These hearings on Senate bill 418 (Displaced Homemakers Act, 1977) explore the problems or barriers confronting women (primarily middle-aged) who are seeking to reenter the labor force or enter it for the first time and ways that existing or new Federal programs can more adequately serve the needs of these women. The first of several witnesses whose testimony is included were Marian Thompson, associate professor and specialist in women's education, University of Wisconsin Extension; Mary King, Deputy Director, Action; Richard Batterton, Secretary, Maryland Department of Human Resources; and Susan Catania, Representative, Illinois State House of Representatives. Numerous letters, prepared statements, and supplementary materials relating to the proposed legislation are included. (EM)