United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1977
Excludes from eligibility for food stamps under the Food Stamp Act of 1964 any household whose principal wage earner is on strike for the duration of such strike. Excepts a household from this exclusion if it was participating in the food stamp program immediately prior to the start of such strike, or if any of its members is subject to an employer's lockout.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1977
Establishes the Commission on Postwar Land Takings on Guam, for the purpose of compensating those whose land on Guam was acquired by the United States between July 21, 1944, and August 23, 1963. Empowers the Chairman of the Foreign Claims Settlement Commission to appoint the five members of the Commission on Postwar Land Takings on Guam. Provides for the term of office and compensation of the members. Directs the Commission to give public notice on Guam, within three months after its appointment, of the time limit for filing claims. Stipulates that such final date for filing claims be no later than one year after appointment of the Commission. Limits the duration of the Commission to two years after expiration of the time limit. Allows claims to be filed not withstanding any release or settlement agreement entered into by the claimant, or any final judgment of a Federal court or agency. Requires the Commission to notify all claimants of the approval or denial of their claims. Entitles unsuccessful claimants to a hearing before the Commission and sets forth procedural due process requirements of such hearings. Directs the Commission to take into account interest from the date of taking possession by the United States to the date of payment of the Commission's award. Precludes an unsuccessful claimant from further administrative or judicial review. Requires the Commission to file a final report with the Chairman of the Foreign Claims Settlement Commission, the Secretary of the Interior, the Government of Guam, and Congress. Stipulates that the report include a list of the claims allowed and disallowed, and a copy of the decision rendered in each case.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1977
Congressional Salary Act -- Amends the Federal Salary Act of 1967 to make any recommendations of the President relating to the salaries of Members of Congress, Delegates to the House of Representatives, and the Resident Commissioner from Puerto Rico purely advisory. Amends the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 to require that the annual rate of pay for Members of Congress, Delegates to the House of Representatives, the Resident Commissioner from Puerto Rico, and the Senate and House leadership be the rate payable for such positions on the date of enactment of this Act unless otherwise established by law. Prohibits any law increasing such rates of pay from taking effect before the first day of the Congress following the Congress during which such law is enacted.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1977
Establishes a Task Force on the Taxation of Real Property by State and Local Governments to study and evaluate such taxation, its effects on middle and fixed income taxpayers, and the feasibility of using Federal taxation and other methods to reduce the dependence of State and local governments on such taxation. Provides that the Task Force shall include: (1) four officials of the executive branch, to be appointed by the President; (2) four Senators, no more than two from the same political party, to be appointed by the majority leader; (3) four Representatives, no more than two from the same political party, to be appointed by the Speaker; and (4) 12 individuals not Federal employees or officers representing State and local governments, the academic community and citizens groups, to be appointed by the President, Speaker and majority leader in concert. Empowers the Task Force to hold hearings, administer oaths, issue subpenas, hire a staff, contract out research projects and obtain assistance upon request from all other Government agencies and departments. Directs the Task Force to submit its final report to the President and the Congress within one year after all of its members have been appointed. Provides for the termination of the Task Force on the ninetieth day after submission of its final report.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1977
National Meals-on-Wheels Act - Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to allow States to distribute Federal Funds for the establishment of: (1) projects to provide home-delivered meals to qualified homebound elderly persons; (2) an information and referral system for homebound individuals receiving such meals; and (3) an operation to seek volunteer personnel for the delivery of such meals and to compensate such personnel for related transportation expenses. Authorizes the appropriation of specified sums in fiscal years 1978 and 1979 for the purpose of providing home-delivered meals under this Act. Limits to five percent the amount of such funds which may be spent upon the administration of such program. Directs the Commissioner of the Administration on Aging to conduct a demonstration project involving at least three States to determine the feasibility of using the meals system designed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration for the elderly as a component of, or substitute for, regular nutrition projects assisted under the Older Americans Act of 1965.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1977
Constitutional Amendment - Provides that the people of the several States, and the District of Columbia, shall elect the President and Vice President. Requires each voter to cast a single vote for two persons who shall have consented to the joining of their names as candidates for the offices of President and Vice President. Requires the voters for President and Vice President in each State to have the qualifications requisite for voters for the most numerous branch of the State legislature, except that for voters for President and Vice President, the legislature of any State may prescribe less restrictive residence qualifications and for voters for President and Vice President the Congress may establish uniform residence qualifications. Provides that the pair of persons having the greatest number of votes for President and Vice President shall be elected, if such number be at least 40 percent of the whole number of votes cast for such offices. Provides that if the choice of President and Vice President shall be made from the two pairs of persons who received the highest numbers of votes. Requires the days for such elections to be determined by Congress and to be uniform throughout the United States. Requires Congress to prescribe by law the time, place, and manner in which the results of such elections shall be ascertained and declared. Allows Congress to provide for the case of the death, inability, or withdrawal of any candidate for President or Vice President before a President and Vice President have been elected, and for the case of the death of both the President-elect and Vice President-elect.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1977
Authorizes and directs the Secretary of Labor, through the Bureau of Labor Statistics, to prepare, as part of the Consumer Price Index published monthly by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a consumer price index (to be known as the Consumer Price Index for the Aged and Other Social Security Beneficiaries) designed to reflect the relevant price information for individuals, as a group, who are 65 years of age or older or are otherwise entitled to monthly benefits under Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1977
Amends Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to provide that the automatic cost-of-living increases in benefits be made on a semiannual basis (rather than on an annual basis as at present).
