United States · United States Congress · 26 May 1977
Social Security Rights Act - Requires that procedures be established for the expedited replacement of undelivered benefit checks under title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act. Requires that decisions (and reconsiderations) on initial benefit claims be made within 90 days. Requires that payment of benefits on approved claims begin no later than the day regularly fixed for delivery of benefit checks in the second month following the month in which the claim was approved.
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 1977
Defense Production Act Amendments - Amends the Defense Production Act of 1950 to prohibit any Federal contracting officer who by virtue of his position is authorized to solicit or select sources of supply, or describe requirements for, enter into, award, modify, terminate, administer, or make determinations or findings with respect to any or contract while so employed, from accepting compensation from any contractor without the written permission of the standards of conduct counselor for his employing agency. Prohibits such contracting officer from owning a controlling interest in any contractor who has been affected by action taken by such officer. Prohibits such contracting officer from accepting employment within two years following his employment with the United States from any contractor who was affected by the action of such officer taken by him or her within three years prior to the termination of his or her employment with such agency, and from accepting employment with such a contractor in a position which was created or subsidized by revenues realized through a Federal contract handled by such officer until five years after the termination of such officer's employment with such agency has been terminated. Prohibits contractors from offering to any such officer of any compensation such officer is prohibited from receiving under this Act. Establishes a Conflict of Interest Review Board to review compliance by contracting officers with this Act. States that the Board shall issue advisory opinions with respect to compensation offered to such contracting officer after notice is published in the Federal Register and interested parties have had an opportunity to present testimony relating to the issuance of such advisory opinion. States that reliance on such advisory opinion shall be a defense to a civil or criminal case brought under this Act. Requires meetings of the Board at which such advisory opinions will be considered to be open to the public. Authorizes the Board to issue rules to implement this Act. Requires the Board to report annually to Congress respecting its activities and recommendations of legislative or regulatory actions to promote high ethical standards for Government employees. Requires the following persons to file specified information with the Board: (1) former Government employees who were employed in any given fiscal year as a representative of a Government contractor in any action in which the United States was a party or in any transaction with the United States; and (2) any Federal employee who was previously employed by a Government contractor at a salary rate equal to or greater than that for positions in grade GS-13. Exempts specified persons from the filing requirements of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 1977
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 · 23 May 1977
National Community-Based Organizations Youth Job Creation and Training Act - Directs the Secretary of Labor to enter into contracts with national community-based organizations for the provision of: (1) comprehensive employment services and jobs for unemployed persons, particularly youths; (2) career education and counseling services for secondary school students; (3) career education for unemployed persons; or (4) work-study projects in community improvement for unemployed youths. Directs the head of each agency exercising authority under specified programs to assure that special consideration will be given to national community-based organizations in providing employment services and job opportunities pursuant to such programs. Amends the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act of 1973 to direct the Secretary to provide work experience during all months of the year to youth in urban and rural areas. Amends the work incentive program provisions of the Internal Revenue Code to permit a tax credit with respect to wages paid certain previously unemployed employees during the first 12 months of employment.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1977
Foreclosure Forebearance Standards Act - Requires any person who makes a federally related mortgage loan to maintain facilities sufficient to assure availability to the mortgagor of information concerning such mortgage. States that within 60 days after payments on a mortgage become delinquent and within 30 days before the initiation of any foreclosure proceedings the following must occur: (1) a meeting with the mortgagor to work out a repayment plan; and (2) a transfer of information with respect to such proceedings to the mortgagor. Places restraints on the initiation of foreclosure proceedings, including the requirement that a mortgagee refrain from instituting such proceedings until at least three full monthly installments are due and unpaid, except where the mortgagor abandons the secured property. States that a mortgagee must cease foreclosure proceedings where a mortgagor tenders the total amount due plus attorneys fees. Provides that any mortgagee who fails to comply with such stated requirements shall no longer be eligible for Federal assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1977
Sludge Management Act - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to study the environmental, health, and economic effects of subsurface landfilling sludge on soils and ground water, and alternate methods of sludge disposal. Directs the Administrator to develop guidelines for sludge disposal and land-spreading in order to protect the public health and welfare. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants to States and localities of up to 40 percent of the cost of removal of sludge from navigable waters of the United States or any adjacent shoreline. Directs the Administrator to establish an Environmental Protection Agency Task Force on sludge removal. Authorizes the establishment of programs of training, demonstration, and surveys relating to the restoration of water quality where degraded by sludge. Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to prohibit grants for treatment works, after September 30, 1976, unless the applicant demonstrates that adequate confined disposal methods will be provided.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1977
