United States · United States Congress · 12 July 1977
Declares that it is the sense of the Congress that the United States Postal Services should not reduce the frequency of mail delivery service for any user of the mails below the frequency of such service which was in effect for such user of June 1, 1977.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1977
Handgun Control Act - Makes it unlawful for any person to import, manufacture, sell, buy, transfer, receive, transport, own, or possess any handgun or handgun ammunition. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to exempt from this prohibition handguns: (1) required for the operation of licensed pistol clubs; (2) utilized by Federal, State, and local agencies or by licensed security guard services; or (3) manufactured prior to 1890 which are unserviceable and outdated for use as collector's items. Requires a pistol club desiring to be licensed to file an application with the Secretary. Conditions approval of such an application on the club's meeting specified requirements. Provides for administrative and judicial review of a license denial or revocation. Imposes criminal penalties on persons violating the provisions of this Act, including those persons making misrepresentations in required records or in license applications. Subjects to seizure and forfeiture any handgun used, or intended to be used, in any act which violates this Act or other Federal criminal law. Establishes procedures for the reimbursement of persons voluntarily delivering handguns to a law enforcement agency. (Adds 18 U.S.C. 1091-1101)
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1977
Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to require that comprehensive State law enforcement plans submitted thereunder include, where appropriate, police escort programs for elderly residents of high crime areas. Directs the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration to conduct a study to determine the effect of denying release to persons convicted of violent crimes against the elderly and of prosecuting juveniles committing crimes against the elderly as adult.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1977
Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to prohibit the admission of any immigrant unless a United States citizen has agreed in writing to sponsor and to provide financial support to such immigrant for five years after entering the United States. Makes such agreement enforceable against the sponsor in the United States district court for the district in which the sponsor resides.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1977
Amends the Tariff Schedules of the United States to exempt from customs duties products of the insular possessions of the United States if not more than 70 percent of the products' value is attributable to foreign materials.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1977
Victims of Crime Act - Directs the Attorney General to make grants to qualified State programs for the compensation of victims of crime. Establishes an Advisory Committee on Victims of Crime to advise the Attorney General with respect to the administration of such grant program and to the compensation of victims of crime.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1977
Amends the Supplemental Appropriations Act, 1974, to increase to three the number of Lyndon Baines Johnson congressional interns which may be hired by each Member of the House of Representatives. Authorizes the payment of additional compensation to such interns from the clerk-hire allowance.
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 1977
Social Security Rights Act - Requires that procedures be established for the expedited replacement of undelivered benefit checks under title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act. Requires that decisions (and reconsiderations) on initial benefit claims be made within 90 days. Requires that payment of benefits on approved claims begin no later than the day regularly fixed for delivery of benefit checks in the second month following the month in which the claim was approved.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 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 · 18 May 1977
Essential Maritime Transportation Act - Directs the Secretary of Commerce, upon request by the chief executive officer of a noncontiguous State or territory which has been affected by an interruption in essential maritime transportation, to take appropriate action to provide such transportation. Authorizes the Secretary, in the case of any interruption of five days or more, to: (1) activate and direct vessels of the national defense reserve fleet to provide such transportation; (2) request any officer, department, or instrumentality of the Federal Government to make available, on a nonreimbursable basis, personnel, services, or facilities for use in providing such transportation; or (3) to commence a civil action in the appropriate Federal court for an order to terminate such interruption. Authorizes Federal courts to grant such an order if such order is necessary to assure the provision of essential maritime transportation and no practicable alternative to such an order is available.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1977
