United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1977
National Climate Program Act - Requires the President to establish a National Climate Program to: (1) obtain, analyze, and disseminate climate data; (2) perform research to improve understanding of climate and the causes of fluctuations and anomalies in climate, and develop models for predicting climate changes; (3) develop methods to detect and predict such changes, to give early alerts of incipient anomalies, and to evaluate prediction techniques; (4) support and conduct assessments to the impact on human activities of climate changes; and (5) disseminate information on climate predictions. Authorizes the Program to make grants to education institutions for the establishment of climate study centers, and for regional studies programs. Requires the President to designate a Federal agency, referred to as the "lead agency," within which the Program will be administered. Requires the head of the lead agency to establish a National Climate Program Office to administer the Program. Stipulates that the President shall ensure that representatives of Federal agencies, conducting activities relating to the Program, are designated to serve on a Management Council for the Program which shall advise the lead agency, the Office, the State Department, and the President on specified matters relating to climate, and participate in developing the Program's budget. Requires the head of the lead agency, in consultation with the Management Council, to appoint an Advisory Council consisting of representatives of diverse interests relating to the Program to perform certain advisory and reporting functions. Requires the Office to publish a preliminary five-year plan including goals, priorities funding requirements, and the involvement of Federal agencies. Sets forth procedures for budget development. Permits authorized Federal officers or agencies to enter into contract or grant arrangements to exercise functions vested in them under this Act. Sets forth restrictions with respect to patents on inventions made or conceived under such contract or grant arrangement. Authorizes $50,000,000 for appropriation to Federal departments and agencies for fiscal year 1978 for the purpose of conducting the Program.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide heads of households with the same zero bracket amount (i.e., standard deduction) previously available to married persons.
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 1977
Western States Conservation Act - Amends the Soil Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act to expand the present Great Plains area soil conservation program to include the seven Western States of Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington. Permits conservation plans submitted to the Secretary of Agriculture by land owners and operators to include measures for improving irrigation systems to conserve water. Removes the present $300,000,000 ceiling on authorizations for such programs. Requires land owners or operators contracting with the Secretary to agree to forfeit all rights to payments for losses sustained because of natural disaster if such losses were sustained in connection with lands on which permanent conservation measures had been installed under a contract with the Secretary and such measures were destroyed by the owner or operator after expiration of such contract.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 1977
Establishes an Independent Panel, appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture in conjunction with the Secretary of Labor, to investigate the safety and health implication of cotton dust exposure to workers in specified industries where exposure to cotton dust exists. Requires such Panel to report to the President for transmittal to Congress not later than December 31, 1979, its recommendations for regulations to protect workers exposed to cotton dust. Specifies items the Panel must consider in making its determination. Authorizes the appropriation of $1,000,000 for fiscal year 1978 and $1,000,000 for fiscal year 1979. Suspends until the conclusion of the Panel's investigation specified current proposed standards for exposure to cotton dust.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that State and local government retirement systems shall be tax exempt organizations. Exempts those systems from the reporting requirements pertaining to deferred compensation.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1977
Protection of Children Against Sexual Exploitation Act - Prohibits the sexual exploitation of children by making it unlawful for any person to knowingly use or cause any minor to engage in or assist in any sexual act for the purpose of promoting any film, photograph or other visual medium. Makes it unlawful for any parent, guardian or person having control over a minor to knowingly permit such minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct. Imposes a fine of $10,000 and/or imprisonment up to ten years for a violation of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1977
Energy Conservation and School Transportation Safety Act - Amends the Equal Educational Opportunity Act of 1974 to limit the scope of voluntary desegregation programs that an educational agency may choose if direct and indirect petroleum imports equal or exceed 40 percent of the United States' total annual demand in the calendar year preceding the new school year.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1977