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1977
Comprehensive Youth Employment Act - Title I: Youth Employment and Community Service Programs - Amends the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act of 1973 to establish a Youth Community Service Program whereby prime sponsors under such Act are to provide financial assistance to eligible applicants for the purpose of providing Youth Community Service employment to youths in jobs required to carry out approved community service projects. Directs each prime sponsor to provide financial assistance to eligible applicants for the establishment of youth opportunity in private enterprise and youth occupational information and career guidance programs. Directs the Secretary of Labor to make payments to prime sponsors in order to make financial assistance available to local education agencies for the purpose of providing youths in secondary schools with job experience. Authorizes the Secretary to establish a National Occupational Information and Career Guidance Service in the Department of Labor to undertake estimates of present and future occupational needs, to compile data on the numbers of people engaged in education and training, to assist States in the preparation of individual State and area projections of occupational outlook, and to serve as the informational and statistical base required for matching career preparation with future career prospects. Authorizes the Secretary to (1) make grants to public agencies, colleges, and nonprofit organizations for the purpose of training and retraining job counseling and placement personnel and (2) carry out a program of demonstration and evaluation projects relative to job counseling, information, and placement programs for youths. Requires each prime sponsor to establish an Education-Work Committee of its planning council. States the duty of such committees to be to make recommendations with respect to the programs established under this title and to institute local career development plans. Title II: National Conservation Corps - National Conservation Corps Act - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior to jointly establish a National Conservation Corps for the purpose of providing employment and training for youths in projects which reduce the inventory of conservation work or provide public benefits in connection with the conservation, protection, reforestation, regeneration, improvement, development, utilization, maintenance, or enjoyment of the natural resources of lands and waters under the ownership or control of the United States, any agency thereof, or of any State or any subdivision thereof. Authorizes the Secretaries to make grants to States and local governments to assist them in employing youths to carry out conservation projects on non-Federal public lands and waters. Title III: Job Corps - Amends the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act of 1973 to increase the amount authorized to be appropriated annually to the Job Corps.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1977
Diplomatic Immunities Act - Deems void any suit or judicial or administrative process against a person or the property of a person entitled to immunity under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. Makes Presidential determinations of entitlement to immunity binding upon governmental authorities. Requires the President to publish a list of missions and personnel entitled to such immunity. Repeals the criminal penalties for wrongful suit against an immune person. Repeals exceptions to suits against servants in the service of personnel of a foreign mission. Repeals the present criteria for determining eligibility for immunity.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1977
Constitutional Amendment - Provides that people of the several States, the territories and possessions of the United States, and the District of Columbia, shall elect the President and Vice President. Requires each elector to cast a single vote for two persons who shall have consented to the joining of their names as candidates for the offices of President and Vice President. Requires the electors of President and Vice President in each State to have the qualifications requisite for electors of the most numerous branch of the State legislature, except that for electors of President and Vice President, the legislature of any State may prescribe less restrictive residence qualifications and for electors of President and Vice President the Congress may establish uniform residence qualifications. Provides that the pair of persons having the greatest number of votes for President and Vice President shall be elected, if such number be at least 35 percent of the whole number of votes cast for such offices. Provides that if no pair of persons has such number, a runoff election shall be held in which the choice of President and Vice President shall be made from the two pairs of persons who received the highest number of votes. Requires the days for such elections to be determined by Congress and to be uniform throughout the United States. Requires Congress to prescribe by law the time, place, and manner in which the results of such elections shall be ascertained and declared. Allows Congress to provide for the case of the death or withdrawal of any candidate for President or Vice President before a President and Vice President has been elected, and for the case of the death of both the President-elect and Vice-President-elect.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1977
Declares the support of the House of Representatives for the President's intentions (1) to proceed with a comprehensive nuclear test ban treaty, (2) to seek ratification of the SALT II agreement, and (3) to seek an agreement with the Soviet Union for major reductions in atomic weapons.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1977
Jobs Creation Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce the individual income tax rates. Allows a credit against the income tax up to $1,000, for ten percent of the increase in the total savings deposits and investments since the end of the previous year. Allows a limited income tax deduction by certain domestic corporations for dividends paid. Limits corporate deductions for dividends received from foreign corporations. Repeals corporate deductions for other dividends received. Allows the taxpayer to take a deduction for specified percentages of the acquisition costs of certain types of property, with a corresponding reduction in basis, in lieu of a depreciation deduction. Doubles the corporate surtax exemption to $100,000.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1977
Bill of Rights Procedures Act - Title I: Confidentiality of Financial, Toll, and Credit Records - Prohibits any United States entity or representative from obtaining copies of, or access to, information contained in the financial records, toll records, or credit records of any customer of a financial institution, communication common carrier, credit card issuer, or consumer reporting agency. Lifts such prohibition if: (1) the records are described with sufficient particularity; and (2) the customer has authorized disclosure, the disclosure is obtained in response to an administrative subpoena, search warrant, or judicial subpoena, or disclosure is in compliance with specified provisions of the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Sets forth procedures for obtaining customer authorization, administrative subpoenas and summons, search warrants, and judicial subpoenas. Requires financial institutions, communication common carriers, credit card issuers, and consumer reporting agencies to keep records of all examinations of customer records, including the identity of the person examining such records, the governmental agency or department such person represents, and a copy of the authorization. Directs that copies of, or the information contained in, financial, toll, or credit records obtained pursuant to this Act not be used for other than the specific statutory purpose for which the information was originally obtained and that such information or records not be provided to any other Government department or agency or other person except where the transfer of such information is specifically authorized by statute. Stipulates that any action under this title