Changes the status of any alien refugee from the Republic of Vietnam, Laos, or Cambodia paroled into the United States after March 31, 1975 under the Immigration and Nationality Act, who has been physically present in the United States for at least two years and is not yet a permanent resident alien to that of permanent resident alien if such refugee qualifies as an admissible immigrant under such Act. Exempts from the provisions of this Act orphans who do not qualify as admissible orphans under such Act. Authorizes the Attorney General, at his discretion, to grant permanent resident status to those aliens from such countries who were paroled or admitted into the United States prior to March 31, 1975 who have been physically present in the United States for at least two years if such aliens are admissible for permanent resident status under the Act. Gives the Attorney General discretion to grant permanent resident status to the spouse or child of persons whose status has been changed pursuant to this Act. States that an alien whose status is changed pursuant to this Act shall be exempt from immigration quotas and from exclusions under the Act respecting status as a skilled or unskilled worker, a public charge, or as a person without a valid visa or other current valid entry document.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1977
Industrial Energy Conservation Act - Directs the Administrator of Energy Research and Development to establish and maintain a comprehensive program for research, development, and demonstration of industrial energy conserving technologies. Specifies criteria that the Administrator is required to apply in reaching decisions regarding the directions, priorities activities, and operations of the industrial energy conservation program. Authorizes the Administrator to make loans and loan guarantees for the purchase, construction, operation, or maintenance of energy-efficient equipment or facilities. Directs the Administrator to give special priority to loan recipients in depressed industrial areas. Establishes limits on the amount of outstanding indebtedness to be guaranteed under this Act. Stipulates that no guarantee or commitment to guarantee shall be undertaken after September 30, 1977. Details procedures in the event of a default on guaranteed obligations. Authorizes the appropriation of the following amounts for research and development programs authorized by this Act: (1) $35,000,000 for fiscal year 1976; and (2) $50,000,000 for fiscal year 1979. Authorizes the appropriation of the following amounts for the purpose of making loans under this Act: (1) $30,000,000 for fiscal year 1978; and (2) $45,000,000 for fiscal year 1979. Authorizes the appropriation of up to $500,000,000 to be paid in the event of a default on obligations guaranteed under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1977
Electric Utilities Rate Reform Act - Directs State and local electric utility regulatory authorities to implement and maintain rate schedules which distribute costs to consumer classes in accordance with consumption patterns. Requires that rate schedules accurately reflect long-run incremental costs of service and that price differentials between consumer classes reflect actual document differentials in cost of service. Prohibits regulatory authorities from allowing recoupment of promotional and advertising expenses, unless such expenses finance efforts encouraging the consumption of electricity or the shifting of electricity consumption from peak load periods to off-peak load periods. Establishes standards to regulate monthly changes in rates by the use of fuel adjustment clauses. Establishes standards of determining the effective date of proposed changes in rates and schedules. Authorizes the Federal Power Commission to provide financial assistance to non-Federal regulatory authorities as necessary to meet additional costs incurred as a result of complying with provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1977
Title I: Enactment of Title II of the United States Code - Chapter I: General Provisions - Makes general provisions for a uniform system of bankruptcy administration including: (1) definitions to be used in this Act; (2) rules of construction; (3) powers of the court; (4) waiver of sovereign immunity; (5) public access to papers; and (6) descriptions of debtors who may proceed under the liquidation, reorganization and debt adjustment provisions of this Act. Chapter 3: Case Administration - States that voluntary and joint cases in bankruptcy shall commence with the filing of a petition by an individual or entity entitled under the appropriate chapter of this Act. Limits the filing of involuntary case petitions against persons in liquidation and reorganization cases to situations in which the claims of three or more holders of non-contingent claims against the debtor, aggregate to at least $5,000 more than the value of any security interest held by such holders in any property of such debtor. Makes provisions for the late joining of creditors to the petition. Empowers the court under specified circumstances to enjoin the commencement or continuation of any action against the estate or the enforcement of any judgment against the estate; or to order other appropriate relief where an ancillary foreign proceeding has commenced or is likely to be commenced. States the qualification and eligibility requirements for trustees in bankruptcy. Requires any attorney who represents a debtor in a proceeding under this Act to file a statement of compensation paid or agreed to be paid. Requires that, within a reasonable time after the order for relief in a bankruptcy case, there shall be a meeting of creditors at which the debtor shall appear and submit to examination under oath. States duties of the trustees pertaining to money of the estates, payment of taxes, and disposition of unclaimed property. Enunciates the effect of conversion of a case from one chapter of this Act to another and the effect of dismissal upon discharge in a subsequent case. Chapter 5: Creditors, The Debtor, and The Estate - Sets forth the procedure for the filing of proofs of claims or interest. States that such claim or interest is deemed allowable unless a party in interest objects. Lists circumstances under which the court, in hearing the objection to a claim, may allow it. Sets forth a procedure by which the court may determine the liability of the estate with respect to a tax incurred during the period of administration. Enunciates the priority ranking of expenses and claims to be paid from the estate. Charges the debtor with the following duties: (1) to file with the court of a schedule of assets and liabilities, and a statement of the debtor's financial affairs; (2) to act in cooperation with the trustee as is necessary to enable such trustee to perform his duties; and (3) to surrender to the trustee all property of the estate and documents relating to such property. Lists personal and real property of the debtor which is not available, during or after the case, for the satisfaction of any debt of the debtor that arose before the commencement of the case, except a debt which is not dischargeable. Invalidates any waiver of exemptions executed in favor of a creditor. Permits the debtor to avoid the fixing of specified liens including judicial liens and nonpurchase-money security interests in household goods or instruments of the debtor's trade, on a debtor's interest in property to the extent that such a lien impairs an exemption to which the debtor is entitled. Specifies circumstances under which the debtor may recover transferred property which could have been exempted. Requires the debtor to file a list of property that the debtor claims as exempt under this Act. Describes the effect of discharge as: (1) voiding any judgment obtained at any time, to the extent that such judgment is a determination of the personal