Federal Construction Costs Reduction Act - Raises from $2,000 to $40,000 the dollar value of contracts to which the Davis-Bacon Act setting minimum wages on federally-affected construction projects applies. Directs the Secretary of Labor to increase such threshold level yearly in proportion to the rise in the Consumer Price Index. Makes the Act applicable only to the wages of unskilled laborers. Exempts apprentices, helpers, and trainees from the Act and forbids the Secretary from taking any action which discourages the customary utilization of apprentices, helpers, and trainees. Requires the "prevailing wage" (contracts covered by the Act must provide that covered employees are paid at a rate determined by the prevailing wage) to be set at the average wage paid laborers employed on at least three projects similar to the subject project which were carried out in the immediate geographic area during the previous two years. Requires such determination to be made no later than 60 days prior to the opening of invitations for bids for projects covered by the Act. Requires, in lieu of the weekly wage reports presently required by the Act, that in the event there is no evidence that a contractor is violating the Act, such contractor need only submit an affidavit certifying his compliance. States that where evidence of such violation exists, the contractor must submit weekly certified payroll statements and other records required by the Secretary. Establishes a Federal Construction Appeals Board to which any interested party may appeal wage rate determinations or other Labor Department rules likely to have a substantial effect on future wage rate determinations. (Amends 5 U.S.C. 5314; 5315)
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1977
Amends the Small Business Act to establish the position of Associate Administrator for Women's Business Enterprise within the Small Business Administration. Lists among the duties of such Administrator: (1) increasing participation of women in Small Business Administration programs; and (2) reporting to the Administrator on proposals for implementing policy objectives.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1977
Grants the Court of Claims jurisdiction to render judgments against the United States upon claims for losses other than lost profits sustained by producers, processors, manufacturers, distributors, dealers, or other persons resulting from the ban on apparel, fabric, yarn, or fiber containing Tris phosphate.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1977
Drought Emergency Relief Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture, pursuant to a State Governor's request, to declare the existence of a state of drought in a conservation district or combination of such districts. Permits the officials of such district or combination of districts to apply to the Secretary for financial assistance, equal to 80 percent of the total cost, for the implementation of weather modification measures recommended by a conservation district to alleviate the drought condition.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1977
Drought Disaster Warning and Assistance Act - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, through the Soil Conservation Service, to monitor soil moisture, rural water supplies, and other drought-related indicators in drought-prone areas in order to provide information for making decisions about early actions to be taken by Federal, State, and local governments and landowners or land users to minimize the effects of drought. Directs the Secretary to accelerate financial and technical assistance to farmers and ranchers and to develop and help implement additional conservation techniques or activities that will lessen the impact of a drought on their operations.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1977
Right to Financial Privacy Act - States that the purposes of this Act are to protect and preserve the confidential relationship between financial institutions and their customers and the constitutional rights of those customers, and to promote commerce by prescribing policies and procedures to insure against unwarranted disclosure of customer records. Prohibits any Federal agency or employee, or any State regulatory agency from obtaining copies of, access to, or information contained in, the financial records of any customer from a financial institution unless such records are described with particularity and: (1) such customer has authorized such disclosure in accordance with this Act; (2) such records are disclosed in response to an administrative subpena or summons; (3) such records are disclosed in response to a court order; or (4) such records are disclosed in response to a judicial subpena. Places the enforcement of compliance with the requirements of this Act with the appropriate supervisory agency utilizing its authority to exercise jurisdiction over financial institutions and credit card issuers. States that no financial institution may provide to a Federal agency or employee, or to any State regulatory agency copies of, or the information contained in, the financial records of any customer except in accordance with the requirements of this Act. Sets forth provisions governing customer authorization, administrative subpenas and summons, and judicial subpenas. Prohibits the Secretary of the Treasury from requiring an institution to maintain any financial records or to transmit any reports relating to customers unless: (1) such records are required for use by a supervisory agency in the supervision of that institution; or (2) such records are to be maintained solely for the purpose of monitoring foreign or domestic currency movement. Prescribes civil and criminal penalties for violation of the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1977
Amends the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 to include employment with the National Transportation Safety Board among the types of employment which an individual may engage in while retaining a "current connection with the railroad industry" for purposes of such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1977
Outer Continental Shelf Lease Sale Number 40 Review Act - Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act of 1953 to declare leases granted pursuant to Outer Continental Shelf Lease Sale Number 40 to be legal, valid, and binding. Requires lessees under such leases to submit development and production plans for approval by the Secretary of the Interior in accordance with specified criteria. Directs the Secretary to file an environmental report on such lease sale with the Council on Environmental Quality. Specifies information to be included in such report. Establishes procedures for review and comment on the leasing plan and environmental report by the Governors of affected States. Imposes limitations on judicial review of administrative actions undertaken pursuant to this Act. Stipulates that approval of the environmental report by the President shall satisfy all requirements imposed by the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969.