Amends Title XVI (Supplemental Security Income for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled) of the Social Security Act to require that resident aliens reside continuously in the United States for five years to qualify for supplemental security income benefits. Amends the Immigrations and Nationality Act to prevent an immigrant from entering the United States unless a United States citizen (immigration sponsor) executes a document, signed in the presence of an immigration officer, agreeing to support the immigrant for five years from the date of his admission at 125 percent of the current poverty level rates. Excuses the immigration sponsor from performance of the agreement if such sponsor dies or is adjudicated a bankrupt.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 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 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 · 18 May 1977
Lifeline and Electric Rate Reform Act - Title I: General Provisions - Declares it the purpose of this Act to reform inequities in the structure of electric utility rates. Title II: Definitions - Defines the terms used in this Act. Defines the scope of coverage under this Act. Stipulates that direct Federal regulation shall not apply where regulation is specifically reserved and effectively enforced by the States in accordance with applicable national minimum standards. Title III: Electric Energy Office - Creates an Electric Energy Office in the Federal Power Commission to establish and enforce National Minimum Standards for Ratemaking to be binding upon all electric utility regulatory agencies. Requires that all electric utilities and local distributors furnish monthly reports to the office disclosing information on the amount of electric energy supplied, the amount and rate of charges for each consumer class, and the amount and costs of fuel utilized by each utility. Imposes criminal and civil penalties for failure to make full disclosure of such information. Title IV: Rate Structures - Directs the Federal Power Commission, in the exercise of its regulatory functions, to accord highest priority to residential and small business users. Prohibits regulatory authorities from permitting the sale of electric energy to low priority users at rates less than those charged to high-priority consumers. Imposes criminal penalties for the furnishing of electric-energy at rates or charges which have not been specifically approved by the appropriate regulatory agency after public hearings. Directs the Federal Power Commission to encourage conservation of electric energy by requiring that rates be graduated progressively upward for consumption of electric energy in amounts above subsistence quantities. Title V: Lifeline Electric Rates - Requires that electric utility rate charges for subsistence quantities of electric energy to residential consumers not exceed the lowest rate charged to any other electric consumer. Requires the use of graduated rate structures for consumption of electric energy in amounts above subsistence quantities. Title VI: Electric Rates for Nonresidential Customers - Requires that electric utility rate changes for nonresidential customers be the lowest rate charged to any other electric consumer in the same class. Requires progressively higher rates for consumption in excess of the basic requirements of such nonresidential customers. Title VII: Effective Dates - Stipulates that the provisions of this Act shall become effective one year from the date of its passage, unless otherwise indicated.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1977
Amends the Rules of the House of Representatives to transfer the responsibility for investigating Communist and subversive organizations affecting the internal security of the United States to a standing Committee on Internal Security established by this Resolution. Confers upon such committee the responsibility for investigating all organizations within the United States aimed at overthrowing or altering the Government of the United States by force, insurrection or other unlawful means or inciting or employing violence to obstruct the authority of the Federal Government with respect to matters of internal security of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1977
Entitles members of the armed forces and their dependents to legal assistance in connection with their personal affairs under such regulations as the appropriate Secretary may prescribe. Places responsibility for the establishment and supervision of legal assistance programs with the judge advocate generals.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1977
Authorizes the President of the United States to designate the week beginning on the Sunday preceding the fourth Thursday in November of each year as "National Family Week".
