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Agriculture

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201 records in US in 1977

Records

Bill· HRH.R. 6812 (95th)referred

A bill to encourage the establishment of wind erosion control and wildlife habitat areas which meet standards prescribed by the Secretary of Agriculture.

United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1977

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide an income tax credit for the amounts paid or incurred by the taxpayer to convert land held in the United States and formerly used for agriculture or raising livestock into an area used exclusively for providing vegetative cover for wind erosion control or wildlife habitat. Provides that such wind erosion control and wildlife habitat areas must: (1) meet such requirements as are established by the Secretary of Agriculture; (2) be no less than 20 feet, nor more than 60 feet in width; and (3) comprise no more than 15 percent of the area of any farm. Provides for the recapture of such credits to the extent that credit is taken for land which ceases to be a wind erosion control or wildlife habitat area, or is transferred by the taxpayer (except by reason of death, or in certain tax-free corporate acquisitions) within three years after the credit is taken. Provides for the carryover of allowable credit to the extent it exceeds the taxpayer's liability. Reduces the taxpayer's basis, and disallows any deduction of expenditures properly charged to capital account for which this credit is taken.

Bill· HRH.R. 6818 (95th)referred

A bill to replace the program established under the Food Stamp Act of 1964 with a 5-year federally financed program established by the States.

United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1977

Repeals the Food Stamp Act of 1964. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to make payments to each State of the Nation during each of the five fiscal years following enactment of this Act for the purpose of financing a program which is established and maintained by each State to assist in meeting the nutritional needs of its citizens. Specifies a general formula for the allocation of such payments among the States and sets specific conditions for the receipt of such payments. Delineates the procedure by which any State may appeal any adverse determination by the Secretary regarding violation of any such condition, and grants jurisdiction to hear such appeals to the United States courts of appeal and to the Supreme Court of the United States. Establishes in the Department of the Treasury a Nutritional Program Trust Fund from which payments shall be made. Authorizes an aggregate appropriation of $14,000,000,000 for the five years of the program, in amounts diminishing from $4,500,000,000 in the first year to $1 billion in the last.

Law· HRH.R. 6782 (95th)open

An Act to provide emergency assistance to producers of wheat, feed grains, and upland cotton, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1977

Permits marketing orders under the Agricultural Adjustment Act, as reenacted and amended by the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937, to include provisions concerning marketing promotion, including paid advertisement, of raisins. Authorizes distribution among producers of the pro rata costs of such promotion.

Bill· HRH.R. 6754 (95th)referred

Critical Lands Resource Conservation Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1977

Critical Lands Resource Conservation Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to enter into agreements, for two years initially and thereafter annually renewable, with owners and operators of land in the Great Plains area to promote conservation of soil and water resources through conversion of cropland from soil depleting uses to conserving uses including the production of soil conserving cover crops. Requires an owner or operator, among other things: (1) to devote to a soil conserving cover crop up to 50 percent of a farm's cropland acreage which had been planted with soil depleting crops in any of the two years preceding; (2) to plant a legume, or an annual, biennial, or a perennial cover crop; (3) to divert from production a designated portion of one or more crops; (4) not to harvest any crop from or graze the designated acreage, unless the Secretary determines otherwise in order to alleviate disaster-caused distress; (5) to give assurance that the land was not acquired in order to put it in this program; (6) to forfeit all rights to further payments and to refund past payments upon violation of the agreement, or upon transfer of right and interest in the farm unless the transferee assumes all obligations; and (7) not to adopt any practice which would tend to defeat the purposes of the agreement. Requires the Secretary in consideration of such agreement to pay to the owner or operator an annual adjustment payment at a rate not in excess of $30 per acre. Directs the Secretary to use the services of local, county, and State committees and the technical services of the Soil Conservation Service and soil and water conservation districts. Requires adequate safeguards to protect interests of tenants and sharecroppers for sharing annual adjustment payments. Authorizes the Secretary to use the facilities, services, and authorities of the Commodity Credit Corporation in discharging the responsibilities of this program, including payment of costs of administration.

Bill· HRH.R. 6731 (95th)referred

National Food Stamp Reform Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1977

National Food Stamp Reform Act - Extends the Food Stamp Act of 1964 through fiscal year 1982. Excludes from the definition of "food" which may be purchased with food stamps alcoholic beverages, tobacco, ice cubes, artificial food colorings, powdered and liquid cocktail mixes, carbonated beverages, cooking wines, and chewing gum; and any other food, class of food, food product or condiment which the Secretary of Agriculture, in consultation with the President of the National Academy of Sciences - National Research Council (Food and Nutrition Board), determines to have a negligible or low nutritional value or to be an insignificant enhancement of palatability. Includes residents of federally subsidized housing for the elderly in the definition of "household". Redefines "elderly person" as someone 65 years or older (currently, 60 years of age). Defines "nutritionally adequate diet" as a diet sufficient to feed a family of four persons, consisting of a man and a woman between 20 and 54 years of age, one child between ages nine and eleven and one child between six and eight, and which meets additional specified conditions. Directs the Secretary to establish uniform national standards of eligibility for participation by households in the food stamp program. Requires the income standards of eligibility in every State to be the nonfarm income poverty guidelines prescribed by the Office of Management and Budget, adjusted annually; but limits the standards for Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Guam to those of the 50 States. Sets a 90-day accounting period for certification or recertification of food stamp applicants. Limits the maximum allowable financial resources (liquid and nonliquid assets) of a household to $1,500, except that, for households or two or more persons with one or more members 65 years or older, such resources are limited to $2,250. Specifies holdings excluded from the determination of such resources. Requires household income for purposes of the food stamp program to be the gross income of the household less: (1) a deduction of $25 a month for any household in which there is at least one elderly person; and (2) an additional deduction equal to 15 percent of all earned income to compensate for taxes, mandatory deductions, and work expenses. Includes in gross income: (1) all monetary payments to or on behalf of any household member except payments made for medical costs; (2) all income tax refunds and Federal income tax credits; (3) the value of all in-kind items; and (4) the value of all benefits received under any publicly or privately funded assistance program. Excludes from gross income: (1) payments for medical costs made on behalf of the household; (2) compensation for services performed by a student residing with the household who is not yet 18; (3) Uniform Relocation Assistance payments; (4) infrequent or irregular quarterly income; (5) all loans except deferred repayment education loans; and (6) the cost of producing self-employed income. Authorizes the Secretary to establish temporary emergency eligibility standards for households which are victims of a disaster. States that no household shall be eligible for participation in the Food Stamp program which includes an able- bodied adult between the ages of 18 and 65 who: (1) incurs a reduction of income as a result of voluntarily reducing his or her number of hours of employment without good cause; (2) fails to register for employment at a State or Federal employment office; (3) has refused to accept employment or public work within 30 miles of the person's principal residence; (4) fails to actively seek employment; or (5) is enrolled in an institution of post-secondary education as a substitute for full-time employment. Excludes from this class of ineligible individuals mothers with dependent children, primary or secondary school students, post-secondary level students or trainees' employed part-time, enrollees in a drug addiction or alcoholic treatment program, and persons working at least 30 hours per week. States that refusal to work at a plant site because of a strike or other labor dispute shall be deemed to be a refusal to accept employment. Declares that no person shall be eligible who is not a citizen or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence. States that no minor shall be considered a household member if such minor resides in a household in which no other member has a legal duty to support him unless: (1) the individual who had such a duty is financially unable to perform it; or (2) no individual with such duty exists. Requires each household receiving food stamps to report its income at least once each month. Declares that no household that knowingly transfers liquid or nonliquid assets for the purpose of qualifying or attempting to qualify for the food stamp program shall be eligible to participate in the program for a minimum of 90 days. States that no person who receives supplementary security income benefits under title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) of the Social Security Act. State supplementary payments under such title, or payments under specified provisions of title II (Old Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of such Act, shall be considered a member of a household for any month, if for such month, such individual resides in a State in which the Supplemental Security Income benefit has been increased specifically to include the bonus value of food coupon allotments. Requires food coupons to be designed with spaces for the user to sign upon receipt and redemption. Requires coupon users to present suitable identification; including signature and photograph, when redeeming coupons at approved food stores. States that the value of the food coupon allotment to which eligible households will be entitled shall be an amount sufficient to allow a household to purchase a nutritionally adequate diet. Requires the semi-annual adjustment of the value of an allotment based on changes in the cost of food. Establishes as the charge a household shall pay for its coupon allotment the lesser of: (1) the percentage of its income which would be expended for food by an average household of its size and income range in the same region of the country; or (2) 30 percent. Provides, under the requirements for State plans for the administration of the food stamp program, for closer State supervision of eligibility by households. Requires the State agencies administering the program to conduct nutrition education programs for recipients. Directs each State agency to establish an earnings clearance system for the purpose of checking the actual income and assets of a household against those reported by the household. Provides that if a State agency does not comply with the provisions of the Food Stamp Act, the Secretary may refer the matter to the Attorney General with a request for an injunction, or he may direct that there be no further issuance of coupons in the political subdivisions where such failure has occurred until such time as satisfactory corrective action has been taken. Establishes a national system for providing information to State agencies in order to assist them in preventing households from receiving food stamps in more than one State or in more than one political subdivision within a State. Sets a civil penalty not in excess of $10,000 for each violation of the Food Stamp Act of 1964 or regulations issued pursuant to it by specified persons, including State agencies. Directs the Secretary to pay to each State agency out of funds appropriated by Congress an amount equal to 75 percent of all direct costs of State food stamp program investigations, prosecutions, and State activities related to recovering losses sustained in the food stamp program. Specifies information to included in the Secretary's annual report in addition to information already given.