may be brought in any appropriate U.S. district court without regard to the amount in controversy, or in any other court of competent jurisdiction, within three years from the date on which the violation occurs or the date of discovery of such violation, whichever is later. Imposes liability on any person or entity who knowingly obtains or discloses information in violation of this title, making such person or entity liable to the customer to whom the disclosed information relates for actual damages, such punitive damages as the court may allow if the violation was willful, and the costs of litigation. Makes injunctive relief available to any person aggrieved by a violation or threatened violation of this Act. Title II: Mail Covers - Defines "mail cover" as the procedures by which a systematic record or inspection is made of any data appearing on the outside cover of any mail matter. Prohibits the initiation of any mail cover without the written authorization of specified postal officials and good cause to believe, on the basis of an affidavit setting forth the specific reasons for the proposed mail cover, that such procedure is necessary to the investigation of the commission or the attempted commission of a felony or is necessary to aid in locating a fugitive. Permits a mail cover to be conducted for 30 days, with extensions to be granted as specified. Requires any mail cover conducted for more than one year to be judicially authorized. Allows the chief postal inspector or a regional chief postal inspector to issue an emergency authorization for a mail cover on the basis of an oral request from specified law enforcement officials, if such request is supported by an affidavit within 45 days and on condition that no data from such mail cover be made available to the requesting authority until authorization according to regular procedures has been granted. Stipulates that the subjects of mail covers shall be given notice of such cover within 90 days of its termination, unless notice is judicially waived due to possible jeopardizing of continuing investigations. Requires that the chief postal inspector submit to Congress an annual report including the number of requests for mail covers, the identity of the law enforcement agencies making such requests, and a list of the offenses for which mail cover requests were received. Specifies civil remedies for violation of this title. Title III: Amendments to Chapter 119, Title 18, United States Code - Sets forth procedures and restrictions governing the interception of wire or oral communications for purposes of supervisory observing or service by communication common carriers and others. Requires each communication common carrier to submit an annual report to the Federal Communications Commission detailing the interceptions made by it for the protection of its service against theft of service, the nature and frequency of communications intercepted, the number of persons whose communications were intercepted, the length of such interceptions, and the number of hours of recording of intercepted communications. Prohibits the manufacture, distribution, possession, and advertising of devices for theft of communication common carrier services. Stipulates that any such device may be seized and forfeited to the United States. Title IV: Penalties - Subjects officers, agents, or employees of the United States who violate any provision of title I or title II of this Act to a fine of not more than $1,000, imprisonment for not more than one year, or both. Title V: Congressional Subpoenas - Stipulates that nothing in this Act shall apply to Congressional subpoenas.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1977
Amends the Budget and Accounting Act of 1921 to authorize the Comptroller General to request and receive all necessary documents relating to any expenditure by a Federal agency to determine whether such expenditure was, in fact, made and was authorized by law.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1977
Federal Agency Control and Review Act - Requires the Office of Management and Budget to study the efficiency and effectiveness of each Federal agency every ten years and to recommend to the President and Congress reorganization or abolition of each such agency as may be necessary to improve such efficiency and effectiveness. Abolishes each such agency upon the due date of such report unless during the ten-year period since the last report Congress has passed legislation continuing such agency.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1977
Amends the Rules of the House of Representatives to remove the 25-member limit to the number of sponsors of any House of Representatives bill. Permits the addition or deletion of any Member's name as the sponsor of any legislation by a request made by a Member to the Speaker on behalf of such Member.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1977
Life Support Centers Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize and direct the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, to make grants to the health agencies of States, or political subdivisions thereof, or to any qualified nonprofit agency for programs of: (1) prenatal health care to adolescents; (2) health care to infants of adolescent mothers; (3) family planning services; (4) social services for adolescent mothers; and (5) funds to purchase adoption services for adolescent mothers. Stipulates that the Federal share of assistance to programs under this section shall not exceed 75 percent of the cost of a program. Sets forth procedures by which application may be made for grants. Authorizes the appropriation of $30,000,000 to carry out the purposes of this Act for fiscal year 1978 and for each of the two succeeding fiscal years.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1977
Financial Disclosure Act - Requires the President, Vice President, Members of Congress and candidates for those offices, justices and judges of the United States, Presidential nominees, officers and employees of the United States compensated at a rate equal to or in excess of the rate prescribed for the grade of GS-15, and members of the uniformed services compensated at a rate equal to or in excess of the monthly rate prescribed for grade O-6 to file in each calendar year, with the Comptroller General and other specified executive or administrative officers, a financial statement for the preceding calendar year if such individual has occupied or been a candidate for the office or position for more than 90 days in such calendar year. Specifies the content of such financial statements. Makes mandatory the inclusion in such report of all items held not only by the individual, but by the spouse, and dependents of such person, and those acting on the individual's behalf. Permits the President to exempt any individual in the Central Intelligence Agency, the Defense Intelligence Agency, and the National Security Agency, or other person engaged exclusively in intelligence activities from the requirement to file a report with the Comptroller General if such disclosure would reveal the identity of an undercover Federal agent. Makes failure to file and falsifying reports punishable by a fine and/or imprisonment. Requires the head of each agency, the Clerk of the House of Representatives, the Secretary of the Senate, and the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to submit annually to the Comptroller General a complete list of individuals required to file such a report. Requires the Comptroller General to refer to the Attorney General the names of all individuals who the Comptroller General have reasonable cause to believe has failed to file or falsified such report, and that if such an individual is a Member of Congress, that the name be referred to the appropriate Congressional committees. Requires the Comptroller General to make such reports available to the public for all purposes not excluded under this Act. Makes the House of Representatives, the Senate, the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts, the Chairman of the Civil Service Commission and the head of each agency responsible for the review of such reports in accordance with any law or regulation regarding conflicts of interest or confidential financial information. Directs the Comptroller General to conduct audits of each specified group at varying intervals, and gives the Comptroller General subpena power for the purpose of conducting such audits. Requires the Civil Service Commission and the Department of Justice to recommend to Congress such legislation as may be necessary in the area of financial conflicts of interest among Federal employees and officers.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1977