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1977
Universal Voter Registration Act - Establishes the positions of Administrator and Assistant Administrator of Voter Registration within the Federal Election Commission. Specifies the duties of the Administrator, including (1) establishing and administering a voter registration program in accordance with this Act; (2) providing for the collection, analysis, and publication of voter registration information in coordination work the Secretary of Commerce; and (3) providing information and technical assistance to State and local officials concerning voter registration. Requires each State and local government to permit any individual who is eligible under applicable State and Federal law to register to vote in any Federal election to register on the date of a Federal election at the appropriate polling place. States that any individual so registering shall, if required by State or local authorities, establish his identity by (1) executing an affidavit containing certain information and (2) submitting either an affidavit executed by a person who is registered to vote at the polling place involved and is present at such polling place with the individual seeking registration or one of any forms of identification approved by the Commission. Directs the Commission to make grants for approved voter registration outreach programs to States which comply with the election day registration requirements of this Act. Conditions the amount of such grants on whether a State has a similar election day registration program in effect with respect to State and local elections. Stipulates that a registration outreach program may include projects relating to registration by mail, registration through the use of mobile units, or bilingual registration, and those projects otherwise designed to improve voter registration methods and procedures. List the purposes for which grant funds may be used. Sets forth criminal penalties for any person who knowingly and willfully (1) register, or attempts to register, to vote under this Act for the purpose of voting more than once in any Federal election; (2) conspires with any person for the purpose of enabling such person to make false registration to vote in a Federal election under this Act or for the purpose of enabling or encouraging any individual to make such false registration to vote in a Federal election; or (3) falsifies any information with respect to the name, residence, or age of such person, or any other information for the purpose of establishing eligibility to register to vote in a Federal election under this Act. Directs the Commission to institute actions to prevent any violation for this Act. Requires Federal courts to expedite consideration of actions involving a violation of, or a constitutional challenge to, any provision of this Act. Prohibits commercial use of any list compiled by a State or local government of individuals registered to vote in a Federal election.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1977
Minimum Income Maintenance Act - Amends the Social Security Act by adding Title XXI - Minimum Income Maintenance Benefits. Establishes a national program to guarantee a minimum adequate income for all qualified residents of the United States. Establishes eligibility requirements for such program. Sets the amount of annual benefit for any eligible individual at one-half of the applicable guarantee level as defined in this Act, reduced by one-half of the amount of such individual's income. Specifies that the guarantee level shall be established by the Bureau of Labor Statistics in the Department of Labor utilizing the most recent information and data which may be available on costs, incomes, budget levels, and consumption patterns, and shall take into account variations in consumption patterns as between different areas and regions and as between families of different sizes and compositions. States that "income," for purposes of this Act, includes all earned and unearned income. Requires every individual eligible for benefits to register for services, training, and employment in a work incentive program established under the Work Incentive Program of Title IV of the Social Security Act. Makes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare responsible for the administration of this title and the program of benefits established by this title. Imposes a fine of not more than $1,000 or imprisonment for not more than one year or both upon anyone found guilty of fraud in connection with determining rights under this title. Abolishes specified public assistance programs under the Social Security Act and the Food Stamp Act of 1964.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1977
Drought Assistance Amendment - Title I: Amendments to the Disaster Relief Act of 1974 - Declares the finding of Congress that droughts and other similar non-cataclysmic disasters require Federal assistance. Requires the President to appoint a Federal coordinator to operate in an area declared a drought emergency. Permits Federal agencies to provide assistance to drought emergency areas by performing any emergency service essential to save lives and property, including (1) conservation practices; (2) water supply investigations; (3) education training in conservation techniques for farmers and other affected persons; (4) provisions for water needs and the movement of supplies or persons; (5) the establishment of comprehensive employment and/or manpower training programs; and (6) contributions to State or local governments to carry out the provisions of this Act. Directs that where Federal funds for assistance activities may go by contract to private organizations or firms, preference be given to organizations or firms in the drought emergency area. Authorizes the President to make grants to States for the purpose of State grants to individuals or families adversely affected by a drought emergency to meet necessary expenses; and to make temporary mortgage or rental payments on behalf of individuals or families who have received written notice of foreclosure on land or equipment as a result o financial hardship caused by drought. Provides for loans to local governments losing revenues as a result of a drought emergency. Title II: Amendments to the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 - Extends to drought emergency areas assistance for economic recovery following the period of emergency aid and replacement of essential facilities and services. Extends coverage of federally-guaranteed loans to the purchase of land and facilities for farming usage. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Makes areas suffering an emergency of any sort eligible for Federal assistance for current school expenditures. Extends eligibility for small business loans under the Small Business Act to businesses in drought emergency areas and limits the interest rate on the Small Business Administrator's share of the loan to one percent annually.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1977
Cargo Security Act - Declares that the purpose of this Act is to establish a program of coordinated Federal regulation designed to assure maximum security and safety of property moving in interstate and foreign commerce. Title I: Cargo Security for Property Being Transported in Interstate and Foreign Commerce - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish such regulations as necessary to assure the security and safety of property under the control of any carrier while being transported in interstate or foreign commerce. Sets forth a maximum civil penalty of $10,000 for violations of this title. Directs that any order of the Secretary assessing a civil penalty shall be subject to review by the United States Courts of Appeals in the circuit in which the violation occurred. Stipulates that the United States district courts shall have jurisdiction to restrain violations of, or to enforce regulations established under this Act. Requires the Secretary to annually submit to Congress reports relating to the administration of this Act and recommendations for legislation as the Secretary deems necessary to carry out the purposes of this title. Title II: Customs Port Security - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue by regulation such security and safety measures as may be necessary to protect and safeguard cargo at specified terminals. Establishes a maximum civil penalty of $10,000 for violations of this title. Requires the Secretary to submit an annual report to Congress recommending legislation the Secretary deems necessary to carry out this title. Reduces the criminal penalty for affixing or defacing a customs seal and for maliciously entering a bonded warehouse from a fine of no more than $5,000 and/or imprisonment for no more than two years to a fine of no more than $1,000 and/or imprisonment for no more than one year. Title III: Office of Cargo Security - Establishes within the Department of Transportation the Office of Cargo Security. Transfers to the Director of the Office the powers and duties of the Office of Transportation Security. Specifies other responsibilities delegated to the Director. Title IV: Interagency Council on Cargo Security - Establishes an Interagency Council on Cargo Security which shall identify and coordinate Federal department and agency actions relating to this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 1977
Title I: Amends the provision of law dealing with the government of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands to authorize, for fiscal year 1977, the appropriation of funds authorized but not appropriated for 1975, 1976 and 1977. Amends the provision of law dealing with the Trust Territory Economic Development Loan Fund to authorize $5,000,000 to be appropriated to the Secretary of the Interior for payment to that fund. Authorizes $13,515,000 to be appropriated for the government of the Northern Mariana Islands. Authorizes the appropriation of such amounts as may be necessary to satisfy (1) 50 percent of each award made under Title I of the Micronesian Claims Act, and (2) 100 percent of each award made under Title II of such Act. Authorizes $12,400,000 to be appropriated for the rehabilitation and resettlement of Enewetak Atoll. Authorizes certain sums to be appropriated to compensate inhabitants of Rongelap Atoll and Utirik Atoll who have suffered varying degrees of radiation exposure. Authorizes the appropriation of $100,000 for the use of the island communities of Rongelap, Utirik and Bikini Atolls. Title II: Permits government agencies and departments to consolidate all grants made to any insular area in which payments received must be used for certain specified purposes. Requires departments and agencies making such grants to specify the procedure under which insular areas may receive consolidated grants. Title III: Authorizes $15,000,000 to be appropriated to the Secretary for a grant to the Government of Guam to assist in typhoon rehabilitation, upgrading and construction of public facilities, and maintenance of essential services. Amends the Guam Development Fund Act to authorize $1,000,000 to be appropriated to the Secretary to be paid to the Government of Guam annually for five fiscal years commencing in fiscal year 1978 to promote economic development on Guam. Amends the Organic Act of Guam to abolish the office of the Government Comptroller of Guam, and provides that the Comptroller General of the United States shall assume his duties. Empowers the Legislature of Guam to levy a 10 percent surtax on all annual income tax obligations. Authorizes $5,000,000 to be appropriated to the Secretary for the purpose of providing equitable compensation to