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United States · Official source
1,351 records where Sen. Williams, Harrison A., Jr. [D-NJ] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1977
Directs the Secretary of the Army to pay the transportation and storage costs of the household goods of a certain individual.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1977
Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to pay a specified sum to a certain corporation in full settlement of such corporation's claims against the United States.
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
National Agricultural, Range, and Forest Land Policy Act - Title I: Objectives - Declares that it is the policy of the Federal Government, in cooperation with State and local governments, to use all practicable methods to retain, protect, and improve agricultural, range, and forest land, to reduce its conversion to non-food-and-fiber producing uses, and to limit the encroachment of industrial activities. Title II: Research Program - Establishes an Agricultural Land Review Commission to study: (1) agricultural, range, and forest land in the United States; (2) the effects of industrial development, climate and other factors on the productivity of such land; (3) the acquisition of such land by persons not engaged in agricultural or forestry activities; (4) the impact of Federal, State and local laws and regulations on such land; and (5) methods of protecting and improving such land, and of reducing the amount of it being converted from agricultural and forestry uses to nonvital uses. Authorizes the Commission to make grants to institutes of higher learning to do research pursuant to its study. Requires the Commission to report its findings, conclusions and recommendations to the Secretary of Agriculture and to Congress. Terminates such Commission on September 30, 1982. Title III: Demonstration Programs - Authorizes the Secretary to pay up to 60 percent of the cost and to provide technical assistance to any State pilot project undertaken to demonstrate and test methods of reducing the amount of land being converted from agricultural, range, and forest uses to nonessential uses. Requires all such projects to be completed within five years after enactment of this Act. Directs the Secretary to report his findings, conclusions and recommendations to the President and to Congress. Title IV: Funding - Authorizes for Title II programs the appropriation of $8,000,000. Authorizes for Title III programs the appropriation of $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1978 through 1982.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1977
Amends the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 to eliminate the requirement that States match Federal funds for improvement of nonoperational portions of stations used in intercity rail passenger service and of related facilities and fencing in the Northeast Corridor. Increases the appropriations authorized under such Act for such improvements.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1977
National Center for the Handicapped Act - Establishes a National Center for the Handicapped within the Office of the Secretary of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. Places general supervision of the Center in a Board of Trustees and an Administrator and sets forth the terms of their appointment, responsibilities, and compensation. Directs that the Center consist of education, research, and service components. Directs the Center to perform specified functions, including: (1) developing educational programs and teaching employment skills to the handicapped; (2) developing programs and providing training for educational and rehabilitation staff personnel; (3) developing and implementing programs for the severely handicapped; (4) conducting research and evaluating new techniques in education, training, and placement of the handicapped; (5) providing information services; (6) identifying areas of employment available to the handicapped; and (7) operating model educational and rehabilitation centers. Authorizes the Center to (1) hire additional personnel; (2) receive, sell, or use donated or bequeathed money and property; (3) prescribe regulations; (4) hold hearings; (5) appoint task forces and study committees; (6) secure information from any Federal agency, State, or local authority; (7) obtain the services of experts and consultants; (8) utilize noncompensated personnel and reimburse them for travel expenses; (9) enter into contracts and grants; (10) lease land, office space, and other facilities; and (11) make other necessary expenditures. Requires the Center to submit annual reports to the President and to the Congress beginning with fiscal year 1978. Authorizes the appropriation of $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1978 and up to $60,000,000 for each succeeding fiscal year to carry out the provisions of this Act. Deems the Act effective upon date of enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1977
White House Conference on Energy Conservation Resolution - Requests the President to convene a White House Conference on Energy Conservation as soon as practicable, but not later than December 31, 1978. Establishes a National Energy Conservation Planning and Advisory Council to plan and conduct the Conference. Directs the Council to prepare and submit a final report to the President and to transmit recommendations for administrative and legislative action to the President and the Congress. Authorizes the appropriation of $5,000,000 to carry out this resolution.