Provides for the payment of unemployment compensation to individuals residing in Guam on the basis of service as a Federal employee, provided that such employee is not entitled to unemployment compensation based upon other service and wages.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1977
Permits the Attorney General and the Secretary of State, acting jointly, to waive the visa requirements for aliens visiting Guam for not more than 15 days. Prohibits any extension of stay, change in classification, or adjustment of status for such aliens.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1977
Consumer Food Labeling Act - Title I: Truth in Food Labeling Act - Truth in Food Labeling Act - Requires, under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, that the labels on all foods disclose each of their ingredients in order of predominance and the amounts of the ingredients in the food. Title II: Nutritional Labeling Act - Nutritional Labeling Act - Requires any packaged consumer food product to be labeled by the processor in conformity with specified information, including: with respect to processed food products, an analysis of nutritional contents including fat content, vitamin, and protein value, fats and fatty acids, calories, and any other nutritional information deemed appropriate. Requires such label to contain a statement of the nutritional value of the food commodity, and to appear in conspicuous and easily legible type on the package. Provides that the label of any packaged consumer product which has been packaged in a container of any given net content (by weight or volume) and which afterwards is packaged in a container of a different net content, shall conspicuously set forth the amount of difference. States that the appropriate Federal agencies shall prescribe regulations to carry out the purposes of this title. Provides for injunctions in Federal courts to assure compliance with this title. Prescribes a civil penalty of not to exceed $1,000 for any willful violation of this title; such sum to be assessed by the appropriate agency and enforced in a Federal court in the name of the United States. Title III: Open Dating of Perishable Food Act - Open Dating of Perishable Food Act - Provides, under the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act, that no person who manufactures or packages a perishable or semiperishable food in the form in which it is sold by retail distributors to consumers may distribute for purposes of sale a perishable or semiperishable food packaged by him in such form unless he has labeled such packaged to show the pull date for such food and the optimum temperature and humidity conditions for its storage by the ultimate consumer. Provides, with certain exceptions, that no retail distributor may sell, offer to sell, or display for sale any food whose pull date has expired. States that no person may place perishable or semiperishable foods in packages in shipping containers or in wrappings, unless such containers or wrappings are labeled by him to show the pull date. Provides that no person may change, alter, deface or remove before sale to the ultimate consumer any pull date. States that any person who violates any provision of this title shall be imprisoned for not more than one year or fined not more than $5,000, or both. Provides that the United States district courts shall have jurisdiction to restrain violations of this title. Requires the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to submit an annual report to the Congress concerning activities and enforcement of this title. Title IV: Marketing Practices Disclosure Act - Marketing Practices Disclosure Act - Requires that labels on packaged foods contain the names and places of business of the manufacturer, packer and distributor, rather than just one of the three. Title V: Consumer Food Grading Act - Consumer Food Grading Act - Requires the Secretary of Agriculture, after consultation with representatives of consumers, producers, and processors, to develop and promulgate a system of retail quality grade designations for consumer food products expressed in a uniform nomenclature. Authorizes the Secretary to determine the manner in which the system of consumer food grade designations shall be displayed and disseminated to the public. Provides that in developing and updating quality grade standards, consideration shall be given to the nutritional quality and wholesomeness of food products, as well as the acceptability of the products. Requires that any food products sold more than nine months after the promulgation of applicable quality standards in accordance with this title shall either be conspicuously labeled in accordance with such standards or shall be conspicuously labeled "not quality graded by the United States Department of Agriculture". Title VI: Unit Pricing Act - Unit Pricing Act - Provides that no person engaged in business in the sale at retail of any packaged consumer commodity which has been distributed in commerce, or the distribution of which affects commerce, shall sell, offer for sale, or display for sale any such commodity unless: (1) the total selling price of such commodity is plainly marked by a stamp, tag, or label affixed to a principal display panel of the package; and (2) the retail unit price of such commodity is plainly marked by: (a) stamp, tag, or label affixed to a principal display panel of the package, or (b) a label or sign in close proximity to the point of display of such package, which label or sign shall also contain the name and quantity of contents of such commodity. Exempts from the requirement of marking the unit price of commodities: (1) any individual retail outlet which sells or offers for sale packaged consumer commodities and whose total gross sales do not exceed $250,000 annually unless such outlet is one of a number of outlets owned substantially or whose inventory is supplied substantially, by a single person, partnership, or corporation whose total gross sales exceed $500,000 annually; (2) any retail mandatory unit pricing laws and whose laws, in the judgment of the Federal promulgating authority, are in scope and comprehensiveness superior to the requirements of this title; except that retailers (including chainstores and affiliated stores) who operate outlets in any such geographical area shall be subject to the unit pricing requirement of this title if they also operate outlets in one or more other States or political subdivisions. Title VII: New Ingredient Notification Act - New Ingredient Notification Act - Requires a food to carry a label setting forth in a conspicuous manner any change in its ingredients for six months after such change. Title VIII: Misleading Brand Names Act - Misleading Brand Names Act - Expands the meaning of "unfair or deceptive act or practice" under the Federal Trade Commission Act to include advertising a brand name of a product which inherently misleads the public as to the product's value, quantity, quality of contents, or performance.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1977
Requires, under the Gun Control Act of 1968, that whoever during the commission of any robbery, assault, rape, burglary, kidnapping, or homicide (other than involuntary manslaughter), uses any firearm which has been transported in interstate and foreign commerce shall be imprisoned (1) in the case of his first offense, for not less than ten years; and (2) in the case of his second or subsequent offense, for not less than 25 years. Stipulates that the execution or imposition of any term of imprisonment imposed under this Act: (1) may not be suspended; (2) probation may not be granted; and (3) may not run concurrently with any term of imprisonment imposed for the commission of any such defense. (Amends 18 U.S.C. 924)
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1977
