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 · 10 March 1977
Small Business Development Center Act - Authorizes the Small Business Administration to make grants to universities to assist them in developing centers to provide small businesses with a broad range of advice, information, and assistance. Limits the amount of such grant to no more than 75 percent of the cost of eligible activities in the operation or development of the center, except for grants to regional centers assisting State centers in research or other high cost activities. Establishes a Small Business Management and Technical Assistance Division within the Small Business Administration to administer the Small Business Development Center program through a Deputy Associate Administrator. Establishes a Small Business Development Center Advisory Board composed of 14 members to advise and confer with the Deputy Associate Administrator for Management and Technical Assistance. Authorizes the Administration to make grants to universities, organizations, and business concerns to support research to solve problems which affect small business concerns.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1977
Opportunities for Adoption Act - Makes it the purpose of this Act to facilitate the elimination of obstacles to adoption and facilitate the placement in permanent adoptive homes of children, particularly children with special needs, by: (1) promoting the establishment of uniform adoption regulations in the States and territories of the United States in order to eliminate jurisdictional and legal obstacles to adoption; (2) providing Federal financial assistance to States for the purpose of assisting public and private nonprofit agencies and adoptive and prospective adoptive parents in meeting costs of adoption in order to remove or alleviate the financial obstacles which present serious barriers to adoption by qualified persons; (3) providing for the establishment of a national office of adoption information and services in the Department of Health, Education and Welfare to (A) insure quality standards for adoption services (including preplacement and postplacement and postadoption counseling and standards to protect the rights of children in need of adoption) and (B) provide for a national adoption information exchange system. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to appoint a committee on uniform adoption regulations. Directs such Committee to: (1) review current conditions, practices, and laws relating to adoption, with special reference to their effect on facilitating or impeding the finding of suitable adoptions; (2) propose to the Secretary uniform adoption regulations which would facilitate adoption; and (3) report its proposals to the Congress and the President not later than nine months after the Committee members have been appointed. Requires the Secretary to publish the proposed regulations in the Federal Register within six months following their receipt. Directs the Secretary to make grants to States for allocation, by State agencies principally responsible for services to families and children, to public and private nonprofit adoption agencies which meet standards of quality prescribed pursuant to this Act for the purpose of assisting; (1) such agencies in meeting the cost involved in the adoptive placement of children with special needs (including locating suitable homes and providing preplacement and postplacement and postadoptive counseling to children in need of adoption and to prospective and actual adoptive parents); (2) such agencies in meeting the cost of providing prenatal and postpartum services to mothers, voluntarily planning to place their children for adoption, who are unable to assume such costs, in order to protect the health and welfare of both the mother and child, but only to the extent that assistance under other Federal or State programs in the community in question is not readily available to provide adequately for such services; (3) prospective adoptive parents of children with special needs, who would consider adoption but for their financial inability to meet such child's needs, by sufficiently defraying adoption costs to enable the prospective adoptive parents to adopt such children; and (4) adoptive parents in locating and, where appropriate, defraying the cost of postplacement and postadoption special services to children requiring such services as a result of conditions which existed prior to their placement, up to an amount not exceeding the amount which similar services would cost the state in question were it to provide or secure such services as the guardian of such children. Directs the Secretary, in cooperation with State agencies, to ensure (1) annual reviews of the need for and adequacy of assistance; (2) assistance is being provided pursuant to an adoption assistance agreement; and (3) the establishment of a system in each State under which a family providing foster care to a child will be notified of the possibility of financial assistance for adoptive placement under this Act. Directs the Secretary to encourage and facilitate the consideration of comprehensive adoption assistance legislation by those States which have not enacted such legislation. Excludes assistance provided under this Act to adoptive parents or prospective adoptive parents from being taken into account in determining benefits available to such parents under any other Federal programs. Establishes within the Office of the Secretary a National Office of Adoption Information and Services headed by a Director. Makes it the duty of the Director to (1) establish a national adoption data, tracking, and analysis system; (2) conduct a continuing adoption education program, including the making of grants, and the publishing of materials regarding adoption and adoption assistance programs; (3) conduct a program of grants and contracts for the demonstration of methods and programs to enable families having children placed in foster homes to care for such children in their own home; (4) prepare an annual report evaluating and measuring the impact of programs authorized by this Act including in such report (A) the total number of children placed in adoptive homes and the number of such children placed under adoptive assistance agreements; and (B) estimates of the number of children in foster care or other custodial institutions who have been in such institutions for at least six months; (5) ensure that federally assisted adoption agencies are in compliance with applicable rules and regulations; (6) notwithstanding any other provisions of law, ensure the operation of national adoption information system, utilizing computers and modern data processing methods, to assist in the location of children in need of adoption and in the placement in adoptive homes of children awaiting adoption, and for the promotion of cooperative efforts with any similar programs operated by or within any State; and (7) coordinate and consult with other appropriate Federal departments and agencies with respect to services and benefits provided under this Act. Directs the Secretary and Attorney General of the United States to jointly conduct a study to determine the nature, scope, and effect of the interstate placement of children in adoptive homes by unlicensed persons or agencies and to submit such study, together with any legislative recommendations, to Congress within two years after the date of enactment of this Act. Authorizes appropriations of $20,000,000 for fiscal year 1978 and of such sums as may be necessary for the succeeding three years.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1977
