United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1978
Modifies the membership of the National Archives Trust Fund Board. Removes as members the Chairman of the House Committee on Government Operations and the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Post Office and Civil Service. Designates as members the Secretary of the Treasury and the Chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1978
Expresses the sense of Congress that (1) the Congress intended the National ambient air quality standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) pursuant to the Clean Air Act and subsequent amendments to be reasonable and attainable; (2) the EPA reconsider and revise the national ambient air quality standards for photochemical oxidants; and (3) resonable air pollution control measures be applied during such reconsideration.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1978
Reaffirms that the North Atlantic Alliance is a vital commitment of the United States. Recognizes the success of the Alliance. Declares Congressional support for strengthening the defensive capabilities of the Alliance and for lessening tensions with the Warsaw Pact countries through arms control agreements.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1978
Expresses the sense of Congress that (1) the Congress intended the National ambient air quality standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) pursuant to the Clean Air Act and subsequent amendments to be reasonable and attainable; (2) the EPA reconsider and revise the national ambient air quality standards for photochemical oxidants; and (3) resonable air pollution control measures be applied during such reconsideration.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1978
Federal Information Centers Act - Requires the General Services Administration to establish a nationwide network of Federal Information Centers for the purpose of informing the public of programs and procedures of the Federal Government and for other appropriate and related purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1978
Federal Information Centers Act - Requires the General Services Administration to establish a nationwide network of Federal Information Centers for the purpose of informing the public of programs and procedures of the Federal Government and for other appropriate and related purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1978
Directs that whenever the Consumer Price Index is specifically required or authorized to be used by any Federal officer to make calculations or determinations under any Act of Congress, the Consumer Price Index so utilized shall be the "Consumer Price Index for all-urban consumers."
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1978
Federal Accounting and Auditing Act - Amends the Accounting and Auditing Act of 1950 to require that the Comptroller General be furnished any information he requests which relates to any Federal expenditure which is subject to a GAO audit, including those expenditures heretofore were accounted for only on the certificate of the President. Amends the Budget and Accounting Act, 1921 to authorize the Comptroller General to bring an action in the United States District Court of the District of Columbia to compel the furnishing of such information. Authorizes the Comptroller General to subpena contractor's and subcontractor's records pertaining to negotiated contracts and records of other non-Federal persons or organizations to which the Comptroller General has a right of access by law or agreement. Directs that the Comptroller General shall be appointed by the President from a list of at least three names submitted by a commission of Congressional leadership representatives impaneled for the purpose of submitting such names.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1978
Amends the Budget and Accounting Act to increase the Comptroller General's contribution for a survivorship annuity, to increase the amount of such annuity, and to provide for cost-of-living adjustments in such annuity and the Comptroller General's pension.
United States · United States Congress · 12 April 1978
Establishes an Office of Inspector General within each of the Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Housing and Urban Development, Interior, Labor, and Transportation, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Community Services, General Services, National Aeronautics and Space, Small Business, and Veterans' Administrations. Makes it the duty of such Offices to direct the auditing and investigation of the programs of the agency in which each such Office is established and to recommend policies to each respective agency to promote the efficiency and economy of and to prevent and detect fraud and abuse in the programs administered by each agency. Directs each such Office to coordinate the relationships between its agency and other Federal agencies, States, and local government agencies in carrying out its mission. Requires each such Office to keep Congress and the head of the respective agency fully informed concerning its activities and findings. Specifies the frequency and content of reports. Transfers to each Office the functions of specified existing audit and investigation offices within the appropriate agencies.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1978
Clayton Act Amendments - Amends the Clayton Act to permit suits by any indirect purchaser or seller in the chain of manufacture, production, or distribution of goods or services who proves financial injury which was not passed on to another purchaser or seller in the chain. States that the fact of injury and the amount of damages sustained or passed-on may be proven on a class-wide basis in class actions and actions brought by State attorneys general. Prohibits any foreign government or its agents or departments from bringing a suit for treble damages under the Clayton Act.
