United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1978
Amends the Tennessee Valley Authority Act to allow credits against required power investment return payments for expenditures for certified pollution control facilities. Requires that pollution control facilities be certified by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency as being in compliance with applicable air and water quality standards.
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 1978
Safe Banking Act - Title I: Supervisory Authority Over Depository Institutions - Creates civil penalties for specified insider's loans and loans to affiliates prohibited by the Federal Reserve Act, for violations of reserve requirements relating to one borrower loan limits. Amends the Federal Reserve Act to prohibit member banks from making loans to insiders under specified conditions. Amends the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 to authorize the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to order the termination of control or ownership by a bank holding company of any of its nonbank subsidiaries whenever they constitute a serious risk to financial safety of a subsidiary bank of the holding company. Amends the National Housing Act by authorizing the Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation to order the termination of ownership or control of any noninsured subsidiary by a savings and loan holding company whenever there is reasonable cause to believe that continued ownership constitutes unsafe and inconsistent banking practice. Grants authority to the Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation to make loans to a savings and loan association in order that it may buy the assets of a failing savings and loan institution so as to prevent the failure of such institution. Prescribes penalties for the violation of any provision of this Title. Authorizes financial regulatory agencies, including the National Credit Union Administration and the Federal Home Loan Bank Board, to initiate cease and desist actions against officers, directors, stockholders, or any person participating in the affairs of a financial institution (as well as against the institution itself as is allowed by current law) when there have been violations of laws and regulations or unsafe and unsound banking practices which are likely to seriously weaken the condition of the institution in question. Sets forth a procedure to be followed for removal of any officer or director for breach of fiduciary duty. Increases the allowable mortgage and education loans to executive officers of banks. Creates a hearing process for removal of a bank officer or director based on an indictment for or conviction of a felony. Title II: Interlocking Directors - Depository Institution Management Interlocking Act - Prohibits interlocking management and director relations between any depository institutions or depository holding companies located in the same metropolitan area. States that this prohibition applies without regard to geographical limits where such an institution has assets exceeding $1,000,000,000 and seeks an interlocking relationship with any institution with assets over $500,000,000. Delegates authority for the enforcement of this Act. Title III: Foreign Branching - Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to prohibit any State nonmember insured bank from operating any foreign branch without prior written consent of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). States that when the liabilities of an insured bank for deposits are assumed by another insured bank the following shall occur: (1) the insured status of the bank whose liabilities are assumed shall terminate on the date of receipt by the FDIC of evidence of such assumption; (2) termination of separate insurance of all assumed deposits at the end of six months from the effective date; and (3) notification of such assumption by the assuming bank to each of the depositors of the assumed bank. Title IV: Conflicts of Interest - Depository Institutions Conflict of Interest Act - Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, the Federal Reserve Act and the Federal Home Loan Bank Act to prohibit specified Presidential-appointee bank regulatory agency heads and members of such agencies from being employed for a period of two years after they leave office by institutions under their regulatory jurisdiction or with a holding company affiliate. Title V: Credit Union Restructuring - Reorganizes the National Credit Union Administration and places it under the management of the National Credit Union Administration Board. Directs the chairperson of such Board to represent the Administration in its official relations with other branches of Government. Requires each Federal credit union to pay the Administration an annual operating fee and to make annual financial reports to the Board. Title VI: Change in Bank Control Act - Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to prohibit any person from acquiring any insured bank unless the appropriate Federal banking agency has been notified and has not issued a notice of its disapproval within a specified time period. Prescribes the procedure to be followed by any agency in making its determination to approve or deny such change of control. Title VII: Change in Savings and Loan Control Act - Amends the National Housing Act to prohibit any person from acquiring control of any federally insured savings and loan association unless the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation has been notified and has not issued a notice of its disapproval within a specified time period. Prescribes the procedure to be followed by the Corporation in making its determination to approve or deny such change of control. Requires any insured institution to disclose any loan secured, or to be secured, by 25 percent or more of the outstanding voting stock of an insured institution to the Corporation. Prescribes civil penalties for violations of this Title. Title VIII: Correspondent Accounts - Prohibits the extension of credit to any officer, director, or specified stockholders of a bank which has a correspondent relationship with the lending bank, in its own name or in the name of another bank, unless such loan does not: (1) involve more than the normal risk of repayment; (2) include unusual terms of interest or collateral; or (3) present any other unfavorable features. Prohibits the establishment of a correspondent account where a loan already has been made to any officer, director, or specified stockholders of the bank desiring to open the account. Prescribes civil penalties for violations of this Title. Title IX: Disclosure of Material Facts - Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to list information which must be included in an annual report to be made by each insured bank to the appropriate Federal banking agency. Title X: Federal Bank Examination Council - Federal Bank Examination Council Act - Establishes a Bank Examination Council to prescribe uniform principles and standards for the Federal examination of financial institutions. Directs the Council to make recommendations for uniformity in other supervisory matters, including classification of loans subject to risk and identification of financial institutions in need of special supervisory attention. Requires the Council to establish a liaison committee composed of five representatives of State supervisory agencies in order to encourage the application of uniform examination principles and standards by State and Federal supervisory agencies. Title XI: Right to Financial Privacy - Right to Financial Privacy Act - Prohibits any Government official from obtaining copies of, access to, or the information contained in, the financial records of any customer from a financial institution unless such records are described with particularity and: (1) such customer has authorized such disclosure in accordance with this Act; (2) such records are disclosed in response to an administrative subpena or summons; (3) such records are disclosed in response to a court order; (4) such records are disclosed in response to a judicial subpena; or (5) such financial records are disclosed in response to a formal written request meeting specified requirements. States that no financial institution may provide to a Government official copies of or the information contained in the financial records of any customer except in accordance with the requirements of this Act. Sets forth provisions governing customer authorization, administrative subpenas and summons, judicial subpenas, and search warrants. Prescribes civil and criminal penalties for violation of the provisions of this Title. Title XII: Charters for Thrift Institutions - Amends the Home Owners' Loan Act to authorize the Home Loan Bank Board to provide for the organization, chartering operation, and regulation of associations to be known as Federal Savings and Loan Associations or Federal mutual savings banks. Subjects converting mutual savings banks to the requirements of existing State law pertaining to discrimination in the extension of home mortgage loans if the State requirements are more stringent than Federal laws and regulations. Establishes a five year shared risk program in the event that a converting institution fails. Title XIII: Holding Companies - Prohibits bank mergers or acquisitions by bank holding companies if such transactions would result in a monopoly, furtherance of a combination or conspiracy to monopolize, or substantially lessen competition in any section of the country unless such anticompetitive effects are clearly outweighed in the public interest by the probable effect of the transaction in meeting the convenience and needs of the community to be served. Prohibits such transactions if the appropriate regulatory agency finds that as a result of such a transaction any one bank or holding company will control more than 20 percent of the banking assets held by banks in the States in which such bank or holding company is located. Excepts from such 20 percent prohibition a transaction which the appropriate agency finds to be immediately necessary to prevent the probable failure of a bank and a less anticompetitive alternative is not available. Gives the appropriate agency discretion to prohibit such a transaction even if it is not disallowed by any other part of this Act if it is found to have probable adverse effects on competition or market concentration which are not clearly outweighed by the public interest. Prohibits any national bank from engaging in any activity which the Board finds to be an improper activity for bank holding companies in general, or the holding company owning the bank in question, in particular. Requires bank holding companies and their subsidiaries to be capitalized in a safe and sound manner and to refrain from discriminating in making loans in favor of their parent holding company or their affiliated subsidiaries. Requires regular reports to the Board dealing with all intercompany loans. Sets forth procedures for administration of this Act and for judicial review. Gives to any interested person the right to petition the Board to commence a proceeding to consider the issuance, amendment, or revocation of a regulation promulgated here under. Title XIV: Amendments to the National Banking Laws - Makes changes with respect to the following: (1) the power of national banks to purchase, hold, and convey real property; (2) the trust powers of national banks; (3) the emergency restrictions on Federal Reserve banks; and (4) examination of foreign operations of State member banks. Title XV: Termination of National Bank Closed Receivership Fund - Directs the Comptroller of the Currency to disburse the liquidating dividends from national banks closed on or before January 22, 1934, held by the Comptroller in the capacity as successor to receivers of those banks. Title XVI: Transaction Accounts - Permits any depository institution chartered by the Federal Home Loan Bank Board and located in a State which authorizes State-chartered institutions insured by the Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation to offer transaction accounts permitting withdrawals or transfers of account on negotiable, transferable, or nonnegotiable check, order, or authorization, as determined by the Board, to offer comparable services to the extent authorized by the Board. Title XVII: Effective Date - Sets forth the effective date for this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1978