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to extend coverage to include expenses incurred in providing a papanicolaou test for the detection of uterine cancer.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1977
Public Financing of Senate Elections Act - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to entitle candidates for the United States Senate, who agree to comply with certain recordkeeping requirements and spending limits, to payments in accordance with the terms of this Act. Conditions eligibility for funds with respect to primary and general elections upon receipt of contributions in specified minimum amounts. Sets forth formulas for the determination of the amount of money to which a candidate is entitled. Specifies maximum amounts which a candidate may expend in connection with primary and general elections and remain eligible for funds. Specifies a limit on the amount of personal and family funds a candidate may use. Provides for adjustments in spending limits on the basis of changes in prices. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to maintain a separate Senate Campaign Account in the Presidential Election Campaign Fund and to deposit in such account amounts available in the Fund after a determination that adequate sums are available for payments under the Presidential Election Campaign Fund Act. Sets forth guidelines for reducing payments under this Act if available funds are inadequate. Requires repayment of funds paid in excess of entitlement or used for other than campaign purposes. Requires candidates for the Senate who do not receive funds under this Act to report to the Federal Election Commission within 48 hours of spending or incurring obligations to spend a total sum in excess of the limit which would apply if the candidate had been receiving funds.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1977
Title I: Protection of Economic Rights of Labor in the Construction Industry - Amends the National Labor Relations Act to stipulate that, subject to specified provisions, it shall not be an unfair labor practice for a labor organization or its agents to engage in, or induce any individual employed by any person to engage in, a strike, refusal to perform services, or threat thereof (1) at the site of the construction, alteration, painting, or repair of a building or other structure; and (2) directed at any one of several persons in the construction industry at the site who are either joint venturers or in the relationship of contractor and subcontractor in the performance of such construction, alteration, painting or repair. States that nothing in this Act shall be construed to permit a strike, refusal to work, or threat thereof (1) in violation of an existing collective bargaining contract; (2) in furtherance of a labor dispute concerning only working conditions of individuals employed at other common construction sites; (3) directed at a person who is not engaged primarily in the construction industry and who, through its employees, is installing or servicing its own products or is doing construction work at one of its prior facilities; or (4) which presently otherwise constitutes an unfair labor practice. Prohibits common construction site picketing or threats thereof for specified purposes, including (1) to remove or exclude from such site any individual on the ground of sex, race, creed, color, or national origin; (2) to cause or attempt to cause discrimination on the basis of labor union membership; or (3) to force, require, or persuade any person to refrain or cease from dealing in products or systems of another processor of manufacturer. Requires a labor organization, before engaging in an activity permitted by this Act, to give prior notice to certain persons and receive written authorization from the national or international labor organization with which it is affiliated. Sets forth separate prerequisites in the case of activities to be conducted with respect to sites located at military installations or at Federal facilities or installations a major purpose of which is, or will be, the development, production, testing, or firing of munitions, weapons, missles, or space vehicles. Title II: Construction Industry Collective Bargaining - Construction Industry Collective Bargaining Act - Establishes a Construction Industry Collective Bargaining Committee in the Department of Labor. Stipulates that, where there is in effect a collective-bargaining agreement covering employees in the construction industry between a local construction labor organization or other subordinate body affiliated with a standard national construction labor organization, or between a standard national construction labor organization directly, and an employer or association of employers in the construction industry, neither party shall terminate or modify such agreement or the terms or conditions thereof without serving a written notice of the proposed termination or modification in the form and manner prescribed by the Committee 60 days prior to the expiration date thereof, or in the event such collective-bargaining agreement contains no expiration date, 60 days prior to the time it is proposed to make such termination or modification. Designates the persons to whom notice is to be given, including the Committee. Empowers the Committee to take jurisdiction of a dispute, with or without the suggestion of any interested party, for the 90 day period immediately preceding the latter of (1) the ninetieth day following the giving of notice to modify or terminate a collective bargaining agreement, or (2) the thirtieth day following the expiration of the agreement or the date proposed for termination or modification, whichever is applicable. Authorizes the Committee in such instances to (1) refer the matter to voluntary national craft or branch boards or other appropriate organizations established in accordance with the Act; (2) meet with and assist interested parties; or (3) do both. Prohibits strikes and lockouts while the Committee has jurisdiction over a matter. Permits the Committee to request at any time during the applicable 90-day period participation in negotiations by the appropriate standard national construction labor organization and national construction contractor associations. Empowers the Committee to promote and assist in the formation of voluntary national craft or branch boards or other appropriate organizations composed of representatives of one or more standard national construction labor organizations and one or more national construction contractor associations for the purpose of attempting to seek resolution of local labor disputes and review collective-bargaining policies and development in the particular craft or branch of the construction industry involved.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1977
Requests the President of the United States to convene a White House Conference on Small Business with the help of the Senate Small Business Committee to develop recommendations, including suggestions for joint legislative and executive action, for revitalizing and maintaining the economic viability of the small business infrastructure.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1977