Bill· HRH.R. 6713 (95th)referred

A bill to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to broaden the discretion of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare respecting certain food additives found to induce cancer in animals.

United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1977

Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to allow the use of a food additive for dietary management of health disorders or disease, even though such additive is found to induce cancer in animals, if the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare determines the benefits to human health of such use outweigh the risks. Directs the Secretary to take into account in making such a determination (1) all scientific data and information on the additive; (2) the scientific validity, analysis, and other conditions concerning the animal testing of such additive; and (3) current knowledge about the reliability of predicting cancer in humans from use of an additive found to induce cancer in animals.

Bill· HRH.R. 6600 (95th)referred

Food Additive Safety Amendments

United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1977

Food Additive Safety Amendments - States that a food additive shall be deemed safe if the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare (1) makes a finding, based on recommendations of an advisory committee, that the public benefit from permitting the use of such additive would exceed the public risk which might result from such use; (2) gives notice in the Federal Register of such a finding and invites public comment thereon; and (3) issues a final order not earlier than 120 days of such publication in the Federal Register of such findings. Specifies factors the Secretary must take into consideration when evaluating a food additive. Deems saccharin a safe food additive unless the Secretary declares it unsafe under the provisions of this Act.

Bill· SS. 1354 (95th)referred

A bill to reorganize the executive branch of the Government and increase its economy and efficiency by establishing offices of Inspector General within the Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Housing and Urban Development, the Interior, Labor, and Transportation, and within the Energy Research and Development Administration, the Environmental Protection Agency, the General Services Administration, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and the Veterans' Administration.

United States · United States Congress · 22 April 1977

Establishes an Office of Inspector General within each of the Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Housing and Urban Development, Interior, Labor, and Transportation, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Energy Research and Development, General Services, National Aeronautics and Space, and Veterans' Administrations. Makes it the duty of such Offices to direct the auditing and investigation of the programs of the agency in which each such Office is established and to recommend policies to each respective agency to promote the efficiency and economy of and to prevent and detect fraud and abuse in the programs administered by each agency. Directs each such Office to coordinate the relationships between its agency and other Federal agencies, States, and local government agencies in carrying out its mission. Requires each such Office to keep Congress and the head of the respective agency fully informed concerning its activities and findings. Specifies the frequency and content of reports. Transfers to each Office specified existing audit and investigation offices within the appropriate agencies.

Bill· HRH.R. 6544 (95th)referred

A bill to amend section 111 of the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954, relating to the allocation of commodities furnished under title I of that Act.

United States · United States Congress · 21 April 1977

Amends the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 to revise the formula for allocation of food aid commodities to prohibit more than 25 percent of such aid from being allocated to countries which do not meet the poverty criteria of the International Development Association, with certain exceptions.

Bill· HRH.R. 6524 (95th)referred

Food Additives Amendment

United States · United States Congress · 21 April 1977

Food Additives Amendment - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to allow the use of a food additive found to induce cancer in animals if the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare determines that such food additive does not present a significant risk to human health. Directs the secretary to consider certain factors in making such a determination.

Bill· HRH.R. 6539 (95th)referred

Food Stamp Reform Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 April 1977

Food Stamp Reform Act - Repeals the Food Stamp Act of 1964. Replaces the existing program with a similar program, but: (1) eliminates charges for coupon allotments and makes coupons redeemable for cash; (2) drops the eligibility requirement that household members be related; (3) permits tribal councils to be designated "State agencies" with respect to Indian communities; (4) requires national income standards of eligibility to be income guidelines for the nonfarm United States prescribed by the Office of Management and Budget; (5) specifies exclusions and deductions from household income for qualification purposes; (6) directs that food stamp applications be included on applications forms for other public assistance programs, and requires certification for participation on the same day application is made; (7) allows the Secretary of Agriculture to refer cases of noncomplying State agencies to the Attorney General for suit for injunctive relief, or in the alternative to take over direct administration of a State program; (8) authorizes the Secretary to pay up to 75 percent of all costs of State program investigations, prosecutions, and other activities related to recovering losses; and (9) directs the Secretary to make contracts or grants for research that will help improve the administration and effectiveness of the food stamp program.

Bill· HRH.R. 6492 (95th)referred

A bill to amend the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to make emergency loans in an area if he determines that a labor dispute in which farmers are not participants results in farmers in such area incurring losses in production or sales of agricultural products.

United States · United States Congress · 21 April 1977

Provides, under the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act, that emergency loans shall be made available in any area of the United States, Puerto Rico, or the Virgin Islands which the Secretary of Agriculture has designated an emergency area due to a labor dispute, in which farmers are not participants, but which has prevented the production, processing or sale of products produced by farming, ranching or aquaculture operations. Requires that an applicant for an emergency loan has sustained at least a 20 percent loss of normal per acre or per animal production or sales as a result of the dispute.

Bill· HRH.R. 6472 (95th)referred

Food Additives Amendment

United States · United States Congress · 21 April 1977

Food Additives Amendment - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to allow the use of a food additive found to induce cancer in animals if the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare determines that such food additive does not present a significant risk to human health. Directs the secretary to consider certain factors in making such a determination.