Repeals the requirement, under the Social Security Amendments of 1977, that the amount of monthly benefits payable to a spouse or surviving spouse under Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act be reduced by the amount such spouse or surviving spouse receives monthly payments from a Federal or State pension fund.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1978
Electronic Fund Transfer Act - Requires the issuers of debit instruments designed to make payments and effect transfers through electronic terminals to do the following: (1) disclose a customer's rights and obligations when an account is opened and when there is a change of terms; (2) make available to the customer a written receipt of every transaction at electronic funds transfer terminals; and (3) furnish a monthly statement to each customer identifying all transactions. Provides a procedure for the correction of account errors. Excuses a customer of liability for unauthorized use of his debit instrument unless the debit instrument issuer can establish customer fraud or negligence. Sets forth liability for system malfunction. Provides civil liability for willful violation of this Act and criminal liability for fraudulent use of debit instruments. Makes bank regulatory agencies and the Federal Trade Commission responsible for administrative enforcement of the terms of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 1978
Solar Energy Bank Act - Creates a Government corporation to be known as the Solar Energy Development Bank to make long-term, low-interest loans to encourage the use of solar energy in commercial and residential dwellings. Establishes procedures governing the processing and approval of loan applications by the Bank. Prohibits conflicts of interest, on the part of officers or employees of the Bank. Prohibits the Bank or its employees from utilizing the Solar Bank to finance political activities. Imposes criminal penalties for the furnishing of false or misleading information by applicants for loans under this Act. Declares that the Solar Bank and its assets shall be exempt by Federal, State, and local taxation. Establishes a Solar Energy Fund in the Treasury of the United States to pay the expenses of the Bank. Authorizes the appropriation of $5,000,000,000 to the Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 1978
Directs that Federal Employees Group Life Insurance be made available at any time before retirement to any otherwise eligible Member of Congress or congressional employee who is not covered by such insurance. Stipulates that no Member or employee who is already covered by such insurance shall be required to provide medical evidence of insurability as a condition for optional additional insurance.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1978
Electronic Fund Transfer Act - Amends the Consumer Credit Protection Act to add the following title: Title IX: Electronic Fund Transfers. Prohibits any financial institution from engaging in any transaction with a customer by means of an electronic terminal without first clearly disclosing to the customer all terms and conditions governing such transfer. States that such disclosure shall include: the rights, duties, and liabilities of both the account holder and institution involved; the types of transfers the consumer may make; and the consumer's ability to authorize another to initiate transfers. Requires a financial institution to give the customer 31 days notice prior to changing any of the terms of the agreement. States that the consumer must receive a receipt for each transfer affecting the consumer's account at the time of the transfer. Requires financial institutions to provide consumers with a periodic statement for each EFT account. Allows the making of preauthorized transfers only by written authorization from the consumer which shall be revokable at will at any time up to three business days preceding the scheduled transfer. Permits a consumer to reverse a transfer in the amount of $50 or more to a third party. Sets forth a procedure for the resolution of errors which calls for prompt investigation of errors and reply to the consumer. States that if a court finds that a financial institution willfully reported to a consumer that his account was correct when such a conclusion could not reasonably be drawn, such institution shall be liable for treble damages. Limits a consumer's liability (in the event of an unauthorized cash transfer) to the lesser of $50 or the amount of money obtained. Holds a financial institution liable to a consumer for any unauthorized transfer in excess of $50. Makes exceptions to such rule in the case of an improper or incorrect transfer if the error was caused by a technical malfunction beyond the control of the institution. Suspends the consumer's obligation to make payment when a technical malfunction prevents the transfer of funds to a third party who has agreed to accept payment by means of an EFT. Prohibits the conditioning of employment, government benefits, or the extension of credit on the consumer's use of EFT's. Restricts the disclosure of information regarding EFT's. Prohibits any agreement which would deprive a consumer of any right granted under this Act. Sets forth the formula for the determination of civil liability for violations of this Act. States that any person who willfully and knowingly gives false or inaccurate information, fails to provide information which is required to be disclosed, or otherwise fails to comply with any provision of this title shall be fined not more than $5,000 or imprisoned not more than a year, or both. Places the enforcement of this title in the case of national banks, Federal Reserve member banks, insured banks, Federal savings and loan associations, and Federal credit unions with their respective regulatory agencies. Directs the Federal Trade Commission to enforce the requirements of this title in all other cases. Directs the Board and the Attorney General to make reports to Congress concerning the administration of their functions under this title. Exempts persons from the laws of any State with respect to EFT's only to the extent that those laws are inconsistent with any of the terms of this Title.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1978