Older Americans Tax Counseling Assistance Act - Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury, through the Internal Revenue Service, to enter into agreements with private or public nonprofit agencies or organizations for the purpose of providing training and technical assistance to prepare volunteers to provide tax counseling assistance for elderly individuals in the preparation of their Federal income tax returns. Directs the Secretary to utilize and support the services of volunteers and to establish the qualifications required and the terms and conditions of service as a volunteer. States that service as a volunteer under this Act shall not be considered service as an employee of the United States. Authorizes the Secretary to direct the attention of elderly individuals to provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 which affect the aged.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1977
Declares the public policy of the United States to prohibit the manufacture, sale, interstate shipment, and use of leg-hold and steel-jaw traps in the United States. Prohibits the shipment into interstate or foreign commerce of fur or leather products which come from animals trapped in any State or foreign country which has not banned such traps. Requires the Secretary of State to (1) ban all fur and leather products from animals from foreign countries which have not banned such traps, and (2) publish a list of such countries. Sets forth penalties for violations of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1977
Amends the Tariff Schedules of the United States to permit duty-free importation of any aircraft engine used as a temporary replacement for an aircraft engine being overhauled within the United States if duty was paid on such replacement engine pursuant to a previous importation.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1977
Interpreters for the Hearing Impaired Act - Directs Federal judges, upon determining that a party or a witness does not speak or understand English with sufficient facility due to a hearing impairment, to order that (1) the proceedings be conveyed to such party or witness through an appropriate mode of communication and (2) that the testimony of such an individual be interpreted for the court. Requires the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to certify interpreters for the hearing impaired and to prescribe a fee schedule for, and maintain a list of, interpreters so certified. Directs each district court to maintain a list of certified interpreters within its district. Sets forth guidelines for the selection of an interpreter if no certified interpreter is available within the district.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1977
Health Services Research, Health Statistics, Medical Libraries, Biomedical Research and Research Training Extension Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize appropriations through fiscal year 1978 for: health services, research, evaluation, and demonstration activities supported by such Act; health statistics medical libraries; cancer control programs; the National Cancer Institute; heart, blood, lung, and blood disease prevention and control programs; the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute; and National Research Service Awards.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1977
Health Services, Hemophilia and Health Planning and Development Extension Act - Title I: Amendments to the Public Health Service Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to extend through fiscal year 1978 the assistance programs for comprehensive public health services, migrant health, community health centers, hemophilia programs, and national health planning and development and health resources development. Repeals the provision of the Public Health Service Act which authorizes project grants to public and nonprofit private agencies for training, studies, and demonstrations for developing comprehensive health plans. Title II: Amendments to the Community Mental Health Centers Act - Amends the Community Mental Health Centers Act to extend through fiscal year 1978 grants for community mental health centers planning and operations. Extends the time period during which the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare must act on an application for a grant to plan a community mental health center to 120 days after the date of submission of the application.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1977
Federal Mine Safety and Health Amendments Act - Title I: Amendments to the General Provisions of the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969 - Amends the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969 to extend the applicability of the provisions of such Act to mines other than coal mines. Transfers the functions of the Secretary of the Interior in developing health and safety standards to the Secretary of Labor. Title II: Mine Safety and Health Standard Amendments - Amends the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969 to establish the duty of: (1) each mine operator and miner to comply with the health and safety standards of the Act, and (2) each mine operator to furnish a place of employment free from recognized hazards. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to promulgate, modify, or revoke mine health and safety standards in accordance with prescribed criteria and procedures. Authorizes the Secretary to utilize advisory committees in the development of standards. Requires the Secretary to act within 60 days upon recommendations from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Authorizes the Secretary, or the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare: (1) to enter any mine subject to this Act; and (2) to make reasonable inspections and investigations and to question privately employers, owners, operators, agents, or employees. Requires inspections of underground mines at least four times a year. Stipulates that no advance notice of inspections shall be given. Requires the maintenance of records by mine operators with regard to work-related deaths, injuries, illness, miner exposure to toxic substances, and mine accidents. Authorizes special inspections of mines by the Secretary upon request by any miners or representatives of miners where any violation of standards or imminent danger is alleged to exist. Establishes procedures for review of decisions of the Secretary with respect to establishment and enforcement of standards. Establishes procedures for the enforcement of mine health and safety standards through issuance of citations, imposition of civil and criminal penalties, and injunctive relief. Establishes special procedures to counteract imminently dangerous conditions. Requires that copies of all notices, orders, and decisions affecting mine safety in a particular mine be conspicuously posted at such mine site. Stipulates that, in the event of mine closures by orders issued pursuant to this Act, that miners idled as a result of any such order shall be entitled to full compensation for the period they are idled within prescribed limits. Establishes a Federal Mine Safety and Health Commission to supervise the activities of administrative law judges in proceedings brought under the Act. Requires that mine operators establish safety training programs for new miners and for all miners in accordance with prescribed criteria. Directs the Secretary to require that mine rescue teams comprised of Federal mine inspectors be maintained at district and field offices. Authorizes the Secretary and the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish procedures for measuring concentrations of respirable dust. Repeals provisions allowing for modifications of or exceptions from mandatory safety standards for underground mines. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Transfers functions of the Secretary of the Interior with respect to mine health and safety to the Secretary of Labor and the Federal Mine Safety and Health Commission. Directs the Secretary of Labor to establish an advisory committee to review all standards previously promulgated by the Secretary of the Interior. Establishes a Mine Safety and Health Administration in the Department of Labor to carry out mine safety and health functions assigned to the Secretary of Labor. Establishes qualifications and criteria for selection of individuals as mine inspectors. Stipulates that the National Mine Health and Safety Academy shall be maintained as an agency of the Department of the Interior to assist in the training of mine inspectors and other personnel. Repeals the Federal Metal and Nonmetallic Mine Safety Act of 1966.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1977