Requires that whoever uses or carries a firearm during the commission of a Federal felony, or whoever is convicted by a State court of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year and used or carried a firearm transported in, or affecting, interstate or foreign commerce during the commission of such crime shall, in addition to the punishment provided for the commission of such crime, be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of not less than five nor more than ten years. Requires in the case of a second or subsequent conviction the imposition of a term of imprisonment of not less than ten years, or to life imprisonment. Stipulates that the execution or imposition of any term of imprisonment under this Act (1) may not be suspended, (2) may not run concurrently; and (3) may not include probation.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1977
Voting Rights Act Repealer Amendments Act - Amends the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to repeal the prohibitions against voting qualifications, prerequisites, tests, or devices which abridge the right of a citizen to vote who is a member of a language minority. Repeals the requirement that States and other political subdivisions make available registration and voting materials, and voting assistance in languages other than English in areas where more than five percent of the citizens belong to a single language minority.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1977
Establishes a nine-member National Commission on Social Security. Requires the Commission to study and investigate titles II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) and XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act. Requires that annual reports be submitted to Congress and the President. Terminates the existence of the Commission after it files its fourth annual report. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1977
Constitutional Amendment - Provides that people of the several States, the territories as provided by law and the District of Columbia, shall elect the President and Vice President. Requires each elector to cast a single vote for two persons who shall have consented to the joining of their names as candidates for the offices of President and Vice President. Requires the electors of President and Vice President in each State to have the qualifications requisite for electors of the most numerous branch of the State Legislature, except that for electors of President and Vice President, the Legislature of any State may prescribe less restrictive residence qualifications and for electors of President and Vice President the Congress may establish uniform residence qualifications. Provides that the pair of persons having the greatest number of votes for President and Vice President shall be elected, if such number be at least 35 percent of the whole number of votes cast for such offices. Provides that if no pair of persons has such number, a runoff election shall be held in which the choice of President and Vice President shall be made from the two pairs of persons who received the highest number of votes. Requires the days for such elections to be determined by Congress and to be uniform throughout the United States. Requires Congress to prescribe by law the time, place, and manner in which the results of such elections shall be ascertained and declared. Allows Congress to provide for the case of the death or withdrawal of any candidate for President or Vice President before a President and Vice President has been elected, and for the case of the death of both the President-elect and Vice-President-elect.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1977
Authorizes Representative Parren J. Mitchell to appear as a witness before the Superior Court of Baltimore City, State of Maryland, in response to the summons served to him.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1977
Declares that the House of Representatives does not favor energy action numbered 9, which would exempt motor gasoline from mandatory petroleum price controls.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1977
Disapproves the recommendations of the President transmitted to Congress pursuant to the Federal Salary Act of 1967 recommending rates of pay for (1) Members of Congress and the Resident Commissioner from Puerto Rico, (2) certain positions in the legislative branch, (3) specified judicial personnel, and (4) certain positions under the Executive Schedule.
United States · United States Congress · 17 January 1977
Directs the Joint Committee on the Library to procure a bronze bust or statue of Martin Luther King, Jr. and to place it in a suitable location in the Capitol.
United States · United States Congress · 13 January 1977
Congressional Pay Raise Deferral Act - Amends the Federal Salary Act of 1967 and the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 to provide that any adjustment in the rate of pay for Members of Congress proposed during any Congress shall not take effect earlier than the beginning of the next Congress. States that any such pay adjustment proposed in an even-numbered year of any Congress after the congressional elections and before the beginning of the following Congress, shall be considered as occurring during the first session of the following Congress for the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 January 1977
Authorizes appropriations in specified amounts for fiscal year 1978 for the procurement of naval vessels for the armed forces. Prohibits the obligation of funds authorized under this Act for the DD6-47 guided missile destroyer program for material or components which are not suitable for use in a nuclear powered strike cruiser until the President has made certain determinations and has reported them to the Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 1977
Amends the Local Public Works Capital Development and Investment Act of 1976 to increase the amount authorized to be appropriated under such Act to $6,000,000,000.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 1977
Coal Pipeline Act - Authorizes the exercise of the right of eminent domain by any carrier of coal by coal pipeline who holds a certificate of public convenience and necessity issued by the Department of the Interior. Stipulates that, before issuance of such certificate, environmental considerations and the need for energy domestically shall be weighed before the Secretary of the Interior makes a finding. Requires that no carrier granted the power of eminent domain under this Act shall transport any coal in which it has any ownership interest. Establishes procedures for making application for a certificate of public convenience and necessity, for antitrust review, and for enforcement under this Act. Imposes a maximum fine of $10,000, six months imprisonment, or both, for knowing violation of any provision of, or regulation issued pursuant to, this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 1977
Establishes a national historic park on the island of Guam to commemorate the bravery of those who participated in the campaigns of the Pacific theater in World War II.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 1977
Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to make the farmers and ranchers of Guam eligible for loans: (1) for water and soil conservation and waste disposal programs; (2) for farm operating expenses; and (3) for disaster relief. Provides for the establishment on Guam of a Farmers Home Administration office, and extends to Guam and to the Virgin Islands eligibility to receive information and assistance in rural development.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 1977
Requires that whoever uses or carries a firearm during the commission of a Federal felony, or whoever is convicted by a State court of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year and used or carried a firearm transported in, or affecting, interstate or foreign commerce during the commission of such crime shall, in addition to the punishment provided for the commission of such crime, be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of not less than five nor more than ten years. Requires in the case of a second or subsequent conviction the imposition of a term of imprisonment of not less than ten years, or to life imprisonment. Stipulates that the execution or imposition of any term of imprisonment under this Act (1) may not be suspended, (2) may not run concurrently; and (3) may not include probation.
