United States · United States Congress · 20 July 1978
Directs the Secretary of Defense to rescind that portion of the Department of Defense directive which permits deserters from military service to receive in absentia discharges.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 1978
Franchising Termination Practices Reform Act - Requires a franchisor to notify a franchisee at least 90 days in advance of the franchisor's intention to terminate the franchise and to state the reasons for termination. Prohibits a franchisor from cancelling a franchise or failing to renew a franchise unless the franchisor is effecting a market area withdrawal or the franchisor has good cause for failure to renew and has given proper notice. Makes any franchisor who has violated the requirements of this Act civilly liable to the aggrieved franchisee.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 1978
Amateur Sports Act - Title I: Declaration of Policy - Makes findings and states that the policy of Congress is to promote amateur athletics and protect the right of amateur athletes to participate in athletic competition. Title II: Olympic Committee Reorganization - Amends the corporate charter of the Olympic Committee to (1) provide for a principal place of business of the United States Olympic Committee (Corporation); (2) set forth the objectives and purposes of the Corporation; (3) set forth the powers of the Corporation; (4) provide reasonable representation for specified individuals and organizations in establishing and maintaining provisions for the governance and conduct of its affairs; and (5) subject to civil liability any person who uses an Olympic designation without authority to promote a private financial interest. Permits contributors or suppliers of goods or services to use the name of the United States Olympic Committee or its designation to advertise that such goods or services have been furnished to, approved, or selected by the Corporation. Requires the Corporation to establish in its constitution and bylaws provisions for the resolution of disputes involving the opportunity of an amateur athlete or other specified individuals to participate in sanctioned athletic competitions. Authorizes the Corporation to recognize as a national governing body any amateur sports organization (but only one for each sport) which submits an application for recognition and complies with eligibility requirements. Sets forth such eligibility requirements. Sets forth the duties and powers of a national governing body and the requirements which an amateur sports organization must meet to hold an athletic competition or sponsor athletes in competition and be sanctioned by a national governing body. Grants to the Corporation the power of review over the actions of any national governing body and invests a United States district court with jurisdiction to enjoin any action of a national governing body inconsistent with the terms of the Corporate charter. Sets forth procedures for the Corporation in (1) processing a complaint against a national governing body by an individual athlete or an amateur sports organization; (2) revoking recognition of a national governing body; and (3) replacing an incumbent national governing body. Provides for arbitration of a determination of the Corporation. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to lend financial assistance to the Corporation in developing amateur athletics in the United States. Authorizes appropriations for carrying out the work of the national governing bodies. Directs the Secretary to conduct a feasibility study to determine the most appropriate means of providing funding to the Corporation for the construction and operation of training centers and sports medicine research facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 1978
Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to exclude aliens affiliated with terrorist organizations from: (1) visa eligibility and admission into the United States; (2) temporary parole admission; and (3) transit through the United States as foreign officials. Authorizes the Attorney General to deport such aliens, and prohibits the Attorney General from allowing such aliens to voluntarily depart rather than being deported. Removes specified diplomatic and semidiplomatic immunities from such aliens. Makes it a felony under such Act to knowingly aid such an alien to enter the United States. Defines terrorist organization for purposes of such Act. Amends the Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938 to: (1) define terrorist organization for purposes of such Act; (2) direct the Attorney General to investigate the activities of any person registered under such Act as an agent of a terrorist organization; and (3) make such an agent who knowingly receives funds from such an organization criminally liable.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 1978
Declares it the sense of Congress that the President should direct the Ambassador to the United Nations to use all means at his disposal to obtain action by the General Assembly removing the observer status of the Palestine Liberation Organization at the United Nations.
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 1978
Agricultural Foreign Investment Recording Act - Requires annual reporting to the Secretary of Agriculture by foreign persons and agents of purchases of agricultural lands with a cumulative acreage in excess of 25 acres or a cumulative purchase price in excess of $25,000. Specifies reporting requirements and provides for imposition of civil penalties for reporting violations.