Education of the Handicapped Amendments - Authorizes appropriations under the Education of the Handicapped Act for fiscal year 1977 through fiscal year 1982 for developing: (1) regional resource centers; (2) centers and services for deaf-blind children; (3) programs for the early education of handicapped children; (4) special regional education programs; (5) programs for training personnel working with handicapped children; (6) research and demonstration projects; and (7) instructional media for the handicapped.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1977
Energy Crisis Relief Act - Establishes procedures for determination by the President that an energy emergency or energy crisis exists, upon request by a Governor of an affected State. Authorizes the President to coordinate Federal energy emergency relief activities upon declaration that such an emergency exists. Stipulates that such relief may include: (1) delivery and allocation of energy supplies to the affected area; (2) establishment of an energy conservation program in the affected area; and (3) emergency energy loans to individuals, public or nonprofit organizations. Authorizes the President to take the following actions where an energy crisis is declared to exist: (1) direct Federal agencies to terminate existing contracts to provide necessary energy supplies to the affected areas; (2) impose price ceilings for energy supplies; and (3) impose compulsory energy conservation programs. Authorizes the President to exercise additional authority under the Disaster Relief Act of 1974 where appropriate.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1977
National Child Nutrition Information and Education Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to formulate and carry out a program, through a system of grants to State educational agencies, to provide for: (1) the nutritional training of food service and educational personnel; and (2) the conduct of nutrition education activities in schools and child care institutions eligible under the School Lunch and Child Nutrition Acts. States that the amount of such grants shall be based on a rate of 50 cents for each child enrolled in such facilities. Authorizes appropriations of such amounts as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act. Requires State educational agencies to keep accounts as may be necessary to enable the Secretary to determine whether the provisions of this Act have been complied with. Establishes, within the National Agricultural Library of the United States Department of Agriculture, a Food and Nutrition Information and Education Resources Center to assemble and collect food and nutrition education materials and to disseminate such information to State educational agencies and other interested persons. States that a maximum of $1,500,000 from the funds appropriated under this Act shall be used for the establishment and maintenance of such center.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1977
Emergency Educational Assistance Act - Directs the Commissioner of Education to make basic grants to educational institutions to pay 50 percent of the costs related to energy conservation measures, including the cost of insulation, remodeling, and renovation of school facilities. Authorizes the appropriation for such basic grants of $300,000,000 for the fiscal year ending 1978 and for each succeeding fiscal year ending prior to October 1, 1981. Sets forth a formula and procedure by which the grants are to be allocated among the States and certain U.S. possessions. Permits the basic grants made to an educational institution to be used in accordance with application approved by the Commissioner. Requires the filing of an application with the Commissioner before any payments may be made for basic grants. Stipulates that such application shall include: (1) assurances that the high cost of fuel, energy shortage, or harsh weather conditions placed the applicant in need of assistance; (2) a full description of the energy conservation measures to be taken; (3) a statement of the policy and procedures to be utilized to assure proper use of such basic grants; (4) procedures for evaluating the effectiveness of the assistance given under such Act; (5) procedures for fiscal control and fund accounting; and (6) a provision requiring the furnishing of reports and the keeping of such records as the Commissioner may reasonably require. Permits the Commissioner to approve an application only if it meets such requirements and it has first been submitted to the appropriate State agency for comment. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to State agencies and educational institutions for 66.6 percent of the costs of demonstration projects involving the development and use of energy conservation measures which show unusual promise of promoting the objectives of this Act. Directs the Commissioner, to the extent practicable, to provide for the equitable distributions of aid among the States for demonstration projects. Prohibits the making of a grant for such project unless the Commissioner: (1) determines that assistance is necessary because of high energy costs, energy shortages, or harsh weather conditions; and (2) has an application submitted to him containing such information as he may reasonably require and specifically including (a) assurances that the project is economically feasible (b) the comparative rate of return of the energy component of such project before and after any changes that have been made; and (c) a description of the feasibility of using such project in other communities. Authorizes the appropriations, for such projects, of $50,000,000 for fiscal year 1978 and for each succeeding fiscal year ending prior to October 1, 1981. Authorizes the Commission to make grants to State agencies and educational institutions for 50 percent of the costs of providing technical assistance for energy conservation measures. Prohibits the making of grants for technical assistance unless the Commissioner determines (1) that such assistance is necessary because of high energy costs, the shortage of energy or harsh weather conditions; and (2) the application contains such information as the Commissioner reasonably may require and specifically includes provisions designed to insure such technical assistance will be shared, to the extent practicable, with private schools in the school district of such agency. Authorizes the appropriation for such assistance of $150,000,000 for fiscal year 1978 and for each succeeding fiscal year ending prior to October 1, 1981. Permits the Commissioner to waive such percentage limitations placed upon approved applications for basic grants or technical assistance and pay the full costs of such projects if he determines that the applicant is suffering from extreme financial need and could not carry out such project. Permits the Commissioner to withhold grants made under such act if after a hearing he finds that an applicant has substantially failed to comply with the requirements of such Act. Stipulates that nothing in this Act shall be construed as authorizing payments for religious worship or instruction. Directs the Commissioner to consult with specified officials and groups before promulgating regulations for the submission and approval of applications under such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1977
Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to promulgate national standards for clinical laboratories. Defines the terms "laboratory" and "clinical laboratory" for purposes of this Act. Directs the Secretary to develop job-related proficiency and practical examinations for clinical laboratory personnel, and to develop mechanisms designed to assure the continued competence of such personnel. Directs the development of standards for the proficiency testing of clinical laboratories. Applies such standards to: (1) clinical laboratories engaged in business in interstate commerce; and (2) any other clinical laboratories located in States which do not have primary enforcement responsibility as provided for by this Act for the regulation of such laboratories. Delegates to States the responsibility for primary enforcement of the national standards over clinical laboratories not engaged in interstate commerce and those that are engaged in interstate commerce and located or doing business within the State when responsibility is specifically delegated by the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to establish a system for the licensure of clinical laboratories subject to the national standards promulgated by the Secretary. States that such licenses shall specify the categories of tests and procedures which such laboratory may perform and shall be valid for a period not to exceed 24 months. Sets forth the requirements for issuance, renewal, and revocation of a license. Provides judicial review for any person aggrieved by the revocation of the license of his laboratory. Applies the national standards to Federal clinical laboratories under the jurisdiction of the Secretary and to all other such laboratories, except those under the jurisdiction of the Armed Forces or the Veterans' Administration or those under any agency which has in effect equally stringent standards. Prohibits the solicitation or acceptance of specimens for laboratory tests or procedures by a clinical laboratory which is required to be licensed by the Secretary and which either does not have such a license or is not permitted under such license to perform the planned test or procedure. Establishes a penalty consisting of a fine or imprisonment or both for the violation of such prohibition. Prohibits false or fraudulent billing practices in connection with services provided under the Social Security Act. Establishes a penalty consisting of a fine or imprisonment or both for the violation of such prohibition. Prohibits an employer from taking action against an employee who has assisted or participated in an investigation of such employer pursuant to this Act. Establishes a procedure for investigating and correcting employers' retaliatory actions against employees. Authorizes the Secretary to provide grants and technical assistance to States to assist in meeting the cost of enforcing the standards established for the regulation of clinical laboratories. Establishes an advisory council on clinical laboratories in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare to advise the Secretary with respect to national standards promulgated under this Act, the implementation and administration of clinical laboratory regulation, and coordination between Federal and State regulatory programs. Directs the Secretary to establish within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare an Office of Clinical Laboratories. States that the purpose of such Office shall be: (1) to establish a uniform regulatory policy for the administration of the functions authorized by this Act, the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and the Medicaid and Medicare programs of the Social Security Act; and (2) to provide guidance for the laboratory components of other health programs administered and enforced by the Secretary. Amends the Social Security Act to prohibit reimbursement under the Medicare, Medicaid or Maternal and Child Health and Crippled Childrens' Services programs for any portion of the cost of a clinical laboratory service which represents a commission, finders fee, or rent which is above the market value of the facility. Prohibits the making of any grant or reimbursement by the Secretary, or the award of any contract under the Medicare or Medicaid programs of the Social Security Act, including but not limited to grants to or contracts with hospitals, or skilled nursing facilities, or in connection with the procurement and reimbursement for clinical laboratory services, unless the laboratory meets the licensing requirements established by the Secretary. Raises the status of the offense of defrauding the Medicare and Medicaid programs from that of a misdemeanor to that of a felony. Increases the maximum fine for such offenses from $10,000 to $25,000. Increases the maximum term of imprisonment from one to five years. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study of existing regulations governing the qualifications of clinical laboratory supervisors, technologists, and technicians, and of the regulatory bodies established to develop and enforce such regulations. Requires such study: (1) to assess the need for national standards for certifying laboratory technical personnel and certifying entities; (2) to project the numbers of laboratory personnel who will be needed in 1980, 1985, and 1990; and (3) to analyze the costs to laboratories of compliance with such national standards should they be promulgated as a result of such study. Directs the Secretary to study the financial arrangements entered into by hospitals, reimbursed for the provision of health services under the Medicare and Medicaid programs, for the provision of clinical laboratory services by persons who provide such services in such hospitals. Directs the Secretary to report the findings of such study to Congress within six months, and that the study include recommendations for such corrective legislation as the Secretary determines to be necessary.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1977
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide payment for rural health clinic services pursuant to program of Supplementary Medical Insurance Benefits for the aged and Disabled of such Title.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1977
Energy Savings Demonstration Act - Authorizes Federal Energy Administrator to provide financial assistance to utility regulatory bodies and electric utilities for the development of demonstration projects designed to allocate costs of electric energy in a more equitable manner. Authorizes financial assistance for studies of financing methods to assist consumers in jeopardy of losing access to electric power. Authorizes appropriations of $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1978 and $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1979 to carry out the programs authorized by this act.
