that mortgages or loans insured pursuant to this Act shall not be subject to State usury laws in most cases. Individual Housing Account Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a deduction for amounts paid in cash into an individual housing account. Defines the term "individual housing account" for the purposes of this Act. Limits annual tax deductions to $2,500 and lifetime deductions to $10,000. Makes provisions for tax treatment upon distribution of such accounts. Exempts individual housing accounts from taxation under the Internal Revenue Code.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1977
Earth Resources and Environmental Information System Act - Title I: Earth Resources and Environmental Information System; Policies and Management - States the policies and purposes of this Act. Title II: Establishment of the Earth Resources and Environmental Information System - Establishes an Earth Resources and Environmental Information System, consisting of a "space segment" and a "data handling segment", to provide data and information on the resources and environment of the Earth to both domestic and foreign users. Title III: Federal Coordination and Planning - Requires the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy in the Executive Office of the President to oversee and coordinate, for research and development, the validation and operational phases of the system. Requires the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to establish and operate the space segment of the System, including replacement of satellites, to complete validation of the System, and to insure that other countries can acquire data from such segment. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to establish and operate the data handling segment of the System. Title IV: Miscellaneous Provisions - Authorizes appropriations to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1977
Home-Heating Stamp Act - Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1964 to establish a home-heating stamp program to reduce the hardships imposed on low-income households by high home-heating costs and to permit such households to obtain reasonable amounts of home-heating fuels through normal channels of trade. Directs that such program be administered by the Department of Agriculture and the appropriate State agencies which administer the food stamp program. Defines a "household" for the purposes of this Act as a group of individuals who are not residents of an institution and are living as one economic unit, or a single individual living alone. Exempts recipients of supplemental security income benefits from the kinds of restrictions on their participation found in the food stamp program. Limits the home-heating fuel stamp program to the fifty States and the District of Columbia. Authorizes the issuance of home-heating coupons which shall have a greater monetary value than any charge paid by eligible households and which shall be used only: (1) to purchase home-heating fuels from approved providers; or (2) in the case of a household which rents its residence and does not pay its home-heating fuel bill directly to a provider, to offset any rent due its landlord. Requires landlords accepting such coupons as partial rent payment to use such coupons to pay all or part of their fuel bills and prohibits them from increasing rents in connection with or as a result of the use of home-heating coupons by an eligible household. Provides that such coupons shall be redeemable at face value, and that the coupon allotment for any household shall be in an amount reflecting the monthly equivalent of the minimal cost of a reasonable amount of home-heating fuel for a single heating season. Limits the validity of coupons to one heating season, not to exceed six months, which shall be established for a State by the State agency. Requires as a charge to participating households for their coupon allotments a standard percentage of the monthly household income in no event more than the percentage of personal consumption expenditures shown to be spent on home-heating fuels by the best information available to the Secretary. States that no such charge is to be made to households with an income of less than $30 per month for a family of four. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish uniform national standards of eligibility for participating households; and also allows the establishment of temporary emergency standards, for the duration of the emergency, without regard to income or other financial resources, for households that are victims of a disaster which disrupts the normal distribution of home-heating fuels. Directs the Secretary to approve home-heating providers under regulations patterned after those used to approve retail food stores and wholesale food concerns for participation in the food stamp program. States that the administrative provisions of the Food Stamp Act of 1964 shall apply equally to the home-heating fuel program. Requires, in the administration of such program, that all practicable efforts by made to insure that assistance provided does not induce unnecessary additional consumption of home-heating fuel.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1977
Amends the Water Resources Development Act of 1976 to repeal the requirement that construction of a water diversion structure, on the Potomac River near Watkins Island by the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission, be delayed: (1) until the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, the State of Maryland, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the Sanitary Commission enter a written agreement regarding withdrawal of waters from the Potomac at a specified point; and (2) unless such construction is not in conflict with a specified report of the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1977