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1977
Establishes as an independent agency of the executive branch the Solar Energy Loan Administration to provide financing to homeowners for the purchase of solar- powered residential heating and cooling equipment. Authorizes the Administrator of the Solar Energy Loan Administration to make loans, repayable at two percent interest, for the purchase and installation of such equipment. Requires that equipment meet such minimum standards as are developed under the Solar Heating and Cooling Demonstration Act. Authorizes up to $100,000,000 to be appropriated to provide an initial amount for the program under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1977
Amends Title XVI (Supplemental Security Income Program) of the Social Security Act to extend benefits to Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Guam on the same basis as the States.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Tax Equity Act - Title I: Capital Gains and Losses - Repeals the alternative tax presently allowed to corporations, individuals and life insurance companies on long-term capital gains. Provides, in lieu of the present 50 percent deduction for net long-term capital gain, an exclusion of so much of the gain as does not exceed one-half of one percent of adjusted basis of the property times the number of months the property was held over 12 months. Limits capital losses to capital gains and gains from the exchange of business property in the case of corporations, and, in the case of other taxpayers, to capital gains and gains from the exchange of business property plus the taxable income of the taxpayer or $3,000, whichever is smaller. Allows the executor of a decedent's estate to include in gross income any unrealized capital gains on descendent's property to the extent that the decedent had a net capital loss for the taxable year. Provides that income from the sale or exchange of patent rights shall be treated as royalties (ordinary income) rather than as gain from the sale or exchange of a capital asset. Title II: Income Derived from Extraction of Minerals - Repeals the percentage depletion allowance for taxable years beginning after 1977. Allows the deduction of expenditures (including intangible drilling costs) incurred in the exploration and development of mineral property, but only to the extent of taxable income derived from such properties. Provides an exclusion from gross income of amounts derived from foreign mineral properties, provided that such income is not derived from: (1) a nonoperating mineral interest; (2) distributions received with respect to the stock of a corporation; and (3) amounts includible in gross income as undistributed profits of controlled foreign corporations. Limits the losses allowable from the disposition of mineral property to the extent of the gains from the sale or exchange of such properties during the taxable year. Title III: Reform Measures Affecting Primarily Individuals - Provides that the maximum rate of income tax for individuals shall be 50 percent of taxable income. Allows a credit of 24 percent of the amount of deductions which would be allowable, but for this credit, for the following: (1) personal exemptions; (2) interest on non-business obligations; (3) non-business State and local taxes; (4) non-business losses of property; (5) charitable contributions; (6) medical care; and (7) taxes and interest paid by a cooperative housing association. Authorizes the President to increase or decrease the 24 percent credit rate authorized by this Act subject to the disapproval by either House of Congress. States that the income received by a child from a trust created by his parent, and dividends, interest, and royalties from property given the child by his parent shall be included in the gross income of the parent if the parent claims the above credit for the exemption allowable for such child as a dependent. Provides that shareholder-employees of closely held corporations must include in gross income that part of contributions paid by an employer-corporation (and deductible by it) to trusts, annuities, or bond purchase plans for the benefit of the shareholder-employee in excess of (1) the lesser of 15 percent of his compensation; or (2) $7500, and the amount of any forfeitures allocated to the employee's account under a stock bonus or profit-sharing plan. Repeals the $100 exclusion from gross income for dividends and trust income. Restricts the business and income-producing expense deduction for business or trade-related conventions held outside of the United States to the cases where it is more reasonable for the meeting to be held outside of the United States than within it. Disallows business expense deductions for the use of a dwelling unit which is used by the taxpayer during the taxable year as a residence. Limits such deductions for vacation homes. Limits the allowable deductions attributable to farming by individuals whose nonfarm adjusted gross income exceeds $20,000 to gross income derived from farming for the taxable year, plus, in the case of an individual, the higher of $10,000 or the amount of certain allowable deductions. Provides for the computation of earnings and profits on a consolidated basis with respect to distributions by the common parent corporation of a controlled group of corporations. Provides for the recognition of gains incurred upon transfers to corporations controlled by the transferor where the gain qualifies as a dividend. Specifies that stock options granted to an employee by an employer corporation shall be treated as an option without a readily ascertainable value unless the option is traded on a stock exchange. Taxes trust income payable to the children of a grantor with a reversionary interest to the grantor if the child is under 21 years of age or a student. Applies the limitation on partnership losses to real estate partnerships. Repeals the exemption for earned income from foreign sources. Provides that a partnership shall be treated as a corporation for purposes of income taxation upon filing of a registration statement for the offering of units of interest in a partnership with the Securities Exchange Commission. Title IV: Reform Measures Affecting Primarily Corporations - Repeals the investment credit for business property placed in service after 1977. Repeals the Asset Depreciation Range System. States that, in the case of a corporation, the depreciation allowance shall not exceed the depreciation recorded on the corporation's books. Provides that the deduction for repair expenses shall be limited to the amount recorded on the corporation's books. Provides that if a deduction is allowable to a corporation during the taxable year for interest on purchases of stock of an unaffiliated corporation, the dividends received from such corporation shall be eligible for the dividends received deduction only to a limited extent. Repeals the provision allowing nonrecognition of gain on the sale of inventory in certain liquidations. Disqualifies as reorganization certain transactions which result in the shareholders of a merging corporation owning less than 20 percent of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the surviving corporation. Repeals the special treatment of bad debt reserves of financial institutions. Taxes the undistributed profits of foreign corporations to such corporations' American shareholders based on each shareholder's pro rata share of such undistributed profits. Repeals the tax exemption presently permitted to Domestic International Sales Corporations. Provides that where property acquired through involuntary conversion is stock of a corporation owning property similar or related in service or use to the converted property, the basis of such property owned by the corporation shall also be reduced by the amount of gain which is not recognized on account of the purchase of such stock. Repeals an exception to the penalty provisions for underpayment of estimated income tax insofar as they pertain to corporations whose tax for any of the preceding three tax years exceeded $300,000. Title V: Reforms Affecting Individuals and Corporations - Provides that amounts which otherwise would be allowable as a deduction and are attributable to the development of any fruit or nut grove or any vineyard shall be charged to capital account, with exceptions for specific types of development and for replanting of groves and vineyards damaged