United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1977
Authorizes the Attorney General, in his discretion, in the case of any alien who is a native or citizen of Vietnam, Laos, or Cambodia and who has been inspected and admitted or paroled into the United States, to adjust the status of such alien to that of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence. Sets forth conditions for the granting of such adjusted status. Applies this Act to the resident spouse and children of any alien whose status is changed pursuant to this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1977
Federal Bank Commission Act - Title I: Establishes a Federal Bank Commission to consist of five members appointed by the President. Transfers all functions of the Federal Reserve System (except the examination and supervisory powers of the system with respect to Federal Reserve banks), the Comptroller of the Currency (except those functions dealing with currency issue and redemption), and the Board of Directors of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation to the Commission. Prohibits the holding by a Commissioner of a financial interest in, or employment by, any institution subject to the jurisdiction of the Commission. Specifies the executive functions vested in the Commission and provides that these functions, except for rulemaking, may be delegated. Authorizes the appropriation of $5,000,000 for the costs and expenses of the Commission. Details the method of transfer of records, facilities, and personnel from such agencies to the Commission. Title II: Conforming Amendments -- Makes conforming amendments in the provisions of Federal law affected by the provisions of this Act. Requires the Comptroller General to audit the Federal Bank Commission and to report to the Congress results and recommendations with respect to such audit.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1977
Solar Energy Government Building Act - Title I: Solar Hot Water and Space Heating Program for Federal Building - Directs the Administrator of General Services to establish a solar hot water and space heating devices in 15,000 federally owned buildings within six fiscal years following the date of enactment of this Act. Directs the Administrator to annually survey Federal buildings to determine those most suitable for the installation of solar hot water and space heating devices, considering geographic distribution and life-cycle cost evaluations in making such determination. Directs the Administrator to report annually to Congress on the status of the Program, including recommendations for future funding levels necessary to fully implement the six-year target set forth in this Act. Establishes an Advisory Committee on the Solar Energy Government Building Program of specified Government executives to assist the Administrator in the establishment and conduct of the Program. Authorizes the appropriation of $100,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1978 through 1983 for the purposes of this title. Title II: Federal Photovoltaic Utilization Program - Establishes a Federal Photovoltaic Utilization Program for the annual acquisition and use of photovoltaic solar electric systems, primarily for use by the Department of Defense. Directs the Administrator of General Services to administer the program with the assistance of the Secretary of Defense. Directs the Administrator of the Energy Research and Development Administration to establish a photovoltaic system evaluation and purchase program to insure that such systems reflect the most advanced, low-cost technology. Authorizes the appropriations of $25,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1978 through 1982 for design and engineering aspects of the program. Authorizes the appropriation of $100,000,000 for photovoltaic system acquisition in fiscal year 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1977
Declares it the sense of the Senate that (1) the expulsion of George A. Krimsky is contrary to the Helsinki Declaration regarding the rights of journalists and the free flow of information, (2) such action invites reciprocal steps by the United States, and (3) the United States and the Soviet Union should seek greater communication in this area to prevent such occurrences in the future.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1977
DNA Research Act - Expresses the finding of Congress that all research with regard to DNA is either in interstate commerce or substantially affects such commerce. Requires the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to promulgate guidelines for research involving DNA. Prohibits the granting of a patent on any procedure or organism resulting from such research unless all guidelines have been adhered to, and full disclosure has been made regarding such process or organism. Imposes strict civil liability on persons carrying out such research for all injury to persons or property caused by research. Authorizes the Secretary to issue licenses for research involving DNA. Prohibits any person from soliciting or accepting any specimen for research involving DNA or conducting such research unless a license for such research has been issued. Authorizes the Secretary to revoke, suspend, or limit such licenses for specified violations. Authorizes the Attorney General, at the Secretary's request, to bring suit to enjoin any activity by a research facility, licensed under this Act, which is believed by the Secretary to be unreasonably hazardous to the public health. Gives the Secretary authority to inspect facilities engaged in DNA research. Imposes criminal penalties for violation of this Act. Authorizes the court to render any person or entity convicted of such violation ineligible for Federal funds. Prohibits any research facility employer from discharging or discriminating against any employee because such employee is involved in a proceeding under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1977