Regulatory Reform Act - Requires the President to submit to Congress a plan recommending reforms with respect to the regulation of: (1) energy, the environment, housing, and occupational health and safety by specified Federal agencies by April 30, 1979; (2) transportation and communications by specified Federal agencies by April 30, 1981; (3) banking and finance, international trade, and Government procurement by specified Federal agencies by April 30, 1983; and (4) food, consumer health and safety, economic trade practices, and labor- management concerns by specified Federal agencies by April 30, 1985. States that each such plan shall include recommendations for reform of such specified agencies and shall report on the cumulative impact of all Government regulatory activity reviewed, up to that date, on specific industry groupings. States that if the President fails to submit such plans by the specified dates, the Senate and House Committees on Government Operations shall draft their own plans to be submitted to Congress for action. Requires the Comptroller General and the Congressional Budget Office, contemporaneously with the development of the President's plan, to submit a report assessing the purpose, effects, efficiency, and cost effectiveness of each agency included in the plans submitted by the President. States that if no comprehensive regulatory reform legislation is enacted by August 1 of the year following the year in which a comprehensive plan has been submitted by the President, then all agencies affected thereby shall have no authority to issue any new rules not essential for preserving the public health and safety; if such reform is not enacted by October 1 of such year, such agency shall have no authority to enforce any rule not essential for preserving the public health and safety; if no such reform is enacted by December 31 of such year, such agency shall be terminated on such date. States that all rules of such terminated agency essential for preserving the public health and safety shall remain effective and shall be enforced by the Department of Justice. Requires the President to submit subsequent plans in the manner and in the order and frequency set forth by this Act every ten years.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1977
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
Amends the Disaster Relief Act of 1974 to provide disaster victims, with respect to disasters occurring on or after April 20, 1973, with two options for loan repayment of borrowed funds under certain provisions of the Small Business Act or the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act: (1) a three percent interest rate with up to $2,500 forgiveness on the loan; or (2) a one percent interest rate with no loan forgiveness clause.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1977
Amends Private Law 94-126 to allow certain individuals to receive compensation for work injuries to Federal employees, in addition to their payments in settlement of a claim.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1977
Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1968 to allow the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to initiate civil actions to enforce the provisions of such Act. Permits courts to award attorneys' fees to prevailing plaintiffs in civil rights actions without regard to financial ability to assume such fees.
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
Declares a certain naval officer to have been promoted to the grade of captain on the active list of the Regular Navy, and to have been retired in that grade. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to pay such person a specified amount in full satisfaction of his claims against the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1977
Human Resources Development Act - Directs the President, through the Secretary of Labor, to carry out a program of projects by means of contracts with public and private employers, including labor unions, and with institutions of higher education, each such project to either (1) involve increased participation of employees in decision making and, through compensation or otherwise, in the gains associated with increased productivity, or (2) demonstrate specific programs or guidelines under which employment can be maintained at prescribed levels for a specific period and advances can be made in the quality of working life. Includes within such demonstration projects, grants to employers in high unemployment areas for the purpose of retaining employees who would otherwise be laid off during periods of cyclical unemployment through improving the design of workplaces or work assignments or improving job skills. Directs the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service and the National Center for Productivity and Quality of Working Life, when requested by the Secretary, to provide technical assistance with respect to projects assisted pursuant to contracts under this Act. Establishes a Human Resources Advisory Council to furnish advice and assistance in the administration of such projects.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1977
Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961: (1) to increase to $196,800,000 the appropriations authorized for fiscal year 1977 for military assistance; and (2) to limit to $34,500,000 for fiscal year 1977 the authorization of appropriations for military assistance for Portugal.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1977
Requests that the concerns of the United States be conveyed to the Soviet government regarding adherence to the Helsinki Declaration with respect to freedom to emigrate.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1977