Solar Energy Transition Act - Directs each Federal agency to use and encourage the use of solar energy technologies. Requires each agency to review the programs, projects, and policies it is administering and assess the feasibility of alternative approaches utilizing solar energy technologies. Directs the Secretary of Energy to develop guidelines and otherwise assist the Federal agencies in the review required by this Act. Establishes the National Solar Energy Advisory Council to advise the Secretary in the performance of his duties under this Act. Directs the Secretary to report to the President and Congress annually starting April 20, 1980 on the progress of the Federal Government and the nation in converting to solar energy.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1978
Independent Local Newspaper Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to promote the survival of independent newspapers by providing for the establishment of tax exempt trusts for paying estate taxes on such papers, and by postponing the payment of estate taxes on such papers.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1978
Extends the authority to make veterans readjustment appointments of Vietnam era veterans to the Federal Government through September 30, 1980. Abolishes the time limitation on eligibility for such appointments for veterans eligible on April 9, 1970, or who were separated from the armed services on or after such date. Raises the maximum level for such appointments from GS-5 to GS-7. Provides that any disabled veteran shall be eligible for such appointment without regard to certain existing limitations on the amount of education a veteran may have to be eligible for such an appointment.
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 1978
Increases from $250 to $350 the burial and funeral expense allowance which may be paid by the Veterans' Administration on behalf of certain deceased veterans.
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 1978
Provides for a burial allowance of $150 to be paid by the Veterans' Administration: (1) to any State or political subdivision thereof for burying a veteran in any cemetery owned by the State or subdivision if such cemetery or section thereof is used solely for the interment of veterans; or (2) to a person prescribed by the deceased veteran if burial is in a cemetery other than the kind described.
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 1978
Directs the Secretary of Defense to place a memorial plaque in the Trophy Hall of the Memorial Amphitheater at Arlington National Cemetery to pay tribute to those members of the armed force who served in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam era. Directs the Secretary, to honor those members who lost their lives in Southeast Asia, to display near such plaque the medals, ribbons, and decorations associated with service in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam era.
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 1978
Removes the requirement that a veteran die in the service in order to be entitled to a memorial headstone or marker when the veteran's remains have not been recovered or identified or have been buried at sea.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1978
Wildlife on Federal Lands Trapping Act - Requires the Secretary of the Interior to issue such regulations, relating to trapping, as are necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act. Prohibits the Secretary from approving any type of trap unless such trap utilizes the most humane capture method available for the species concerned, and minimizes the probability of capturing species for which such trap was not intended. Directs the Secretary to undertake a research program to develop such types of traps. Establishes an advisory commission to make recommendations to the Secretary with respect to traps designed or intended for use. Prohibits the Secretary from permitting trapping on Federal lands where such trapping may reduce any species below specified levels. Sets forth a procedure for the application and issuance of trapping permits. Requires the attachment of a shipping certificate to any package containing the fur, hide, skin, horn, or feathers of any mammal or bird captured by any trap within any State or the District of Columbia if such package is transported in interstate or foreign commerce. Establishes criminal penalties for: (1) engaging in trapping without a permit issued pursuant to this Act; (2) violating any condition of such permit; (3) violating any regulation of the Secretary relating to trapping; (4) selling or transporting in interstate commerce an unapproved trap; or (5) falsifying the shipping certificate. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into cooperative agreements with States with respect to the imposition of trapping regulations consistent with those prescribed under this Act. Authorizes such appropriations as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1978