Minority Business Development Act - Establishes the Minority Business Development Administration in the Department of Commerce. Creates the position of the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Minority Business Development 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. Direct the heads of Federal departments to cooperate with the Secretary of Commerce by furnishing specified information. Calls for interagency cooperation with the Assistant Secretary's investigative function. Directs the Assistant Secretary to submit an annual report to the President, the Office of Management and Budget, and Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1977
Emergency Unemployment Compensation Extension Act - Redefines the "on" and "off" indicators used in determining emergency benefit periods under the Emergency Unemployment Compensation Act of 1974. Stipulates that amounts appropriated to the Extended Unemployment Compensation Account shall not be repayable advances. Extends the period for which emergency compensation is payable to encompass weeks ending on or before March 31, 1978, and, in the case of any individual who had a compensable week on or before March 31, 1978, weeks ending on or before June 30, 1978. Provides compensation to individuals in approved training programs after exhaustion of the maximum amount of emergency compensation otherwise payable.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1977
Regulatory Reform Act - Requires the President to submit to Congress a plan recommending reforms with respect to the regulation of: (1) energy, the environment, housing, and occupational health and safety by specified Federal agencies by April 30, 1979; (2) transportation and communications by specified Federal agencies by April 30, 1981; (3) banking and finance, international trade, and Government procurement by specified Federal agencies by April 30, 1983; and (4) food, consumer health and safety, economic trade practices, and labor- management concerns by specified Federal agencies by April 30, 1985. States that each such plan shall include recommendations for reform of such specified agencies and shall report on the cumulative impact of all Government regulatory activity reviewed, up to that date, on specific industry groupings. States that if the President fails to submit such plans by the specified dates, the Senate and House Committees on Government Operations shall draft their own plans to be submitted to Congress for action. Requires the Comptroller General and the Congressional Budget Office, contemporaneously with the development of the President's plan, to submit a report assessing the purpose, effects, efficiency, and cost effectiveness of each agency included in the plans submitted by the President. States that if no comprehensive regulatory reform legislation is enacted by August 1 of the year following the year in which a comprehensive plan has been submitted by the President, then all agencies affected thereby shall have no authority to issue any new rules not essential for preserving the public health and safety; if such reform is not enacted by October 1 of such year, such agency shall have no authority to enforce any rule not essential for preserving the public health and safety; if no such reform is enacted by December 31 of such year, such agency shall be terminated on such date. States that all rules of such terminated agency essential for preserving the public health and safety shall remain effective and shall be enforced by the Department of Justice. Requires the President to submit subsequent plans in the manner and in the order and frequency set forth by this Act every ten years.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1977
Amends Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to increase to $5,100 the amount of outside earnings which is permitted an individual each year without any deduction from benefits under such title.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1977
Victims of Crime Act - Directs the Attorney General to make grants to qualified State programs for the compensation of victims of crime. Specifies requirements for program certification, including that the program (1) offer compensation for personal injuries suffered as a result of certain State and Federal crimes, (2) offer compensation to surviving dependents of persons whose deaths resulted from being victim to such a crime, (3) require cooperation with law enforcement agencies as a condition for recovery, (4) grant claimants the right to a hearing, and (5) subrogate the State to any claim the victim or dependent has against the perpetrator to the extent of the amount compensated by the State. States that grants made under this Act shall total 50 percent of the allowable compensation paid to victims and dependent survivors of victims of State crimes designated by the State as appropriate for compensation under this program and 100 percent of the allowable compensation paid to victims and dependent survivors of victims of crimes which would constitute designated State crimes except for the fact that the crime is subject to exclusive Federal jurisdiction. Limits compensation with respect to any single claim to (1) loss resulting from medical and related treatment, physical and occupational therapy and rehabilitation, and past and anticipated future earnings up to $200 per week and (2) a total of $50,000. Establishes an Advisory Committee on Victims of Crime to advise the Attorney General with respect to the administration of this Act and the compensation of victims of crime.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1977