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
Grants a Federal charter to the National Ski Patrol System, Incorporated. Declares that the purpose of such corporation is to promote public safety in skiing.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1977
Authorizes classification of a certain individual as a child for purposes of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1977
Permits a certain individual to be issued a visa and admitted to the United States for permanent residence if such individual is found to be otherwise admissible under the provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1977
Reinstates civil service retirement survivors annuities for surviving spouses of employees whose annuities were terminated due to remarriage before July 18, 1966, and surviving spouses of Members of Congress who died before January 8, 1971, whose annuities were terminated due to remarriage.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1977
Declares a state of war against amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1977
Authorizes and requests the President to designate 1979 as "Thomas A. Edison Centennial Year. Establishes the "Thomas A. Edison Centennial Commission." Stipulates that such Commission shall terminate on September 30, 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1977
Grants a Federal charter to the United States Coastal Cadets.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1977
Adoption Protection Act - Proscribes with specified exceptions, the knowing solicitation, provision, or receipt of anything of monetary value, or the promise of anything of monetary value, for seeking to place, placing, or arranging to place any child for permanent care or adoption.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1977
Requests the President to propose a World Conference on Energy and Critical Material Resources to develop a program of international cooperation in the area of energy and critical resource research and development, including the recommendation of methods to safeguard against the proliferation of nuclear weapons capabilities.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1977
Amends Titles XVIII (Medicare) and II (Old-Age, Survivors' and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act, to provide that eligible drugs, requiring a physician's prescription or certification, shall be included among the items and services covered under the hospital insurance program for the aged at a specified amount of payment. States that the reasonable allowance for eligible drugs furnished an individual pursuant to any one prescription and purchased by such individual at any one time shall be reduced by an amount equal to the applicable prescription copayment obligation which shall be $1. Establishes, within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, a Medicare Formulary Committee to compile and publish a Formulary listing the drugs deemed qualified for benefits under this Act, together with maximum allowable costs and additional information concerning such drugs. Makes provisions for selecting drugs for the Formulary.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1977
1981 White House Conference on Aging Act - Declares it the policy of the Congress that the Federal Government should work with the States and citizens to develop recommendations and plans to meet the needs of older persons. Requires that programs developed under this resolution place emphasize upon the right of older persons to free choice and self-help in planning their futures. Authorizes the President of the United States to call a White House Conference on Aging in 1981 to develop recommendations for research and action in the field of aging. Requires the Conference to include representatives of Federal, State, and local governments, professional and lay people working in the field of aging including older persons themselves. Directs that a final report of the White House Conference, containing a comprehensive statement of a coherent national policy on aging and the recommendations of such Conference, be submitted to the President and Congress within a specified time. Sets forth the responsibilities and duties of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare in administering this resolution. Directs the Secretary to establish an advisory committee to the Conference and such other technical committees as may be necessary to carry out such Conference.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1977
Emergency Rail Transportation Improvement and Employment Act - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to make grants to eligible applicants for projects involving the repair, rehabilitation, or improvement of railroad roadbeds and facilities. Stipulates that the purposes of such grant program are to: (1) reduce unemployment in areas of substantial unemployment; (2) improve severely deteriorated roadbeds and facilities which are a risk to public safety or seriously inhibit freight and passenger service; and (3) improve roadbeds and facilities which meet transportation needs and policies. Sets forth the information which must be included in applications for such assistance. Stipulates that the funds provided under this Act shall be used solely to pay the wages and benefits earned by individuals employed in programs funded by this Act and not for administrative expenses. Establishes a priority system for hiring individuals for jobs created pursuant to this Act. Directs the Secretary of Labor to establish rules and procedures for referring eligible individuals for employment to applicants receiving funds under this Act. Sets forth criteria for determining which roadbeds and facilities are eligible for project grants under this Act. Sets forth goals to be achieved with respect to such projects. Stipulates that projects must be structured and administered to achieve such goals in order to be eligible for funding. Sets forth restrictions regarding subcontracts for such work on such projects. Sets forth measures relating to labor protection and wages and benefits for employees. Requires recipients of Federal funds under this Act to keep such records as the Secretary of Transportation may prescribe. Directs the Secretary to submit periodic reports to the President and the Congress regarding actions taken pursuant to this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of $750,000,000 to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1977
Customs Paperwork Simplification Act - Amends the Tariff Schedules of the United States to raise the resident tariff exemption on items imported for personal use or gifts to $300. Raises to $500 the value of merchandise which can be imported by mail.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1977
Declares it the sense of the Senate that the President discuss with Canada the impact of recent provisions of the Canadian tax code on the United States broadcasting industry.