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 · 3 February 1977
Library Services and Construction Act Amendments - Authorizes the appropriation of $150,000,000 for fiscal year 1977 and each succeeding fiscal year ending prior to October 1, 1982, for the purpose of making grants to States for library services. Authorizes the appropriation of $97,000,000 for fiscal year 1977 and each succeeding fiscal year ending prior to October 1, 1982, for the purpose of making grants to States for public library construction. Authorizes the appropriations of $20,000,000 for fiscal year 1977 and each succeeding fiscal year ending prior to October 1, 1982, for the purpose of making grants to States to enable them to carry out interlibrary cooperation programs. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary for fiscal year ending 1977 and each succeeding fiscal year ending prior to October 11, 1982, for the purpose of making grants to States to enable them to carry out public library service programs for older persons. Declares an additional purpose of the Library Services and Construction Act to strengthen major urban resource libraries. Defines "major urban resource library" as any public library located in a standard metropolitan statistical area with a population of 100,000 or more individuals. Directs the Commissioner of Education to make grants to States which have approved programs for the strengthening of major urban resource libraries. Extends the limitations placed on State grants to permit use of such grants for: (1) the support and expansion of library services of major urban resource libraries; (2) the support and expansion of library services of any public library of a State in which no major urban resource library exists. Requires a State to expend a specific percentage of the Federal funds it receives under such Act to support and expand the library services of the major urban resource libraries within such State, or in a State without such libraries, to support and expand the services of the public libraries of such State.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1977
Amends Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to increase from one-twelfth of one percent to five-ninths of one percent the increment by which an individual's old-age benefits shall be increased because of delayed retirement beyond age 65.
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 · 1 February 1977
Victims of Crime Act - Directs the Attorney General to make grants to qualified State programs for the compensation of victims of crime. Specifies requirements for program certification, including that the program (1) offer compensation for personal injuries suffered as a result of certain State and Federal crimes, (2) offer compensation to surviving dependents of persons whose deaths resulted from being victim to such a crime, (3) require cooperation with law enforcement agencies as a condition for recovery, (4) grant claimants the right to a hearing, and (5) subrogate the State to any claim the victim or dependent has against the perpetrator to the extent of the amount compensated by the State. States that grants made under this Act shall total 50 percent of the allowable compensation paid to victims and dependent survivors of victims of State crimes designated by the State as appropriate for compensation under this program and 100 percent of the allowable compensation paid to victims and dependent survivors of victims of crimes which would constitute designated State crimes except for the fact that the crime is subject to exclusive Federal jurisdiction. Limits compensation with respect to any single claim to (1) loss resulting from medical and related treatment, physical and occupational therapy and rehabilitation, and past and anticipated future earnings up to $200 per week and (2) a total of $50,000. Establishes an Advisory Committee on Victims of Crime to advise the Attorney General with respect to the administration of this Act and the compensation of victims of crime.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1977
Union Station Improvement Act - Amends the National Visitor Center Facilities Act of 1968 to direct the Secretary of the Interior to assign the lease and purchase option on Union Station, Washington, D. C., entered into pursuant to such Act to the Secretary of Transportation and to sublease that portion of Union Station which is required for the continued operation of the National Visitor Center. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to renegotiate the lease of Union Station and to exercise the purchase option included in such lease at the earliest practicable date. Authorizes the Secretary to acquire additional property interests not held by the United States for the development of Union Station. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to promptly complete all the improvements undertaken pursuant to such Act except the parking facility and the Southeast Ramp mass transit facility. Directs the Secretary to require the Washington Terminal Company to promptly complete the new railroad passenger station constructed under such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1977
Human Resources Development Act - Directs the President, through the Secretary of Labor, to carry out a program of projects by means of contracts with public and private employers, including labor unions, and with institutions of higher education, each such project to either (1) involve increased participation of employees in decision making and, through compensation or otherwise, in the gains associated with increased productivity, or (2) demonstrate specific programs or guidelines under which employment can be maintained at prescribed levels for a specific period and advances can be made in the quality of working life. Includes within such demonstration projects, grants to employers in high unemployment areas for the purpose of retaining employees who would otherwise be laid off during periods of cyclical unemployment through improving the design of workplaces or work assignments or improving job skills. Directs the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service and the National Center for Productivity and Quality of Working Life, when requested by the Secretary, to provide technical assistance with respect to projects assisted pursuant to contracts under this Act. Establishes a Human Resources Advisory Council to furnish advice and assistance in the administration of such projects.
