United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1978
Extends the authority of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to regulate interest rates on deposits and share accounts in depository institutions from December 15, 1978, to December 15, 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1978
Extends the authority of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to regulate interest rates on deposits and share accounts in depository institutions from December 15, 1978, to December 15, 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1978
Press Protection Act - Prohibits any person acting under color of law, without a prior adversary court proceeding, from searching any place or seizing any things in the possession, custody, or control of any person engaged in the gathering or dissemination of news for the print or broadcast media, unless with a warrant issued by a court upon probable cause that such person has committed or is committing a criminal offense. Establishes a criminal fine of not more than $10,000 for violation of this Act, and creates a civil cause of action for any person aggrieved by a violation. Allows punitive damages of up to $10,000, and reasonable attorneys fees.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1978
Small Business Government Contracting Reform Act - Simplifies Government contracting procedures with respect to small businesses. Establishes Government contract arbitration panels within the Small Business Administration to facilitate the resolution of disputes between any small business concern and any Federal agency having procurement authority. Directs Federal agencies to take the apparent low responsive bidder's small business concern subcontracting plan into account in determining the responsibility of such bidder for the award of such contract. Assigns an employee of the Small Business Administration to each Federal agency to monitor compliance with specified small business programs. Establishes the Small Business Procurement Advisory Committee.
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 1978
Stipulates that upon the withdrawal of approval of any portion of an Interstate Highway, the State involved, subject to the approval of the Secretary of Transportation, shall not be required to refund to the Highway Trust Fund any sums paid to the State for intangible costs. Stipulates that refunds shall not be required if the State applies such funds to an eligible transportation project or to a public conservation or recreation purpose within ten years.
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 1978
Susan B. Anthony Dollar Coin Act - Amends the Coinage Act of 1965 to change the size and weight of the one-dollar coin and to require that the obverse side of such coin bear the likeness of Susan B. Anthony.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 1978
Financial Institutions Regulatory Act - Title I: Supervisory Authority Over Depository Institutions - Creates civil penalties for specified insiders loans and loans to affiliates, prohibited by the Federal Reserve Act, for violations of reserve borrowing 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 the 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 Interlocks 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. Amends existing requirements for the reporting and assessment of deposits accumulated for the payment of personal loans when such deposits are assigned or pledged to assure the payment of such loans at maturity. Title IV: Conflicts of Interest - Depository Institutions Conflict of Interests 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. Prohibits such individuals from appearing before the board of their respective agencies, either formally or informally, from contacting such board, directly or indirectly, orally or in writing, or from acting as agent or attorney for any other person, other than the United States, before such board for a period of two years immediately following their employment. 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. Restricts the employment and activities of Board members for a period of two years immediately following their employment. 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 or bank holding company 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 or holding company 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. Requires each executive officer and each stockholder who directly or indirectly owns, controls, or has the power to vote more than ten percent of any class of voting securities of an insured bank, to submit a written report to the board of directors of such bank for any year in which such officer or stockholder has outstanding an extension of credit from a bank which maintains a correspondent account in the name of such bank. Requires such report to include: (1) the maximum amount of indebtedness to the bank maintaining the correspondent account of such officer or stockholder and of each company, political or campaign committee which will benefit or is controlled by such officer or stockholder; (2) the maximum amount of such indebtedness as of a date not more than ten days prior to the filing of the report; (3) the range of interest rates charged on such indebtedness; and (4) the terms and conditions of such indebtedness. Requires each insured bank to compile and submit such reports to specified regulatory agencies. 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 Financial Institutions Examination Council - Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council Act - Establishes a Financial Institutions Examinations Council to prescribe uniform principles and standards for the Federal examination of financial institutions. Defines the term "financial institution" to mean: (1) a commercial bank; (2) a savings bank; (3) a trust company; (4) a savings and loan association; (5) a building and loan association; (6) a homestead association; (7) a cooperative bank; and (8) a credit union. Directs that one-fifth of the operating costs of the Council be paid by each of the Federal financial institution regulatory agencies. 