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 1977
Authorizes the Senate Committee on Human Resources to make expenditures, not to exceed $1,648,000, for hearings and investigations from the contingent fund of the Senate.
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 1977
Career Education Implementation Incentive Act - Authorizes the appropriation of specified sums for each of the fiscal years 1979 through 1983 for the purpose of providing Federal incentives to State and local educational agencies and institutions to develop and implement career education programs for individuals of all ages. Directs the Commissioner of Education to reserve certain funds appropriated under this Act to (1) support model programs and other special or demonstration projects and (2) allocate among specified territories of the United States. Sets forth a formula for the distribution of funds to each State. Requires an annual application containing specified assurances, to be submitted by each State desiring to receive funds under this Act. Directs each State to file with the Commissioner a State plan for the utilization of funds received under this Act. Sets for the factors each such plan must contain. Specifies the activities which may be funded by a State with money received under this Act including (1) providing State leadership career education through institutes, training programs, studies, and conferences; and (2) making grants to local educational agencies and to public and private nonprofit institutions of postsecondary education for the purpose of (a) improving career awareness, (b) developing and implementing career guidance services, (c) training of local career education coordinators and (d) establishing and operating career education resource centers. Directs that State grants to local educational agencies and institutions be made in as equitable a manner as possible, having due regard for the special needs of agencies and institutions serving large numbers of disadvantaged students. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants directly to State and local educational agencies and institutions for the purpose of developing career education model programs. Directs the Commissioner to provide for (1) the maintenance and dissemination of career information; (2) the continuous analysis of career trends and options; (3) the publication of periodic reports containing career education information; and (4) the conduct of seminars, workshops, and career information sessions. Directs the Commissioner, to the extent practicable, to (1) utilize existing offices and research capabilities; (2) coordinate offices, centers and research facilities in carrying out his information responsibilities; and (3) use the career information capabilities of the education division. Sets forth the procedure and requirements to be followed by the Commissioner and each State when granting or receiving funds under this Act. Sets forth the duties and responsibilities under this Act of (1) The Office of Career Education; (2) The National Advisory Council on Career Education and (3) The National Institute of Education. Revises The National Advisory Council on Career Education membership requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 1977
Amends the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973 to direct the Consolidated Rail Corporation (Con Rail) to make premium payments in order to maintain insurance policies providing medical or life insurance benefits to employees and retirees under such Act. Entitles the corporation to a loan under such Act to make such payments. Deems such costs to be expenses of the administration of the respective estates of the railroads in reorganization.
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1977
Legal Services Corporation Act Amendments - Amends the Legal Services Corporation Act to require that at least three persons appointed to fill vacancies occurring between January 1, 1977, and July 30, 1978, on the Board of Directors of the Legal Services Corporation be person eligible to be clients thereunder. Requires that at least one-third of the governing body of an organization formed solely for the purpose of providing legal assistance under such Act be composed of eligible clients. Subjects meetings of the Board of Directors, of executive committees thereof, and of any advisory council established under the Legal Services Corporation Act to Government in the Sunshine Act provisions relative to open meetings. Empowers the Corporation to undertake research and assistance activities with respect to the delivery of legal services by means of contract or grant. Directs that a court provide compensation for an attorney employed by a recipient organization and appointed to provide legal assistance, unless such appointment is made pursuant to a statute or practice applied generally to attorneys practicing before the court. Repeals restrictions on political activities unrelated to legal assistance with respect to attorneys receiving more than one-half their professional income from an organization established for the sole purpose of providing assistance under the Legal Services Corporation Act. Revises guidelines regarding eligibility for, and priorities relative to, such assistance. Revises the limitations on the use of funds made available by the Corporation to (1) permit the provision of legal assistance with respect to criminal matters where a person is charged with an offense involving hunting, fishing, trapping, or gathering fruit of the land, a defense asserted involves rights arising from an Indian treaty, or a person is charged with a misdemeanor or lesser offense in an Indian tribal court; (2) eliminate prohibitions against providing legal assistance to un-emancipated persons less than 18 years of age and in connection with selective service violations, and (3) revise prohibitions relative to formation of associations and military offenses. Authorizes the Corporation to make grants or enter into contracts to pay all or part of the cost of developing and/or operating model projects to expand or improve the delivery of legal services to segments of the population of eligible clients with special legal problems or special difficulties of access to legal services. Authorizes the appointment of independent hearing examiners to preside over hearings to suspend or terminate assistance under the Legal Services Corporation Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1977
Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to authorize specified amounts to be appropriated for the Securities and Exchange Commission for fiscal years 1978-1980.