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 1978
Investment Incentive Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to restore part of the pre-1969 tax treatment of capital gains by repealing the capital gains item of tax preference for the minimum tax; lowering the corporate alternative tax to 25 percent of net capital gain; and lowering the alternative individual tax to 25 percent of net capital gain.
United States · United States Congress · 2 June 1978
Prohibits, after specified dates: (1) any licensee or permittee from manufacturing, importing, or otherwise placing or receiving in commerce any explosive, or (2) any person from placing or receiving in commerce any explosive sold as military surplus, unless such substance contains a material which permits identification of the manufacturer and date of manufacture after detonation and a material which permits detection of the substance prior to detonation.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 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 · 1 May 1978
Amends the Controlled Substances Act to make phencyclidine (PCP) a Schedule I (most dangerous substances) rather than a Schedule III drug. Sets forth minimum mandatory prison terms for phencyclidine traffic. Revises provisions specifying penalties for sale of controlled substances to persons under 21 to: (1) repeal the requirement that the seller be at least 18 years old; and (2) set forth separate mandatory prison terms for the sale of phencyclidine.
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1978
Amends the Trade Act of 1974, with respect to the authority of the President to negotiate trade agreements, to direct the President to reserve any article for which an agreement limiting agricultural imports has been entered into, from negotiations to reduce or eliminate customs duties or import restrictions.
United States · United States Congress · 12 April 1978
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to direct the Secretary of the Treasury to issue regulations corresponding to the principles set forth in a certain private letter ruling relating to the exclusion from gross income of amounts deferred by participants in public deferred compensation plans.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1978
Expresses the concern of the House of Representatives regarding the slaughter of dolphins by Japanese fishermen in the Sea of Japan on February 23, and 24, 1978. Encourages the Government of Japan to join in certain discussions and infomration exchanges in an effort to eliminate such slaughter.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1978
Opportunities Industrialization Centers Skills Training and Private Sector Job Creation Welfare Reform Act - Directs the Secretary of Labor to (1) enter into a contract with Opportunities Industrialization Centers, Incorporated, for the creation of jobs and the provision of skills training for hard-core unemployed welfare recipients in urban and rural depressed areas, and unemployed persons in depressed areas whose unemployment insurance has expired, and (2) enter into contracts with other national community-based organizations, such as the National Urban League, for the provision of comprehensive employment services to such persons. Directs the head of each agency administering authority under any of specified Acts or programs, including the State and Local Fiscal Assistance Act of 1972, the Housing and Community Development Act, and public works assistance programs, to take steps to assure that consideration will be given to national community-based organizations for the provision of comprehensive employment services and job opportunities to welfare recipients pursuant to those Acts and programs.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1978
Expresses the condemnation by the Congress of the March 11, 1978, attack on Israel by the Palestine Liberation Organization, and the expressed intention of the PLO to continue such attacks and to disrupt the peace efforts between Israel and Egypt. Requests the President to make the disapproval of the Congress known to governments approving the PLO attack. Expresses Congressional approval of the peace efforts between Israel and Egypt. Urges other Middle East countries to join such efforts. Declares negotiation to be the best way to bring peace to the Middle East.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1978
Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act - Provides, under the Internal Revenue Code, for automatic cost-of-living adjustments, based on the Consumer Price Index, in: (1) the income tax rates; (2) the amount of standard deductions; (3) the amount of personal exemptions; (4) the amount of depreciation deductions; and (5) the adjusted basis for property. Makes cost-of-living adjustments in specified United States savings bonds and certificates and on other obligations of the United States.
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 · 8 March 1978
World War I Pension Act - Requires the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to pay a monthly pension of $150 to each veteran of World War I who meets specified service requirements, to the surviving spouse (who meets specified requirements), or, when there is no surviving spouse, to the child or children (who meet specified requirements).