liability of the debtor; and (2) enjoining the commencement or continuation of an action or any act to collect, recover, or set-off any debt as a personal liability of the debtor or any specified interest in community property acquired after the commencement of the case. Lists exceptions to discharge including, debts incurred by the debtor by fraud or false written misrepresentations. Protects the debtor against discriminatory treatment of a governmental unit with respect to the denial, revocation, or refusal to renew any license, charter or other similar grants. Identifies property which becomes a part of the estate upon the commencement of a case, specifically excluding powers of appointment that the debtor may exercise solely for the benefit of an entity other than the debtor and including property acquired by the debtor within 180 days of the filing of the petition. Entitles the trustee in bankruptcy to the rights and powers of a hypothetical lien creditor, and bona fide purchaser of real property as of the commencement of the case. Permits the trustee to enforce any cause of action that a creditor or a class of creditors has against any person where there will be a reduction of the claim of such creditor or creditors against the estate. Permits the trustee to avoid any transfer of property of the debtor to or for the benefit of a creditor for or on account of an antecedent debt, made when the debtor was insolvent and within stipulated periods. States exceptions to such rule on preferences. Stipulates the presumption that the debtor was insolvent 90 days before the commencement of the case. Empowers the trustee, under specified conditions, to avoid any transfer of an interest of the debtor in property or any obligation incurred by the debtor, that was made or incurred on or within one year before the date of the filing of the petition. Permits the court after notice and a hearing to authorize the trustee to abandon any property of the estate that is burdensome or of inconsequential value. Chapter 7: Liquidation - Sets forth provisions for the administration of liquidation proceedings including: (1) the appointment of interim trustees; (2) the election of trustees; (3) election of successor trustees; (4) obligations of trustees; and (5) conversion and dismissal of cases. Enables the court to authorize the trustee to operate the business of the debtor for a limited period, if such operation is in the best interest of the estate and consistent with the orderly liquidation of the estate. Permits an individual debtor to redeem exempted or abandoned property. Sets priorities for the distribution of property of the estate. Makes provisions for stockbroker and commodity broker liquidation. Chapter 9: Adjustment of Debts of a Municipality - States that such chapter shall in no way limit or impair the power of a State to control, by legislation or otherwise, a municipality of or in such State in the exercise of its political or governmental powers. Prohibits a court from taking any action which would in any way interfere with any of the political or governmental powers of the debtor; any of the property or revenues of the debtor; or the debtor's use or enjoyment of any income-producing property, unless the debtor consents. States that a petition may be filed under this chapter by the municipality's officials, or in the case of an unincorporated tax or special assessment district by such district's governing authority or body having authority to levy taxes to meet the obligations of such district. Sets forth a procedure for objection to such petition and states that the filing of a petition operates as a stay of the commencement or continuation of a judicial or other proceeding that seeks to enforce a lien or on arising out of taxes or assessments owed to the debtor. Requires the debtor to submit a list of creditors. Reserves the court's power to dismiss, after notice and a hearing, for cause, such as delay which causes prejudice to creditors, or denial of confirmation of a plan for adjustment of debts. Requires the debtor to file a plan for the adjustment of the debts either at the time of the filing of the petition or at such later time as the court shall fix. Establishes criteria for the decision to confirm such plan and states that a confirmed plan shall bind both the debtor and any creditors, whether or not such creditor's claim has been allowed. Grants continuing jurisdiction in the court for such time as is necessary for the successful execution of the plan. Chapter 11: Reorganization - Requires the court, as soon as practicable after the order for relief under this chapter, to appoint a committee of creditors holding unsecured claims and if necessary to appoint additional committees of creditors or equity security holders. Lists the powers and duties of such committees, including investigation of any matter relevant to the case or to the formulation of a plan and the participation in the formulation of such plan. Permits the court to appoint a trustee or an independent investigator if necessary and if the costs would not be disproportionately high. Specifies the duties of trustees, independent investigators, and debtors in possession. Sets eligibility requirements for one who may propose a reorganization plan. Requires that each holder of a claim or interest of a particular class be given a disclosure statement before an acceptance or rejection of a plan may be solicited. Grants the court the power to revoke an order of confirmation within 180 days after its entry where such order was procured by fraud. Enumerates situations which are exempt from specified securities law which require registration for offer or sale of a security or registration or licensing of an issuer of, underwriter of, or broker or dealer in, securities. Provides for the reorganization of railroads subject to the provisions of the Interstate Commerce Act and orders of State or local regulatory bodies. Protects the right of owners, leasers, and secured parties to take possession of rolling stock equipment under a security agreement, conditional sale contract, or lease. Chapter 13: Adjustment of Debts of an Individual with Regular Income - Creates a procedure whereby an individual, who is a wage earner or is self-employed and is a debtor under this Act, may with the advice and assistance of an advisor appointed by the United States trustee, formulate a plan for readjustment of the debts of such individual. Lists provisions that may be present in such plan. States that an order for relief under this chapter shall stay all actions against codebtors. Stipulates that the United States trustee shall serve as trustee in a case under this chapter. Conditions the confirmation of a plan upon factors such as the ability to make all payments under the plan and the good faith of the debtor in proposing such plan. Allows discharge of debts upon the completion by the debtor of all payments under the plan. Permits post-confirmation modification of such plan if necessary in light of stated considerations. Title II: Amendments to Title 28 of the United States Code and to the Federal Rules of Evidence - Chapter 6: Bankruptcy Courts - Creates a bankruptcy court in each judicial district which shall be a court of record known as the United States Bankruptcy Court for the district. Specifies that each bankruptcy court shall consist of the bankruptcy