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 · 24 February 1978
Expresses the disapproval of the House of Representatives of the Reorganization Plan Numbered 1 transmitted to the Congress by the President on February 23, 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1978
Authorizes additional expenditures, not to exceed $1,972,500, by the House Committee on Government Operations for investigations, studies, and oversight responsibilities.
United States · United States Congress · 30 November 1977
Directs the House Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce to initiate an investigation concerning the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking regarding the National Guidelines for Health Planning filed by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare.
United States · United States Congress · 25 October 1977
Consumer Representation and Reorganization Act - Establishes as an independent agency within the executive branch an Office of Consumer Representation to be headed by an Administrator appointed by the President by and with the consent of the Senate. Requires the Administrator to transmit to the Congress and the President by February 1 of each year a report on the activities and accomplishments of the Office during the preceding calendar year including a summary of consumer complaints received and actions taken thereon. States the functions of the Office, including to: (1) represent the interests of consumers before Federal agencies and courts to the extent authorized by this Act; (2) encourage and support research, studies, and testing leading to a better understanding of consumer products and improved products, services and consumer information; (3) submit recommendations annually to the Congress and the President on measures to improve the operation of the Federal Government in the protection and promotion of the interests of consumers; (4) cooperate with State and local governments and private enterprise in the promotion and protection of the interests of consumers; and (5) publish and distribute material to inform consumers and Congress of matters of interest to the consumer. Authorizes the Administrator, whenever the result of any Federal agency proceeding or activity may substantially affect an interest of consumers, to intervene as a party or otherwise participate in representing the interests of consumers. Directs the Agency to receive, evaluate, develop, act on, and transmit complaints to the appropriate Federal or non-Federal entities concerning actions or practices which may be detrimental to the interests of consumers. Requires the Agency to maintain a public document room containing an up-to-date listing of all signed consumer complaints of any significance arranged in meaningful and useful categories together with annotations of Agency actions. Requires the Office to gather and disseminate to the public information concerning: (1) the functions and duties of the Office; (2) consumer products and services; (3) problems encountered by consumers; and (4) notices of Federal hearings, proposed and final rules, and other pertinent activities of Federal agencies. Directs the Office to encourage and support, through both public and private entities, the development and application of information on consumer products and services. Authorizes Federal agencies to perform, at the request of the Administrator, tests regarding products, services, or any matter affecting the interests of consumers. Authorizes each Federal agency, upon the written request of the Administrator, to furnish or allow access to all documents, papers, and records in its possession which the Administrator deems necessary for the performance of his functions. Requires every Federal agency, in considering any action which may substantially affect the interest of consumers, to notify the Agency of such action. Transfers to the Office of Consumer Representation the functions, funds, records, and property of other Federal offices the duties of which now fall within what this Act designates as the jurisdiction of the Office of Consumer Representation. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to report to Congress functions performed by Federal programs which overlap, duplicate, or conflict with the functions performed by the office. Terminates the Office of Consumer Representation five years after the effective date of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 October 1977
Consumer Representation and Reorganization Act - Establishes as an independent agency within the executive branch an Office of Consumer Representation to be headed by an Administrator appointed by the President by and with the consent of the Senate. Requires the Administrator to transmit to the Congress and the President by February 1 of each year a report on the activities and accomplishments of the Office during the preceding calendar year including a summary of consumer complaints received and actions taken thereon. States the functions of the Office, including to: (1) represent the interests of consumers before Federal agencies and courts to the extent authorized by this Act; (2) encourage and support research, studies, and testing leading to a better understanding of consumer products and improved products, services and consumer information; (3) submit recommendations annually to the Congress and the President on measures to improve the operation of the Federal Government in the protection and promotion of the interests of consumers; (4) cooperate with State and local governments and private enterprise in the promotion and protection of the interests of consumers; and (5) publish and distribute material to inform consumers and Congress of matters of interest to the consumer. Authorizes the Administrator, whenever the result of any Federal agency proceeding or activity may substantially affect an interest of consumers, to intervene as a party or otherwise participate in representing