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 1977
Academic Freedom Act - Requires any regulation affecting any institution of higher learning to be published in the Federal Register and include an educational impact statement. Prohibits enforcement of any regulation which fails to maintain academic requirements for graduate or undergraduate admissions. Restricts the authority and enforcement powers of Federal officials with respect to educational programs or activities of institutions of higher education receiving Federal financial assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 1977
Bilingual Courts Act - Requires that proceedings in U.S. district courts, in criminal and civil actions, be conducted bilingually where it is determined that a party to or a witness in, such proceedings does not understand the English language. Directs the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to determine and supply the personnel and facilities necessary to conduct such proceedings.
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1977
National Food Stamp Reform Act - Extends the Food Stamp Act of 1964 through fiscal year 1982. Excludes from the definition of "food" which may be purchased with food stamps alcoholic beverages, tobacco, ice cubes, artificial food colorings, powered and liquid cocktail mixes, carbonated beverages, cooking wines, and chewing gum; and any other food, class of food, food product or condiment which the Secretary of Agriculture, in consultation with the President of the National Academy of Sciences - National Research Council (Food and Nutrition Board), determines to have an negligible or low nutritional value or to be an insignificant enhancement of palatability. Includes residents of federally subsidized housing for the elderly in the definition of "household." Redefines "elderly person" as someone 65 years or older (currently, 60 years of age). Defines "nutritionally adequate diet" as a diet sufficient to feed a family of four persons, consisting of a man and a woman between 20 and 54 years of age, one child between ages nine and eleven and one child between six and eight, and which meets additional specified conditions. Directs the Secretary to establish uniform national standards of eligibility for participation by households in the food stamp program. Requires the income standards of eligibility in every State to be the nonfarm income poverty guidelines prescribed by the Office of Management and Budget, adjusted annually; but limits the standards for Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Guam to those of the 50 States. Sets a 90-day accounting period for certification or recertification of food stamp applicants. Limits the maximum allowable financial resources (liquid and nonliquid assets) of a household to $1,500, except that, for households or two or more persons with one or more members 65 years or older, such resources are limited to $2,250. Specifies holdings excluded from the determination of such resources. Requires household income for purposes of the food stamp program to be the gross income of the household less: (1) a deduction of $25 a month for any household in which there is at least one elderly person; and (2) an additional deduction equal to 15 percent of all earned income to compensate for taxes, mandatory deductions, and work expenses. Includes in gross income: (1) all monetary payments to or on behalf of any household member except payments made for medical costs; (2) all income tax refunds and Federal income tax credits; (3) the value of all in-kind items; and (4) the value of all benefits received under any publicly or privately funded assistance program. Excludes from gross income: (1) payments for medical costs made on behalf of the household; (2) compensation for services performed by a student residing with the household who is not yet 18; (3) Uniform Relocation Assistance payments; (4) infrequent or irregular quarterly income; (5) all loans except deferred repayment education loans; and (6) the cost of producing self-employed income. Authorizes the Secretary to establish temporary emergency eligibility standards for households which are victims of a disaster. States that no household shall be eligible for participation in the Food Stamp program which includes an able-bodied adult between the ages of 18 and 65 who: (1) incurs a reduction of income as a result of voluntarily reducing his or her number of hours of employment without good cause; (2) fails to register for employment at a State or Federal employment office; (3) has refused to accept employment or public work within 30 miles of the person's principal residence; (4) fails to actively seek employment; or (5) is enrolled in an institution of post-secondary education as a substitute for full-time employment. Excludes from this class of ineligible individuals mothers with dependent children, primary or secondary school students, post-secondary level students or trainees' employed part-time, enrollees in a drug addiction or alcoholic treatment program, and persons working at least 30 hours per week. States that refusal to work at a plant site because of a strike or other labor dispute shall be deemed to be a refusal to accept employment. Declares that no person shall be eligible who is not a citizen or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence. States that no minor shall be considered a household member if such minor resides in a household in which no other member has a legal duty to support him unless: (1) the individual who had such a duty is financially unable to perform it; or (2) no individual with such duty exists. Requires each household receiving food stamps to report its income