judge or judges for the district in regular active service. Authorizes the President to appoint bankruptcy judges. Sets forth rules for tenure, residence and salary of bankruptcy judges. Makes provisions concerning the holding and adjournment of bankruptcy court sessions. Permits a party to any proceeding in a bankruptcy court to make and timely file an affidavit that the presiding judge is biased or prejudiced and prohibits such judge to proceed further in the case. Chapter 39: United States Trustees - Directs the Attorney General to appoint a United States trustee for each judicial district for a term of seven years and permits the Attorney General to remove such trustee for cause. Places each United States trustee under the general supervision of the Bankruptcy Division in the Department of Justice. Enumerates the duties of such trustees. Chapter 50: Bankruptcy Courts - Enables each bankruptcy court to appoint a clerk, law clerks, secretaries, reporters, criers and bailiffs, and states that the chief judge shall make such appointments whenever a majority of the bankruptcy judges of any court cannot agree. Chapter 90: Bankruptcy Courts - Grants the bankruptcy courts original and exclusive jurisdiction of all cases under Title II of the United States Code. States that notwithstanding any Act of Congress, other than the Internal Revenue Code, that confers exclusive jurisdiction on a court or courts other than the bankruptcy courts, the bankruptcy court shall have original, but not exclusive jurisdiction, of all civil proceedings arising under or related to bankruptcy cases; however, such court may abstain from hearing a particular proceeding in the interest of justice. Places venue, for purposes of bankruptcy proceedings, in that district in which is either the domicile, residence, principal place of business, or principal assets of the debtor; or the site of a pending bankruptcy case concerning such debtor's affiliate, general partner, or partnership. Creates an exception to this rule in the following instances: (1) a case to enjoin the commencement or continuation of an action or proceeding in a State or Federal court, or the enforcement of a judgment; (2) a case to enjoin the enforcement of a lien against property, or to require turnover of property of an estate; and (3) cases ancillary to foreign proceedings. Allows a change of venue in the interest of justice and for the convenience of the parties and provides for a cure of defects in the laying of venue. Permits a party to remove any claim or cause of action in a civil action to the bankruptcy court for the district where such civil action is pending, if the bankruptcy courts have jurisdiction over such claim or cause of action. Preserves the right to a trial by jury in a bankruptcy case or in a proceeding arising thereunder, except that the bankruptcy court may order the issues arising under the initiation of an involuntary proceeding to be tried without a jury. Grants a bankruptcy court the powers of a court of equity, law, and admiralty. Authorizes a bankruptcy court to issue a writ of habeas corpus: (1) when appropriate to bring a person before the court for examination; to testify; or to perform a duty imposed on such person by this title; and (2) to release the debtor when such debtor was arrested or imprisoned on process in any civil action which was issued for the collection of a debt dischargeable under this Act where notice and a hearing have been afforded to the adverse party of such debtor to contest the issuance of such writ. Title III: Amendments to Other Acts - Sets forth conforming amendments. Title IV: Transition - Repeals the Bankruptcy Act. States the effective date of this Act. Makes provisions for the operation of courts of bankruptcy during the specified transition period. Requires the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts: (1) to conduct a study during the transition period to determine the number of judges that will be needed for the United States bankruptcy courts; and (2) to appoint a committee of bankruptcy judges to advise the Director with respect to matters that arise during the transition period. Sets forth the formula for determination of retirement benefits for eligible bankruptcy judges during the transition period. Authorizes the Supreme Court to issue such additional rules of procedure, consistent with Acts of Congress, as may be necessary for the orderly transfer of functions and records and the orderly transition to the new bankruptcy court system.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1977
Solar and Energy Conservation Commercialization Act - Amends the National Housing Act to specify additional types of Solar energy systems eligible for financial assistance under such Act. Stipulates that such systems shall include solar heating and cooling and hot water systems, geothermal and wind energy systems, and other energy conservation measures and equipment such as insulation, heat pumps and devices to improve furnace efficiency. Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to make grants and loans to individuals and families to assist in the purchase of solar, renewable source, and energy conservation measures and equipment. Authorizes grants and loans for similar purposes to neighborhood, community, or nonprofit groups. Amends the Small Business Act to authorize the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to make loans to small businesses to assist in the purchase and installation of solar, renewable source, and energy conservation improvements and equipment. Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, the Administrator of the Small Business Administration, and the Federal Energy Administrator to cooperate in carrying out the provisions of this Act and to jointly submit an annual report to the President and the Congress on activities carried out under this Act. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1978 through 1981.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1977
Declares it the sense of the Congress that the United States should work within the third United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea toward establishment of a single international organization to insure the conservation of whales and other cetaceans on a global basis. Declares it the sense of the Congress that in order to achieve whale conservation as soon as possible, a service of bilateral and multilateral initiatives with nations having an interest in whales should be undertaken immediately by the Department of State.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1977
Declares it the sense of the House of Representatives that the President of the United States (1) should propose an immediate suspension of underground nuclear explosions to remain in effect so long as the Soviet Union abstains from conducting underground explosions, and (2) should set forth promptly a new proposal to the Government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and other nations for a permanent treaty to ban all nuclear explosions.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1977