persons whose real estate in Guam was acquired by the United States, between July 21, 1944 and August 23, 1963, at less than fair market value. Sets forth the procedure to be followed by the Secretary in making such compensation. Title IV: Amends the Revised Organic Act of the Virgin Islands to abolish the office of the Government Comptroller of the Virgin Islands and provides that the Comptroller General of the United States shall assume his duties. Provides that the Legislature of the Virgin Islands may override the Governors veto of legislation by a vote of two-thirds of all the members of the legislature. Title V: Makes certain provisions of law applicable to Guam and the Virgin Islands on the game terms and conditions as such provisions are applied to the Northern Mariana Islands. Authorizes the Secretary to make separate grants to the Governments of American Samoa, Guam, and the Virgin Islands in amounts necessary to offset income tax revenue losses incurred by each government caused by the Tax Reduction Act of 1975 and the Tax Reform Act of 1976.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 1977
Postal Reorganization Act Amendments - Changes the organizational structure of the United States Postal Service by: (1) naming the Postmaster General chief executive officer and vesting in the Postmaster General the powers formerly held by the Board of Governors; (2) revising the procedures for adjustment of rates and services whereby the Postal Service is authorized to request the Congress to authorize appropriations to defray the estimated costs of the Postal Service for the fiscal year, to request a recommended decision of the Postal Rate Commission, or to propose a change in the nature of postal services; (3) requiring that all proposed capital investments by the Postal Service be reviewed by the Post Office and Civil Service Committees of the Senate and the House of Representatives; and (4) requiring the Postal Rate Commission to submit to the President annually a separate budget for its operating expenses. Prohibits reducing the frequency of mail delivery service below the frequency which was in effect on April 21, 1977.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 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 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 · 21 April 1977
Amends the Indochina Migration and Refugee Assistance Act of 1975 to extend through 1980 assistance: (1) to refugees from Cambodia, Vietnam, and Laos; (2) to State and local public agencies providing assistance for such aliens; (3) for transportation to, and resettlement in, other areas of the United States; and (4) for employment assistance rendered to such aliens. Directs that funds appropriated under this Act be made available to State or local public agencies to reimburse them for the non-Federal share of costs under Titles IV (Grants to States for Aid and Services to Needy Families with Children and for Child Welfare Services) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act. Limits the amount of assistance to be provided for a State or local public agency in fiscal years 1979, and 1980 for providing cash or medical assistance to aliens from Cambodia, Vietnam, and Laos. Requires the President to submit a report to specified Committees of Congress on the states of such refugees at regular intervals until December 31, 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 1977
Drug Pushers Elimination Act - Increases maximum penalties for distribution, possession with intent to distribute, or domestic or certain foreign manufacture of coca leaves or certain of its derivatives, specified opiates or stimulants, or counterfeits thereof. Imposes mandatory minimum sentences for such violations. Excepts addicted persons from the applicable minimum term of imprisonment specified in this Act. Stipulates that one conspiring or attempting to manufacture, distribute, import, or export certain controlled substances shall be punished the same as one who commits the offense which was the object of the conspiracy or attempt. Directs a judicial officer to consider whether a person charged with an offense under the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970 poses a danger to himself, the persons or property of others, or the community in setting conditions of release pending trial. Denies release prior to trial to a person charged with an offense for which penalties are increased in this Act, upon a judicial officer making any one of specified findings in a special hearing to be conducted at the time of arraignment. Prohibits persons convicted of certain narcotics crimes, with certain exceptions for addicts, from being released while awaiting sentence or after having filed an appeal or a petition for a writ of certiorari. Permits an addict charged with unlawfully importing, selling, or conspiring to import or sell a narcotic drug to be eligible for civil commitment and rehabilitation in lieu of criminal prosecution if the court determines that such alleged violation was for the primary purpose of enabling the offender to obtain a narcotic drug required for personal use because of the addiction.
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 1977
Repeals provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, and of Title II (Old-Age Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act which exclude from the definition of covered employment under the Social Security Act services performed in Guam by a resident of the Philippines while in Guam temporarily as a nonimmigrant alien.
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 1977
Amends the Public Works Employment Act of 1976 to direct the Secretary of Commerce to make payments to the governments of Guam, and the Virgin Islands to coordinate actions by such governments with Federal Government efforts to stimulate economic recovery.