Bill· HRH.R. 6499 (95th)referred

National Food Stamp Reform Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 April 1977

National Food Stamp Reform Act - Extends the Food Stamp Act of 1964 through fiscal year 1982. Excludes from the definition of "food" which may be purchased with food stamps alcoholic beverages, tobacco, ice cubes, artificial food colorings, powdered and liquid cocktail mixes, carbonated beverages, cooking wines, and chewing gum; and any other food, class of food, food product or condiment which the Secretary of Agriculture, in consultation with the President of the National Academy of Sciences - National Research Council (Food and Nutrition Board), determines to have a negligible or low nutritional value or to be an insignificant enhancement of palatability. Includes residents of federally subsidized housing for the elderly in the definition of "household". Redefines "elderly person" as someone 65 years or older (currently, 60 years of age). Defines "nutritionally adequate diet" as a diet sufficient to feed a family of four persons, consisting of a man and a woman between 20 and 54 years of age, one child between ages nine and eleven and one child between six and eight, and which meets additional specified conditions. Directs the Secretary to establish uniform national standards of eligibility for participation by households in the food stamp program. Requires the income standards of eligibility in every State to be the nonfarm income poverty guidelines prescribed by the Office of Management and Budget, adjusted annually; but limits the standards for Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Guam to those of the 50 States. Sets a 90-day accounting period for certification or recertification of food stamp applicants. Limits the maximum allowable financial resources (liquid and nonliquid assets) of a household to $1,500, except that, for households or two or more persons with one or more members 65 years or older, such resources are limited to $2,250. Specifies holdings excluded from the determination of such resources. Requires household income for purposes of the food stamp program to be the gross income of the household less: (1) a deduction of $25 a month for any household in which there is at least one elderly person; and (2) an additional deduction equal to 15 percent of all earned income to compensate for taxes, mandatory deductions, and work expenses. Includes in gross income: (1) all monetary payments to or on behalf of any household member except payments made for medical costs; (2) all income tax refunds and Federal income tax credits; (3) the value of all in-kind items; and (4) the value of all benefits received under any publicly or privately funded assistance program. Excludes from gross income: (1) payments for medical costs made on behalf of the household; (2) compensation for services performed by a student residing with the household who is not yet 18; (3) Uniform Relocation Assistance payments; (4) infrequent or irregular quarterly income; (5) all loans except deferred repayment education loans; and (6) the cost of producing self-employed income. Authorizes the Secretary to establish temporary emergency eligibility standards for households which are victims of a disaster. States that no household shall be eligible for participation in the Food Stamp program which includes an able- bodied adult between the ages of 18 and 65 who: (1) incurs a reduction of income as a result of voluntarily reducing his or her number of hours of employment without good cause; (2) fails to register for employment at a State or Federal employment office; (3) has refused to accept employment or public work within 30 miles of the person's principal residence; (4) fails to actively seek employment; or (5) is enrolled in an institution of post-secondary education as a substitute for full-time employment. Excludes from this class of ineligible individuals mothers with dependent children, primary or secondary school students, post-secondary level students or trainees' employed part-time, enrollees in a drug addiction or alcoholic treatment program, and persons working at least 30 hours per week. States that refusal to work at a plant site because of a strike or other labor dispute shall be deemed to be a refusal to accept employment. Declares that no person shall be eligible who is not a citizen or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence. States that no minor shall be considered a household member if such minor resides in a household in which no other member has a legal duty to support him unless: (1) the individual who had such a duty is financially unable to perform it; or (2) no individual with such duty exists. Requires each household receiving food stamps to report its income at least once each month. Declares that no household that knowingly transfers liquid or nonliquid assets for the purpose of qualifying or attempting to qualify for the food stamp program shall be eligible to participate in the program for a minimum of 90 days. States that no person who receives supplementary security income benefits under title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) of the Social Security Act. State supplementary payments under such title, or payments under specified provisions of title II (Old Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of such Act, shall be considered a member of a household for any month, if for such month, such individual resides in a State in which the Supplemental Security Income benefit has been increased specifically to include the bonus value of food coupon allotments. Requires food coupons to be designed with spaces for the user to sign upon receipt and redemption. Requires coupon users to present suitable identification; including signature and photograph, when redeeming coupons at approved food stores. States that the value of the food coupon allotment to which eligible households will be entitled shall be an amount sufficient to allow a household to purchase a nutritionally adequate diet. Requires the semi-annual adjustment of the value of an allotment based on changes in the cost of food. Establishes as the charge a household shall pay for its coupon allotment the lesser of: (1) the percentage of its income which would be expended for food by an average household of its size and income range in the same region of the country; or (2) 30 percent. Provides, under the requirements for State plans for the administration of the food stamp program, for closer State supervision of eligibility by households. Requires the State agencies administering the program to conduct nutrition education programs for recipients. Directs each State agency to establish an earnings clearance system for the purpose of checking the actual income and assets of a household against those reported by the household. Provides that if a State agency does not comply with the provisions of the Food Stamp Act, the Secretary may refer the matter to the Attorney General with a request for an injunction, or he may direct that there be no further issuance of coupons in the political subdivisions where such failure has occurred until such time as satisfactory corrective action has been taken. Establishes a national system for providing information to State agencies in order to assist them in preventing households from receiving food stamps in more than one State or in more than one political subdivision within a State. Sets a civil penalty not in excess of $10,000 for each violation of the Food Stamp Act of 1964 or regulations issued pursuant to it by specified persons, including State agencies. Directs the Secretary to pay to each State agency out of funds appropriated by Congress an amount equal to 75 percent of all direct costs of State food stamp program investigations, prosecutions, and State activities related to recovering losses sustained in the food stamp program. Specifies information to included in the Secretary's annual report in addition to information already given.

Bill· SS. 1290 (95th)referred

Peanut Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1977

Peanut Act - Amends the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 to establish (1) the national marketing quota for the 1978 crop of peanuts at a quantity sufficient to provide a national acreage allotment equal to the national acreage allotment for the 1977 crop, reduced by not more than ten percent; and (2) the national marketing quota for the 1979, 1980, and 1981 crops at a quantity sufficient to provide a national acreage allotment equal to the preceding year, reduced in each crop year by not more than five percent of the national acreage allotment for the preceding year. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to allow free transfer of all or any part of any such allotment. Sets the price support of peanuts at 70 percent of parity as of April 1, 1978, for the 1978 crop, and at the same level, adjusted for the 1979, 1980, and 1981 crops. Directs the Commodity Credit Corporation to make warehouse storage loans available to approved designated area marketing associations of peanut producers.

Bill· SS. 1295 (95th)referred

National Food Stamp Reform Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1977