Small Business Development Center Act - Authorizes the Small Business Administration to make grants to universities to assist them in developing centers to provide small businesses with a broad range of advice, information, and assistance. Limits the amount of such grant to no more than 75 percent of the cost of eligible activities in the operation or development of the center, except for grants to regional centers assisting State centers in research or other high cost activities. Establishes a Small Business Management and Technical Assistance Division within the Small Business Development Center program through a Deputy Associate Administrator. Establishes a Small Business Development Center Advisory Board composed of 14 members to advise and confer with the Deputy Associate Administrator for Management and Technical Assistance. Authorizes the Administration to make grants to universities, organizations, and business concerns to support research to solve problems which affect small business concerns.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1977
Requests the President (1) to transmit to the Congress and to Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe a report on human rights in Romania, and (2) to transmit such a report to Congress with each request of the President to extend the United States-Romanian trade agreement or to waive trade restrictions against countries which do not permit freedom of emigration. Requests the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe to transmit to Congress a report on the freedom to emigrate from Romania and the status of minorities in Romania. Declares it the sense of the House of Representatives that the 1975 United States-Romanian Trade Agreement and the most-favored-nation status of Romania should be terminated if Romania continues to restrict the human rights of its citizens.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1977
Requests the President (1) to transmit to the Congress and to Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe a report on human rights in Romania, and (2) to transmit such a report to Congress with each request of the President to extend the United States-Romanian trade agreement or to waive trade restrictions against countries which do not permit freedom of emigration. Requests the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe to transmit to Congress a report on the freedom to emigrate from Romania and the status of minorities in Romania. Declares it the sense of the House of Representatives that the 1975 United States-Romanian Trade Agreement and the most-favored-nation status of Romania should be terminated if Romania continues to restrict the human rights of its citizens.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1977
Community Service Youth Employment Act - Establishes a community service youth employment program under the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act of 1973 pursuant to which the Secretary of Labor is to financially assist local governments and private nonprofit organizations submitting approved applications. Directs such local governments and organizations to make grants to eligible applicants for projects which will provide public service job opportunities for certain persons over age 18. Establishes a National Commission on Youth Community Service to assist in carrying out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1977
Specifies civil penalties for persons who continue to engage in conduct which the Postal Service determines constitutes either (1) a scheme or device for obtaining money or property through the mail by means of false pretenses or (2) a lottery, gift enterprise, or similar scheme for the distribution of money or property, and for persons who fail to comply with orders issued by the Postal Service as a result of such a determination. Empowers the Postal Service to order a person whom it determines is conducting a lottery by mail or is obtaining money or property through the mail by means of false pretenses to (1) offer to return upon written request, money or property received by such conduct, (2) return such money or property within 21 days after receiving such an order, and (3) provide the Postal Service a list of persons from whom money or property was received, a list of persons who have requested the return of money or property, and a statement indicating the persons to whom money and property has been returned. Specifies civil penalties for persons who fail to maintain such records as may be necessary to comply with such orders.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1977
Refugee Immigration Act - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to define the term "refugee immigrant" as any alien who is outside of the country of his nationality or last habitual residence, who is unable or unwilling to return to such country because of fear of persecution on account of such alien's race, religion, nationality, or political opinion. Permits any refugee immigrant who is not in the United States to be issued an immigrant visa and admitted to the United States. Permits any refugee immigrant who has been in the United States for one year to have his status adjusted to that of a permanent resident. Limits the number of aliens who may be issued such visas or who may acquire permanent resident status in any fiscal year to 35,000. Authorizes the President to admit additional refugees at the request of any international refugee organization of which the United States is a member if: (1) an emergency refugee situation exists; (2) the President determines that other countries will admit their share of aliens; and (3) the President has consulted with the Committees on the Judiciary of the Senate and the House of Representatives. Authorizes the President to admit aliens who are refugee immigrants because of an emergent refugee situation in the country of their nationality or last habitual residence which is of special concern to the United States. Requires the President to discontinue such admission if it is disapproved by a concurrent resolution of the Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1977
Cigarette Health Protection Tax Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to substitute a health protection tax on cigarettes manufactured in or imported into the United States for the present tax. Sets forth graduated tax rates based on the tar and nicotine content of each cigarette. Directs the Federal Trade Commission to determine the tar and nicotine content of each brand of cigarettes manufactured in or imported into the United States, and to certify these findings to the Secretary of the Treasury.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1977
Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to include tobacco products within the definition of food as contained in such Act thereby subjecting such products to the same regulation as food under such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1977
Federal Nonsmokers Protection Act - Prohibits smoking in specified areas of Federal facilities and in interstate passenger carrier facilities. Requires the effective separation of smokers from non-smokers in certain areas of such facilities. Requires that nonsmoking employees in Federal facilities be given the opportunity to be assigned to physically distinct offices or workplaces from those who smoke, whenever possible. Makes the executive head or chief administrative officer of each instrumentality responsible for the enforcement of these prohibitions in any Federal facility in which such instrumentality maintains offices. Requires such officers to submit an annual report on the enforcement of these prohibitions to the Administrator of General Services. Establishes civil penalties for individuals who smoke in any area of an interstate passenger carrier facility where smoking is prohibited under this Act. Requires that "No Smoking" signs be posted in specified areas.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1977