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 authority 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 reasonably described 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. Requires in all cases that the customer be notified of the agency seeking such records, the purpose for which such records are sought, and the rights of customers under this Act. Establishes specific conditions and procedures for the delay of notice to a customer. States that no financial institution may provide to a Government authority 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 summonses, judicial subpenas, and search warrants. Establishes procedures for a customer to challenge the disclosure of financial records. Provides exceptions to the provisions of this Act and special procedures for the disclosure of records to the Secret Service and government authorities acting in the field of foreign intelligence. Establishes civil penalties and the right to injunctive relief without regard to the amount in controversy for violation of the provisions of this Title. Establishes conditions on the use of financial records about a customer obtained under the authority of a Federal grand jury. 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 insititution fails. Title XIII: Holding Companies - Amends the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 to prohibit a bank holding company from providing insurance as a principal, agent, or broker except: (1) where the insurance is to secure a credit transaction; (2) where the insurance is sold in a community with a population of less than 5,000 or that has no other adequate insurance agency facilities; (3) where the insurance is sold by a bank holding company or its affiliate lawfully engaged in insurance activities prior to June 6, 1978; or (4) where the bank holding company engaged in insurance activities has assets of $50,000,000 or less. 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. Allows an individual who holds the required number of shares in a company that controls a banking association to serve as a director of that association. Permits a banking association to purchase shares of stock in a State chartered bank insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation if the stock of such bank is owned exclusively by other banks and if such bank is exclusively engaged in providing banking services for other banks, their officers, directors or employees. Limits the total amount of such stock which may be held by an association to five percent of its capital stock and paid in unimpaired surplus. 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. Authorizes the Board to allow depository institutions located in the District of Columbia to offer transaction accounts if depository institutions in Virginia and Maryland are permitted to offer such accounts. Title XVII: Financial Regulation Simplification Act - Requires the Federal financial regulatory agencies to establish a program which assures periodic review of existing regulations to insure that: (1) the need for and purposes of a regulation are clearly established; (2) timely participation is available to the public, financial institutions, and other Federal, State and local agencies; (3) alternatives to the promulgation of regulations are considered; (4) compliance costs, paperwork and other problems are minimized; and (5) conflicts, inconsistencies and duplication between the regulations of Federal agencies are avoided. Terminates this Title five years after its effective date. Title XVIII: Alternative Mortgage Instruments - Permits federally chartered savings and loan associations to offer alternative mortgage instruments where State law, rules, or regulations, allow State chartered savings and loan associations to offer such instruments. Tile XIX: Prohibition on Credit Card Surcharges - Repeals the prohibition on the imposition of surcharges for payment by credit card in sales transactions. Title XX: Effective Date - Sets forth the effective date for this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 1978
Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to compile and publish a report, to be revised every three years, containing specific recommendations for a railroad transportation system adequate to meet the essential needs of the agricultural industry of the United States. Requires annual reports to Congress regarding the capability of the Nation's transportation system (all forms of transportation) to meet such needs. Directs the Secretary to participate in all proceedings of any Federal agencies likely to make an impact on the agricultural industry of the United States or on rural development in order to foster the cause of an efficient and economical transportation system serving such interests.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 1978
Provides that where two or more Members of the House of Representatives pay the basic pay of an individual from the clerk-hire allowance of each such Member, such individual shall be considered to be on the payroll of only one such Member for purposes of determining the number of individuals employed by such Members under the clerk-hire allowance. Requires such Members to designate who shall be considered the employer for the month involved and to report such designation to the Office of Finance.
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 · 9 June 1978
Small Business Contracting Equity Act - Amends the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act to require the payment of interest on contract payments which are overdue under Federal contracts with small business.
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 · 1 June 1978
Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Equal Employment Opportunity Act of 1972 to extend to all units of the legislative branch of the Federal Government the prohibition of discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin in all personnel actions which now applies only to those units of the legislative branch having positions in the competitive civil service. Amends the National Labor Relations Act to include the United States and the legislative branch of the Federal Government as employers subject to the prohibition against unfair labor practices declared in that Act. Extends the coverage of the Fair Labor Standards Act and the Equal Pay Act of 1963 to the employees of any unit of the legislative branch of the Federal Government whether a unit has positions in the competitive civil service or not. Includes the United States and the legislative branch of the Federal Government within the definition of the term "employer" in the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. Applies the provisions of the Freedom Information Act and the Privacy Act to the legislative branch. Repeals the exemption of Congress from the social security taxing and benefit provisions.