National Food Stamp Reform Act - Extends the Food Stamp Act of 1964 through fiscal year 1982. Excludes from the definition of "food" which may be purchased with food stamps alcoholic beverages, tobacco, ice cubes, artificial food colorings, powered and liquid cocktail mixes, carbonated beverages, cooking wines, and chewing gum; and any other food, class of food, food product or condiment which the Secretary of Agriculture, in consultation with the President of the National Academy of Sciences - National Research Council (Food and Nutrition Board), determines to have an negligible or low nutritional value or to be an insignificant enhancement of palatability. Includes residents of federally subsidized housing for the elderly in the definition of "household." Redefines "elderly person" as someone 65 years or older (currently, 60 years of age). Defines "nutritionally adequate diet" as a diet sufficient to feed a family of four persons, consisting of a man and a woman between 20 and 54 years of age, one child between ages nine and eleven and one child between six and eight, and which meets additional specified conditions. Directs the Secretary to establish uniform national standards of eligibility for participation by households in the food stamp program. Requires the income standards of eligibility in every State to be the nonfarm income poverty guidelines prescribed by the Office of Management and Budget, adjusted annually; but limits the standards for Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Guam to those of the 50 States. Sets a 90-day accounting period for certification or recertification of food stamp applicants. Limits the maximum allowable financial resources (liquid and nonliquid assets) of a household to $1,500, except that, for households or two or more persons with one or more members 65 years or older, such resources are limited to $2,250. Specifies holdings excluded from the determination of such resources. Requires household income for purposes of the food stamp program to be the gross income of the household less: (1) a deduction of $25 a month for any household in which there is at least one elderly person; and (2) an additional deduction equal to 15 percent of all earned income to compensate for taxes, mandatory deductions, and work expenses. Includes in gross income: (1) all monetary payments to or on behalf of any household member except payments made for medical costs; (2) all income tax refunds and Federal income tax credits; (3) the value of all in-kind items; and (4) the value of all benefits received under any publicly or privately funded assistance program. Excludes from gross income: (1) payments for medical costs made on behalf of the household; (2) compensation for services performed by a student residing with the household who is not yet 18; (3) Uniform Relocation Assistance payments; (4) infrequent or irregular quarterly income; (5) all loans except deferred repayment education loans; and (6) the cost of producing self-employed income. Authorizes the Secretary to establish temporary emergency eligibility standards for households which are victims of a disaster. States that no household shall be eligible for participation in the Food Stamp program which includes an able-bodied adult between the ages of 18 and 65 who: (1) incurs a reduction of income as a result of voluntarily reducing his or her number of hours of employment without good cause; (2) fails to register for employment at a State or Federal employment office; (3) has refused to accept employment or public work within 30 miles of the person's principal residence; (4) fails to actively seek employment; or (5) is enrolled in an institution of post-secondary education as a substitute for full-time employment. Excludes from this class of ineligible individuals mothers with dependent children, primary or secondary school students, post-secondary level students or trainees' employed part-time, enrollees in a drug addiction or alcoholic treatment program, and persons working at least 30 hours per week. States that refusal to work at a plant site because of a strike or other labor dispute shall be deemed to be a refusal to accept employment. Declares that no person shall be eligible who is not a citizen or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence. States that no minor shall be considered a household member if such minor resides in a household in which no other member has a legal duty to support him unless: (1) the individual who had such a duty is financially unable to perform it; or (2) no individual with such duty exists. Requires each household receiving food stamps to report its income at least once each month. Declares that no household that knowingly transfers liquid or nonliquid assets for the purpose of qualifying or attempting to qualify for the food stamp program shall be eligible to participate in the program for a minimum of 90 days. States that no person who receives supplementary security income benefits under title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) of the Social Security Act. State supplementary payments under such title, or payments under specified provisions of title II (Old Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of such Act, shall be considered a member of a household for any month, if for such month, such individual resides in a State in which the Supplemental Security Income benefit has been increased specifically to include the bonus value of food coupon allotments. Requires food coupons to be designed with spaces for the user to sign upon receipt and redemption. Requires coupon users to present suitable identification; including signature and photograph, when redeeming coupons at approved food stores. States that the value of the food coupon allotment to which eligible households will be entitled shall be an amount sufficient to allow a household to purchase a nutritionally adequate diet. Requires the semi-annual adjustment of the value of an allotment based on changes in the cost of food. Establishes as the charge a household shall pay for its coupon allotment the lesser of: (1) the percentage of its income which would be expended for food by an average household of its size and income range in the same region of the country; or (2) 30 percent. Provides, under the requirements for State plans for the administration of the food stamp program, for closer State supervision of eligibility by households. Requires the State agencies administering the program to conduct nutrition education programs for recipients. Directs each State agency to establish an earnings clearance system for the purpose of checking the actual income and assets of a household against those reported by the household. Provides that if a State agency does not comply with the provisions of the Food Stamp Act, the Secretary may refer the matter to the Attorney General with a request for an injunction, or he may direct that there be no further issuance of coupons in the political subdivisions where such failure has occurred until such time as satisfactory corrective action has been taken. Establishes a national system for providing information to State agencies in order to assist them in preventing households from receiving food stamps in more than one State or in more than one political subdivision within a State. Sets a civil penalty not in excess of $10,000 for each violation of the Food Stamp Act of 1964 or regulations issued pursuant to it by specified persons, including State agencies. Directs the Secretary to pay to each State agency out of funds appropriated by Congress an amount equal to 75 percent of all direct costs of State food stamp program investigations, prosecutions, and State activities related to recovering losses sustained in the food stamp program. Specifies information to included in the Secretary's annual report in addition to information already given.

Bill· HRH.R. 6333 (95th)referred

A bill to reform the food stamp program by improving and strengthening various provisions relating to eligibility benefits and administration; improving the nutritional focus of the program and redirecting benefits to those truly in need.

United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1977

National Food Stamp Reform Act - Extends the Food Stamp Act of 1964 through fiscal year 1982. Excludes from the definition of "food" which may be purchased with food stamps alcoholic beverages, tobacco, ice cubes, artificial food colorings, powdered and liquid cocktail mixes, carbonated beverages, cooking wines, and chewing gum; and any other food, class of food, food product or condiment which the Secretary of Agriculture, in consultation with the President of the National Academy of Sciences - National Research Council (Food and Nutrition Board), determines to have a negligible or low nutritional value or to be an insignificant enhancement of palatability. Includes residents of federally subsidized housing for the elderly in the definition of "household". Redefines "elderly person" as someone 65 years or older (currently, 60 years of age). Defines "nutritionally adequate diet" as a diet sufficient to feed a family of four persons, consisting of a man and a woman between 20 and 54 years of age, one child between ages nine and eleven and one child between six and eight, and which meets additional specified conditions. Directs the Secretary to establish uniform national standards of eligibility for participation by households in the food stamp program. Requires the income standards of eligibility in every State to be the nonfarm income poverty guidelines prescribed by the Office of Management and Budget, adjusted annually; but limits the standards for Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Guam to those of the 50 States. Sets a 90-day accounting period for certification or recertification of food stamp applicants. Limits the maximum allowable financial resources (liquid and nonliquid assets) of a household to $1,500, except that, for households or two or more persons with one or more members 65 years or older, such resources are limited to $2,250. Specifies holdings excluded from the determination of such resources. Requires household income for purposes of the food stamp program to be the gross income of the household less: (1) a deduction of $25 a month for any household in which there is at least one elderly person; and (2) an additional deduction equal to 15 percent of all earned income to compensate for taxes, mandatory deductions, and work expenses. Includes in gross income: (1) all monetary payments to or on behalf of any household member except payments made for medical costs; (2) all income tax refunds and Federal income tax credits; (3) the value of all in-kind items; and (4) the value of all benefits received under any publicly or privately funded assistance program. Excludes from gross income: (1) payments for medical costs made on behalf of the household; (2) compensation for services performed by a student residing with the household who is not yet 18; (3) Uniform Relocation Assistance payments; (4) infrequent or irregular quarterly income; (5) all loans except deferred repayment education loans; and (6) the cost of producing self-employed income. Authorizes the Secretary to establish temporary emergency eligibility standards for households which are victims of a disaster. States that no household shall be eligible for participation in the Food Stamp program which includes an able- bodied adult between the ages of 18 and 65 who: (1) incurs a reduction of income as a result of voluntarily reducing his or her number of hours of employment without good cause; (2) fails to register for employment at a State or Federal employment office; (3) has refused to accept employment or public work within 30 miles of the person's principal residence; (4) fails to actively seek employment; or (5) is enrolled in an institution of post-secondary education as a substitute for full-time employment. Excludes from this class of ineligible individuals mothers with dependent children, primary or secondary school students, post-secondary level students or trainees' employed part-time, enrollees in a drug addiction or alcoholic treatment program, and persons working at least 30 hours per week. States that refusal to work at a plant site because of a strike or other labor dispute shall be deemed to be a refusal to accept employment. Declares that no person shall be eligible who is not a citizen or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence. States that no minor shall be considered a household member if such minor resides in a household in which no other member has a legal duty to support him unless: (1) the individual who had such a duty is financially unable to perform it; or (2) no individual with such duty exists. Requires each household receiving food stamps to report its income at least once each month. Declares that no household that knowingly transfers liquid or nonliquid assets for the purpose of qualifying or attempting to qualify for the food stamp program shall be eligible to participate in the program for a minimum of 90 days. States that no person who receives supplementary security income benefits under title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) of the Social Security Act, State supplementary payments under such title, or payments under specified provisions of title II (Old Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of such Act, shall be considered a member of a household for any month, if for such month, such individual resides in a State in which the Supplemental Security Income benefit has been increased specifically to include the bonus value of food coupon allotments. Requires food coupons to be designed with spaces for the user to sign upon receipt and redemption. Requires coupon users to present suitable identification; including signature and photograph, when redeeming coupons at approved food stores. States that the value of the food coupon allotment to which eligible households will be entitled shall be an amount sufficient to allow a household to purchase a nutritionally adequate diet. Requires the semi-annual adjustment of the value of an allotment based on changes in the cost of food. Establishes as the charge a household shall pay for its coupon allotment the lesser of: (1) the percentage of its income which would be expended for food by an average household of its size and income range in the same region of the country; or (2) 30 percent. Provides, under the requirements for State plans for the administration of the food stamp program, for closer State supervision of eligibility by households. Requires the State agencies administering the program to conduct nutrition education programs for recipients. Directs each State agency to establish an earnings clearance system for the purpose of checking the actual income and assets of a household against those reported by the household. Provides that if a State agency does not comply with the provisions of the Food Stamp Act, the Secretary may refer the matter to the Attorney General with a request for an injunction, or he may direct that there be no further issuance of coupons in the political subdivisions where such failure has occurred until such time as satisfactory corrective action has been taken. Establishes a national system for providing information to State agencies in order to assist them in preventing households from receiving food stamps in more than one State or in more than one political subdivision within a State. Sets a civil penalty not in excess of $10,000 for each violation of the Food Stamp Act of 1964 or regulations issued pursuant to it by specified persons, including State agencies. Directs the Secretary to pay to each State agency out of funds appropriated by Congress an amount equal to 75 percent of all direct costs of State food stamp program investigations, prosecutions, and State activities related to recovering losses sustained in the food stamp program. Specifies information to included in the Secretary's annual report in addition to information already given.