Federal Employees Flexible and Compressed Work Schedules Act - Requires the Civil Service Commission to develop a three-year comprehensive plan to provide for the establishment of flexible and compressed work schedule experiments within executive agencies. Directs the head of each agency to determine whether or not the implementation of such an experimental program would be in the best interest of the agency. Requires the Chairperson of the Commission to take appropriate action to include any requesting agency in the implementation of the comprehensive plan. Title I: Flexible Scheduling of Work Hours - Permits Federal agencies to conduct one or more experiments to test flexible schedules which include: (1) designated hours and days during which an employee on such a schedule must be present for work; and (2) designated hours during which employees on such a schedule may elect the times of their arrival and departure. Empowers the head of an agency, at the request of an employee participating in a flexible hour program, to grant such employee compensatory time off in lieu of payment of such overtime hours. Disallows, with specified exceptions, the payment of premium pay for night-work to an employee working a flexible hour schedule solely because such employee elects to work optional hours at a time of day for which premium pay is otherwise authorized. Limits the number of optional hours which an employee on a flexible schedule may accumulate for carryover from a biweekly pay period to the succeeding biweekly pay period. Title II: Four-day Week and Other Compressed Work Schedules - Permits agencies to conduct one or more experiments to test a four-day workweek or other compressed schedules. Details provisions relating to the payment or overtime pay, Sunday pay, and holiday pay to individuals working such a schedule. Title III: Administrative Provisions - Prohibits the inclusion within any experiment under Titles I or II of this Act of employees within a unit with respect to which an organization of government employees has been accorded exclusive recognition except to the extent expressly provided under a written agreement between the agency and such organization. Prohibits the intimidation or coercion of other employees who are participating in an experiment under Titles I or II with respect to their rights under this Act. Sets forth reporting requirements for the Commission with respect to programs carried out under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1977
Amends the Social Security Act to provide that, if the delivery day for benefit checks under titles II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) and XVI (Supplemental Security Income Program) falls on a Saturday, Sunday or legal public holiday, benefit checks for such month shall be mailed for delivery on the first day preceding such designated day which is not a Saturday, Sunday or legal public holiday, without regard to whether the delivery of such checks is made in the same calendar month for which such benefit checks are issued. Requires the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to make the same provision for the mailing of veterans' benefits checks.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1977
Amends the Small Business Act to authorize the Small Business Administration to offer reinsurance to any insurer or pool against excess losses resulting from products liability claims or completed operations claims against small business concerns. Authorizes the Administration to establish such limits on liability and charges for reinsurance as it deems appropriate.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1977
National Meals-on-Wheels Act - Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to allow States to distribute Federal Funds for the establishment of: (1) projects to provide home-delivered meals to qualified homebound elderly persons; (2) an information and referral system for homebound individuals receiving such meals; and (3) an operation to seek volunteer personnel for the delivery of such meals and to compensate such personnel for related transportation expenses. Authorizes the appropriation of specified sums in fiscal years 1978 and 1979 for the purpose of providing home-delivered meals under this Act. Limits to five percent the amount of such funds which may be spent upon the administration of such program. Directs the Commissioner of the Administration on Aging to conduct a demonstration project involving at least three States to determine the feasibility of using the meals system designed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration for the elderly as a component of, or substitute for, regular nutrition projects assisted under the Older Americans Act of 1965.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1977
Age Discrimination in Employment Amendments - Amends the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 to make the provisions, formerly applicable to persons between 40 and 65 years of age, applicable to anyone 40 years of age or older.