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 · 17 May 1978
Small Business Regulatory Relief Act - Amends the Small Business Act to direct each Federal department, agency, and instrumentality engaged in rulemaking to prepare a written analysis of whether it is legal, feasible, and desirable to exempt small businesses (or classes thereof) from a rule or whether the agency should promulgate a rule with lesser compliance standards for businesses. Sets forth information which must be present in such analysis.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1978
Expresses the sense of Congress that, in conformity with the Helsinki Find Act, the Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and basic standards of justice, the unjustly imprisoned members and affiliates of the Soviet Helsinki Group should be granted their freedom and allowed to pursue their lawful activities in behalf of basic human rights. Urges the President, the Secretary of State, and other appropriate executive branch officials to continue to express at every suitable opportunity and in the strongest terms the opposition of the United States to the imprisonment of the Helsinki Group members.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1978
Amends the Federal Crop Insurance Act to repeal the requirement that a list of indemnities paid for losses on farms shall be posted annually in each county at the county courthouse.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1978
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to qualify services performed by a surviving spouse as consideration for purposes of excluding portions of jointly held property from a decedent's taxable estate.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1978
Declares that the Congress strongly condemns the gross violations of human rights and other suppressive acts committed by Idi Amin and the Government of the Republic of Uganda. Urges the President to (1) support and implement measures, such as an embargo, which would effectively discourage United States support of Uganda, and (2) encourage and support international efforts to investigate and respond to conditions in that country, including economic restrictions.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1978
Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 1979 - Title I: Department of State - Authorizes appropriations to the Department of State for fiscal year 1979 to conduct the foreign affairs of the United States for functions relating to: (1) the administration of foreign affairs; (2) international organizations and conferences; (3) international commissions; (4) migration and refugee assistance; and (5) increases in salary, pay, retirement, and employee benefits. Authorizes appropriations to be set aside from the above Department of State authorization under this Act for: (1) the undocumented alien program; (2) the United Nations Conference on Science and Technology for Development; and (3) assistance for refugees settling in Isreal; and (4) assistance for refugees in Africa. Authorizes the Secretary of State to provide emergency medical assistance and dietary supplements to destitute United States citizens abroad. Authorizes the Secretary of State to consolidate administrative services with other Federal agencies if such consolidation would result in the better performance of such services. Amends the Foreign Service Act of 1946 to authorize the Secretary to establish medical treatment and health care facilities at foreign posts where sufficient personnel are employed to warrant such facilities. 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. Declares it to be the sense of Congress that the President should direct the United States Ambassador to the United Nations to use all means to obtain action by the General Assembly to terminate the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People and the Special Unit on Palestinian Rights. Changes the position of Deputy Under Secretary of State to Under Secretary of State for Management. Establishes in the Department of State an Assistant Secretary of State for International Narcotics Matters and requires the Assistant Secretary to be responsible for the overall coordination of the role of the Department of State in the international aspects of narcotics problems. Title II: International Communication Agency - Authorizes appropriations for the International Communication Agency for fiscal year 1979, to carry out international communication, educational, cultural, and exchange programs. Renames the United States Information Agency the International Communication Agency. Title III: Board for International Broadcasting - Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1979 for the Board for International Broadcasting. Prohibits funding of Radio Free Europe and Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) if any Communist country is permitted to use its broadcasting facilities, unless that country permits RFE/RL to use that country's broadcasting facilities on a comparable basis. Title IV: Foreign Service and Other Personnel - Amends the Foreign Service Act of 1946 to redefine the term "Chief of mission." Sets forth provisions affecting Foreign Service employees concerning: (1) assignments to public or private nonprofit organizations; (2) career counseling; (3) orientation and language training for family members; (4) special computation of annuities for foreign service employees; (5) special allowances; (6) per diem and subsistence allowances; (7) the responsibilities of a Chief of mission; (8) detailed State Department personnel; and (9) compensatory time off at posts in foreign areas. Title V: Science, Technology, and American Diplomacy - Makes findings that: (1) the consequences of modern scientific and technological advances are of major significance in United States foreign policy; and (2) many opportunities for development in diplomacy lie in scientific and technological fields. Declares it to be the policy of the United States to maximize the benefits and to minimize the adverse consequences of science and technology in the conduct of foreign policy. Sets forth responsibilities of the President and the Secretary of State in order to achieve this policy goal, including: (1) an annual report submitted by the President to Congress; and (2) requiring the Secretary, who is directed to have primary responsibility with respect to all science and technology agreements and activities between the United States and foreign governments, to make grants and other measures to achieve the policy goal. Title VI: Commission on Proposals for a Center for Conflict Resolution - Makes findings that: (1) many conflicts are largely the results of misunderstanding and poor communication; and (2) the techniques of conflict resolution are teachable and usable. Establishes the Commission on Proposals for a Center for Conflict Resolution to study: (1) whether to establish a Center for Conflict Resolution; and (2) the application of the behavioral sciences to the peaceful resolution of disputes. Requires the Commission to issue a report to the President and to the Congress. Title VII: Institute for International Human Rights - Institute for International Human Rights Act - Establishes as an independent agency of the United States a body corporate to be known as the Institute for International Human Rights in order to promote universal respect for and observance of human rights and fundamental freedoms. Authorizes the Institute to provide assistance, primarily to nongovernmental organizations and individuals for programs that promote respect for and observance of human rights and fundamental freedoms. Directs the Institute to only carry out or provide assistance for activities relating to human rights and fundamental freedoms in foreign countries. Vests management of the Institute in a board of directors. Sets forth the powers of the Institute. Requires the Institute to report annually to Congress. Title VIII: Miscellaneous Provisions - Increases the annual authorization of appropriations for the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe. Authorizes $60,000,000 to be appropriated to the President to acquire tin metal to contribute to the buffer stock of the International Tin Council.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1978
International Security Assistance Act - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 1979 for the disaster relief contingency fund and international narcotics control. Revises the policy with respect to the encouragement of human rights. Prohibits furnishing security assistance to the law enforcement agencies of any country which engages in a consistent pattern of gross human rights violations except in exceptional circumstances. Amends the Arms Export Control Act to revise the required contents of quarterly reports by the President to the Congress with respect to commercial and governmental military exports. Directs the President to designate crime control and detection equipment as defense articles subject to regulation under this Act. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to prohibit furnishing international military education and training assistance to countries which engage in a consistent pattern of gross human rights violations except in exceptional circumstances. Amends such Act to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 1979 for military assistance, specifying appropriations authorized for Portugal, Spain, Jordan, Philippines, and Greece. Authorizes appropriations for military assistance to Indonesia and Thailand. Decreases the aggregate value of defense articles which may be added to stockpiles in foreign countries. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to permit the President to assign members of the Armed Forces to specified countries to carry out military assistance and sales program. Reduces the number of Armed Forces personnel who may be so assigned, and continues limitations upon the number of defense attaches who may be assigned to a single country. Amends such Act to authorize appropriations for international military education and training assistance for fiscal year 1979. Requires such education to include a course on international human rights. Amends such Act to authorize the President to furnish assistance to friendly countries for peacekeeping operations which are in furtherance of the national security of the United States. Authorizes appropriations for such assistance