Bill· HRH.R. 6362 (95th)passed

A bill to establish an Advisory Committee on Timber Sales Procedure appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture for the purposes of studying and making recommendations with respect to procedures by which timber is sold by the Forest Service, and to restore stability to the Forest Service timber sales program and provide an opportunity for congressional review.

United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1977

Establishes within the Department of Agriculture an Advisory Committee on Timber Sales Procedures to study the methods by which the Forest Service sells timber and to make independent recommendations with respect to establishing procedures by which the Service will be able to sell timber in a manner which will, over the long term, provide for community stability and which will provide the most stable return to the Federal Government while maintaining diversity in terms of sizes, types and locations of operations and facilities which process timber. Terminates such Advisory Committee upon its submission of its findings and recommendations to the Secretary of Agriculture and to the appropriate committees of Congress. Repeals the provision of the National Forest Management Act of 1976 which directs the Secretary to take appropriate action to obviate collusive practices in bidding for trees, portions of trees, or forest products from National Forest System lands.

Bill· HRH.R. 6332 (95th)referred

National Food Stamp Reform Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1977

National Food Stamp Reform Act - Extends the Food Stamp Act of 1964 through fiscal year 1982. Excludes from the definition of "food" which may be purchased with food stamps alcoholic beverages, tobacco, ice cubes, artificial food colorings, powdered and liquid cocktail mixes, carbonated beverages, cooking wines, and chewing gum; and any other food, class of food, food product or condiment which the Secretary of Agriculture, in consultation with the President of the National Academy of Sciences - National Research Council (Food and Nutrition Board), determines to have a negligible or low nutritional value or to be an insignificant enhancement of palatability. Includes residents of federally subsidized housing for the elderly in the definition of "household". Redefines "elderly person" as someone 65 years or older (currently, 60 years of age). Defines "nutritionally adequate diet" as a diet sufficient to feed a family of four persons, consisting of a man and a woman between 20 and 54 years of age, one child between ages nine and eleven and one child between six and eight, and which meets additional specified conditions. Directs the Secretary to establish uniform national standards of eligibility for participation by households in the food stamp program. Requires the income standards of eligibility in every State to be the nonfarm income poverty guidelines prescribed by the Office of Management and Budget, adjusted annually; but limits the standards for Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Guam to those of the 50 States. Sets a 90-day accounting period for certification or recertification of food stamp applicants. Limits the maximum allowable financial resources (liquid and nonliquid assets) of a household to $1,500, except that, for households or two or more persons with one or more members 65 years or older, such resources are limited to $2,250. Specifies holdings excluded from the determination of such resources. Requires household income for purposes of the food stamp program to be the gross income of the household less: (1) a deduction of $25 a month for any household in which there is at least one elderly person; and (2) an additional deduction equal to 15 percent of all earned income to compensate for taxes, mandatory deductions, and work expenses. Includes in gross income: (1) all monetary payments to or on behalf of any household member except payments made for medical costs; (2) all income tax refunds and Federal income tax credits; (3) the value of all in-kind items; and (4) the value of all benefits received under any publicly or privately funded assistance program. Excludes from gross income: (1) payments for medical costs made on behalf of the household; (2) compensation for services performed by a student residing with the household who is not yet 18; (3) Uniform Relocation Assistance payments; (4) infrequent or irregular quarterly income; (5) all loans except deferred repayment education loans; and (6) the cost of producing self-employed income. Authorizes the Secretary to establish temporary emergency eligibility standards for households which are victims of a disaster. States that no household shall be eligible for participation in the Food Stamp program which includes an able- bodied adult between the ages of 18 and 65 who: (1) incurs a reduction of income as a result of voluntarily reducing his or her number of hours of employment without good cause; (2) fails to register for employment at a State or Federal employment office; (3) has refused to accept employment or public work within 30 miles of the person's principal residence; (4) fails to actively seek employment; or (5) is enrolled in an institution of post-secondary education as a substitute for full-time employment. Excludes from this class of ineligible individuals mothers with dependent children, primary or secondary school students, post-secondary level students or trainees' employed part-time, enrollees in a drug addiction or alcoholic treatment program, and persons working at least 30 hours per week. States that refusal to work at a plant site because of a strike or other labor dispute shall be deemed to be a refusal to accept employment. Declares that no person shall be eligible who is not a citizen or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence. States that no minor shall be considered a household member if such minor resides in a household in which no other member has a legal duty to support him unless: (1) the individual who had such a duty is financially unable to perform it; or (2) no individual with such duty exists. Requires each household receiving food stamps to report its income at least once each month. Declares that no household that knowingly transfers liquid or nonliquid assets for the purpose of qualifying or attempting to qualify for the food stamp program shall be eligible to participate in the program for a minimum of 90 days. States that no person who receives supplementary security income benefits under title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) of the Social Security Act, State supplementary payments under such title, or payments under specified provisions of title II (Old Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of such Act, shall be considered a member of a household for any month, if for such month, such individual resides in a State in which the Supplemental Security Income benefit has been increased specifically to include the bonus value of food coupon allotments. Requires food coupons to be designed with spaces for the user to sign upon receipt and redemption. Requires coupon users to present suitable identification; including signature and photograph, when redeeming coupons at approved food stores. States that the value of the food coupon allotment to which eligible households will be entitled shall be an amount sufficient to allow a household to purchase a nutritionally adequate diet. Requires the semi-annual adjustment of the value of an allotment based on changes in the cost of food. Establishes as the charge a household shall pay for its coupon allotment the lesser of: (1) the percentage of its income which would be expended for food by an average household of its size and income range in the same region of the country; or (2) 30 percent. Provides, under the requirements for State plans for the administration of the food stamp program, for closer State supervision of eligibility by households. Requires the State agencies administering the program to conduct nutrition education programs for recipients. Directs each State agency to establish an earnings clearance system for the purpose of checking the actual income and assets of a household against those reported by the household. Provides that if a State agency does not comply with the provisions of the Food Stamp Act, the Secretary may refer the matter to the Attorney General with a request for an injunction, or he may direct that there be no further issuance of coupons in the political subdivisions where such failure has occurred until such time as satisfactory corrective action has been taken. Establishes a national system for providing information to State agencies in order to assist them in preventing households from receiving food stamps in more than one State or in more than one political subdivision within a State. Sets a civil penalty not in excess of $10,000 for each violation of the Food Stamp Act of 1964 or regulations issued pursuant to it by specified persons, including State agencies. Directs the Secretary to pay to each State agency out of funds appropriated by Congress an amount equal to 75 percent of all direct costs of State food stamp program investigations, prosecutions, and State activities related to recovering losses sustained in the food stamp program. Specifies information to included in the Secretary's annual report in addition to information already given.