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1977
Requires the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives to install telecommunication devices to enable deaf persons and persons with speech impairments to engage in toll-free communications with Members of Congress. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1977
Authorizes the Committee on Human Resources of the Senate, in conducting its study and exercising its oversight jurisdiction over the investigation of the Teamsters' Central States Southeast and Southwest Area Pension Fund, to inspect and receive any tax return or other tax related information held by the Secretary of the Treasury with respect to such Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1977
Designates the month of April as Fair Housing Month.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1977
Youth Employment and Training Act - Amends the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act of 1973 to establish a National Young Adult Conservation Corps, to be administered by the Secretary of Labor through interagency agreements with the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture, for the purpose of carrying out projects on Federal or non-Federal public lands or waters. Qualifies for work on such projects United States citizens and lawfully admitted persons who have either (1) attained age 14 but not age 16, (2) attained age 16 but not age 19 and have left school, or (3) have attained age 22 but not age 24. Stipulates that no qualified individual may enroll in the Corps for a total of more than 12 months. Directs the Secretary of the Interior or Agriculture, as appropriate, in consultation with the Secretary of Labor, to determine the location of each residential and nonresidential campsite. Lists type of projects which may be performed by the Corps including (1) silvicultural measures, (2) erosion control, (3) wildlife habitat and range management improvements, (4) recreation development, (5) forest insect and disease prevention and control, and (6) general sanitation. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to enter into agreements with prime sponsors under the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act and with Indian tribes, bands and groups to pay the cost of community improvement projects to be carried out exclusively by persons age 16-21 and certain persons age 14-15 or 22-23. Directs persons seeking to conduct community improvement projects to submit applications containing specified information to entities eligible to enter into agreements with the Secretary. Directs those entities desiring funds to submit a proposed agreement to the Secretary, each such proposed agreement to include project applications approved by the entity's planning council or like organization. Authorizes the Secretary, in reviewing proposed agreements, to approve or deny project applications on an individual basis. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to provide financial assistance to prime sponsors under the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act and Indian tribes, groups, and bands for the provision of employment opportunities and appropriate training and supportive services to unemployed youths and young adults who are members of low-income households. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to establish innovative and experimental programs to test new approaches for dealing with the unemployment problems of youth. Sets forth standards relative to the selection of activities to be funded under this Act and the allocation of funds.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1977
Social Security Cost-of-Living Improvement Act - Requires an annual cost-of-living increase in Federal old-age, survivors, and disability benefits under the Social Security Act. Defines the base periods from which the need for such increases shall be determined. Directs the Secretary of Labor, in consultation with the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, to develop a special Consumer Price Index for the elderly.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1977
Equal Opportunity Enterprise Act - Title I: Amendments Affecting the Small Business Act - Amends the Small Business Act to establish the Office of Socially and Economically Disadvantaged- Owned Small Business Assistance Personnel in the Small Business Administration (S.B.A.) to work with all agencies of the Government having procurement powers in order to identify contracts suitable for disadvantaged American concerns and within each regional office of the S.B.A. to supervise and coordinate small business programs. Requires that such Office shall make semiannual reports to the Associate Administrator for Minority Small Business and Procurement Assistance concerning the allocation of procurement contracts. Directs the Administrator of the S.B.A. to appoint an Associate Administrator for Minority Small Business and Procurement Assistance. Increases the authorization for appropriations in the small business loan program and requires that not less than 15 percent of aggregate direct loans shall be made to minority small business concerns. Sets forth statutory standards for contracting and subcontracting by the United States with respect to minority businesses. Requires that the Administration of the S.B.A. shall report to Congress and the President concerning the development of minority small businesses. Title II: Amendments to the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 - Requires that a "Utilization of Small Business Enterprises Owned by Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Americans" clause appear in specified Government contracts. Requires that specified Government contractors establish and conduct a subcontracting program for business enterprises owned by socially and economically disadvantaged Americans which includes: (1) designation of a liaison