for fiscal year 1979. Authorizes the President to furnish emergency peacekeeping assistance. Includes peacekeeping assistance among those types of assistance which, except in extraordinary circumstances, should not be furnished to countries which engage in a consistent pattern of gross human rights violations. Prohibits furnishing such assistance to Argentina. Limits the authority of the President to increase the amount of peacekeeping assistance by ten percent or more. Prohibits funds appropriated for peacekeeping assistance from being made available to any country which engages in certain nuclear transfers or detonations. Amends the International Security Assistance and Arms Export Control Act of 1976 to prohibit furnishing peacekeeping assistance to Chile. Amends the Arms Export Control Act to declare it the sense of Congress that the President is encouraged to continue discussions with other arms suppliers to restrain the flow of arms to less developed countries. Exempts defense procurement contracts from the Renegotiation Act of 1951 settling forth procedures to eliminate excess profits. Requires the President to report to Congress on security assistance surveys carried out by Government personnel. Authorizes appropriations for military sales credits for fiscal year 1979. Increases the authorization for such appropriations for fiscal year 1978. Increases the aggregate ceiling on such credits for fiscal year 1978, and imposes a ceiling for 1979. Sets forth the terms under which such credits are to be made available to Israel in fiscal year 1979. Increases the cost limitation on excess defense articles which may be ordered by the President for foreign delivery. Repeals the prohibitions against furnishing military assistance and sales to Turkey under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. Repeals limitations on the appropriations to Turkey for military assistance for fiscal year 1978. Makes such provisions effective upon the date of enactment of this Act. Authorizes specific appropriations for economic support assistance to Turkey under the proposed International Development and Food Assistance Act of 1978 for fiscal year 1979. Sets forth principles of United States policy toward a Cyprus settlement. Authorizes the President to transfer to Korea, United States owned defense articles and related services located in Korea, in conjunction with the withdrawal of the United States Army from that country. Sets forth (1) criteria for determining which articles may be transferred, (2) limitations on the total value of such articles, and (3) Congressional oversight procedures regarding such transfers. Amends the Foreign Military Sales Act Amendments, 1971, to replace the requirement for quarterly reports by the President to Congress regarding a list of countries receiving excess defense articles with a requirement that such report be made annually. Amends the International Security Assistance and Arms Export Control Act of 1976 to repeal the requirement that the Secretary of State make periodic reports to Congress regarding the human and legal rights of all United States citizens detained in Mexico. Repeals the requirement that the President make a study of the arms sales policies of the United States and report the findings of such study to Congress. Repeals the requirement that the President report to Congress on sales of excess defense articles. Repeals the requirement that the Secretary of State study the effects of the enactment of arms control provisions and report the findings of such study to Congress. Repeals the requirement that the President report to Congress the steps taken toward achieving an agreement with the Soviet Union to limit the deployment of the armed forces of that nation and the United States in the Indian Ocean and littoral countries. Amends the International Security Assistance Act of 1977 to eliminate the Special Interagency Task Force in the Department of State and its function of reviewing the security support assistance program for Egypt, and reporting its findings to Congress. Amends the Emergency Security Assistance Act of 1973 to repeal the requirement that the Secretary of Defense study the 1973 Arab-Israeli conflict to ascertain the effectiveness of the foreign military assistance to Israel and to report the findings of such study to Congress. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1974 to repeal the requirement that the President submit a plan to Congress for the reduction and termination of the foreign military assistance programs under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1978
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow handicapped individuals who are incapable of operating highway vehicles an income tax deduction for their comuting expenses.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1978
Expresses Congressional disapproval of the sale of 50 F-5 aircraft to Egypt, 60 F-15 aircraft to Saudi Arabia, and 15 F-15 and 75 F-16 aircraft to Israel.
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 1978
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from the coverage of the Federal Unemployment Tax Act agricultural hand-harvest labor performed by full-time students under the age of 16 years.