Solar Energy Bank Act - Creates a Government corporation to be known as the Solar Energy Development Bank to make long-term, low-interest loans to encourage the use of solar energy in commercial and residential structures. Prohibits conflicts of interest on the part of officers or employees of the Bank. Prohibits the Bank or its employees from utilizing the Solar Bank to finance political activities. Imposes criminal penalties for the furnishing of false or misleading information by applicants for loans under this Act. Allows the Solar Bank to make loans directly, or through lending institutions which are entitled to reasonable fees for their services. Sets the annual interest rates on such loans at not more than three percent and limits the loans to a maximum of 30 years duration. Requires that the detailed plans submitted with each loan application include installation, architectural, and design plans and fees, if applicable. Prohibits the approval of loans unless the Solar Bank finds that the proposed equipment and related expenses are appropriate and reasonable and will result in a meaningful reduction in the conventional energy dependence of the user. Requires the Solar Bank to establish guidelines for the distribution of its loans among commercial and residential uses and requires that at least 60 percent of such monies loaned be for residential purposes. Establishes procedures governing the processing and approval of loan applications by the Bank. Provides penalties for the violation of the loan contract or for fraud in the obtaining of such a loan. Exempts the Solar Bank and its assets from taxation, except that the real and tangible personal property of the Bank shall be subject to Federal, State, and local taxation to the same extent as that of private corporations. Directs the General Accounting Office (GAO) to audit the financial transactions of the Bank, and grants the GAO access to all its books, records and accounts. Establishes a Solar Energy Fund in the Treasury of the United States to pay the expenses of the Bank. Authorizes the appropriation of $5,000,000,000 to the fund.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1978
Title I: Small Business Act Amendments - Empowers the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to make loans to assist any small business concern in financing plant construction and equipment acquisition for the production, installation, or maintenance of solar energy equipment or other energy conservation equipment. Permits the Administration to make grants to non-profit organizations for the establishment of training seminars that teach small business concerns methods of design, installation, and maintenance of solar energy equipment.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1978
Solar Global Marketing Survey Act - Directs the Secretary of Commerce, in consultation with the Secretary of Energy, to conduct a global market survey to determine which foreign countries might serve as markets for solar energy equipment manufactured in the United States. Requires such survey be computed by September 1, 1980. Limits the amount which may be authorized to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1978
Foreign Mission Solar Energy Demonstration Act - Requires the Secretary of State to demonstrate solar energy and other renewable energy technologies by using such energy sources in Foreign Service buildings located abroad. Directs the Secretary to consult with the Secretary of Energy concerning the most viable techniques adaptable to the local resources and environmental conditions of the host country. Requires the Secretary of State to insure that projects under this Act are demonstrated to, and are available for inspection by, officials and other citizens of the host country. Directs the Secretary to give priority to projects in less developed countries.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1978
Directs the Secretary of the Interior to accept a donation from the National Council for the Encouragement of Patriotism of the property known as the Highway of Flags Servicemen's Memorial in Lake County, Indiana. Directs the Secretary to designate such property as the Highway of Flags National Servicemen's Memorial and to administer it as a national monument.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1978
Declares it the sense of Congress that the United States should encourage the United Nations to hold a World Alternate Energy Conference to consider alternate ways to meet the world's energy needs and to establish an International Alternate Energy Commission to encourage worldwide use of alternate energy sources.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1978
Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to provide, through demonstration projects, payments to individuals who are receiving, or are eligible to receive, benefits with respect to post-hospital extended care services under Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act or intermediate care facility services or skilled nursing facility services under Title XIX (Medicaid) of such Act, who do not require 24-hour nursing care or supervision, and who desire to establish a noninstitutional living arrangement which will meet their medical and other needs. Requires payments received to be used to finance appropriate noninstitutional living arrangements which meet the medical and other needs of the individual. Provides that such payments shall not be includable in gross income under the Internal Revenue Code. Requires the Secretary to design demonstration projects for the purpose of determining: (1) the feasibility of transferring inpatients of skilled nursing and intermediate care facilities to noninstitutional living arrangements; (2) the types and percentage of such inpatients who could live effectively in a noninstitutional living arrangement; and (3) the types and percentages of such inpatients who would benefit economically and qualitatively from transferring to a noninstitutional living arrangement. Directs that funds for such payments be made from the Federal Hospital Insurance Fund established under the Social Security Act and from funds appropriated for Medicaid.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1978