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
Amends Title XVI (Supplemental Security Income for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled) of the Social Security Act to increase the guaranteed annual income for all aged, blind, and disabled individuals to specified amounts. Directs that the value of an applicant's home shall not be a factor in determining the eligibility of such applicant for supplemental security income benefits so long as the home is occupied and used by the applicant. Eliminates eligibility restrictions and benefit reductions for individuals in public institutions. Excludes from income, as used in the determination of eligibility for and amount of benefits, all noncash income, including support and maintenance furnished in kind. Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to pay up to three months' benefits to an individual who is presumptively eligible for such benefits, prior to the determination of such individual's eligibility. Requires action on an application for benefits under Title XVI within 30 days of the filing of such application (45 days when the applicant is applying for benefits on the basis of disability). Directs the Secretary to establish and carry out a program designed specifically to assure that all individuals who are or may become eligible for supplemental security income benefits under Title XVI will be fully informed of the availability and nature of such benefits and of the steps to be taken in obtaining them. Enumerates items of information which are to be included in such outreach programs.
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
Title I: Public Works Employment - Public Works Employment Act - Authorizes to be appropriated a sum not to exceed $2,000,000,000 for the purpose of making grants to States and local governments for local public works projects with respect to which unsuccessful applications for grants were made prior to December 23, 1976, under the Public Works Employment Act of 1976. Authorizes an additional sum not to exceed $2,000,000,000 for the purpose of making grants for local public works projects which are eligible for grants under title I of the Public Works Employment Act of 1976, including projects for which grant applications are pending, and for projects for the construction or improvement of health care or rehabilitation facilities owned and operated by private nonprofit entities. Limits the Federal share for any such project to 80 percent of its cost. Sets forth guidelines for making grants under this title, including the consideration of unemployment rates in grant allocation. Stipulates that up to two and one-half percent of funds appropriated under this title shall be available for projects requested by Indian Tribes of Alaska Native organizations. Title II: Youth Community Improvement Program- Youth Community Improvement Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce, under the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 to make grants and to enter into contracts with, any State, local government, Indian tribe, or Alaska Native organization to pay the cost of community improvement projects to be carried out by youths. Sets forth requirements for applications for assistance and for agreements evidencing grants or contracts under this title, including requirements relative to wages to be paid to participating youths, projects supervisory personnel, and job opportunities and skills development. Directs eligible applicants to establish or designate a local nonprofit organization to carry out activities funded under this title. Directs the Secretary to work with appropriate State education agencies to provide that academic credit be awarded for work experience gained through the youth community improvement program.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1977
Authorizes the Joint Committee on the Library to procure a bust or statue of Martin Luther King, Junior, and to cause such sculpture to be placed in a suitable location in the Capitol. Authorizes appropriations of not more than $25,000 to carry out this concurrent resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1977
Displaced Homemakers Act - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish a minimum of 50 Multipurpose Service Centers for displaced homemakers. States that each Center shall provide specified services, including: (1) job counseling; (2) job training and job placement; (3) health education and counseling; (4) financial management; (5) legal counseling and referral; and (6) outreach information with respect to Federal assistance programs. Sets forth factors to be considered by the Secretary in selecting Center sites. Directs the Secretary to designate a public or non-profit private organization to administer a Center once its site has been chosen. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants in accordance with specified guidelines to such organizations for the purpose of establishing and maintaining Centers. Directs the Secretary to prepare and furnish to Congress biennial evaluations which are to include a thorough assessment of each Center and recommendations concerning the administration and expansion of such Centers at the local, State, and Federal levels. Directs the Secretary to prepare and furnish to the Congress a study to determine the feasibility of, and appropriate procedures for, allowing displaced homemakers to participate in: (1) programs established under the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act of 1973; (2) work incentive programs under the Social Security Act; (3) related Federal employment, education and health assistance programs; and (4) programs established, or benefits provided, under Federal and State unemployment compensation laws.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1977