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1978
International Development and Food Assistance Act - Title I: Development Assistance - Amends the Congressional policy statement of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 with respect to development assistance. Authorizes the President to furnish development assistance through certain types of agencies, using grant or loan assistance. Authorizes the President to determine the interest rates on development loans. Limits the amount of development assistance available to research and development institutions in the United States. Authorizes the President to use funds made available under this chapter to pay certain transportation costs of foreign assistance shipments by certain voluntary agencies, under specified procedures. Repeals other development assistance provisions of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 with respect to (1) the Development Loan Fund (except for regional development in Africa and multilateral and regional programs), (2) the technical cooperation and development grants (except for American schools and hospitals abroad and a prototype desalting plant in Israel), (3) the Alliance for Progress, (4) the evaluation of programs procedures, and (5) the Southeast Asia multilateral and regional programs. Makes certain technical amendments to reflect this repeal. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize the President to furnish agricultural, rural development, and food assistance. Authorizes appropriations for such purposes. Sets forth policies with respect to furnishing and coordinating such assistance. Redefines certain terms regarding agricultural assistance to include aquaculture and fishery, throughout such Act. Amends the Congressional policy statement of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 with respect to population and health assistance. Authorizes appropriations for population assistance. Sets forth policies with respect to furnishing such assistance. Prohibits funds appropriated for such purpose from being used for abortions or involuntary sterilizations. Authorizes appropriations for health assistance. Sets forth policies with respect to furnishing such assistance. Repeals the authorization for those population assistance which are a part of development assistance programs. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1979 for education and human resources assistance and technical assistance, energy, research, reconstruction, and selected development programs under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. Amends such Act with respect to the policies under which intermediate technology is furnished. Authorizes certain funds to be used to encourage the participation of women in the development process of developing countries. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1979 to promote human rights. Requires the President to take environmental consequences into considering development actions. Requires the President to study major environmental problems in developing countries. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1979 for American schools and hospitals abroad. Limits the number of institutions in any one country which may receive such assistance. Amends the Congressional policy statement with respect to housing assistance under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. Expands the authority of the President to issue housing investment guaranties to world-wide housing, rather than in Latin America only. Continues the authority of the agricultural and productive credit and self-help community development programs for one year. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 1979 for international organizations and programs, of which a specified amount shall be for the United Nations Trust Fund on South Africa. Prohibits such funds from being used for the United Nations Institute for Namibia unless the President determines that such funds will not be used to support the military activities of the Southwest African Peoples Organization. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 1969 for international disaster assistance. Authorizes the President to furnish assistance for African refugees. Authorizes appropriations for 1979 for such purpose. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize the President to use an increased amount of funds to carry out such Act for "reimbursable development" programs. Title II: Food for Peace - Sets forth Congressional policy with respect to assistance for basic food needs under the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954. Amends such Act to permit the Commodity Credit Corporation to pay the transportation costs of food for development programs. Deems the proceeds of the sale of food for development commodities to be payments of obligations incurred by the selling country under that Act. Title III: Economic Assistance - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize the President to furnish assistance to promote economic or political stability, under a program to be administered by the Secretary of State. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1979 for economic assistance, with a minimum amount available to Cyprus. Prohibits economic assistance funds from being used for military purposes. Authorizes specific authorizations for fiscal year 1979 for economic assistance to (1) Egypt, (2) Israel, (3) Jordan, (4) Syria, (5) the Maquarin Dam regional project, and (6) private voluntary agency development projects, according to specified procedures. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1979 for economic assistance to the countries of southern Africa. Repeals the authority for security supporting assistance programs, and assistance for Middle East peace. Makes certain technical amendments in accordance with the replacement of security supporting assistance by economic assistance. Title IV: Administrative Provisions - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to direct development programs to be carried out through competitive selection procedures. Requires the Chair of the Development Coordinating Committee to submit an annual report to Congress reviewing United States foreign assistance. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to repeal previous specified reporting requirements, and (1) the authorization of appropriations for the Sahel development program, and (2) the suspension of foreign assistance (military, economic, agricultural, and arms sale licenses) to Pakistan. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 with respect to the use of funds appropriated under such Act for the purchase of motor vehicles. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1979 for operating expenses under such Act. Amends such Act to repeal provisions relating to (1) the minimum contribution to the United Nations Children's Fund, (2) the additional contribution to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for the training of Arab refugees, (3) the minimum contribution to the International Atomic Energy Agency, (4) the limitations on contributions to the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization, (5) a sense of Congress regarding United Nations peacekeeping forces, (6) the authorization for appropriations for the drought-stricken nations of Africa, (7) the authority of the President to furnish earthquake relief assistance to Guatemala, (8) the use of receipts from the settlement of postwar economic assistance to Japan, (9) a statement of policy regarding assistance to newly independent countries, (10) the authorization of appropriations for development assistance administrative expenses, (11) the limitation on the aggregate amount of foreign assistance, (12) the limitation on assistance to Cambodia, (13) the limitations of the use of foreign assistance funds pending the release of certain appropriations impounded in 1971, (14) assistance priorities for funds to countries having agrarian economies, and (15) the authority of the President to conclude agreements with less developed countries to establish Joint Commissions on Rural Development. Title V: Coordination and Administration of the Development-Related Programs and Policies of the United States - Directs the President to coordinate those United States economic policies which affect the developing nations, and to establish an International Development Coordination Administration (superseding the Agency for International Development) to coordinate international development activities. Requires the President to submit a report to Congress on implementation of this title.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1978
Amends the Agricultural Act of 1970 to require exporters of agricultural commodities to report to the Secretary of Agriculture contracts involving exportation of a into the United States by foreign subsidiaries and affiliates of such exporters.