the interests of consumers. Directs the Agency to receive, evaluate, develop, act on, and transmit complaints to the appropriate Federal or non-Federal entities concerning actions or practices which may be detrimental to the interests of consumers. Requires the Agency to maintain a public document room containing an up-to-date listing of all signed consumer complaints of any significance arranged in meaningful and useful categories together with annotations of Agency actions. Requires the Office to gather and disseminate to the public information concerning: (1) the functions and duties of the Office; (2) consumer products and services; (3) problems encountered by consumers; and (4) notices of Federal hearings, proposed and final rules, and other pertinent activities of Federal agencies. Directs the Office to encourage and support, through both public and private entities, the development and application of information on consumer products and services. Authorizes Federal agencies to perform, at the request of the Administrator, tests regarding products, services, or any matter affecting the interests of consumers. Authorizes each Federal agency, upon the written request of the Administrator, to furnish or allow access to all documents, papers, and records in its possession which the Administrator deems necessary for the performance of his functions. Requires every Federal agency, in considering any action which may substantially affect the interest of consumers, to notify the Agency of such action. Transfers to the Office of Consumer Representation the functions, funds, records, and property of other Federal offices the duties of which now fall within what this Act designates as the jurisdiction of the Office of Consumer Representation. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to report to Congress functions performed by Federal programs which overlap, duplicate, or conflict with the functions performed by the office. Terminates the Office of Consumer Representation five years after the effective date of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 1977
Consumer Representation and Reorganization Act - Establishes as an independent agency within the executive branch an Office of Consumer Representation to be headed by an Administrator appointed by the President by and with the consent of the Senate. Requires the Administrator to transmit to the Congress and the President by February 1 of each year a report on the activities and accomplishments of the Office during the preceding calendar year including a summary of consumer complaints received and actions taken thereon. States the functions of the Office, including to: (1) represent the interests of consumers before Federal agencies and courts to the extent authorized by this Act; (2) encourage and support research, studies, and testing leading to a better understanding of consumer products and improved products, services and consumer information; (3) submit recommendations annually to the Congress and the President on measures to improve the operation of the Federal Government in the protection and promotion of the interests of consumers; (4) cooperate with State and local governments and private enterprise in the promotion and protection of the interests of consumers; and (5) publish and distribute material to inform consumers and Congress of matters of interest to the consumer. Authorizes the Administrator, whenever the result of any Federal agency proceeding or activity may substantially affect an interest of consumers, to intervene as a party or otherwise participate in representing the interests of consumers. Directs the Agency to receive, evaluate, develop, act on, and transmit complaints to the appropriate Federal or non-Federal entities concerning actions or practices which may be detrimental to the interests of consumers. Requires the Agency to maintain a public document room containing an up-to-date listing of all signed consumer complaints of any significance arranged in meaningful and useful categories together with annotations of Agency actions. Requires the Office to gather and disseminate to the public information concerning: (1) the functions and duties of the Office; (2) consumer products and services; (3) problems encountered by consumers; and (4) notices of Federal hearings, proposed and final rules, and other pertinent activities of Federal agencies. Directs the Office to encourage and support, through both public and private entities, the development and application of information on consumer products and services. Authorizes Federal agencies to perform, at the request of the Administrator, tests regarding products, services, or any matter affecting the interests of consumers. Authorizes each Federal agency, upon the written request of the Administrator, to furnish or allow access to all documents, papers, and records in its possession which the Administrator deems necessary for the performance of his functions. Requires every Federal agency, in considering any action which may substantially affect the interest of consumers, to notify the Agency of such action. Transfers to the Office of Consumer Representation the functions, funds, records, and property of other Federal offices the duties of which now fall within what this Act designates as the jurisdiction of the Office of Consumer Representation. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to report to Congress functions performed by Federal programs which overlap, duplicate, or conflict with the functions performed by the office. Terminates the Office of Consumer Representation five years after the effective date of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 October 1977
Expresses the disapproval of the House of Representative of the Reorganization Plan Numbered 2 transmitted to Congress by the President on October 12, 1977.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 1977