at least once each month. Declares that no household that knowingly transfers liquid or nonliquid assets for the purpose of qualifying or attempting to qualify for the food stamp program shall be eligible to participate in the program for a minimum of 90 days. States that no person who receives supplementary security income benefits under title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) of the Social Security Act. State supplementary payments under such title, or payments under specified provisions of title II (Old Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of such Act, shall be considered a member of a household for any month, if for such month, such individual resides in a State in which the Supplemental Security Income benefit has been increased specifically to include the bonus value of food coupon allotments. Requires food coupons to be designed with spaces for the user to sign upon receipt and redemption. Requires coupon users to present suitable identification; including signature and photograph, when redeeming coupons at approved food stores. States that the value of the food coupon allotment to which eligible households will be entitled shall be an amount sufficient to allow a household to purchase a nutritionally adequate diet. Requires the semi-annual adjustment of the value of an allotment based on changes in the cost of food. Establishes as the charge a household shall pay for its coupon allotment the lesser of: (1) the percentage of its income which would be expended for food by an average household of its size and income range in the same region of the country; or (2) 30 percent. Provides, under the requirements for State plans for the administration of the food stamp program, for closer State supervision of eligibility by households. Requires the State agencies administering the program to conduct nutrition education programs for recipients. Directs each State agency to establish an earnings clearance system for the purpose of checking the actual income and assets of a household against those reported by the household. Provides that if a State agency does not comply with the provisions of the Food Stamp Act, the Secretary may refer the matter to the Attorney General with a request for an injunction, or he may direct that there be no further issuance of coupons in the political subdivisions where such failure has occurred until such time as satisfactory corrective action has been taken. Establishes a national system for providing information to State agencies in order to assist them in preventing households from receiving food stamps in more than one State or in more than one political subdivision within a State. Sets a civil penalty not in excess of $10,000 for each violation of the Food Stamp Act of 1964 or regulations issued pursuant to it by specified persons, including State agencies. Directs the Secretary to pay to each State agency out of funds appropriated by Congress an amount equal to 75 percent of all direct costs of State food stamp program investigations, prosecutions, and State activities related to recovering losses sustained in the food stamp program. Specifies information to included in the Secretary's annual report in addition to information already given.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1977
Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to allow vessels owned by, or registered under the laws of, Canada or Mexico to transport merchandise between points in the U.S. whenever such action is necessary or desirable in the interest of friendly relations with such countries.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1977
Establishes in the Department of State the United States Passport Service which shall have as its purpose the administration of the laws and regulations relating to nationality, documentation, protection, and control of international travel of nationals of the United States. Transfers to the Service all functions, powers, duties, and authority of the Passport Office of the Department of State, together with those funds, liabilities, commitments, authorizations, allocations, personnel, properties, and records of the Department of State which the Secretary of State shall determine to be primarily related to, and necessary for, the exercise of such functions, powers, duties, and authority. Provides for the appointment of a Director and enumerates his duties and responsibilities. Establishes a fund for the Service. States that the fund shall be capitalized on the basis of: (1) an initial appropriation by the Congress to the fund of a sum of at least $59,700,000; and (2) any unexpended balances of appropriations, the inventories, and other physical assets of the Passport Office (exclusive of buildings occupied and land). Prohibits fiscal year limitations upon use of the fund for financing the direct cost and expenses of operating and maintaining the Service.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 1977
Authorizes and directs the Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior to develop regulations permitting the payment of up to 50 percent of the amount due the Federal Government from grazing permitees in the form of range improvement work.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1977
Amends the Comprehensive Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Prevention, Treatment, and Rehabilitation Act of 1970 to assure that no State which received grants thereunder in fiscal year 1976 shall receive an amount which is less than the amount it received in such fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1977