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide payment for inpatient hospital services furnished outside the United States to individuals insured for benefits under the supplementary medical insurance program.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1977
Authorizes the Committee on Rules and Administration to consider through April 19, 1977, the recommendations of the Temporary Select Committee to study the Committee System. Directs the majority and minority leaders to establish permanent assignments to the standing committees and to fill the vacancies on select, special and joint committees.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1977
Title I: Meat and Meat Products - Amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to require meat imports to be labeled as imports and to be subjected to tests regarding substances or levels of substances prohibited in any domestically produced animal. Title II: Dairy Products - Prohibits the importation of dairy products unless the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare certifies that such imports originated from pure and wholesome supplies and were manufactured in plants which comply with certain minimum standards of sanitation. Makes such products subject to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act after entry into the United States. Permits assessments and fees to be prescribed for such tests and inspections and the revocation of import privileges for failure to pay such fees.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1977
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
Rescinds the $350,000,000 appropriation for the CVN nuclear attack aircraft carrier program contained in the Department of Defense Appropriation Act, 1977.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1977
Amends Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to increase to $3,000 the amount of outside earnings which is permitted an individual each year without any deduction from benefits under Title II. Decreases the amount of deduction for such excess wages from 50 to 33 1/3 percent. Imposes a 50 percent deduction on all income over $6,000.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1977
Elderly and Handicapped Persons Transportation Act - Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to authorize reduced air fares on a space-available basis for persons 60 years of age or older and for handicapped individuals and their attendants. Directs the Civil Aeronautics Board to conduct a study and to report to the Congress on the feasibility and economic impact on air carriers of providing such reduced rate transportation for persons 21 years of age or younger.
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
Amends the Social Security Act to require skilled nursing facilities, under Title XVIII (Medicare), to have a qualified professional psychiatric nurse available, on at least a consultant basis, in order to furnish necessary psychiatric services, and to permit such nurses to perform specified medical and other health services which are performed by physicians. Amends Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act: (1) to authorize payment for professional services furnished by a qualified professional psychiatric nurse; (2) to prohibit payment for services furnished by any intermediate care facility or skilled nursing facility which does not have a qualified psychiatric nurse available, on at least a consultant basis; and (3) to prohibit payment for inpatient services furnished by a psychiatric hospital unless such hospital provides to qualified professional nurses the same staff privileges which are extended to physicians.
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 · 14 January 1977
Rural Energy Office Act - Establishes within the Department of Agriculture an Office of Rural Energy Assessment and Development whose Director shall be appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture. Makes such Office responsible for identifying, developing, and compiling data pertaining to fuel and other energy needs of persons residing in rural areas. Directs the Office to submit semi-annual reports to Congress containing an accounting of the findings and conclusions of the Office with respect to the following subject matter as it relates to the needs of persons in rural areas: (1) the heating and cooling of residential dwelling units; (2) transportation; (3) the production of agricultural commodities; (4) the energy needs of business and industries; (5) sources of electricity; (6) conservation of energy; and (7) energy research and development. Directs the Office to provide such reports to specified committees of Congress and directs such committees to cooperate in publishing making available to the public every six months a document containing the most recent information provided by the Office. Imposes a civil fine to be assessed against the Director of such Office if the Director fails to submit such reports by the dates specified in this Act. Requires regulations of the Federal Energy Administration, the Energy Research and Development Administration, the Federal Highway Commission, and the Federal Power Commission to be submitted to the Secretary of Agriculture for review where concerning a rural energy matter. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act. Terminates the Office and provisions of this Act in five years.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1977
Directs the President to call a National Leadership Conference on Energy Policy during 1977. Declares that the purpose of the Conference shall be to develop specific proposals to increase supplies of energy with minimum impact on the environment while decreasing energy demand without harming America's economic recovery. Stipulates that representatives of various groups shall be included in the Conference. Establishes procedures for preparations for the Conference, including the appointment of a 15-member committee by the President.