Bill· HRH.R. 6318 (95th)referred

Food Additive Safety Amendments

United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1977

Food Additive Safety Amendments - States that a food additive shall be deemed safe if the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare (1) makes a finding, based on recommendations of an advisory committee, that the public benefit from permitting the use of such additive would exceed the public risk which might result from such use; (2) gives notice in the Federal Register of such a finding and invites public comment thereon; and (3) issues a final order not earlier than 120 days of such publication in the Federal Register of such findings. Specifies factors the Secretary must take into consideration when evaluating a food additive. Deems saccharin a safe food additive unless the Secretary declares it unsafe under the provisions of this Act.

Bill· HRH.R. 6265 (95th)referred

Uncrazying of Federal Regulations Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1977

Un-crazying of Federal Regulations Act - Makes the manufacture, distribution, and sale of saccharin for human consumption lawful in the United States and its territories. Requires the following wording on every container of saccharin sold after the enactment of this Act: "Warning: The Canadians have determined that saccharin is dangerous to your rat's health.

Bill· HRH.R. 6266 (95th)referred

A bill to permit marketing orders to include provisions concerning marketing promotion, including paid advertisement, of raisins and distribution among handlers of the pro rata costs of such promotion.

United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1977

Permits marketing orders under the Agricultural Adjustment Act, as reenacted and amended by the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937, to include provisions concerning marketing promotion, including paid advertisement, of raisins. Authorizes distribution among producers of the pro rata costs of such promotion.

Bill· SS. 1272 (95th)referred

National Food Stamp Reform Act for the Elderly

United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1977

National Food Stamp Reform Act for the Elderly - Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1964 to permit recipients of social security, supplemental security income, or unemployment compensation benefits to apply for food stamps and be certified for eligibility at social security or unemployment compensation offices. Requires certification, subject to change-of-income conditions, for a period of one year for households containing one or more elderly persons but no wage earners. Eliminates charges for food stamps and replaces "authorization to purchase" cards with "issuance authorization" cards.

Bill· HRH.R. 6220 (95th)referred

A bill to amend the Federal Meat Inspection Act with respect to custom slaughtering.

United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1977

Exempts from the inspection requirements of the Federal Meat Inspection Act the custom slaughtering of livestock by any person who does not engage in buying or selling meat or meat products. Allows such an exemption if (1) such livestock is delivered by the owner thereof for such slaughter; (2) the preparation by such slaughterer and transportation in commerce of carcasses, meat, meat food products of such livestock is exclusively for use in the household of such owner and not for resale; and (3) such slaughtering meets sanitation requirements established and enforced by the State in which such slaughtering is conducted.

Bill· HRH.R. 6216 (95th)referred

A bill to amend title 39, United States Code, to provide that controlled circulation publications relating to agriculture shall be eligible for reduced rates of postage on the same basis as science of agricultural publications.

United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1977

Establishes the rate of postage for any controlled circulation publication relating to agriculture or farming at an amount which bears the same ratio to the general postage rate for controlled circulation publications as the rate of postage for any publication relating to the science of agriculture bears to the rate of postage for second-class mail.

Bill· HRH.R. 6247 (95th)referred

Food Additive Safety Amendments

United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1977

Food Additive Safety Amendments - States that a food additive shall be deemed safe if the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare (1) makes a finding, based on recommendations of an advisory committee, that the public benefit from permitting the use of such additive would exceed the public risk which might result from such use; (2) gives notice in the Federal Register of such a finding and invites public comment thereon; and (3) issues a final order not earlier than 120 days of such publication in the Federal Register of such findings. Specifies factors the Secretary must take into consideration when evaluating a food additive. Deems saccharin a safe food additive unless the Secretary declares it unsafe under the provisions of this Act.

Bill· HRH.R. 6204 (95th)referred

A bill to restrict, with respect to any census of agriculture, the information which may be acquired or released by the Bureau of the Census, and to prohibit the imposition of a penalty for refusing or willfully neglecting to answer any question in connection with any such census.

United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1977

Prohibits the Bureau of the Census, with respect to agricultural censuses, from acquiring or utilizing census information which could identify any particular taxpayer. Extends such prohibition to the Department of the Treasury and any regulatory agency with respect to information collected by the Bureau pursuant to an agricultural census. Prohibits the imposition of any penalty for refusing or willfully neglecting to answer any question in connection with an agricultural census.

Bill· HRH.R. 6227 (95th)referred

A bill to establish an emergency livestock program for the purpose of directing the Secretary of Agriculture to make direct loans to certain owners of livestock during emergency periods.

United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1977

Establishes an emergency program for making direct loans to bona fide farmers and ranchers engaged in livestock operations and to small business corporations and partnerships. Specifies eligibility requirements such persons and partnerships must meet. Sets formulae for the calculation of loan amounts. Limits the repayment period to seven years and interest to five percent or less. Provides such assistance to eligible persons who either: (1) need financial assistance to maintain their livestock operations throughout the period of an emergency or (2) have sold or substantially reduced such operations as a result of emergency conditions, and will be able to obtain (with the Federal assistance) private financing in reestablishing such operations.

Bill· HRH.R. 6135 (95th)passed

A bill to amend the U.S. Grain Standards Act with respect to recordkeeping requirements and supervision fees.

United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1977

Grants to the Administrator of the Federal Grain Inspection Service, under the United States Grain Standards Act of 1976, discretion as to the transactions and processes about which he shall require agencies and persons subject to the official inspection or weighing of grain to maintain complete and accurate records. Reduces the amount of fees paid for inspection or weighing from 100 percent to 50 percent of the costs of direct inspection or weighing, or the direct supervision of personnel performing such functions, by the field office personnel of the Federal Grain Inspection Service. Excludes persons operating under a contract with the Service from performing appeal inspections or weighings at Canadian ports. Permits the Secretary of Agriculture to delegate authority to the Service to perform related functions for grain and similar commodities and products thereof under other statutes administered by the Department of Agriculture. Amends specified provisions of the United States Grain Standards Act of 1976 to: (1) delete the general exception to the provision limiting the number of official agencies for inspection or weighing to one for any geographic area; (2) authorize the Administrator to make exceptions to the general prohibition against the inspection by an official agency of grain samples not physically located within the geographical area assigned to such agency; and (3) provide for the collection of reasonable fees to cover the estimated costs to the Service incident to the testing of inspection and weighing equipment. Prohibits any person from knowingly making any false representation that any weighing service under such Act has been performed. Extends the deadline dates for submission to the appropriate Committees of Congress of reports on specified studies being conducted regarding the present grain inspection and weighing system.

Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 390 (95th)referred

Joint resolution to provide for a study of the effects of saccharin.

United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1977

Requires the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to conduct a study of the effects of saccharin within one year of the enactment of this resolution. Directs the Secretary to submit a report on the findings of such study to the President and Congress. Prohibits the banning of saccharin until such report has been submitted to the President and Congress.

Law· SS. 1240 (95th)open

A bill to extend the time for conducting the referendum with respect to the national marketing quota for wheat for the marketing year beginning June 1, 1978.

United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1977

Amends the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 to postpone the national marketing quota referendum for the 1978 wheat crop until either October 15, 1977, or 30 days after adjournment sine die of the first session of the Ninety-fifth Congress, whichever date is earlier.