Amends rule I of the Rules of the House of Representatives to direct the Speaker to implement a system for audio and video broadcasting and recording of the legislative proceedings of the House. Prohibits the use of such broadcasting for political purposes or in any commercial advertisement.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 1977
Establishes an Office of Inspector General within each of the Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Housing and Urban Development, Interior, Labor, and Transportation, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Community Services, Energy Research and Development, Federal Energy, General Services, National Aeronautics and Space, Small Business, and Veterans' Administrations. Makes it the duty of such Offices to direct the auditing and investigation of the programs of the agency in which each such Office is established and to recommend policies to each respective agency to promote the efficiency and economy of and to prevent and detect fraud and abuse in the programs administered by each agency. Directs each such Office to coordinate the relationships between its agency and other Federal agencies, States, and local government agencies in carrying out its mission. Requires each such Office to keep Congress and the head of the respective agency fully informed concerning its activities and findings. Specifies the frequency and content of reports. Transfers to each Office the functions of specified existing audit and investigation offices within the appropriate agencies. (Amends 5 U.S.C. 5315; 5316)
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 1977
Expresses the disapproval of the House of Representatives of the Reorganization Plan Numbered 1 transmitted to Congress by the President on July 15, 1977.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 1977
Amends the Clayton Antitrust Act to entitle the United States, natural persons, and State attorney generals acting as parens patriae for persons residing within the State to bring civil actions under such Act for injury in fact, whether direct or indirect. States that this amendment shall apply to any civil action pending on June 9, 1977, or filed thereafter.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1977
Directs the printing as a House document of the transcript of the proceedings in the Committee on the Judiciary of May 12, 1977, incident to the presentation of a portrait of the Honorable Peter W. Rodino, Junior, to the Committee.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1977
Directs the President to appoint a specified number of additional judges to designated United States district courts and courts of appeals. Eliminates the exception for certain districts having two judges with respect to the requirement that no judge age 70 or older serve as chief judge.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1977
Federal Grant and Cooperative Agreement Act - Requires each executive agency to use a procurement contract as the legal instrument reflecting a relationship between the Federal Government and a State or local government or other recipient whenever the principal purpose of the agreement is the acquisition, by purchase, lease, or barter, of property or services for the direct benefit or use of the Federal Government. Requires each executive agency, when no substantial involvement is anticipated between the executive agency, acting for the Federal Government, and the State or local government or other recipient during performance of the contemplated activity, to use a grant agreement as the legal instrument reflecting a relationship between the Federal Government and a State or local government or other recipient whenever the principal purpose of the relationship is the transfer of money, property services or anything of value to the State or local government. Requires each executive agency to use a cooperative agreement as the legal instrument reflecting a relationship between the Federal Government and a State or local government or other recipient whenever the principal purpose of the relationship is the transfer of money, property, services, or anything of value to the State or local government, and substantial involvement is anticipated between the executive agency, acting for the Federal Government, and the State or local government or other recipient during performance of the contemplated activity. Directs the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, in cooperation with the executive agencies, to undertake a study to develop a better understanding of alternative means of implementing Federal assistance programs, and to determine the feasibility of developing a comprehensive system of guidance for Federal assistance programs.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1977
Upgrades the offices of the Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System from position II to position I of the Executive Schedule and the Members of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System from position III to position II of the Executive Schedule.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1977