United States · United States Congress · 12 January 1977
Establishes a three-member arbitration board to settle disputes between organizations of supervisory and managerial personnel, and the Postal Service. Requires that disputes concerning a substantial portion of such personnel and dealing with: (1) plans for participating directly in the development of pay policies and other benefit programs; or (2) pay policies and other programs developed after such participation, be referred to the arbitration board. Specifies that if the Postal Service and such organization are unable to agree as to whether or not a particular issue may be referred to arbitration, both parties shall refer the issue to arbitration.
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 1977
Amends the United Nations Participation Act of 1945 to permit enforcement of any executive order restricting the importation of Rhodesian chrome, pursuant to any United Nations Security Council resolution. Requires that steel mill products containing chromium may not be imported while such executive order is in effect without filing a certificate of origin with the Secretary of the Treasury unless such shipment is released by the Secretary. Authorizes the Secretary to prescribe regulations to carry out this provision.
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 1977
Federal Tanker Safety and Marine Anti-Pollution Act - Amends the Ports and Waterways Safety Act of 1972 to require compliance with the mandatory vessel traffic system established by the Coast Guard. Directs the Coast Guard to develop additional monitoring systems and technologies designed to control vessel traffic in congested areas. Requires that vessels contain specified navigational equipment. Requires that vessels be constructed in accordance with specific requirements so as to reduce the possibility of accidents and resultant damage. Establishes procedures for enforcement and inspection by the Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating. Directs the Secretary to establish a coordinated program of experimentation with methods to reduce oil spill incidents and minimize damages. Imposes civil penalties for discharges of oil into the aquatic and terrestrial environment in harmful quantities upon owners and operators of vessels, offshore facilities, and licensees of deepwater ports. Imposes criminal penalties for failure to report oil spills. Imposes strict liability, within specified limits, for cleanup costs incurred in connection with oil spills. Establishes the Federal Oil Pollution Liability and Compensation Administration within the Department of Transportation. Directs the Administration to establish and maintain a Federal Oil Pollution Compensation Fund. Authorizes expenditures from the Fund for: (1) administrative and personnel purposes; (2) cleanup costs resulting from oil spills caused solely by an act of war or by Government negligence; (3) other uncompensated oil spill damages; and (4) research into methods of oil spill prevention and control. Imposes a five-cent per barrel fee on owners of oil at the time of transfer to collect monies for the Fund. Requires that owners or operators of vessels and offshore facilities establish and maintain evidence of financial responsibility. Establishes procedures for adjudication of claims arising under this Act. Authorizes States to impose more stringent requirements. Authorizes the appropriation of $5,000,000 per year for fiscal years 1977, 1978, and 1979, for the administration of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 1977
Establishes within the judicial branch a United States Commission on Sentencing to, among other functions, promulgate and distribute suggested sentencing ranges and guidelines for Federal courts. Specifies factors to be considered by a sentencing court in imposing a term of imprisonment, a fine, or a term of probation, including: (1) the nature and circumstances of the offense and the history and characteristics of the defendant; (2) the need for the sentence to adequately deter criminal conduct; (3) whether other less restrictive sanctions have been applied to the defendant frequently or recently; and (4) any guidelines established by the commission. Requires a court in every case in which it imposes a term of imprisonment to make as part of the record and to disclose in open court to the defendant at time of sentencing a statement of the reasons for the sentence imposed. Provides that in any case in which a sentence has been imposed, with the exception of certain cases involving plea agreements, a petition for review of such sentence may be filed with a United States court of appeals by (1) the United States if the sentence includes a fine or term of imprisonment less than the minimum established by law or the minimum established by the sentencing guidelines of the Commission, or (2) the defendant if the sentence includes a fine or term of imprisonment more than the maximum established by law or the maximum established by the sentencing guidelines. Directs the court of appeals to overturn the sentence if it finds that (1) the Commissions guidelines were properly applied but that the sentence imposed outside the guidelines was otherwise clearly unreasonable, or (2) that the sentence imposed was within the guidelines but was otherwise clearly erroneous.