Bill· SS. 1233 (95th)referred

Emergency Food and Agriculture Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1977

Emergency Food and Agriculture Act - Title I: Payment Limitation For Wheat,Feed Grains, and Upland Cotton - Increases the total amount of payments a person shall be entitled to receive under specified annual programs of the Agricultural Act of 1970 from $20,000 to $30,000. Title II: Dairy - Sets the price support of milk, under the Agricultural Act of 1949, at no less than 90 percent of parity as of the date of enactment, adjusted quarterly, and ending March 31, 1978. Title III: Wool Program - Sets the price support for 1977 wool and mohair under the National Wool Act of 1954, at not less than 100 percent of parity. Title IV: Wheat Program - Sets the loan level for the 1977 crop of wheat, under the Agricultural Act of 1949, as amended, at not less than 90 percent of the established price. Sets the established price of wheat per bushel at $4.98. Title V: Feed Grain Program - Sets the loan level for the 1977 crop of corn at not less than 90 percent of parity. Sets the established price of corn per bushel at $3.42. Title VI: Upland Cotton Program - Sets the nonrecourse loan level for the 1977 crop of upland cotton, under the Agricultural Act of 1949, as amended, at not less than 90 percent of the established price. Sets the established price of cotton per pound at 82.84 cents. Title VII: Soybean Program - Sets the loan level for the 1977 crop of soybeans under the Agricultural Act of 1949, at not less than 90 percent of the established price. Sets the established price of soybeans per bushel at $7.54. Title VIII: Rice Program - Sets the established price for the 1977 crop of rice, under the Agricultural Act of 1949, at $13.60 per hundredweight. Sets the loan level at $12.24 per hundredweight. Title IX: Dry Edible Beans - Sets the loan level for the 1977 crop of dry edible beans, under the Agricultural Act of 1949, at not less than 90 percent of the established price. Sets the established price per hundredweight of dry edible beans at $26.40.

Bill· HRH.R. 6096 (95th)referred

Food and Nutrition Program Consolidation and Reorganization Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1977

Food and Nutrition Program Consolidation and Reorganization Act - Provides the States with the option of consolidating and reorganizing the following food assistance programs: (1) the food stamp program under the Food Stamp Act of 1964, (2) the child feeding programs of the National School Lunch Act and Child Nutrition Act of 1966, and (3) the commodity supplemental food program. Allows any State to participate in the consolidation program, and guarantees that a participating State shall receive the funds it would otherwise have received under the above-mentioned programs. Permits a State to receive a planning grant of up to two percent of the amount that State presently receives under the four existing programs, in order to prepare a consolidated plan conforming to this Act. Sets forth requirements for receiving such a grant. Requires each State desiring to receive funds for the consolidation program to (1) designate a State agency to assess the food and nutrition needs of the States needy population, to formulate and monitor the State consolidation plan and to receive and apportion State and Federal funds earmarked for the program; (2) publish, prior to consolidated assistance and every fourth year thereafter, a four-year comprehensive State plan which conforms to the requirements of this Act, and update that plan annually; (3) certify to the Secretary of Agriculture that the requirements of #2 have been complied with; and (4) provide for an annual audit of expenditures, and to report the findings of that audit to the Secretary. Mandates that each State, in developing the State plan, establish procedures to assure that (1) an assessment is made to determine the food and nutrition needs of the State's needy, (2) funds used under this Act will be coordinated with State, local, and Federal funds and programs, (3) adequate notice and an opportunity for public comment is provided for proposed changes in the State plan, (4) procedures are established to assure that State regulations will be established, amended, or repealed consistent with State administrative procedure and due process, and (5) Federal funds provided under this Act supplement and not supplant State or local funds. Requires that a State plan (1) set forth the procedure for and results of the food and nutrition needs assessment, (2) state the goals to be achieved under the plan, (3) provide for procedures, in conformance with this Act, for distribution of funds to local agencies and organizations, (4) set out the State's program for providing meals and nutrition education in connection with certain federally funded programs carried out with funds not provided under this Act, (5) provide procedures for monitoring activities of agencies and organizations responsible for administering the State plan, (6) provide for an audit of the expenditure of funds by those agencies and organizations, (7) prescribe procedures for State action when such agencies fail to implement a program plan, and provide an appeal process for an agency which is dissatisfied with that State action, and (8) provide that an annual audit be prepared of all expenditures and that the audit be reported to the Secretary. Requires the Secretary to notify a State, within 60 days after receiving its comprehensive State plan, whether such plan complies with this Act. Mandates that the Secretary indicate in what respect the plan fails to comply, and the action the State must take to comply. Provides that a State participating in a consolidated program is eligible to receive an additional grant for carrying out that program equal to 10 percent of its total entitlement, provided that such amount is matched by the State with an equal amount of non-Federal funds. States that the amounts that all States are entitled to in a fiscal year shall be ratably reduced if the sums appropriated in that year for State payments are not sufficient to pay each state the entire amount to which it is entitled. Requires the Secretary to furnish the same services-in- kind which would have been furnished to the State had the State not participated in the consolidated program. Permits the States to purchase food service equipment and facilities with funds made available under this Act. Forbids any State from using funds made available under this Act in excess of 7 1/2 percent of those funds for administrative expenses (excludes the State's share of matching funds). Provides for evaluations and monitoring of the program authorized under this Act. Requires the Secretary to carry out a program of grants to States which consolidate under this Act for purposes of interstate cooperation. Authorizes $3,000,000 to be appropriated in each of the ten fiscal years beginning October 1, 1977 to carry out this provision. Forbids payment of funds to any State which has not certified to the Secretary that it has published its comprehensive State plan or update in accordance with this Act. Provides sanctions which may be imposed by the Secretary if a State's comprehensive plan is not in compliance with this Act, or if the State fails to follow its comprehensive plan. Provides for both administrative and judicial review of any sanctions imposed. Provides for the participation of children enrolled in private or Indian tribal schools if a State is prohibited by law from providing for their participation. Provides criminal penalties for anyone who embezzles, steals, or fraudulently obtains any funds authorized by this Act. States that, effective October 1, 1982, the consolidation program shall terminate. Directs the Secretary to establish orderly procedures for such termination.

Bill· HRH.R. 6052 (95th)referred

National Food Stamp Reform Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1977

National Food Stamp Reform Act - Defines "household" under the Food Stamp Act as meaning a group of individuals who are sharing common living quarters, but who are not residents of an institution or boarding house, and who have access to cooking facilities and for whom food is customarily purchased in common. Requires the Secretary to establish uniform national standards of eligibility for participation by households in the food stamp program. States that the income standards of eligibility shall be the income poverty guidelines prescribed by the Office of Management and Budget adjusted pursuant to the Economic Opportunity Act. Directs the Secretary to prescribe additional standards of eligibility which shall include, but not be limited to, the amounts of liquid and nonliquid assets. Provides that household income for purposes of the food stamp program shall be the gross income of the household less: (1) a standard deduction of $100 a month applicable to all households; and (2) an additional deduction of $25 a month for any household in which there is at least one member who is age 65 or older. Limits eligibility to participate in the food stamp program to citizens and aliens lawfully admitted for permanent residency. States that no individual shall be considered eligible for the food stamp program as a member of a household if he is: (1) over 18; (2) is enrolled at an institution of higher education; and (3) is a dependent child for income tax purposes of a taxpayer who is not a member of an eligible household. Prohibits households which transfer liquid or nonliquid assets for the purpose of qualifying for the food stamp program from becoming eligible for at least a 90-day period. Requires the Secretary to issue photo identification cards to households certified eligible to participate in the program. States that households shall be charged 30 percent of their income for the coupon allotment issued to them. States that if a State agency does not comply with the provisions of the Food Stamp Act, the Secretary may refer the matter to the Attorney General with a request for an injunction, or he may direct that there be no further issuance of coupons in the political subdivisions where such failure has occurred until such time as satisfactory corrective action has been taken. Directs the Secretary to pay to each State agency out of funds appropriated by Congress an amount equal to 75 percent of all direct costs of State food stamp program investigations, prosecutions, and State activities related to recovering losses sustained in the food stamp program. Provides for a civil money penalty of up to $10,000 for each violation of the Food Stamp Act.