officer to administer the contractor's program; (2) consideration of the potentialities of minority business enterprises in all "make or buy" decisions to provide materials or services; and (3) maintenance of records concerning procedures adopted and subcontracts awarded. Sets forth other preferences which will be extended to minority business enterprises. Title III: Committee on Federal Assistance to Minority Enterprise - Establishes the Committee on Federal Assistance to Minority Enterprise composed of 15 members to be appointed by the President with the consent of the Senate, from members of minority groups who are knowledgeable in minority participation in the economy. Provides for the compensation and terms of office of the members and the appointment of an Executive Director. Directs the Committee to develop methods for delivery of financial assistance to minority enterprises; for generating markets for good and services; and for providing effective business education and technical assistance. Requires the Committee to submit semiannual reports to each House of Congress concerning its activities.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1977
Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States Postal Services should issue, during 1977, a commemorative stamp honoring Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton.
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 1977
Social Security Administration Act - Title I: Social Security Administration - Amends Title VII (Administration) of the Social Security Act to establish an independent agency of the Executive branch of the Government, a Social Security Administration, headed by a Board appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Declares that it shall be the duty of the Administration to administer the programs established by titles II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance), XVI (Supplemental Security Income) and XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, and to discharge the duties and responsibilities imposed on the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare in connection with the administration of the program established by title IV of the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969. States that the Administration shall also have the duty of studying and making recommendations as to the most effective methods of providing economic security through social insurance, and as to legislation and matters of administrative policy. Provides for the appointment of an Executive Director and a General Counsel of the Administration. Makes the Administration responsible for administering the old age, survivors, and disability insurance program, medicare, supplemental security income, and the black lung benefit program under the Coal Mine Health and Safety Act. Prohibits the mailing of announcements with Social Security and SSI checks which make reference by name, title, or signature to any officer of the United States. Transfers to the Social Security Administration: (1) all functions carried out by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare with respect to the administration of programs and activities the administration of which is vested in such administration by reason of this Act; and (2) all personnel, assets, liabilities, contracts, property, and records which the Director of the Office of Management and Budget determines to be employed, held or used by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare primarily in connection with the functions, activities, and programs which, by reason of this Act are vested in or become the responsibility of the Administration. Abolishes the position of Commissioner of Social Security. Title II: Miscellaneous and Conforming Amendments - Makes technical and conforming amendments to the Social Security Act, the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act, the Budget and Accounting Act, and the Executive Schedules of the United States Code.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 1977
Interstate Horseracing Act - Expresses the findings of Congress with regard to the significance of the horseracing industry and the effects of off-track betting on that industry. Declares that the policy of Congress is to assure continued revenue flow from horseracing to the States and to protect the horseracing industry. Prohibits the acceptance of a wager, placed or accepted in one state on the outcome of a horserace in another state. Subjects any person violating this Act to a civil action which may be brought by (1) the host racing association, (2) the host State, or (3) any owner of any horse participating in a race which is the subject of an interstate off-track wager. Allows the courts (1) to enjoin further violations of this Act, and (2) to award damages in an amount equal to three times the amount of that portion of the interstate off-track wagers which the host State, the host racing association, and the owners of horses participating in the race would have received if such wagers had been placed at the track where the race was held. States that in the event that a wager accepted in violation of this Act is of a type not accepted at the host track, the damages shall be equal to three times the greater of (1) the maximum takeout permitted for any type of pari-mutuel wager in the host State, or (2) the maximum takeout for any type of pari-mutuel wager in the off-track state. Defines "takeout" as that portion of a wager which is deducted from the pari-mutuel pool and is distributed to persons or entities other than those placing wagers. Grants jurisdiction over an action under this Act to the United States District Court in the host State or State in which the off track wager was alleged to have been made. Grants concurrent jurisdiction to state courts of competent jurisdiction in the host State or off-track State. Prescribes a statute of limitations of three years after the discovery of an alleged violation of this Act. States that this Act shall not apply to any interstate off-track pari-mutuel wager which is accepted by an off-track State pursuant to a contract which (1) is entered into by the off-track State and the host State prior to enactment of this Act, and (2) authorizes the off-track State to accept such wagers with respect to the outcome of a horserace taking place in the host State. Limits this exception to this Act to the termination date of the above contract, or the period extending until April 30, 1983, whichever date occurs first.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1977