Critical Lands Resource Conservation Act - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to enter into agreements, for two years initially and thereafter annually renewable, with owners and operators of land in the Great Plains area to promote conservation of soil and water resources through conversion of cropland from soil depleting uses to conserving uses including the production of soil conserving cover crops. Requires an owner or operator, among other things: (1) to devote to a soil conserving cover crop up to 50 percent of a farm's cropland acreage which had been planted to soil depleting crops in any of the two years preceding; (2) to plant a legume, or an annual, biennial, or a perennial cover crop; (3) to divert from production a designated portion of one or more crops; (4) not to harvest any crop from or graze the designated acreage, unless the Secretary determines otherwise in order to alleviate disaster-caused distress; (5) to give assurance that the land was not acquired in order to put it in this program; (6) to forfeit all rights to further payments and to refund past payments upon violation of the agreement, or upon transfer of right and interest in the farm unless the transferee assumes all obligations; and (7) not to adopt any practice which would tend to defeat the purposes of the agreement. Requires the Secretary in consideration of such agreement to pay to the owner or operator an annual adjustment payment at a rate not in excess of $30 per acre. Directs the Secretary to use the services of local, county, and State committees and the technical services of the Soil Conservation Service and soil and water conservation districts. Requires adequate safeguards to protect the interests of tenants and sharecroppers for sharing in annual adjustment payments. Authorizes the Secretary to use the facilities, services and authorities of the Commodity Credit Corporation in discharging the responsibilities of this program, including payment of costs of administration.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1977
Native Latex Commercialization Act - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to coordinate and carry out research culminating in the commercialization of latex from Parthenium or other hydrocarbon containing plants. Requires the Secretary to maintain a bank of research data on native latex. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into cooperative projects with the Government of Mexico to accomplish the purposes of this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct specified activities to promote the development of native latex. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1977
Establishes the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park in the city of San Antonio, Texas. Establishes a San Antonio Missions Advisory Commission to assist the Secretary of the Interior on matters relating to such park.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1977
Exempts the Toledo Bend Dam and Reservoir project of Louisiana and Texas from payment of annual charges to the United States for the use of lands within the Sabine National Forest, Texas.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1977
Fair Debt Collection Practices Act - Prohibits debt collectors from harassing or intimidating consumers in connection with the collection or attempted collection of any alleged debt arising from a consumer credit transaction. Sets forth conduct violating this Act, including the use of threats of violence by a debt collector. Prohibits communication with any person other than the consumer owing the debt or the spouse without prior consent of the consumer. Prohibits false or misleading representation or impersonation in connection with the collection of an alleged debt. States that no debt collector may engage in specified unfair practices. Sets forth civil penalties for violation of this Act and states that the Federal Trade Commission shall enforce it. Requires the Federal Reserve Board to establish a Bureau of Consumer Redress to function as a consumer controversy resolution mechanism. Directs the Board to perform enumerated duties, including: (1) allocate and pay to the States funds appropriated for financial assistance to States under cooperative agreements; (2) review the operation of each State plan for the resolution of controversies involving consumers which has been approved under this Act; (3) articulate and evaluate the goals for a model State system of consumer controversy resolution; and (4) report to Congress and the President on an annual basis.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1977
Amends the Equal Educational Opportunity Act of 1974 to repeal the provision which specifies that the provisions of such Act are not intended to modify or diminish the authority of the courts of the United States to enforce the fifth and fourteenth amendments. Requires proof of discriminatory intent to establish a violation of the fifth or fourteenth amendment in order to seek a remedy under such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1977
Motor Vehicle Emission Control and Fuel Economy Act - Amends the Clean Air Act to extend through model year 1979 interim standards for hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide emissions from light-duty motor vehicles. Specifies standards applicable in model years 1980 and afterwards for such pollutants. Revises the emission standard for carbon monoxide to allow emissions of up to 9.0 grams per vehicle mile. Extends until model year 1981 the current 2.0 grams per vehicle mile interim standard for nitrogen oxide emissions from light-duty vehicles. Establishes a nitrogen oxides emissions standard of 1.0 grams per vehicle mile for model years after 1981, subject to revision or waiver by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency in accordance with prescribed procedures. Stipulates that such revisions and waivers shall not permit emissions in excess of the 2.0 grams per vehicle mile interim standard. Directs the Administrator, the Secretary of Transportation, and the Federal Energy Administration to submit separate reports to Congress regarding the fuel consumption.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1977