Bill· HRH.R. 6036 (95th)referred

Emergency Food and Agriculture Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1977

Emergency Food and Agriculture Act - Title I: Payment Limitation - Increases the total amount of payments a person shall be entitled to receive under specified annual programs of the Agricultural Act of 1970 from $20,000 to $30,000. Title II: Dairy - Sets the price support of milk, under the Agricultural Act of 1949, at no less than 90 percent of parity as of the date of enactment, adjusted quarterly, and ending March 31, 1978. Title III: Wool Program - Sets the price support for 1977 wool and mohair under the National Wool Act of 1954, at not less than 100 percent of parity. Title IV: Wheat Program - Sets the loan level for the 1977 crop of wheat, under the Agricultural Act of 1949, as amended, at not less than 90 percent of the established price. Sets the established price of wheat per bushel at $4.98. Title V: Feed Grain Program - Sets the loan level for the 1977 crop of corn at not less than 90 percent of parity. Sets the established price of corn per bushel at $3.42. Title VI: Upland Cotton Program - Sets the nonrecourse loan level for the 1977 crop of upland cotton, under the Agricultural Act of 1949, as amended, at not less than 90 percent of the established price. Sets the established price of cotton per pound at 82.84 cents. Title VII: Soybean Program - Sets the loan level for the 1977 crop of soybeans, under the Agricultural Act of 1949, at not less than 90 percent of the established price. Sets the established price of soybeans per bushel at $7.54. Title VIII: Rice Program - Sets the established price for the 1977 crop of rice under the Agricultural Act of 1949, at $13.60 per hundredweight. Sets the loan level at $12.24 per hundredweight. Title IX: Dry Edible Beans - Sets the loan level for the 1977 crop of dry edible beans, under the Agricultural Act of 1949, at not less than 90 percent of the established price. Sets the established price per hundredweight of dry edible beans at $26.40.

Bill· HRH.R. 6014 (95th)referred

World Food Reserve Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1977

World Food Reserve Act - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a food reserve to help meet emergency food conditions in any area of the United States or in any foreign country which suffers a severe loss of its food supply because of a natural disaster. Authorizes the Secretary to permit foreign countries to participate in the program by purchasing certain commodities and paying the required storage and handling costs.

Bill· HRH.R. 6039 (95th)referred

A bill to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to broaden the discretion of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare respecting certain food additives found to induce cancer in animals.

United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1977

Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to allow the use of a food additive for dietary management of health disorders or disease, even though such additive is found to induce cancer in animals, if the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare determines the benefits to human health of such use outweigh the risks. Directs the Secretary to take into account in making such a determination (1) all scientific data and information on the additive; (2) the scientific validity, analysis, and other conditions concerning the animal testing of such additive; and (3) current knowledge about the reliability of predicting cancer in humans from use of an additive found to induce cancer in animals.

Bill· SS. 1219 (95th)referred

Domestic and International Food Security Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1977

Domestic and International Food Security Act - Title I: Producer Storage Program - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to formulate and carry out a program under which the producers of wheat and feed grains will be able to extend the time period of a price support loan for any period up to three years. States formulas for determining at which times the Secretary may call for delivery to market of one-quarter, one-half, or all of the commodities stored by a producer under this program. Requires the Secretary, 90 days before the beginning of the marketing year for each respective crop, to announce: (1) the total quantity of such commodity which will be held under the program; and (2) the maximum quantity of any commodity which any producer may have in storage. Sets formulas for the determination of such quantities. Authorizes the Secretary to make loans through the Commodity Credit Corporation to assist producers to construct new storage facilities or to expand or improve existing facilities. Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to prohibit the corporation from selling in any quarter any quantity of its stocks in excess of a quantity equal to one-half of the total quantity of the particular commodity on hand at the beginning of such quarter. Prohibits the sale of any of such stocks at less than 150 per cent of the current national average loan rate for the particular commodity. Title II: International Emergency Food Reserve - Authorizes the President: (1) to enter into negotiations with other nations to develop an international system of food reserves to provide for humanitarian food relief needs; and (2) to establish and maintain an International Emergency Food Reserve, as a contribution of the United States toward the development of such a system, to be made available in the event of food emergencies in foreign countries. Requires for such Reserve minimum stocks of two million tons, allowing an increase up to 6,000,000 tons pursuant to an international agreement.

Bill· HRH.R. 5994 (95th)referred

A bill to extend the Rice Production Act of 1975 through the 1981 crops of rice.

United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1977

Extends the provisions of the Rice Production Act of 1975 from the 1977 through the 1981 crop year. States that for the 1978, 1979, 1980 and 1981 crops: (1) the established price for each such rice crop shall be the established price for the crop immediately preceding the crop for which the price is established, adjusted in each year to reflect any changes in the index of prices paid by farmers for specified items; and (2) the loan rate for each such crop shall be established at such rate as bears the same ratio to the loan rate for the preceding year's crop as the established price for each such crop bears to the established price for the preceding year's crop. Requires that cooperators receiving payments for the 1978 through 1981 crops must have planted no less than 90 percent of their allotments. States that acreage on a farm not planted to rice because of drought, flood, other natural disaster, or a condition beyond the control of the producer shall be considered to be acreage planted to rice.

Bill· HRH.R. 5954 (95th)referred

Food Additive Safety Amendments

United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1977

Food Additive Safety Amendments - States that a food additive shall be deemed safe if the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare (1) makes a finding, based on recommendations of an advisory committee, that the public benefit from permitting the use of such additive would exceed the public risk which might result from such use; (2) gives notice in the Federal Register of such a finding and invites public comment thereon; and (3) issues a final order not earlier than 120 days of such publication in the Federal Register of such findings. Specifies factors the Secretary must take into consideration when evaluating a food additive. Deems saccharin a safe food additive unless the Secretary declares it unsafe under the provisions of this Act.

Bill· HRH.R. 5943 (95th)referred

A bill to encourage the establishment of wind erosion control and wildlife habitat areas which meet standards prescribed by the Secretary of Agriculture.

United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1977

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide an income tax credit for the amounts paid or incurred by the taxpayer to convert land held in the United States and formerly used for agriculture or raising livestock into an area used exclusively for providing vegetative cover for wind erosion control or wildlife habitat. Provides that such wind erosion control and wildlife habitat areas must: (1) meet such requirements as are established by the Secretary of Agriculture; (2) be no less than 20 feet, nor more than 60 feet in width; and (3) comprise no more than 15 percent of the area of any farm. Provides for the recapture of such credits to the extent that credit is taken for land which ceases to be a wind erosion control or wildlife habitat area, or is transferred by the taxpayer (except by reason of death, or in certain tax-free corporate acquisitions) within three years after the credit is taken. Provides for the carryover of allowable credit to the extent it exceeds the taxpayer's liability. Reduces the taxpayer's basis, and disallows any deduction of expenditures properly charged to capital account for which this credit is taken.

Bill· HRH.R. 5935 (95th)referred

A bill to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to take an enumeration of horses in 1978 and every 5 years thereafter.

United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1977

Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, through the Statistical Reporting Service, to take an enumeration of horses in the United States, by the "sampling" method if preferred, in 1978 and in every fifth year beginning after 1978. Authorizes the appropriation of $3,000,000 for fiscal year 1978 and $600,000 for each following fiscal year.

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