Consumer Protection Act - Establishes as an independent agency within the executive branch the Agency for Consumer Protection, to be headed by an Administrator appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Requires the Administrator to transmit to the Congress and the President in January of each year a report on the activities of the Agency, including a summary of consumer complaints received and actions taken thereon and an efficiency evaluation of selected major consumer programs of each Federal agency. States the functions of the Agency, including to: (1) represent the interests of consumers before Federal agencies and courts; (2) support research leading to a better understanding of consumer products and improved products, services and information; (3) submit recommendations on improvement of Federal Government operations in the protection of consumers; and (4) cooperate with State and local governments and private enterprise in the promotion and protection of the interests of consumers. Allows the Administrator, whenever he determines that the result of any Federal agency proceeding or activity may substantially affect an interest of consumers, to intervene as a party or otherwise participate in representing the interests of consumers. Directs the Agency to act on and transmit complaints to the appropriate Federal or non-Federal entities concerning actions or practices which may be detrimental to the interests of consumers. Requires the Agency to maintain a public document room of signed consumer complaints for which the Agency has received, together with annotations of actions taken. Authorizes the Administrator to request Federal agencies to perform tests regarding products, services, or any matter affecting the interests of consumers. Authorizes the Administration to propose to any Federal agency, for submission to specified persons, written interrogatories or requests for reports and other related information, within such agency's authority. Exempts "small business concerns" as defined in this Act, from those entities which are subject to such authority. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to review such requests before they are issued. Requires every Federal agency, in considering any action which may substantially affect the interests of consumers, to notify the Agency of such action. Directs the President to submit to Congress a plan for the transfer to the Agency of those consumer-related advocacy programs of Federal activities which can be performed better by the Administrator.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1977
Department of Energy Organization Act - Title I: Declaration of Findings Policy and Purposes - Declares it the policy of the United States that energy conservation be given the highest priority in any national energy program. Title II: Establishment of Department - Established a Department of Energy in the executive branch. Establishes an Energy Information Administration and an Economic Regulatory Administration within such Department. Establishes within the Department an Office of Inspector General to review and investigate problems relating to the administration of the programs and operations of the Department. Title III: Transfers of Functions - Transfers to the Secretary of Energy all functions now vested in the Federal Energy Administration and the Energy Research and Development Administration. Transfers energy-related functions from the Department of the Interior to the new Secretary. Transfers specified functions of the Federal Power Commission, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, the Interstate Commerce Commission, the Secretary of the Navy, and the Secretary of Commerce to the new Secretary. Title IV: Federal Energy Regulatory Commission - Establishes a Federal Energy Regulatory Commission within the Department to be composed of five members appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. Transfers regulatory functions of the Federal Power Commission under the Federal Power Act and the Natural Gas Act to the new Commission. Establishes procedures governing the operation of the Commission. Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to delegate additional functions to the Commission. Title V: Administrative Procedures and Judicial Review - Stipulates that the provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act shall apply to rules and regulations issued by the Secretary or a delegate. Requires that opportunity for oral presentations of viewpoints be afforded when regulations are likely to have a substantial economic impact. Requires hearings on rules which substantially impact on a single geographic area, to be held in such geographic area. Stipulates that United States district courts shall have exclusive jurisdiction of cases arising under this Act without regard to amount in controversy, except where otherwise provided in authority transferred to the Secretary. Title VI: Administrative Provisions - Prohibits supervising employees from holding any interest in energy companies. Authorizes the Secretary to grant waivers from such prohibition in cases of exceptional hardship. Requires disclosure of known financial interest by officers and employees of the Department, subject to criminal sanctions. Grants the Secretary limited authority to reorganize organizational units within the Department. Directs the Secretary to submit annual reports of the activities of the Department to the President. Authorizes the Secretary to delegate authority to other officers, to create regional offices, and to establish advisory committees. Requires the Secretary to submit annual reports to the President for submission to the Congress. Title VII: Transitional Savings and Conforming Provisions - Stipulates that transfers of personnel as authorized by this Act shall not result in reduction in grade or unemployment for one year after enactment of this Act. Stipulates that orders, rules, and proceedings reestablished or commenced under previous authority shall not be affected by the transfers under this Act. Amends the Federal Energy Administration Act, the Energy Reorganization Act, the Atomic Energy Act, the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act, the Energy Conservation Standards for New Buildings Act, the Rural Electrification Act of 1936, and other provisions of law to conform with the changes made by this Act. Title VIII: Effective Date and Interim Appointments - Stipulates that the provisions of this act shall take effective no later than 120 days after the Secretary first takes office. Establishes procedures for interim appointments of officers prior to the effective date of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1977