Federal Aid in Nongame Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to provide financial assistance to State nongame fish and wildlife conservation programs. Authorizes the Secretary to transfer personnel, equipment, and scientific information to carry out this Act. Sets forth the formula for the apportionment of revenue to the States and limitations upon administrative expenses of the Secretary and the States chargeable to the Nongame Fish and Wildlife Conservation Fund. Permits any amount apportioned to a State but not expended or obligated after two fiscal years to be used by the Secretary to assist such programs in other States. Permits any such amount not paid or obligated by the Secretary at the end of two fiscal years to be made available for any nongame fish and wildlife resource project of the Fish and Wildlife Service. Directs all Federal departments and agencies to coordinate their programs with nongame fish and wildlife conservation projects administered by the States. Directs each Federal department and agency with management authority over land and water resources (1) to determine which programs under its authority may be extended to include conservation of nongame fish and wildlife species, (2) to notify the appropriate State agency of any such affirmative determination, and (3) to cooperate with the establishment of conservation agreements with State agencies for such efforts. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1978, 1979, and 1980 to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1977
Rural Housing Act - Amends the Housing Act of 1949 to extend the availability of refinancing of indebtedness for rural housing assistance to elderly or handicapped families. Defines elderly or handicapped families for purposes of this Act. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a system of escrow accounts to enable borrowers to make periodic payments for taxes, insurance, and other necessary expenses. Authorizes and directs the Secretary to conduct specified programs of research, study and analysis of rural housing. Authorizes the Secretary to make expenditures from the Rural Housing Insurance Fund in order to correct construction defects or to pay claims of the owner of property arising from such defects. Empowers the Secretary to foreclose on mortgages only if the borrower has been given prior notice. Makes changes with respect to the Secretary's power to make rules and regulations. Authorizes increases in assistance to specified rural housing programs for fiscal years 1978 and 1979. Extends rural housing loans for elderly and handicapped families to include congregate housing facilities for families who require some supervision and central services. Requires that at least 60 percent of insured rural housing loans benefit persons of low income. Makes changes in the guaranteed housing loan program and the homeownership subsidy for low and moderate income persons. Makes it mandatory for the Secretary to provide rural rental assistance. Creates the position of Assistant Secretary for Equal Opportunity in the Department of Agriculture. Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to increase the funds available for grants for water and waste facilities. Amends the Housing Act of 1949 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to withhold assistance for specified programs from any otherwise eligible borrower who fails to incorporate energy conservation features into any structure commenced by such borrower after January 1, 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1977
Amends Title II (Old-Age, Survivors', and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to allow the State of New Jersey to establish a divided retirement system for purposes of providing social security coverage of State and Local employees under Federal-State agreements.
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 · 21 March 1977
Waives certain requirements of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 with respect to the consideration of S.1025 (Securities Exchange Commission appropriations).
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1977
Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to increase by $1,500,000 the amount authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year 1977 for the Securities and Exchange Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1977
Designates the week of May 22 through May 28, 1977, as "Small Business Week."
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 · 15 March 1977
Makes it a Federal criminal offense to kill any officer or employee of the Federal Communications Commission engaged in the performance of official duties.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1977
Directs the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation to conduct an investigation and study of the telecommunications policies of the Federal Government.
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
Honors Alex Haley for his exceptional achievement in producting "Roots".
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1977
Declares that the United States should do all that is possible to assist Romania, site of a recent earthquake. Expresses the sympathy of the United States to the victims and their families.