Authorizes the Joint Committee on the Library to procure a bust or statue of Martin Luther King, Junior, and to cause such sculpture to be placed in a suitable location in the Capitol. Authorizes appropriations of not more than $25,000 to carry out this concurrent resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1977
National Neighborhood Policy Act - Establishes a National Commission on Neighborhoods composed 20 members. Directs the Commission: (1) to study the factors contributing to the decline of city neighborhoods and the factors contributing to the decline of city neighborhoods and the factors necessary for neighborhood survival and revitalization; (2) to make recommendations for modifications in Federal, State, and local laws, policies, and programs necessary to facilitate neighborhood preservation and revitalization; and (3) to report to Congress and to the President on such study. Enumerates the powers of the Commission including the power: (1) to award contracts and grants to evaluate existing neighborhood revitalization programs and the impact of existing laws on neighborhoods; and (2) to hold hearings in neighborhoods for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1977
Declares it to be the sense of Congress that wasteful energy consumption in the United States must be eliminated. Requests the President to call for a National Energy Crusade and to designate an Energy Conservation Month. Requests the President to report to the Congress and to the nation on the status of energy conservation initiatives.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1977
Commercial Fisheries Improvement Fund Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to make long-term, low interest, incentive loans for investment in shoreside facilities and fishing vessels for underutilized fisheries. Requires the Secretary, before approving a loan for the purchase of a new or used vessel, to determine that the applicant's contemplated operation of such vessel in a fishery will not cause economic hardship or injury to efficient vessels already operating in that fishery. Directs that loans made pursuant to this Act be made only to citizens or nationals of the United States. Stipulates that no corporation, partnership, or association organized under the laws of American Samoa shall be deemed a national of the United States unless 75 percent of the interest therein is owned by nationals or citizens of the United States. Establishes in the U.S. Treasury a Commercial Fisheries Improvement Fund to be used by the Secretary to make loans under this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of $250,000,000 as initial capital for all loans under this Act. Repeals provisions of the Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956 which make available loans for the financing or refinancing of the cost of purchasing, constructing, equipping, maintaining, repairing, or operating commercial fishing vessels or gear. Directs that any outstanding loans made under such provisions be handled in accordance with this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1977
Declares that the promotion of economy, efficiency, and improved service in the financing, administration, and delivery of social welfare services is the policy of the Congress. Establishes a Commission to be known as the National Commission on the Reform of Income Maintenance Programs for the purpose of developing legislative proposals designed to carry out the policies set forth in the first section.
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 · 18 January 1977
Recognizes the outstanding contributions made by President Ford to this Nation and commends him for the manner and integrity with which he carried out his responsibilities.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1977
Natural Gas Act Amendments - Amends the Natural Gas Act to terminate Federal Power Commission authority to regulate sales of new natural gas in interstate commerce. Stipulates that emergency sales of natural gas to curtailed customers who qualify as essential users shall not affect such exempt status. Stipulates that contractual provisions prohibiting sales to such customers shall be suspended and unenforceable for the duration of such emergency sale. Stipulates that prices for offshore sales of new natural gas shall not exceed the ceiling price for sales of new natural gas produced from offshore Federal lands. Stipulates that prices paid for natural gas in transactions between a natural gas company and its affiliates shall not exceed prices paid in comparable sales by persons not affiliated with any natural gas company. Directs the Federal Power Commission to conduct studies and make reports regarding the nature and availability of natural gas reserves. Requires that the Commission keep current information available relating to the estimated natural gas reserves for individual fields. Establishes procedures for the establishment of ceiling prices for new natural gas produced from offshore Federal lands through December 31, 1982. Authorizes the Commission to grant exemptions to price ceilings within high-cost production areas. Establishes procedures for adjustments to price ceilings established pursuant to this Act. Directs the Commission to prohibit the curtailment of adequate supplies of natural gas for essential agricultural purposes. Directs the Commission to prohibit the use of natural gas as boiler fuel where adequate alternatives are available. Authorizes exemptions from such prohibition where necessary to comply with pollution control or environmental protection and safety standards. Stipulates that the provisions of the Natural Gas Act shall extend to synthetic natural gas.
![Official portrait of Sen. Mathias, Charles McC., Jr. [R-MD]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/m000241_200.jpg)