Title I: Extension and Amendment to Title II of Public Law 94-369 - Amends the Public Works Employment Act of 1976 to authorize for three calendar quarters beginning on July 1, 1977, appropriations for payments to State and local governments to coordinate State efforts with Federal Government efforts to stimulate economic recovery. Sets forth a formula for the determination of the amount allocable to each State and unit of local government, including Indian tribes and Alaskan native villages. Includes prohibitions against discrimination on the basis of age or handicap. Title II: Amendment to the State and Local Fiscal Assistance Act of 1972 - Amends the State and Local Fiscal Assistance Act of 1972 to add a new title authorizing the Secretary of the Treasury to make payments to State and units of local government to help counter the effects of an economic recession. Describes financial conditions necessary for State eligibility and a formula for the determination of each State and local government's allocable amount. Requires each State and local government recipient to file with the Secretary a statement of assurances that regulations for handling such funds will be followed and requires withholding of funds for noncompliance with such assurances. Prohibits specified discrimination under any program or activity of a State or local government which receives funds under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1977
Authorizes the Administrator of General Services to accept land, buildings, and equipment, without reimbursement, for the John Fitzgerald Kennedy Library in Boston, Massachusetts, as part of the National Archives system. Provides that such acceptance shall not occur until after the expiration of 60 days of continuous congressional session following the date on which a report is submitted by the Administrator to Congress on any such proposed Presidential archival depository.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1977
Federal Program Information Act - Creates a Federal Program Information Center to establish and maintain a computerized program information system which is capable of identifying all existing Federal domestic assistance programs. Specifies the required contents of the Federal Assistance Information Data Base, including the identity, description, and eligibility requirements of each such assistance program. Requires the Director of the Center to publish an annual catalog containing all information on Federal domestic assistance programs that is in the data base of the system. States that information in such data base and the catalog prepared pursuant to this Act shall be made available to the public at a reasonable price.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1977
Authorizes the Administrator of General Services to accept land, buildings, and equipment, without reimbursement, for the John Fitzgerald Kennedy Library in Boston, Massachusetts, as part of the National Archives system. Provides that such acceptance shall not occur until after the expiration of 60 days of continuous congressional session following the date on which a report is submitted by the Administrator to Congress on any such proposed Presidential archival depository.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1977
Authorizes the reprinting of "Chemical Dangers in the Workplace," and "Administration of the Federal Employees' Compensation Act" for use of the House Committee on Government Operations.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1977
Directs the payment of expenses, not to exceed $521,535, out of the contingent fund of the House for investigations and studies to be conducted by the Select Committee on Congressional Operations.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1977
Consumer Protection Act - Establishes as an independent agency within the executive branch the Agency for Consumer Protection, to be headed by an Administrator appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Requires the Administrator to transmit to the Congress and the President in January of each year a report on the activities and accomplishments of the Agency during the preceding calendar year including a summary of consumer complaints received and actions taken thereon and recommendations for legislation to protect the interests of consumers. States that the functions of the Agency shall be to: (1) represent the interests of consumers before Federal agencies and courts to the extent authorized by this Act; (2) encourage and support research, studies, and testing leading to a better understanding of consumer products and improved products, services, and consumer information; (3) submit recommendations annually to the Congress and the President on measures to improve the operation of the Federal Government in the protection and promotion of the interests of consumers; and (4) cooperate with State and local governments and private enterprise in the promotion and protection of the interests of consumers. Allows the Administrator, whenever he determines that the result of any Federal agency proceeding or activity may substantially affect an interest of consumers, to intervene as a party or otherwise participate in representing the interests of consumers. Directs the Agency to receive, evaluate, develop, act on, and transmit complaints to the appropriate Federal or non-Federal entities concerning actions or practices which may be detrimental to the interests of consumers. Authorizes the Administrator to request Federal agencies to perform tests regarding products, services or any other matter affecting the interests of consumers. Requires the Agency to maintain a public document room containing an up-to-date listing of all signed consumer complaints of any significance arranged in meaningful and useful categories together with annotations of Agency actions together with annotations of actions taken by it. Authorizes the Administration to propose to any Federal agency, for submission to specified persons, written interrogatories or requests for reports and other related information, within such agency's authority. Requires every Federal agency considering any action which may substantially affect the interests of consumers to notify the Agency of such action. Terminates the Agency for Consumer Protection on September 30, 1985.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1977