Public Health Cigarette Smoking Act - Makes it unlawful, under the Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act, for any person to manufacture, import, or package for sale or distribution within the United States any cigarettes the package of which (1) fails to bear the required health warning statement; and (2) fails to bear a statement of the tar and nicotine content of each cigarette in such package, as determined by the Federal Trade Commission. States that it shall be unlawful for any person to disseminate or cause to be disseminated any cigarette advertisement which fails to contain the required statements and which is either disseminated by United States mails or in commerce or which is likely to induce, directly or indirectly, the purchase in, or have an effect upon, commerce of cigarettes. Requires cigarettes for export to contain the required statements in the language of the country to which such package is exported.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1977
States that no sentence of death shall be imposed upon any person convicted under Federal, territorial, or State law and that no unexecuted death sentence shall be carried out after the enactment of this Act. Directs that each provision authorizing or requiring the imposition of capital punishment shall be deemed to authorize or require the imposition of life imprisonment and that death sentences remaining unexecuted on the date of the enactment of this Act shall be deemed sentences of life imprisonment.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1977
Authorizes the Attorney General to bring a civil action in any United States district court for the relief of any institutionalized person whenever the Attorney General has cause to believe that the constitutional rights of such person are being violated pursuant to a pattern or practice of such violations. Requires the Attorney General to give the officials of such institution a reasonable time to correct such violation. Makes any person who causes such a violation liable for redress to the institutionalized person whose rights have been violated. Permits the issuance of an injunction or other preventive relief. Permits the court to award reasonable attorney's fees to a prevailing party. Permits the Attorney General to intervene in such private suits upon certification that the case is of general public importance.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1977
Establishes an Offender Rehabilitation Fund within the Treasury. Authorizes the Attorney General to make loans from such fund to released Federal prisoners in need of assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1977
Forbids any person having custody of any individual who is confined under the authority, or in a penal institution, of the United States or the District of Columbia from allowing such individual to be the subject of any medical research. Requires a State, in order to receive assistance for correctional institutions under the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968, to include within its comprehensive State plan assurances that no State prisoner will be allowed to be the subject of such research. Prohibits the Director of the Bureau of Prisons from contracting with any State, territory, or political subdivision of any State or territory for the imprisonment and care of Federal offenders unless such assurances are given.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1977
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States should formally endorse the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for Treatment of Prisoners and that the Attorney General should take steps to implement such rules where they do not conflict with the Constitution or existing statutes and do not fall short of desirable higher or more exacting standards.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1977
Victims of Crime Act - Directs the Attorney General to make grants to qualified State programs for the compensation of victims of crime. Specified requirements for program certification, including that the program (1) offer compensation for personal injuries suffered as a result of certain State and Federal crimes, (2) offer compensation to surviving dependents of persons whose deaths resulted from being victim to such a crime, (3) require cooperation with law enforcement agencies as a condition for recovery, (4) grant claimants the right to a hearing, and (5) subrogate the State to any claim the victim or dependent has against the perpetrator to the extent of the amount compensated by the State. States that grants made under this Act shall total 50 percent of the allowable compensation paid to victims and dependent survivors of victims of State crimes designated by the State as appropriate for compensation under this program and 100 percent of the allowable compensation paid to victims and dependent survivors of victims of crimes which would constitute designated States crimes except for the fact that the crime is subject to exclusive Federal jurisdiction. Limits compensation with respect to any single claim to (1) loss resulting from medical and related treatment, physical and occupational therapy and rehabilitation, and past anticipated future earnings up to $200 per week and (2) a total of $50,000. Establishes an Advisory Committee on Victims of Crime to advise the Attorney General with respect to the administration of this Act and the compensation of victims of crime.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1977
Radiation Health and Safety Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to develop and issue to the States criteria and minimum standards for the accreditation of educational institutions conducting programs for the training of radiologic technologists and medical and dental practitioners. Directs the Secretary to develop and issue to the States criteria and minimum standards for licensure of radiologic technologists. Directs that State and local governments be encouraged to minimize exposure of the public to ionizing radiation from all sources, and establishes procedures for the adoption of appropriate standards. Allows the Secretary to make grants to States in an amount up to two-thirds of the first year and one-third of the second year costs of planning, developing, or establishing programs to carry out the provisions of this Act. Prohibits conducting activities contrary to this Act and subjects violators to a civil penalty of not more than $1,000. Requires the Secretary to submit to Congress every fifth year a report evaluating the implementation of this Act and making recommendations for legislation. States that whenever a performance standard for a class of X-ray system in prescribed, the Secretary shall by regulation prescribe a performance standard applicable to systems of such class prior to the effective date of such standard. Directs the Secretary to carry out a program of inspection of all X-ray systems to which standards apply and which are in actual use in the United States. Authorizes officers or employees duly designated by the Secretary to enter at reasonable times any establishment in which an X-ray system is located and to inspect such system. Directs the Secretary to publish guidelines for the use of X-ray examinations in the diagnosis and treatment of disease.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1977