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1978
Elephant Protection Act - Prohibits the import, export, possession, transport, or sale of any elephant product. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to administer this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to issue permits for acts herein prohibited for scientific purposes. Establishes civil and criminal penalties for violation of this Act. Establishes rewards for persons providing information regarding violations of this Act. Requires the Secretaries of the Interior, Treasury, and the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to enforce this Act, and to promulgate regulations for such enforcement. Permits citizens suits to enforce this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 1978
Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to invalidate agreements preventing the broadcast of a professional sports game, by means of television, at the same time and in the same area in which the game is to be played if all tickets to such game have been sold 72 hours before gametime. Repeals this amendment effective February 1, 1981.
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 1978
International Emergency Food Reserve Act - Authorizes the President: (1) to enter into negotiations with other nations to develop an international system of food reserves for humanitarian food relief needs; and (2) to establish and maintain an International Emergency Food Reserve as a contribution of the United States toward the development of such a system. Requires for such Reserve minimum stocks of two million tons, allowing an increase up to six million tons pursuant to an international agreement.
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 1978
Amends the Board for International Broadcasting Act of 1973 to prohibit assistance to Radio Free Europe or Radio Liberty if any Communist country is permitted to use such broadcast facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 1978
Expresses Congressional disapproval of the Presidents denial of import relief to the metal fasteners manufacturing industry transmitted to Congress on February 10, 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1978
Special Prosecutor Act - Directs the Attorney General to conduct an investigation upon receiving specific information that any of specific former or present national campaign managers or Federal officials, including the President, Vice President, judges, or Members of Congress, has authorized or engaged in any violation of Federal law other than a petty offense. Requires the Attorney General to report the results of such investigations to a special court to be comprised of three retired circuit judges, and to apply to the court for the appointment of a special prosecutor where warranted. Permits the court to appoint a special prosecutor without an application if (1) it receives information regarding a violation by an official covered by this Act, and (2) it determines that it would be inappropriate for the Department of Justice to investigate the matter. Directs the Attorney General to promulgate rules and regulations requiring any officer or employee of the Department of Justice to disqualify himself from participation in a particular investigation or prosecution if participation may result in a conflict of interest or appearance thereof.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1978
Small Business Tax Relief Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow certain small businesses to compute taxable income under the cash method and without regard to inventories. Increases the corporate surtax exemption and reduces the corporate tax rates. Provides for limited recognition of the gain from the sale or exchange of a sole proprietorship prior to the age of 55, and non-recognition after age 55. Allows the amortization over a 36-month period of expenses of a business for property acquired to put the business in compliance with Federal law and which does not have any economic usefulness to the business. Increases the additional first year depreciation allowance for small businesses. Increases the investment tax credit for investments in certain small manufacturing facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1978
Steelhead Trout Protection Act - States that notwithstanding any Indian treaty, laws and regulations of a State prohibiting or restricting the taking or sale of steelhead trout for commercial purposes shall apply to Indians and Indian tribes in the same manner and to the same extent as such laws and regulations apply to other persons.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1978
Calls upon the President to direct the Attorney General to retain David W. Marston as United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania until all investigations of corruption involving public officials presently being conducted in such district are concluded.
United States · United States Congress · 15 December 1977
Veterans' Educational Equity Act - Provides for payment of a supplemental tuition allowance to each qualified veteran upon application to the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs. Extends the delimiting period for completing a veteran's education program for up to two years if at the close of the ordinary ten-year delimiting period the veteran is enrolled in a program.
United States · United States Congress · 15 December 1977
Tuition Tax Credit Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a credit against an individual's income tax in an amount equal to 50 percent of the sum of the amounts paid by him to educational institutions as tuition (though no more than $500 for any single individual) for the attendance of the taxpayer, the taxpayer's spouse, or any of his dependents with respect to whom he is entitled to a personal exemption.
United States · United States Congress · 15 December 1977
Requests the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to hasten the assembly of data and expedite the reviews and consideration precedent to the introduction of sodium valproate for the treatment of epilepsy in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 6 December 1977
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Federal Communications Commission should maximize local primary radio broadcast service in any proceeding respecting the provision of class I-A and I-B radio service. Prohibits the operation of a standard broadcast station with power in excess of 50,000 watts.