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 1977
Essential Maritime Transportation Act - Directs the Secretary of Commerce, upon request by the chief executive officer of a noncontiguous State or territory which has been affected by an interruption in essential maritime transportation, to take appropriate action to provide such transportation. Authorizes the Secretary, in the case of any interruption of five days or more, to: (1) activate and direct vessels of the national defense reserve fleet to provide such transportation; (2) request any officer, department, or instrumentality of the Federal Government to make available, on a nonreimbursable basis, personnel, services, or facilities for use in providing such transportation; or (3) to commence a civil action in the appropriate Federal court for an order to terminate such interruption. Authorizes Federal courts to grant such an order if such order is necessary to assure the provision of essential maritime transportation and no practicable alternative to such an order is available.
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 1977
Amends the Merchant Marine Act, 1936, to make Federal ship mortgage insurance available for obligations for fishing vessels which do not exceed 87 1/2 percent of the actual or depreciated cost of such vessels.
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide honorably discharged veterans of the Vietnam War a refundable, $500 income tax credit for taxable years ending between 1976 and 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow taxpayers a credit against the income tax for specified higher education expenses, including tuition, fees, books and supplies, incurred by the taxpayer for himself or any dependent.
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.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1977
National Historic Preservation Policy Act - Title I: Declaration of National Historic Preservation Policy - Declares that it is the duty of the Federal Government, in cooperation with other nations, the States, and local communities, and private organizations and individuals, to promote the preservation and conservation of the historic, architectural, archeological, and cultural properties of the United States and of the international community of Nations. Title II: National Historic Preservation Program - Renames the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation as the Council on Historic Preservation. States that such Council is to administer specified Acts which relate to the historic preservation responsibilities of the Secretary of the Interior and the National Park Service. Requires the Council, in furtherance of the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, to establish a program to nominate historic and cultural properties of universal significance to the World Heritage Committee. Directs the Council to promote nominations to the National Register of Historic Places of any properties proposed for sale, transfer, demolition or substantial alteration as a result of any Federal agency action, to provide training, information and advice concerning techniques for the preservation of historic and cultural properties, to establish a program for the emergency acquisition of property included in the National Register and threatened with immediate demolition, and to report to Congress on the national historic preservation program. Requires all Federal agencies, in cooperation with the appropriate State historic preservation officer, to nominate to the National Register all eligible districts, sites, buildings, structures and objects under the jurisdiction or control of such agency or that may be affected by agency action, and to assume responsibility for the preservation of such properties included or eligible to be included in the National Register. Allows the transference of control of such properties to the Secretary of the Interior. Title III: Administrative Provisions - Provides for the administration of the Historic Preservation Fund for fiscal years 1978 through 1981. Requires each Federal agency to expend appropriated funds for the maintenance of properties included in the National Register under its jurisdiction or control.