Renegotiation Reform Act - Excludes from the definition of the terms "contract" and "subcontract" under the Renegotiation Act of 1951 any lease financing transaction by a bank or a subsidiary of a bank holding company when such transaction is the functional equivalent of an extension of credit by the lessor. Amends such Act to limit the terms of office of members of the Renegotiation Board to five years. Sets the rate of compensation for the chairman of the Board at the rate of pay for level IV of the Executive Schedule and for the other members of the Board at the rate for level V of the Executive Schedules. Prohibits the use of the percentage-of-completion method of accounting for renegotiation contracts from which the Board finds excessive profits. Specifies other criteria to be used in such renegotiation. Eliminates the exemptions from the provisions of the Act currently afforded products of gas and oil wells and standard commercial services. Repeals provisions of the Act allowing any contractor or subcontractor subject to this Act to waive exemptions from the Act for standard commercial articles. Requires all such contractors and subcontractors to furnish complete cost and pricing data on all articles subject to exemption under the Act. Requires the Board to conduct a study of such cost and pricing data and report to Congress on the profitability of such exempted items. Raises the minimum amount of contracts subject to renegotiation under the Act from $1,000,000 to $4,000,000 and of subcontracts subject to renegotiation from $25,000 to $50,000. Changes from criminal to civil fines imposed under the Act for failure to file or for filing misleading information required to be filed under the Act. Declares the Chairman of the Board to be the Board's chief executive officer and confers upon him direction of all executive functions of the Board. Grants the Board the power to issue subpoenas. Requires the Board to audit all financial statements submitted to it pursuant to the Act. Directs the Board to report annually to the Secretary of each Department with respect to the contractors or subcontractors who have received or accrued during the past fiscal year amounts under contracts with such Department or subcontracts under contracts with such Department. Requires the General Accounting Office to review the activities of the Board annually and to submit a report of its findings to Congress. Makes provisions for refunds owed to contractors and subcontractors.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 1977
Department of Energy Organization Act - Title I: Declaration of Purposes - Declares it the purpose of this Act to establish a permanent Department or Energy in the executive branch to assist in the development of a coordinated national energy policy. Title II: Establishment of Department - Establishes a Department of Energy in the executive branch. Establishes an Energy Information Administration and an Economic Regulatory Administration within such Department. Title III: Transfers of Functions - Transfers to the Secretary of Energy all functions now vested in the Federal Energy Administration, the Energy Research and Development Administration, and the Federal Power Commission. Transfers energy-related functions from the Department of the Interior to the new Secretary. Transfers specified functions of the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, the Interstate Commerce Commission, the Secretary of the Navy, and the Secretary of Commerce to the new Secretary. Title IV: Board of Hearings and Appeals - Establishes a three-member Board of Hearings and Appeals within the Department to make agency determinations as required by law. Prohibits persons having interests in energy companies from serving as Board members. Title V: Administrative Procedures and Judicial Review - Stipulates that the provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act shall apply to rules and regulations issued by the Secretary or his delegate. Requires that opportunity for oral presentations of viewpoints be afforded where regulations are likely to have a substantial economic impact. Requires hearings on rules which substantially impact on a single geographic area to be held in such geographic area. Stipulates that United States district courts shall have exclusive jurisdiction of cases arising under this Act without regard to the amount in controversy, except where otherwise provided in authority transferred to the Secretary. Title VI: Administrative Provisions - Establishes a Leasing Liaison Committee to obtain information and make recommendations on Federal leasing activities conducted by the Secretary of the Interior which relate to energy resources. Requires officers and employees of the Department of Energy to disclose known financial interests in energy companies. Imposes criminal penalties for knowing violations of such disclosure requirements. Authorizes the Secretary to delegate authority to other officers, to create regional offices, and to establish advisory committees. Requires the Secretary to submit annual reports to the President for submission to the Congress. Title VII: Transitional Savings and Conforming Provisions - Stipulates that transfers of personnel as authorized by this Act shall not result in reduction in grade or unemployment for one year after enactment of this Act. Stipulates that orders, rules, and proceedings established or commenced under previous authority shall not be affected by the transfers under this Act. Amends the Federal Energy Administration Act, the Energy Reorganization Act, the Federal Power Act, the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act, the Energy Conservation Standards for New Buildings Act, the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935, the Rural Electrification Act of 1936, and other provisions of law to conform with the changes made by this Act. Title VIII: Effective Date and Interim Appointments - Stipulates that the provisions of this Act shall take effect no later than 120 days after the Secretary first takes office. Establishes procedures for interim appointment of officers prior to the effective date of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1977