United States · United States Congress · 29 November 1977
Hungarian Crown of Saint Stephen Protection Act - Requires that the Hungarian Crown of Saint Stephen and other relics of Hungarian royalty to be kept in the United States, unless Congress specifically provides otherwise.
United States · United States Congress · 29 November 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) remove the adjusted gross income limitation on the credit for the elderly; (2) increase the amount of the credit; and (3) provide an annual cost-of-living adjustment for the credit.
United States · United States Congress · 4 November 1977
Declares the sense of the Congress that the President and the Secretary of State should take all necessary steps to bring the Baltic States question before the United Nations and to urge the United Nations to request the Soviet Union to withdraw all non-native troops, agents, colonists, and controls from the Republics of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, and to return all Baltic exiles from Siberia and from prisons and labor camps in the Soviet Union. Requires the Secretary of State to do his utmost to bring the matter of the Baltic States to the attention of all nations by means of special radio programs and publications. Declares that the United States should not agree to the recognition of the Soviet Union's annexation of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia. Directs the President to take steps to provide that all maps of Europe show the Republics of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia as independent states. Calls for a return of self-determination to the peoples of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia through free elections conducted under the auspices of the United Nations.
United States · United States Congress · 4 November 1977
Declares it the sense of the Congress that the President direct the United States delegation to the Belgrade Conference to place the issue of the arrest, trial, and conviction of Mykola Rudenko and Oleska Tykhy before the Conference.
United States · United States Congress · 3 November 1977
Amends the charter of the Boy Scouts of America to stipulate that the annual report of the Boy Scouts shall be printed each year as a separate House document.
United States · United States Congress · 3 November 1977
Independent Local Newspaper Act - Amends the Internal Revenue to promote the survival of independent newspapers by providing for the establishment of tax exempt trusts for paying estate taxes on such papers, and by postponing the payment of estate taxes on such papers.
United States · United States Congress · 2 November 1977
Requires, upon application by the insured, waiver of the payment of premiums for National Service Life Insurance during any time after which the insured has attained the age of 70 and has paid premiums on the insurance for not less than 25 years.
United States · United States Congress · 28 October 1977
Civil Rights Act - Prohibits any person engaged in commerce, any person conducting a program which receives Federal assistance, a Federal contractor or subcontractor, or holder of an interest in Federal property from discriminating with respect to employment, housing, credit, or participation in benefits which make such prohibitions applicable, on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religious affiliation or belief, age, handicap, political affiliation or belief, marital status, parental status, or lack of citizenship. Exempts from such prohibitions denial of medical treatment where such denial does not occur because of characteristics of individuals of the above listed status groups. Exempts from such prohibitions (1) employment near Indian reservations in which preference is given to Indians; (2) employment classification or referral by an employer or labor union when the above listed characteristics constitute a bona fide occupational qualification (3) employment by educational institutions with respect to religion under specified circumstances; (4) employment discrimination based on religion when an employer would suffer undue hardship in accommodating religious practices of the individual; (5) age discrimination required by law in order to benefit children or to achieve statutory objectives, or the comply with a bona fide seniority system or employee benefit plan; (6) handicapped discrimination when the handicapped individual could not perform essential job functions without undue hardship to the employer or when the individual does not meet essential eligibility requirements for services, programs, or activities; (7) political discrimination in employment when such individual is elected or appointed to policy making levels of political offices; (8) age discrimination in housing resulting from designation of a certain area for adults; and (9) certain employers with fewer than 15 employees. Authorizes the Attorney General to investigate and enforce complaints of such discrimination. Limits the ability of an individual to institute civil suit based upon such discrimination. Imposes a civil fine for knowing violation of this Act. Imposes a civil fine or imprisonment for willful, repetitions violations of this Act. Repeals nondiscrimination provisions of specified Federal statutes. Supersedes Executive Order 11063 and specified portions of Executive Order 11246. Declares that nondiscrimination and equal opportunity requirements shall not be required under specified statutes and Federal programs. Directs the Attorney General to prescribe regulations for enforcement of this Act. Transfers to the Attorney General the assets of any agency of which all powers, functions, and duties are terminated by this Act.