Establishes the Office of Hispanic Affairs in the Executive Office of the President to advise the executive branch on appropriate actions to assure that Federal programs are providing needed assistance to Hispanic Americans, to advise on needed new programs regarding such peoples, and to advise such Americans on receiving Federal assistance. Permits the Director of the Office to appoint an advisory task force to advise him on his functions under this Act. Establishes an Office of Hispanic Affairs in each of specified agencies to insure that the policies and practices of the Federal Government provide equal opportunities for Hispanics in all areas. Authorizes the President to instruct chairpersons of the ten Federal Regional Councils established by previous Executive Order to insure that the needs of Hispanics are taken into account in decisions related to Federal assistance to State and local governments. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to insure that existing information clearinghouse functions within the Department of Commerce encompass the collection and dissemination of information concerning the social needs of Hispanics. Prohibits the use of any funds authorized to carry out this Act to influence the outcome of any Federal election or voter registration activity.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1977
States that the lack of a national policy on investment can adversely affect the economic health and well being of the Nation. Declares the policy of the Federal Government to be that it will provide incentives to assure maximum investment in private enterprise. Requires the President to include in his annual economic report to Congress an Investment Policy Report which shall include information on levels of capital investment available, trends in such levels and reviews of economic programs affecting capital investment.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1977
Amends the Postal Reorganization Act Amendments of 1976 to extend to October 31, 1977, the period during which the Postal Service is prohibited from: (1) increasing rates and fees to levels exceeding those in effect on the date of enactment of the Act; (2) offering levels and types of services which are less than those available on July 1, 1976; and (3) closing certain postal facilities which were in operation on July 1, 1976.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1977
Authorizes to be appropriated funds for the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare to conduct a study of the potential carcinogenic effects of saccharin. Directs the Secretary to submit a report on such study to the President and the Congress not later than 60 days after the study's completion. Prohibits any ban or restriction on saccharin in interstate commerce by the Secretary or any officer in the executive branch of the Federal Government for a period of three years.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1977
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to promote activities designed to make units of the National Park System more accessible to the public, including contracting with or subsidizing agencies or carriers to provide transportation services for access to such parks, operating such services directly and acquiring transportation equipment necessary for such services. Requires the Secretary to develop projects for transportation services providing access to such parks and to consult with transportation authorities, private carriers, and local organizations in the development of such projects. Lists parks to be included in such transportation projects and enumerates factors the Secretary shall consider in selecting additional parks.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1977
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to include within the meaning of the term "hospital" under such Title, rural health facilities of 50 beds or less. Sets forth exceptions to staffing, health, and safety requirements set forth for hospitals in the definition of such term.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1977
Mobile Source Emission Control Amendments -- Amends the Clean Air Act to extend through model year 1979 interim standards for hydrocarbons and carbon nonoxide emissions from light-duty motor vehicles. Specifies standards applicable in model years 1980 and afterwards for such pollutants. Revises the emission standard for carbon monoxide to allow emissions of up to 9.0 grams per vehicle mile. Extends until model year 1981 the current 2.0 grams per vehicle mile interim standard for nitrogen oxide emissions from light-duty vehicles. Establishes a nitrogen oxides emissions standard of 1.0 gram per vehicle mile for model years after 1981, subject to revision or waiver by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency in accordance with prescribed procedures. Stipulates that such revisions and waivers shall not permit emissions in excess of the 2.0 grams per vehicle mile interim standard. Directs the Administrator, the Secretary of Transportation and the Federal Energy Administration to submit separate reports to Congress regarding the consequences of such emission standards on fuel consumption. Establishes additional