by weather, disease, or casualty. Repeals the tax exemptions for ships under foreign flags. Provides that the Commissioner of Internal Revenue shall have the authority to conduct any civil litigation in any court concerning tax liability, taxpayer suits, or the collection of internal revenue taxes in the name of the United States. Provides that the 15 percent minimum tax will apply to all tax preferences which exceeds $10,000. Subjects interest on governmental obligations and foreign tax credits to the minimum tax on preferences. Provides that the difference between the cost to a shareholder of the use of corporate property and the fair market value of such use shall be includible in the gross income of the shareholder. Limits the allowable depreciation deduction for rental real estate to an amount which will not reduce the adjusted basis to an amount below any mortgage indebtedness on such property. Reduces the deduction for charitable gifts of appreciated property to the amount of the property's basis at the time of the gift. Title VI: Reforms Affecting Private Foundations and Estate and Gift Taxes - Provides that a trust or other organization which is controlled by non-tax exempt organizations may still be considered a private foundation if its trustees or directors may distribute 50 percent or more of its income to qualified persons. Extends the disqualification of controlled foundations to include those which are only supervised or controlled in connection with unqualified organizations. Provides that organizations qualifying for tax exempt status because of their substantial support from Federal, State or local governments or from the general public may not receive more than one-half of one percent of their total support from any one individual or group related individuals. Excludes transfers with a reversionary interest in the decedent from the value of the decedent's gross estate. Requires the inclusion in the gross estate of the full value of an annuity provided by an employer. Includes in the value of a decedent's gross estate, life insurance proceeds on policies owned by the decedent's surviving spouse and on any policies not owned by the decedent to the extent that they are attributable to premiums paid by the decedent or his spouse. Limits the aggregate amount of charitable deductions allowed under the estate tax to 50 percent of the amount by which the value of the gross estate exceeds the aggregate amount of deductions for expenses, indebtedness, taxes, and casualty losses incurred during the settlement of the estate, or $1,000,000, whichever is greater. Allows a deduction from the gift tax of charitable gifts where the donor retained some interest in the transferred property which was later extinguished. Title VII: State and Local Obligations - Repeals the income tax for interest on State and local obligations issued after 1977. Directs the United States to pay 35 percent of the interest yield on State and local obligations. Title VIII: Withholding of Income Tax on Dividends and Interest - Directs every person who pays interest or dividends to deduct and withhold on such interest or dividends a tax equal to ten percent of the amount thereof. Directs every person required to deduct and withhold any tax to make quarterly returns of such tax to the appropriate Government officer.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Creates a Select House Committee on Population to conduct an investigation and study of: (1) the major adverse effects of current population growth throughout the world; (2) approaches which have been shown to be effective in coping with excessive population growth; and (3) means to encourage countries with excessive population growth rates to adopt methods proven to be successful in reducing population growth rates.
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 1976
Solid Waste Energy and Resource Recovery Act - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency: (1) to assist with research projects for the development of pilot plant facilities for the purpose of investigating new fuels, recovery methods, or technology; (2) to conduct demonstrations of new methods and technology; and (3) to test and evaluate such pilot plants and demonstration projects. Directs the Administrator to establish a program for the collection and dissemination of information to assist Federal, State, interstate, regional, and local agencies in planning and building solid waste collection, recycling and recovery facilities. Sets forth specific areas to be covered by such program. Directs the Administrator to make grants to State, interstate, municipal and intermunicipal agencies for: (1) the implementation of solid waste management plans and planning programs; (2) the development and revision of solid waste disposal plans as part of regional environmental protection systems; (3) the development of interlocal regions and establishment of regional agencies; (4) the development of proposals for various projects; and (5) the planning of programs for the removal and processing of abandoned motor vehicle hulks. Authorizes the Administrator to impose conditions consistent with the purposes of this Act upon such grants. Limits the amount of available Federal assistance to 85 percent of the total cost. Authorizes the Administrator to guarantee loans incurred by State, regional, or local government agencies to finance the construction of large-scale fuel, energy, or resource recovery facilities. Limits the total outstanding indebtedness allowed under this Act to $75,000,000. Sets forth procedures for applying for loan guarantees under this Act. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants to a State, regional authority or local government agency for the construction, operation, or maintenance of fuel, energy, and resource recovery facilities when such facilities cannot be financed by any other means. Limits the amount of each grant to 25 percent of the total cost of the project. Authorizes the appropriation of the following amounts for solid waste research and development and for grants for energy and resource recovery programs: $65,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1977; $17,000,000 for the transitional period ending September 30, 1977; and $70,000,000 for fiscal year 1978. Authorizes the appropriation of the following sums for grants for State, interstate, and local planning: $35,000,000 for fiscal year 1977; $9,000,000 for the transitional period; and $45,000,000 for fiscal year 1978. Authorizes the appropriation of the following sums for grants for construction of facilities: $40,000,000 for fiscal year 1977; 12,000,000 for the transitional period; and $60,000,000 for fiscal year 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1976
Foreclosure Forebearance Standards Act - Requires any person who makes a federally related mortgage loan to maintain facilities sufficient to insure availability of information concerning such mortgage. States that within 60 days after payments on a mortgage become delinquent and within 30 days before the initiation of any foreclosure proceedings the following must occur: (1) a meeting with the mortgagor to work out a repayment plan; and (2) a transfer of information with respect to such proceedings to the mortgagor. Places restraints on the initiation proceedings, including the requirement that a mortgagee refrain from instituting such proceedings until at least three full monthly installments are due and unpaid, except where the mortgagor abandons the secured property. States that a mortgagee must cease foreclosure proceedings where a mortgagor tenders the total amount due plus attorney's fees. Provides that any mortgagee who fails to comply with state requirements shall no longer be eligible for Federal assistance. Defines the term "federally related mortgage loan" for purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1976