Amends Title XX (Grants to States for Services) of the Social Security Act to increase the ceiling imposed upon payments for services under such Title for the fiscal years 1979, 1980, 1981 and maintains the 1981 level for succeeding years.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1978
Expresses the condemnation of the House of Representatives of the kidnapping of Aldo Moro. Declares it the sense of the House of Representatives that (1) Italy deserves the support of the United States, and (2) the President should instruct the Permanent Representative to the United Nations to press for consideration of solutions to the problem of terrorism in all appropriate forums.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1978
National Contest for the Invention and Development of an Efficient and Cost-Effective Electric Energy Storage Facility Act - Establishes a national contest for the invention and development of an efficient and cost-effective electric energy storage facility. Designates a National Award for Electric Energy Storage. States that the contest shall be conducted by the Tennessee Valley Authority and that the winner will be awarded a $10,000,000 prize from the United States Treasury for developing a safe, cost-effective, long-term electric energy storage technology. States that if no entry establishes such a technology, no prize shall be awarded.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1978
Expresses the condemnation by the Congress of the March 11, 1978, attack on Israel by the Palestine Liberation Organization, and the expressed intention of the PLO to continue such attacks and to disrupt the peace efforts between Israel and Egypt. Requests the President to make the disapproval of the Congress known to governments approving the PLO attack. Expresses Congressional approval of the peace efforts between Israel and Egypt. Urges other Middle East countries to join such efforts. Declares negotiation to be the best way to bring peace to the Middle East.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1978
National Academy of Medicine Act - Establishes a National Academy of Medicine to train doctors at no cost to the student. Requires each student to sign a written agreement to serve as a commissioned officer of the Regular Corps of the Public Health Service upon graduation and after completion of residency and internship for a period of six years for general practitioners and nine years for specialists.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1978
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 · 9 February 1978
Veterans' and Survivors' Pension Improvement Act - Title I: Amendments to Pension Program for Non-service-connected Disability or Death - Revises the list of specified catagories of payments excluded from the determination of annual income for benefit payment purposes. Requires persons applying for a non-service-connected disability pension to report the income and estate of each spouse and child on account of whom added pension is applied for or received. Sets increased flat pension and aid-and-attendance allowance rates, reduced by the amount of a veteran's annual income, and in specified instances, by the amount of a spouse's or child's income which is reasonably available to or for such veteran. Sets increased flat benefit rates, with similar reductions, for the surviving spouses and children of such veterans. Requires annual adjustments in such pension and benefit rates in conjunction with cost-of-living increases in Social Security benefits. Title II: Miscellaneous Provisions and Effective Dates - Sets the effective dates for provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1978
National Academy of Medicine Act - Establishes a National Academy of Medicine to train doctors at no cost to the student. Requires each student to sign a written agreement to serve as a commissioned officer of the Regular Corps of the Public Health Service upon graduation and after completion of residency and internship for a period of six years for general practitioners and nine years for specialists.
United States · United States Congress · 1 December 1977
Truth in Lending Simplification Act - Amends the Truth in Lending Act to exempt transactions involving extensions of credit for agricultural purposes. Defines the finance charge as the sum of all charges imposed upon and payable by the consumer for the extension of credit. Requires the itemizing of finance charges except in the case of the sale of a dwelling or a consumer loan secured by a first lien. Amends the Truth in Lending Act by requiring from both consumer and creditor, statements indicating a security interest is taken and general descriptions of any other property which is the subject of or is in connection with extension of credit not under an open end credit plan. Requires the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to provide readily understandable model forms and clauses to facilitate compliance with disclosure requirements. States that no civil or criminal liability applies for failure to make disclosure if the creditor utilized these model forms or clauses in good faith. Redefines the disclosure requirements to comply with the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 November 1977
Directs the Secretary of Defense to place a plaque and a permanent display of medals, ribbons, and tributes of the Vietnam era on the crypt at the National Cemetery at Arlington, Virginia, reserved for an unknown American serviceman who lost his life in Southeast Asia. Directs the Secretary to perform the duties required by this Act even though the remains of such serviceman have not yet been placed in the crypt.
United States · United States Congress · 31 October 1977
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development should not implement the proposed reorganization of the field and insuring offices of the Department of Housing and Urban Development prior to the time when the appropriate committees of the Congress have had an opportunity to hold hearings on such reorganization.