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.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1977
Child Exploitation Prevention Act - Amends the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act to prohibit the sexual exploitation of children by making it unlawful for any individual to (1) cause or permit a child to be photographed or filmed engaged in a sexual act prohibited under this Act; (2) photograph or film a prohibited sexual act; (3) knowingly transport any film or photograph depicting a prohibited sexual act; or (4) receive for sale or sell any such film or photograph, if such individual knows or should know such film or photograph has or may be transported in such a manner as to affect interstate or foreign commerce. Imposes a fine of up to $50,000 and/or imprisonment for up to 20 years for a violation of the sexual exploitation of children provisions of this Act. Imposes a fine of up to $25,000 and/or imprisonment for up to 15 years for a violation of the transportation of photographs and films of children engaged in sexual acts provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 1977
Agricultural Solar Energy Research, Development, and Demonstration Act - Title I: Existing Programs - Amends the Bankhead-Jones Act of 1935 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct and to stimulate research and development relating to uses of solar energy with respect to farm buildings, farm homes and farm machinery. Authorizes the appropriation of $25,000,000 each fiscal year to carry out such research and development. Includes the agricultural uses of solar energy in the agricultural extension programs. Directs that loans, under the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act, be made for the purchase of farm equipment which utilizes solar energy and for the acquisition and installation of any qualified solar energy thermal conversion system in any residential structure located on a family farm. Title II: Solar Demonstration Farms - Establishes within the Department of Agriculture the Research and Demonstration Planning Committee which shall be responsible for compiling a list of solar energy research projects and for meeting with regional representatives of the State departments of agriculture to determine which projects will be useful and beneficial to the several States. Requires each State department of agriculture to establish one large model farm and within one year to establish not less than ten demonstrations of solar energy research projects using the most efficient or practicable research projects demonstrated on such model farm. Stipulates the terms of any agreement entered into between selected farmowners and the State departments of agriculture for the establishment of such demonstration projects. Authorizes the appropriation of $20,000,000 for the purposes of this title, of which 80 percent is to be used by State departments of agriculture for the model farm and demonstration projects.
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 1977
Amends the Federal Nonnuclear Energy Research and Development Act of 1974 to direct the Administrator of the Energy Research and Development Administration to assist less developed countries in the development and utilization of unconventional, nonnuclear energy technologies. Authorizes the Administrator, in cooperation with the Agency for International Development, to conduct studies on the energy needs, uses, and resources in other countries. Stipulates that such studies should be designed to result in the establishment of an information system permitting transfers of unconventional, nonnuclear energy technologies to impoverished areas of the world. Requires that results of such studies and recommendations for cooperative projects be reported to Congress by July 1, 1978. Authorizes the appropriation of $5,000,000 to the Energy Research and Development Administration for fiscal year 1978 for such purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 1977
Solar and Energy Conservation Commercialization Act - Amends the National Housing Act to specify additional types of Solar energy systems eligible for financial assistance under such Act. Stipulates that such systems shall include solar heating and cooling and hot water systems, geothermal and wind energy systems, and other energy conservation measures and equipment such as insulation, heat pumps and devices to improve furnace efficiency. Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to make grants and loans to individuals and families to assist in the purchase of solar, renewable source, and energy conservation measures and equipment. Authorizes grants and loans for similar purposes to neighborhood, community, or nonprofit groups. Amends the Small Business Act to authorize the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to make loans to small businesses to assist in the purchase and installation of solar, renewable source, and energy conservation improvements and equipment. Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, the Administrator of the Small Business Administration, and the Federal Energy Administrator to cooperate in carrying out the provisions of this Act and to jointly submit an annual report to the President and the Congress on activities carried out under this Act. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1978 through 1981.
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 1977
Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Act - Allows an income tax credit for 30 percent of the expenditures not exceeding $750 which the taxpayer paid or incurred during the taxable year for installation of insulation or energy-conserving components which improve heating plant efficiency in his principal residence. Limits the application of this credit to expenditures paid or incurred for installations made between 1976 and 1982 in pre-existing dwellings. Reduces the allowable credit, on a graduated scale, for individuals with adjusted gross incomes greater than $10,000. Allows an income tax credit for 40 percent of the first $1,500, and a secondary credit for 25 percent of the next $7,600 paid or incurred by the taxpayer during the taxable year for the installation of qualified solar, wind and geothermal energy equipment in his principal residence. Allows an income tax credit for 20 percent of the first $1,500, and a secondary credit for 12.5 percent