Youth Opportunities Industrialization Centers Job Creation and Training Act - Directs the Secretary of Labor to enter into contracts with Opportunities Industrialization Centers, Incorporated, and with any other nonprofit community-based organization for the provision of (1) comprehensive employment services and jobs for unemployed persons, especially unemployed youth; (2) career education and counseling services for secondary school students; (3) career education for unemployed persons, especially unemployed youth; or (4) work-study projects in community development and improvement for unemployed youth. Directs the head of each Federal agency administering enumerated revenue sharing and public works programs to assure that special consideration is given to Opportunities Industrialization Centers and other nonprofit community-based organizations for the provision of comprehensive employment services and job opportunities for unemployed persons. Specifies standards and guidelines relative to contracts entered into under this Act, including guidelines with respect to (1) persons and types of positions to be given priority under job placement programs, (2) mandatory benefits and maximum salaries of positions filled under job placement programs, and (3) hiring preference and working conditions regarding the staffs of contract programs. Amends the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act to authorize the Secretary of Labor to provide financial assistance for year-round jobs for economically disadvantaged youths. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to qualify wages paid to specified previously unemployed persons for the work incentive program expenses credit.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1976
Privacy Protection for Rape Victims Act - Amends the Federal Rules of Evidence to prohibit, in cases of alleged rape or assault with intent to commit rape, the introduction of evidence of the victim's prior sexual behavior. Makes such prohibition inapplicable: (1) to evidence of the victim's prior sexual conduct with the alleged assailant; and (2) to evidence of the victim's sexual behavior with others if it is offered by the accused on the issue of whether the accused was the source of the victim's pregnacy, disease, semen, or injury. Requires the accused to make a written motion to offer such evidence accompanied by a written offer of proof. Requires the court to hold a hearing to determine the admissability of such evidence, declaring it admissable only if the court finds that the evidence is relevant and that its probative value outweighs the danger of unfair prejudice. Makes inadmissible reputation or opinion evidence with respect to the victim's past sexual behavior.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1976
Youth Employment Act - Directs the Secretary of Labor to establish a program to: (1) provide financial assistance to States, political subdivisions of the States, private profit or nonprofit organizations, and prime sponsor's planning councils established under the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act of 1973, through the Youth Job Guarantee Office established under this Act, in each labor market area of the country, for programs of training and employment in jobs on public service and private employment projects, for eligible individuals between the ages of 16 to 24 inclusive, and (2) provide special assistance to such eligible individuals who apply for such assistance, in accordance with the provisions of this Act. Establishes in the Department of Labor a National Youth Full Employment Board, to be composed of members appointed by the Secretary who shall include a majority of representatives from labor, civil rights, youth, and women's organizations, chosen from among nominees submitted by such organizations. Directs the Secretary to carry out his functions under this Act in such a way that: (1) within one year of the date of enactment of this Act, the rate of unemployment among youths between the ages of 16 and 24 inclusive, in any political subdivision of any State shall not exceed ten percent of the total labor force in such subdivision; (2) within two years of the date of enactment of this Act, the rate of unemployment among such youths in any political subdivision of any State shall not exceed three percent of the total labor force in such subdivision; and (3) within three years of the date of enactment of this Act, the rate of unemployment among such youths shall be effectively zero throughout the United States. Establishes in the Department of Labor a Youth Job Guarantee Office, to be headed by a Director to be appointed by the Board, through which the Secretary shall carry out the program under this Act, so that any eligible individual who applies for assistance under this Act shall be placed in useful and rewarding employment in a job on a project assisted under this Act or in other private or public employment. Directs the Secretary to establish a regional office of the Youth Job Guarantee Office in each State. Directs the Secretary to insure that among projects planned adequate consideration be given to such individuals and groups as may face special obstacles in finding and holding useful and rewarding employment and to provide or have provided through the coordination of existing programs special assistance including but not limited to counseling, training, and, where necessary, transportation and migration assistance. States that such individuals and groups shall include, among others: (1) those suffering from past or present discrimination or bias on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, or national origin; (2) the physically or mentally handicapped; and (3) potentially employable recipients of public assistance. Prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, national origin, political affiliation or belief in the employment of individuals under this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated for each of fiscal years 1976, 1977, and 1978, and for the period beginning July 1, 1976, and ending September 30, 1976, such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 1976
Amends Titles XVIII (Medicare), XIX (Medicaid), and XX (Grants to States for Services) of the Social Security Act to establish the Special Commission on Quality Assurance and Utilization Control in Home Health Care. States that the Commission shall be composed of 17 members appointed by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare. Sets forth the fields of experience and expertise from which Commission members are to be drawn, including five representatives of professional groups with expertise in accreditation and three who are recipients of benefits under Medicare, Medicaid, or under a State plan of services. Requires Senate approval of the member designated chairman of the Commission. States that the function and duty of the Commission shall be: (1) to conduct a full and complete study, investigation, and review of the provision of home health care and services to individuals in the United States, including care and services furnished by agencies which do not qualify as providers of services under the Social Security Act as well as care and services furnished by agencies which do so qualify, with the particular objective of determining: (a) the extent to which additional quality assurance and utilization control in the provision of such care and services is needed; and (b) the manner in which the standards, conditions, and requirements of Title XVIII, Title XIX, or Title XX should be modified in order to provide additonal assurance and control; and (2) on the basis of such study, investigation, and review, to develop a detailed plan for quality assurance and utilization control in home health care. Directs the submission to the Secretary and the Congress of the required plan within one year of the appointment of the majority of the members of the Commission. Requires the Secretary, within 90 days of the submission of such plan, to issue regulations making such modifications in the Social Security Act as may be necessary to implement the plan and carry out the Commission's accompanying recommendations, and to submit to the Congress any recommendations which would require a change in existing law.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 1976
Establishes a Commission to Study the Quality of Instruction at the Service Academies to: (1) study the quality of instruction and training at the service academies; (2) study the feasibility of including more civilian professors and instructors; and (3) study the rules of the academies concerning the conduct of cadets. Directs the Commission to transmit a report to the President and to each House of Congress not later than one year after the enactment of this Act containing a statement of findings and conclusions of the Commission. Terminates the Commission 90 days after the submission of its report.
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