United States · United States Congress · 11 October 1977
Tuition Tax Relief Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals alternative, limited income tax credits or deductions for the tuition paid for the primary, secondary or higher education of the taxpayer, his spouse, or his dependents.
United States · United States Congress · 11 October 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) remove the adjusted gross income limitation on the credit for the elderly; (2) increase the amount of the credit; and (3) provide an annual cost-of-living adjustment for the credit.
United States · United States Congress · 5 October 1977
Financial Institutions Supervisory Act Amendments - Title I: Supervisory Authority over Depository Institutions - Creates civil penalties for specified insider loans and loans to affiliates prohibited by the Federal Reserve Act; for violations of reserve requirements under such Act; and for violations of the National Bank Act relating to one borrower loan limits. Amends the Federal Reserve Act and the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to prohibit member banks and State nonmember banks from making loans to specified insiders where the amount of such loan, when aggregated with the amount of all other loans then outstanding by such bank to such insider, would exceed 25 percent of the limits on loans to a single borrower established by the Federal Reserve Act. Grants cease and desist and removal authority to the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System with respect to bank holding companies and to the Federal Home Loan Bank Board with respect to savings and loan holding companies. Sets forth civil penalties for violations of the Bank Holding Company Act. Authorizes financial regulatory agencies, including the National Credit Union Administration and the Federal Home Loan Bank Board, to initiate cease and desist actions against officers, directors, stockholders, or any person participating in the affairs of a financial institution (as well as against the institution itself as is allowed current law) when there have been violations of laws and regulations or unsafe and unsound banking practices which are likely to seriously weaken the condition of the institution in question. Amends the Federal Reserve Act to increase the allowable amount of loans which member banks may make to any executive officer for mortgages, education expenses, and other purposes. Sets forth a procedure to be followed for removal of officers and directors for breach of fiduciary duty, which is defined as personal dishonesty or continuing disregard for the safety of the institution. Creates a hearing process for removal of a bank officer or director based on an indictment for or conviction of a felony. Title II: Interlocking Directors - Depository Institution Management Interlocks Act - Prohibits interlocking management and director relations between any depository institution located in the same metropolitan area, city, town or village as that in which an office of the other institution or any affiliate depository institution is located, or in any city, town or village contiguous or adjacent thereto. States that this prohibition applies without regard to geographical limits where such an institution has assets exceeding $1,000,000,000 and seeks an interlocking relationship with any institution with assets over $500,000,000. Permits any person who is operating as a management official and whose activity was not in violation of this Act at the beginning of such service to continue to serve in that position for a period of ten years after the enactment of this Act. Delegates authority for the enforcement of this Act. Title III: Foreign Branching - Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to prohibit any State nonmember insured bank from operating any foreign branch without prior written consent of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). Permits such bank to acquire evidence of ownership in any foreign bank with such consent. States that when the liabilities of an insured bank for deposits are assumed by another insured bank the following shall occur: (1) termination of the insured status of the bank whose liabilities are assumed on the date of receipt by the FDIC of evidence of such assumption; (2) termination of separate insurance of all assumed deposits at the end of six months from the effective date; and (3) notification of such assumption by the assuming bank to each of the depositors of the assumed bank. Subjects performance of any bank services for a bank which is examined by a Federal supervisory agency to regulation by such agency. Requires such bank to notify such agency of the service relationship. Title IV: Conflicts of Interest - Depository Institutions Conflict of Interest Act - Amends the Federal Reserve Act to provide for the appointment by the President of the Senate of a chairman and a vice chairman of the Federal Reserve Board. Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, the Federal Reserve Act, and the Federal Home Loan Bank Act to prohibit specified Presidential-appointee bank regulatory agency heads and members of such agencies from being employed within two years after they leave office by institutions under their regulatory jurisdiction or with a holding company of affiliate. Makes changes to the salaries of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Chairman of the Federal Home Loan Bank Board and the Comptroller of the Currency. Title V: Credit Union Restructuring - Amends the Federal Credit Union Act to place the National Credit Union Administration under the management of a National Credit Union Administration Board. Directs the Chairperson of such Board to be the spokesperson of the Board and to represent the Board and the National Credit Union Administration in its official relations with other branches of the Government. Requires each Federal credit union to pay the Administration an annual operating fee and to make annual financial reports to the Board. Title VI: Amendments to National Banking Laws - Makes changes with respect to the following: (1) the power of national banks to purchase, hold, and convey real property; (2) the trust powers of national banks; and (3) the emergency restrictions on Federal Reserve banks. Title VII: Termination of National Bank Closed Receivership Fund - Directs the Comptroller of the Currency to disburse the liquidating dividends from national banks closed on or before January 22, 1934, held by the Comptroller in his capacity as successor to receivers of those banks. Title VIII: Holding Companies - Eliminates the exemption for agricultural, labor, and horticultural organizations under the Bank Holding Company Act. Permits the waiver of the 30 day notice requirement for acquisitions of banks by bank holding companies when the action would facilitate the acquisition of a failing bank. Title IX: Extensions of Credit and Correspondent Balances - Prohibits the extension of loans to officers, directors and specified stockholders of banks which maintain correspondent accounts with the lending bank. Prohibits the establishment of a correspondent account where a loan to an insider already exists. Sets forth civil penalties for violations of this Act. Title X: Financial Institutions Examination Council - Financial Institutions Examination Council Act - Establishes a Financial Institutions Examination Council to prescribe uniform principles and standards for the Federal examination of financial institutions. Directs the Council to make recommendations for uniformity in other supervisory matters, including classification of loans subject to risk and identification of financial institutions in need of special supervisory attention. Requires the Council to establish a liaison committee composed of five representatives of State supervisory agencies in order to encourage the application of uniform examination principles and standards by State and Federal supervisory agencies. Authorizes the Comptroller of the Currency, upon the request of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, to examine foreign operations of State member banks. Title XI: Effective Date - States that the provisions of this Act shall take effect 30 days after their enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1977
Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to (1) make loans to certain cities and counties for the establishment and initial operating costs of clinics for the spaying and neutering of dogs and cats, and (2) make grants for the establishment of courses to train paraprofessionals in the anaesthetising and spaying and neutering of dogs and cats. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 1977
Declares that the President should establish a Commission on Domestic and International Hunger and Malnutrition which should: (1) collect and generate information and resources on food, hunger, malnutrition and related concerns; (2) assess current programs affecting domestic and international hunger and malnutrition; (3) analyze and report its findings and recommendations to the President, the Congress, and the public; and (4) assist the President and the Congress in implementing its recommendations.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 1977
Domestic Violence Prevention and Treatment Act - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, acting through the Director of the National Institute of Mental Health, to establish a grant program designed to support projects which: (1) develop methods for the identification, prevention, and treatment of domestic violence; and (2) provide for family rehabilitation and support, and for emergency shelter and protection for individuals who are threatened by domestic violence. Directs the Director to establish a national information and resource clearinghouse to collect, analyze, prepare, and disseminate information relating to domestic violence. Requires the Director, in cooperation with the Administrator of Law Enforcement Assistance and the head of any other Federal agency involved with domestic violence, to study state laws, practices, and policies relating to domestic violence. Requires the Director to annually review the effectiveness of projects carried out under this Act and to report the findings to the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to transmit each such report to the President and to each House of Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 1977
Grants the court of claims jurisdiction to render judgments against the United States upon claims for losses other than lost profits sustained by producers, processors, manufacturers, distributors, dealers, or other persons resulting from the ban on apparel, fabric, yarn, or fiber containing Tirs phosphate.
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 1977
National Catastrophic and Major Medical Health Care Benefits Act - Entitles every citizen and resident of the United States earning less than $50,000 annually to payment by the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare of catastrophic and major medical health care benefits during any year in which such health care costs exceed 25 percent of an individual's annual gross income. Provides coverage for individuals earning between $50,000 and $100,000 for costs of health care which exceed 50 percent of their annual gross income. Excludes from coverage individuals whose annual gross income exceeds $100,000.
United States · United States Congress · 8 September 1977
World War I Pension Act - Requires the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to pay a monthly pension of $150 to each veteran of World War I who meets specified service requirements, to the surviving spouse (who meets specified requirements), or, when there is no surviving spouse, to the child or children (who meet specified requirements).
United States · United States Congress · 8 September 1977
Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to pay a specified sum to certain individuals in full settlement of such individuals' claims against the United States.
![Official portrait of Rep. Allen, Clifford R. [D-TN-5]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/a000118_200.jpg)