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 1977
Comprehensive Youth Employment Act - Title I: Youth Employment and Community Service Programs - Amends the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act of 1973 to establish a Youth Community Service program whereby prime sponsors under such Act are to provide financial assistance to eligible applicants for the purpose of providing Youth Community Service employment to youths in jobs required to carry out approved community service projects. Directs each prime sponsor to provide financial assistance to eligible applicants for the establishment of youth opportunity in private enterprise and youth occupational information and career guidance programs. Directs the Secretary of Labor to make payments to prime sponsors in order to make financial assistance available to local education agencies for the purpose of providing youths in secondary schools with job experience. Authorizes the Secretary to establish a National Occupational Information and Career Guidance Service in the Department of Labor to undertake estimates of present and future occupational needs, to compile data on the numbers of people engaged in education and training, to assist States in the preparation of individual State and area projections of occupational outlook, and to serve as the informational and statistical base required for matching career preparation with future career prospects. Authorizes the Secretary to (1) make grants to public agencies, colleges, and nonprofit private organizations for the purpose of training and retraining job counseling and placement personnel and (2) carry out a program of demonstration and evaluation projects relative to job counseling, information, and placement programs for youths. Requires each prime sponsor to establish an Education-Work Committee in its planning council. States the duty of such committees to be to make recommendations with respect to the programs established under this title and to institute local career development plans. Title II: National Conservation Corps - National Conservation Corps Act - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior to jointly establish a National Conservation Corps for the purpose of providing employment and training for youths in projects which reduce the inventory of conservation work or provide public benefits in connection with the conservation, protection, reforestation, regeneration, improvement, development, utilization, maintenance, or enjoyment of the natural resources of lands and waters under the ownership or control of the United States, any agency thereof, or of any State or any subdivision thereof. Authorizes the Secretaries to make grants to States and local governments to assist them in employing youths to carry out conservation projects on non-Federal public lands and waters. Title III: Jobs Corps - Amends the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act of 1973 to increase the amount authorized to be appropriated annually to the Job Corps.
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 1977
Opportunities Industrialization Centers Skills Training and National Community Based Organizations Job Creation and Employment Act - Directs the Secretary of Labor to: (1) contact Opportunities Industrialization Centers, Incorporated, for the provision of skills training to certain types of unemployed persons through such centers; and (2) contact other national community based organizations, such as the Urban League and union-related organizations, for the provision of comprehensive employment services, including counseling, job creation and development, remedial education, and followup. Directs the head of each agency having administrative authority with respect to specified Federal grant and construction programs to take steps to assure that special consideration be given national community based organizations in providing employment services and job opportunities for unemployed persons pursuant to such authority.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 1977
Earthquake Hazards Reduction Act - Directs the President to establish an earthquake hazard reduction program. Lists the objectives of such program, including: (1) the development of technology to make new and existing structures earthquake resistant; (2) the implementation of an earthquake prediction system in areas of high and moderate seismic risk; and (3) the development of model codes and other means to coordinate information about seismic risk with land use policy and building activity. Specifies the Federal agencies which are to participate in, and identifies activities to be conducted under, the program. Establishes a National Advisory Committee on Earthquake Hazard Reduction to review and advise the President on matters regarding the earthquake hazard reduction program. Authorizes the appropriation of designated sums for fiscal years 1978-1980 to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 1977
Amends Title XI (General Provisions) of the Social Security Act to require that psychologists be included in any Professional Standards Review Organization appointed under such title.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 1977
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) and Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to include as "medical and other health services" for which coverage will be provided under Medicare, and as "medical assistance" for which coverage will be provided under Medicaid, that medical or other remedial care furnished by registered professional nurses within the scope of their practices as defined by State law.
![Official portrait of Sen. Riegle, Donald W., Jr. [D-MI]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/r000249_200.jpg)