Universal Voter Registration Act - Establishes the positions of Administrator and Assistant Administrator of Voter Registration within the Federal Election Commission. Specifies the duties of the Administrator, including (1) establishing and administering a voter registration program in accordance with this Act; (2) providing for the collection, analysis, and publication of voter registration information in coordination work the Secretary of Commerce; and (3) providing information and technical assistance to State and local officials concerning voter registration. Requires each State and local government to permit any individual who is eligible under applicable State and Federal law to register to vote in any Federal election to register on the date of a Federal election at the appropriate polling place. States that any individual so registering shall, if required by State or local authorities, establish his identity by (1) executing an affidavit containing certain information and (2) submitting either an affidavit executed by a person who is registered to vote at the polling place involved and is present at such polling place with the individual seeking registration or one of any forms of identification approved by the Commission. Directs the Commission to make grants for approved voter registration outreach programs to States which comply with the election day registration requirements of this Act. Conditions the amount of such grants on whether a State has a similar election day registration program in effect with respect to State and local elections. Stipulates that a registration outreach program may include projects relating to registration by mail, registration through the use of mobile units, or bilingual registration, and those projects otherwise designed to improve voter registration methods and procedures. List the purposes for which grant funds may be used. Sets forth criminal penalties for any person who knowingly and willfully (1) register, or attempts to register, to vote under this Act for the purpose of voting more than once in any Federal election; (2) conspires with any person for the purpose of enabling such person to make false registration to vote in a Federal election under this Act or for the purpose of enabling or encouraging any individual to make such false registration to vote in a Federal election; or (3) falsifies any information with respect to the name, residence, or age of such person, or any other information for the purpose of establishing eligibility to register to vote in a Federal election under this Act. Directs the Commission to institute actions to prevent any violation for this Act. Requires Federal courts to expedite consideration of actions involving a violation of, or a constitutional challenge to, any provision of this Act. Prohibits commercial use of any list compiled by a State or local government of individuals registered to vote in a Federal election.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1977
Plutonium Licensing Control Act - Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to prohibit the issuance of commercial licenses for (1) operation of nuclear power reactors utilizing recovered plutonium as a fuel source or (2) nuclear reactor fuel processing designed to recover plutonium. Stipulates that such prohibition shall not apply to activities necessary for United States military defense.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1977
Reemployment Services Act - Amends the Wagner-Peyser Act to direct the Secretary of Labor to provide technical and management assistance to State public employment offices, establish a national clearing house for employment service information in the United States Employment Service, and implement an assistance program for certain State employment office job placement projects. Directs the Secretary to study the merits of a nationwide job bank system and of replacing the State employment office system with a Federal office system and to modify any requirement that unemployment benefit claimants register with State unemployment offices.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1977
Truth in Lending Improvement Amendments - Amends the Truth in Lending Act to require each appropriate regulatory agency to conduct biennial examinations of every creditor subject to the requirements of such Act. States that whenever any agency has reason to believe as a result of the examination that there has been a substantial violation, as defined by this Act, it shall be publish in the Federal Register the name of the creditor and specified information concerning the violation, not more than 30 days after the date on which the examination report has been completed. Requires such agency to notify the creditor of the violation and of the date by which the agency will publish such information. Permits the creditor to submit a written response to the apparent violation which the agency must publish in the Federal Register. Requires the creditor to notify the consumer upon the direction of the agency, when specified requirements of the Truth in Lending Act appear to have been violated. Directs the agency to notify such consumer if the creditor fails to do so. States that such notice shall include: (1) the fact that the agency found a violation; (2) the nature of the violation, and (3) the rights of the consumer under this Act. Exempts a creditor from civil liability for failure to comply with the requirements of this Act if, within 30 days after discovering an error or, being informed of any error by an enforcing agency and before an action is begun or before the creditor notifies the consumer of the error and makes adjustments to the consumer's account to insure that the person will not be required to pay a finance charge in excess of the percentage rate or amount actually disclosed.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1977
Amends the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act to authorize the Administrator of General Services to assign surplus Federal real property to the Secretary of Commerce for disposal of such property at not less than 25 percent of the fair market value to States and local areas threatened by unemployment as a result of the closing of Federal facilities. Requires that such property be used by the transferees for economic development purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1977
Amends the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 to extend the coverage of such Act to individuals 65 or over, and to make unlawful seniority systems and employee benefit plans which require the retirement of individuals 40 or over.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1977
Declares it the sense of the House of Representatives: (1) that the Soviet Union permit free emigration of Soviet Jews and others, (2) that the Soviet Union permit the free exercise of religious beliefs and cultural expression, and (3) that the Congress supports "Solidarity Sunday."