Food Additive Safety Amendments - States that a food additive shall be deemed safe if the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare (1) makes a finding, based on recommendations of an advisory committee, that the public benefit from permitting the use of such additive would exceed the public risk which might result from such use; (2) gives notice in the Federal Register of such a finding and invites public comment thereon; and (3) issues a final order not earlier than 120 days of such publication in the Federal Register of such findings. Specifies factors the Secretary must take into consideration when evaluating a food additive. Deems saccharin a safe food additive unless the Secretary declares it unsafe under the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1977
Department of Energy Organization Act - Title I: Declaration of Purposes - Declares it the purpose of this Act to establish a permanent Department of Energy in the executive branch to assist in the development of a coordinated national energy policy. Title II: Establishment of Department - Establishes a Department of Energy in the executive branch. Establishes an Energy Information Administration and an Economic Regulatory Administration within such Department. Title III: Transfers of Functions - Transfers to the Secretary of Energy all functions now vested in the Federal Energy Administration, the Energy Research and Development Administration, and the Federal Power Commission. Transfers energy-related functions from the Department of the Interior to the new Secretary. Transfers specified functions of the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, the Interstate Commerce Commission, the Secretary of the Navy, and the Secretary of Commerce to the new Secretary. Title IV: Board of Hearings and Appeals - Establishes a three-member Board of Hearings and Appeals within the Department to make agency determinations as required by law. Prohibits persons having interests in energy companies from serving as Board members. Title V: Administrative Procedures and Judicial Review - Stipulates that the provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act shall apply to rules and regulations issued by the Secretary or his delegate. Requires that opportunity for oral presentations of viewpoints be afforded where regulations are likely to have a substantial economic impact. Requires hearings on rules which substantially impact on a single geographic area to be held in such geographic area. Stipulate that United States district courts shall have exclusive jurisdiction of cases arising under this Act without regard to amount in controversy, except where otherwise provided in authority transferred to the Secretary. Title VI: Administrative Provisions - Establishes a Leasing Liaison Committee to obtain information and make recommendations on Federal leasing activities conducted by the Secretary of the Interior which relate to energy resources. Requires officers and employees of the Department of Energy to disclose known financial interests in energy companies. Imposes criminal penalties for knowing violations of such disclosure requirements. Authorizes the Secretary to delegate authority to other officers, to create regional officers, and to establish advisory committees. Requires the Secretary to submit annual reports to the President for submission to the Congress. Title VII: Transitional Savings and Conforming Provisions - Stipulates that transfers of personnel as authorized by this Act shall not result in reduction in grade or unemployment for one year after enactment of this Act. Stipulates that orders, rules, and proceedings established or commenced under previous authority shall not be affected by the transfers under this Act. Amends the Federal Energy Administration Act, the Energy Reorganization Act, the Federal Power Act, the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act, the Energy Conservation Standards for New Buildings Act, the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935, the Rural Electrification Act of 1936, and other provisions of law to conform with the changes made by this Act. Title VIII: Effective Date and Interim Appointments - Stipulates that the provisions of this Act shall take effective no later than 120 days after the Secretary first takes office. Establishes procedures for interim appointments of officers prior to the effective date of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1977
Establishes the Select Committee on Congressional Operations in the House of Representatives to continue the functions of the Joint Committee on Congressional Operations for the House. Requires the committee to: (1) make a continuing study of the organization and operation of Congress and recommend improvements; (2) identify any court proceeding or action of vital interest to Congress or the House; (3) conduct a continuing study of the jurisdiction of various standing committees of the House, their work loads, and ways of rationalizing committee jurisdictions between the two Houses of Congress; and (4) supervise and control the functions of the Office of Placement and Office Management as they relate to the House. Authorizes the committee to appoint certain staff members at specified rates of pay.
![Official portrait of Rep. Brooks, Jack B. [D-TX-9]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/b000880_200.jpg)