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 · 15 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
Amends the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 to prohibit bank holding companies and their subsidiaries from selling property and casualty insurance as principals, agents, or brokers.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1978
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals an income tax credit for a portion of the expenses incurred for the residential installations of insulation, solar and other renewable energy equipment, heating improvements and energy-conserving components between April 20, 1977, and January 1, 1986.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1978
National Credit Union Central Liquidity Facility Act - Establishes the National Credit Union Central Liquidity Facility to provide funds to meet the liquidity needs of credit unions. Vests management of the Facility in the National Credit Union Administration. Declares the initial capitalization of the Facility shall be by stock subscription consisting of shares having par value of $50 each. Entitles any member of the Facility to apply on a form prescribed by regulations for advances. Authorizes the Administration to deny or grant any application upon such terms as it may prescribe by regulations. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to lend the Facility up to $500,000,000 to enable it to meet the obligations arising under this Act. Directs the Administration to prepare and submit to the President and to the Congress annually a full report on the activities of the Facility for the previous year. Directs the Comptroller General to audit the Central Liquidity Facility.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1978
Declares that the President should direct United States negotiators for the International Wheat Conference and the Multilateral Trade Negotiations, and the Secretary of Agriculture, the Secretary of State, and the Special Representative for Trade Negotiations, to set as their goals the expansion of United States agricultural markets abroad and the increase in prices of United States agricultural exports to levels sufficient to assure, for United States farmers, a return on those exports equal to that which would be available at domestic parity levels.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1978
Reserve Survivors' Benefits Act - Title I: Annuities Under Survivor Benefit Plan - Grants annuities to the survivors of individuals who would have been eligible for retired military pay for non-regular service but who died before reaching the age of 60. Establishes formulae for computing such benefits. Title II: Medical and Dental Care - Entitles such survivors to specified medical and dental benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1978
Alcohol Fuel Encouragement Act - Requires all gasoline stations, within three years of the passage of this Act, to sell a mixture of gasoline and alcohol in the same manner as they sell gasoline. Imposes a civil penalty for violations of such requirement. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow rapid amortization of facilities producing alcohol for use as a fuel in motor vehicles. Amends the Clean Air Act with respect to the authority of the Environmental Protection Agency to regulate the use of alcohol as a fuel additive.
United States · United States Congress · 23 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 · 15 February 1978
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for an amount, not to exceed $250, equal to 50 percent of the expenses paid or incurred by a speech- or hearing-impaired individual for the use of toll telephone services by means of teletypewriters.
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 1978
Requires the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives to install telecommunication devices to enable deaf persons and persons with speech impairments to engage in toll-free communications with Members of Congress. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1978
Agriculture Refinance Act - Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to permit insured loans of up to $1,000,000 to farm owners and operators for refinancing existing indebtedness incurred between January 1, 1973, and December 31, 1977. Allows a repayment period for refinancing loans of 40 years for real estate loans, 12 years for equipment loans, and five years for operating loans. Defers the first payment for the interest and principal of such loans for five years for real estate loans, for three years for equipment loans, and for two years for operating loans.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1978
Expresses the insistence of the House of Representatives that the Government of the Republic of Korea cooperate with a certain investigation of the House of Representatives Committee on Standards of Official Conduct. Declares that failure of the Government to cooperate with such investigation will have a negative impact on relations between the United States and the Republic of Korea, including assistance for the latter country.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1978
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals whose income consists solely of employee compensation and interest to elect to have the Internal Revenue Service compute their income tax liability.