United States · United States Congress · 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 Title XVIII (Medicare) and Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to provide payment for services performed by professional clinical social workers. Includes outpatient services, community mental health centers, and neighborhood health centers among "qualified providers" under Titles XVIII and XIX. Removes specified limitations which are imposed on coverage of psychiatric and mental health services under such titles.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1977
Amends the National Labor Relations Act to require an employer which assumes the ownership or operation of a business to honor any applicable collective bargaining contract in its entirety. Amends the Labor Management Relations Act to permit a labor organization to bring suit against a new employer which refuses to honor an existing agreement in United States district court regardless of the citizenship of the parties or amount in controversy.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1977
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide payment for optometric and medical vision care under the supplementary medical insurance program.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1977
Extends up to three years the delimiting period of educational benefits paid by the Veterans' Administration to any veteran who was enrolled as a full-time student pursuing an approved course of education when his eligibility expired, or was enrolled as a part-time student receiving educational benefits, a loan or compensation under a program provided for in the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1977
Requests that the concerns of the United States be conveyed to the Soviet government regarding adherence to the Helsinki Declaration with respect to freedom to emigrate.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1977
Authorizes the Secretaries of the military departments, under such regulations as the Secretary of Defense may prescribe, to reimburse non-appropriated fund instrumentalities in the Ryukyu Islands and Daito Islands, Japan, for increased costs in severance pay entitlements of their Japanese employees whose severance pay computation was changed effective May 15, 1972 pursuant to the treaty which reverted such islands to Japan. Authorizes appropriations in such amounts as may be necessary for such reimbursements.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1977
National Energy Center Act - Establishes a National Energy Center in the Energy Research and Development Administration to formulate and implement policies relating to energy technology implementation and to evaluate socioeconomic aspects of such technology development. Establishes in the Center an Energy Conservation Service to implement programs for the utilization of energy conserving practices by agricultural, industrial, governmental, educational, commercial, and residential sectors. Directs the Service to establish extension offices to assist in providing energy conservation information to groups and individuals at the local level. Establishes in the Center an Office for Energy Research and Policy Analysis to improve coordination of energy research programs and policymaking, taking into consideration the economic, social, environmental, health, and other related areas. Establishes a Central Energy Research Facility for coordination of energy research activities. Establishes a Central Energy Research Facility Site Selection Board, and requires the Board to transmit to the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives a report on its site selection with justification.
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
Declares it to be the sense of Congress that wasteful energy consumption in the United States must be eliminated. Requests the President to call for a National Energy Crusade and to designate an Energy Conservation Month. Requests the President to report to the Congress and to the nation on the status of energy conservation initiatives.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1977
Commercial Fisheries Improvement Fund Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to make long-term, low interest, incentive loans for investment in shoreside facilities and fishing vessels for underutilized fisheries. Requires the Secretary, before approving a loan for the purchase of a new or used vessel, to determine that the applicant's contemplated operation of such vessel in a fishery will not cause economic hardship or injury to efficient vessels already operating in that fishery. Directs that loans made pursuant to this Act be made only to citizens or nationals of the United States. Stipulates that no corporation, partnership, or association organized under the laws of American Samoa shall be deemed a national of the United States unless 75 percent of the interest therein is owned by nationals or citizens of the United States. Establishes in the U.S. Treasury a Commercial Fisheries Improvement Fund to be used by the Secretary to make loans under this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of $250,000,000 as initial capital for all loans under this Act. Repeals provisions of the Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956 which make available loans for the financing or refinancing of the cost of purchasing, constructing, equipping, maintaining, repairing, or operating commercial fishing vessels or gear. Directs that any outstanding loans made under such provisions be handled in accordance with this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1977
Directs the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to assign and pay the applicable rate of compensation for full service-connected disability to a veteran who has suffered the loss or loss of use of one limb such as to cause total disability, as a result of a non-service-connected disability not the result of his own willful misconduct.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1977
Title I: Foreign Corrupt Practices - Foreign Corrupt Practices Act - Amends the Securities Exchange Act to require specified issuers of securities to make and keep books, records and accounts, and to devise and maintain an adequate system of internal accounting controls. Makes it unlawful to directly or indirectly falsify any book, record, or document of an issuer. Prohibits bribery of foreign officials by any domestic concern. Subjects violating persons to a fine of not more than $10,000, or imprisonment of not more than two years, or both. Defines "domestic corporation" for purposes of this Act. Title II: Disclosure - Domestic and Foreign Investment Improved Disclosure Act - Expands the disclosure requirements of beneficial owners of more than five percent of specified kinds of securities to include disclosure of: (1) the residence, nationality, and nature of the beneficial ownership of the person acquiring the securities and all other persons by whom or on whose behalf the purchases have been or are to be effected, and (2) the background and nationality of each associate of the purchaser who owns or has a right to acquire additional shares of the issuer. Requires each holder of records of, and any other person having an interest in two percent phased down to .5 percent by 1979 or more of, specified classes of securities to report such interest and other information in such form and at such intervals as the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) shall prescribe by rule. Directs the SEC to report to Congress as to the progress of various aspects of the disclosure program. Authorizes the SEC to exempt any security, issuer, or person from the requirements of this Act if it finds that such exemption is not inconsistent with the public interest or the protection of investors. Makes it unlawful for any person with knowledge, or who should have known that a filing or publication requirement of this title has not been complied with, to effect a transition in any security subject to this title. Requires the SEC to consult with the Comptroller General and other executive agencies which require reports substantially similar to those called for by this title in order to achieve a uniform, centralized system for the reporting of information.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1977
Municipal Taxable Bond Alternative Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a State, a possession of the United States, any political subdivision of any of the foregoing, or the District of Columbia, to elect to issue taxable obligations, the interest of which will be included in the gross income of the recipient. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to pay without condition or requirement 40 percent of the interest yield on each obligation for which the election of taxability has been made.