prohibitions and penalties for tampering with motor vehicle emission control equipment. Imposes limits on the amount of vehicle testing required of small manufacturers. Establishes procedures for review of instructions for high altitude performance adjustments for motor vehicle emission control systems by the Administrator in accordance with specified requirements. Revises warranty requirements stipulated by the Act. Specifies an 18-month or 18,000-mile warranty requirement for the useful life of motor vehicle emission control systems. Directs the Administrator to study the effects of emission of sulfur bearing compounds from motor vehicles and aircraft. Extends the exception for disclosure of confidential information in administrative and judicial proceedings to emission data upon a satisfactory showing to the Administrator that such data would divulge trade secrets. Requires that documentation, justifications, proposed drafts, and comments of other agencies on proposed motor vehicle emission standards be made available to the public once such standards are proposes. Establishes procedures for oral presentation of views with opportunity for cross-examination, with respect to such standards. Authorizes direct review of alleged procedural errors in the appropriate court of appeals. Authorizes the appropriation of $200,000,000 per fiscal year for fiscal years 1978, 1979, and 1980, to carry out the purposes of this Act other than research, development, and demonstration activities
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1977
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) mandatory wage and price controls should not be imposed; (2) standby authority to impose wage and price controls should not be sought; (3) the authority to require prenotification of wage and price changes, or to impose a delay on announced wage and price changes, should not be sought; and (4) official guideposts regarding the appropriate rate of changes in wages or prices by sector, industry, or firm should not be developed.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1977
Amends the Soil Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act to remove the $300,000,000 ceiling on total cost and the $25,000,000 ceiling on any program year payments in the Great Plains conservation program.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow physicians, dentists and optometrists annual tax exclusions, decreasing from $20,000 to $5,000 over their first five years of medical practice in areas certified by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare as having a health manpower shortage.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1977
Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to further define the term "navigable waters" as it applies to the issuance of permits for dredged or fill material by the Corps of Engineers to declare that bodies of water (1) wholly on private property, (2) under the jurisdiction of State or local governments, or (3) not susceptible to transport interstate commerce in their natural condition shall not be deemed navigable for such purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1977
Amends the Comprehensive Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Prevention, Treatment, and Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1976 to provide that no State shall receive an amount of Federal aid under the Drug Abuse Office and Treatment Act of 1972 which is less than it received in the fiscal year immediately preceeding the effective date of such Amendments.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1977
Amends the Tax Reform Act of 1976 to delay for one year the effective date of the changes made in the Internal Revenue Code with regard to the deduction of home office expenses.
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
Amends Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to reduce the requirements for eligibility for disability benefits for blind persons. Requires that a blind individual have at least six quarters of coverage to be eligible for disability benefits. Sets forth a method of computing the average monthly wage of a blind individual for the purpose of determining such individual's primary insurance amount. Provides that in no case shall such amount be less than the amount which would be determined without regard to an individual's blindness. States that no reduction will be made from the benefits to which a blind person is entitled because of such person's refusal to accept State-approved rehabilitative services under the Vocational Rehabilitation Act. Continues the payment of such benefits as long as blindness lasts, the amount of an individual's earnings notwithstanding.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1977
Energy Conservation Tax Incentives Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allows individuals a limited income tax credit for amounts expended for insulating their residence and installing devices which improve the fuel efficiency of existing home heating systems.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase from $100 to $600 ($1,200 in the case of a joint return) the amount of dividends which individuals may exclude from income.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income the first $100 ($200 for persons filing joint returns) earned as interest on savings deposits in financial institutions.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) reduce the normal corporate income tax; (2) increase the corporate surtax; and (3) increase the corporate surtax exemption.
![Official portrait of Sen. Tower, John G. [R-TX]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/t000322_200.jpg)