of the next $7,600 paid or incurred for the installation of wood stove, heat pump, or burner equipment in connection with new solar, wind or geothermal energy equipment which will be the principal source of space heat in the taxpayer's principal residence. Reduces these limitations in subsequent tax years by subtracting the amounts taken into account for these credits in previous tax years. Limits these credits to equipment installed between 1976 and 1982. Prorates each of the above credits for residential improvements among joint owners and cooperative shareholders according to their proportionate interests in the residential property. Provides for the carryover of any allowable credit which exceeds the taxpayer's current income tax liability. Reduces the allowable credits, on a graduated scale for and Conservation Act. persons with adjusted gross incomes greater than $15,000. Allows an investment tax credit for 25 percent of the qualified investment cost of depreciable geothermal, solar or wind energy equipment placed in service. Allows such a credit for 12 percent of the qualified costs of ventilation, heating, water and other components primarily designed to reduce the heat loss or gain of a structure, and origin ally used by the taxpayer. Prohibits these credits for property originally funded with Federal grants, or located in States which take these energy conserving measures into account for property assessment, or which don't enforce the thermal design requirements of the Energy Policy
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 1977
Title I: Small Business Act Amendments - Amends the Small Business Act to authorize the Small Business Administration to make loans to assist small business concerns in financing plant construction and the acquisition of equipment and supplies for the producing of solar energy or other energy conserving equipment. Authorizes the appropriation of $75,000,000 for such purpose. Authorizes the Administration to provide additional assistance to small businesses in the area of training seminars and technical manuals on the design, installation, and maintenance of solar energy equipment. Title II: Federal Nonnuclear Energy Research and Development Act of 1974 Amendments - Amends the Federal Nonnuclear Energy Research and Development Act of 1974 to establish an Office of Invention and Innovation in the Energy Research and Development Administration. Authorizes the Office to evaluate proposals for the development of energy-related inventions and to provide financial assistance for the development of such inventions. Stipulates that not less than 20 percent of the funds appropriated to the Energy Research and Development Administration for solar energy programs shall be expended for the benefit of small business concerns and individual inventors. Directs the Administrator of the Energy Research and Development Administration to encourage the participation of individuals and small businesses in the research, development, and advancement of energy-conserving technologies.
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 1977
Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize the President to furnish energy production and conservation assistance to developing countries, including solar, wind, and water projects. Authorizes consultative visits by the Energy Research and Development Administration to design such projects. Authorizes the President to carry out studies to identify the energy needs, uses, and resources of various countries and regions, with special emphasis on the transfer of energy technology. Requires that $10,000,000 of appropriations for development assistance for fiscal year 1978 be spent only for these purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 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.
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 1977
Amends the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 to prohibit any cost-of-living adjustments to the salaries of Senators and Representatives which take effect before October 1, 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 1977
Directs the Architect of the Capitol to study the feasibility of using solar energy in connection with the operation of House Office Buildings and related structures and to report to the House of Representatives within one year of the adoption of this resolution. Authorizes the appropriation of $50,000 to be expended by the Architect under the direction of the House Office Building Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 1977
Directs the Federal Energy Administrator to establish methods of determining the life cycle cost effectiveness for buildings, considering the life cycle fuel and energy requirements for such buildings. Requires that all Federal buildings be life cycle cost effective and that such determination serve as a basis for the awarding of contracts in the procurement and leasing of new Federal buildings. Directs the Administrator to promote the use of life cycle cost effective methods in all buildings. Directs the Administrator to establish energy performance targets for existing buildings which are compatible with new building performance standards developed by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. Requires all Federal agencies to conduct an energy audit of existing buildings within their jurisdiction. Requires that a specified percentage of the gross square footage of building space be selected by each agency for retrofitting with appropriate energy conservation measures. Authorizes the appropriation of $500,000 to the Administrator to perform the functions as authorized or required under this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of additional sums as necessary to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 1977
Drug Enforcement Act - Directs the Attorney General to establish Special Drug Forces in the Department of Justice composed of law enforcement personnel and special United States attorneys. Declares the duty of the drug forces to be to assist States and local governments in which there is an unusually large amount of drug trafficking and whose law enforcement and criminal justice system is unable to effectively prosecute violators of the Controlled Substances Act.
![Official portrait of Del. Won Pat, Antonio B. [D-GU-At Large]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/w000686_200.jpg)