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
Credit Union Modernization Act - Title I: New Powers and Modernization - Empowers a Federal credit union to make loans and extend credit to members, other credit unions or financial organizations. Permits credit unions to make loans to members in accordance with the following: (1) loans shall be made in conformity with criteria established by the board of directors and with standards enumerated in the Act; (2) lines of credit shall be established to a stated maximum amount on certain terms and conditions which may be different than those for another borrower; (3) loans to other credit unions shall be approved by the board of directors and not exceed 1 percent of the unimpaired capital surplus; and (4) participation loans shall be in accordance with written policies of the board director. Empowers the credit union to invest funds: (1) in securities or obligation guaranteed by the United States or any agency or instrumentality thereof; (2) in obligations of any State, or the several territories and possessions or any political subdivision thereof; and (3) in shares or obligation of any other organization which advances the development of the credit union. Empowers credit unions to place their funds (1) in share accounts or deposits of savings which are insured by an agency of the Federal Government, or by any federally or State insured credit union; and (2) in demand or time deposits of banks whose accounts are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Empowers such credit union to sell all or part of its assets to another credit union, or to purchase assets from another such credit union and to permit members to transfer money to and from the member's account pursuant to regulations of the Board. Stipulates that a Federal credit union shall be managed by a board of directors, a supervisory committee, and a credit committee. Requires the board of directors to annually elect from their number an executive officer, one or more vice presidents, a treasurer, and a secretary. States that the board of directors shall meet at least once a month and shall have general control of the direction of the Federal credit union. Enumerates the general functions and duties of the board of directors. Permits the board of directors to elect a credit committee. Makes it the duty of the committee to hold such meetings as are necessary to consider applications for loans or lines of credit. Requires each Federal credit union to maintain specified reserves against losses. Requires each Federal credit union to maintain reserves against its demand in the Central Liquidity Facility and in currency and coin in such other form as the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System may provide. Authorizes the board to declare a dividend after provision for required reserves has been made. Repeals provisions of the Federal Credit Union Act pertaining to: (1) District of Columbia credit unions; (2) approval of certificates; and (3) conditions upon conversion to Federal status. Title II: Restructuring the National Credit Union Administration - Establishes in the executive branch of the Government an independent agency to be known as the National Credit Union Administration. Places the Administration under the management of a National Credit Union Administration Board. States that the Board shall have three members having credit union experience appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. Directs the Chairperson of the Board to be the spokesperson of the Board and to represent the Board and the National Credit Union Administration in its relations with other branches of the Government. Permits any aggrieved party to seek to enjoin or obtain other appropriate remedy when a charter revocation or suspension or an involuntary liquidation is ordered by the Board. Limits the powers of the Administration to the exercise of all powers specifically granted by the provisions of the Federal Credit Union Act and such incidental powers as shall be necessary to carry out the power so granted. Title III: Share Insurance - Includes credit unions organized and operated according to the law of the trust territories in the Federal Credit union whose member accounts are insured by the Administrator. Title IV: Central Liquidity Facility - Establishes the National Credit Union Central Liquidity Facility to: (1) provide funds to meet the liquidity needs of credit unions; and (2) provide for an orderly transfer of funds. Vests management of the Facility in the Board of National Credit Union Administration. Authorizes the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund to advance $500,000 to be utilized by the Facility for initial organization and operating expenses. Declares the initial capitalization of the Facility shall be by stock subscription consisting of shares having a par value of $50 each. Enumerates the general powers of the Board in administering the Central Liquidity Facility. Entitles any member of the Facility to apply on a form prescribed by regulations for advances. Authorizes the Board to deny or grant any application upon such terms as it may prescribe by regulations. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to purchase any obligation issued by the Board in the event of insufficient funds in the Facility to meet the obligations arising under this Act. Directs the Board to prepare and submit to the President and to the Congress annually a full report on the activities of the Facility for the previous year. Exempts by the Facility from all taxation imposed by the United States or by any State.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1977
Deems service as a member of the Women's Air Force Service Pilots as active duty for the purposes of all laws administered by the Veterans' Administration.
![Official portrait of Sen. Williams, Harrison A., Jr. [D-NJ]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/w000502_200.jpg)