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1977
Legal Services Corporation Amendments Act - Amends the Legal Services Corporation Act to subject the Corporation and each State advisory council established under such Act to Government in the Sunshine Act requirements regarding open meetings. Authorizes the Corporation to carry out its research, training, and assistance functions by means of grant or contract. Permits up to ten percent of the funds appropriated to the Corporation to be used for such purposes. Requires a court appointing an attorney employed by an organization receiving assistance under the Legal Services Corporation Act to provide for reasonable compensation for such attorney, unless the appointment is made pursuant to a law or practice applied generally to all lawyers appearing before the court. States that attorneys receiving more than one-half their annual professional income from an organization established for the sole purpose of providing legal assistance under the Legal Services Corporation Act shall be deemed to be State or local employees for purposes of provisions prohibiting certain activities of such employees in connection with partisan politics. Repeals restrictions on political activities unrelated to legal assistance with respect to such attorneys. Revises guidelines regarding eligibility for, and priorities relative to, such assistance. Revises the limitations on the use of funds made available by the Corporation to (1) permit the provision of legal assistance with respect to criminal matters where a person is charged with an offense involving hunting, fishing, trapping, or gathering fruit of the land, a defense asserted involves rights arising from an Indian treaty, or a person is charged with a misdemeanor or lesser offense in an Indian tribal court; and (2) eliminate prohibitions against providing legal assistance to un-emancipated persons less than 18 years of age or in connection with a proceeding relative to school desegregation or a selective service or military violation; and (3) revise the prohibition against providing legal assistance to organize or encourage the formation of any organization or coalition. Authorizes appropriations for carrying out the activities of the Corporation through fiscal year 1979. Authorizes the appointment of independent hearing examiners to preside over hearings to suspend or terminate assistance under the Legal Service Corporation Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1977
Electric Utility Act Title I: Improving Efficiency of, and Preserving Competition in, Generation and Transmission of Electricity - Amends the Federal Power Act to authorize the Federal Power Commission to take additional action to increase the transmission capacity of electric generating facilities. Requires the use of central dispatch generating systems in all areas where technologically and economically feasible. Directs the Commission to require utilities to report anticipated shortages of electric energy and to accommodate such shortages in a manner designed to insure continuity of service to retail and wholesale customers. Establishes preliminary proceedings on proposed new utility rate schedules to allow the Commission to authorize such schedules on an interim basis. Prohibits utilities from proposing rate increases while the Commission has pending before it a schedule filed by the same utility, except under extraordinary circumstances. Prohibits increases or automatic adjustments resulting in increases in rate schedules without consideration of such increases in an evidentiary hearing. Requires review of legitimate automatic adjustment clauses by the Commission at least every two years. Authorizes the Commission to issue orders prohibiting unfair methods of competition by public utilities. Authorizes the Commission to review plans for operation of bulk power facilities and to require that such facilities be constructed in a manner consistent with antitrust laws. Directs the Commission to prescribe standards of electric utility reliability. Directs the Commission to prescribe rules encouraging the cogeneration of electric energy with other forms of energy. Revises the prohibition against interlocking directorates contained in such Act to include additional occupations which may not be held by officers or directors of public utilities without approval by the Commission. Title II: Coordination of Planning of Bulk Power Facilities - Requires that electric utilities which control bulk power facilities prepare an annual long-range plan for the use of each such facility. Establishes areawide planning councils to review such plans and submit area plans for bulk power facilities to the Commission. Title III: Improving Efficiency of Use of Electricity - Limits the applicability of the provisions of this title to sales of electric energy by electric utilities for purposes other than resale. Establishes national minimum standards for State-regulated electric utility rates. Stipulates that such rates shall reflect actual costs of providing electric service to each consumer class. Authorizes lower rates for electric energy for essential needs of residential electric consumers, as defined by the State regulatory authority. Stipulates that promotional, political, or institutional advertising costs incurred by public utilities, with specified exceptions, shall not be chargeable to electric consumers. Authorizes electric utilities to recover reasonable costs incurred for pollution control facilities from electric consumers. Prohibits increases or automatic adjustments resulting in increases in State-regulated electric utility rates without consideration of such increases in an evidentiary hearing. Stipulates that automatic adjustment clauses shall be subject to review by the State regulatory authority at least every two years. Requires State regulated electric utilities to promptly implement alternative load management techniques which have been determined to be practicable and cost-effective. Requires such utilities to inform electric consumers of existing rate schedules on and annual basis. Requires notification within 30 days of any proposed changes in rate schedules. Requires such utilities to furnish data on amount of actual electric energy consumption upon request by a specific consumer. Imposes minimum procedures upon such utilities to be followed prior to termination of electric service. Stipulates that nonregulated utilities shall be subject to the same requirements imposed by this title upon State-regulated utilities. Prohibits any rate increases by electric utilities except in accordance with such requirements. Establishes procedures for administration and enforcement of the provisions of this title. Authorizes State regulatory agencies or electric consumers to intervene in any proceeding under this title. Title IV: Consumer Representation and Assistance to State Agencies - Amends the Energy Conservation and Production Act to authorize the Federal Energy Administrator to make grants to State utility regulatory commissions to: (1) improve staffing; (2) encourage the development of innovative rate structures; and (3) to provide for programs to meet requirements with respect to participation in proceedings. Authorizes the appropriation of $40,000,000 per fiscal year for improved staffing. Authorizes the appropriation of $5,000,000 per fiscal year for each of the remaining purposes of this title. Establishes procedures for equitable allotment of sums appropriated under this title among the States in accordance with prescribed guidelines. Amends the Federal Power Act to establish an independent Office of Public Counsel in the Federal Power Commission to represent consumer interests in proceeding before the Commission. Authorizes the appropriation of the following sums to the Office: $500,000 for fiscal year 1978; $2,000,000 for fiscal year 1979; $2,200,000 for fiscal year 1980; and $2,400,000 for fiscal year 1981. Authorizes compensation of other parties in Commission proceedings whose views might not otherwise be adequately represented without such assistance. Stipulates that the total amount of such assistance shall not exceed $2,000,000 to all persons in any fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1977
Amends the Community Service Act to permit the Director of the Community Services Administration to furnish assistance for the installation of security devices in the residences of elderly persons.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1977
Amends Title XX (Grants to States for Services) of the Social Security Act to include among the services provided under that Title the installation of security devices in the homes of the elderly.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1977
Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to provide assistance for the installation of security devices in the residences of elderly persons. Includes projects to assist older person to install security devices in the list of projects eligible for grants from the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 1977
Amends the Indochina Migration and Refugee Assistance Act of 1975 to extend through 1980 assistance: (1) to refugees from Cambodia, Vietnam, and Laos; (2) to State and local public agencies providing assistance for such aliens; (3) for transportation to, and resettlement in, other areas of the United States; and (4) for employment assistance rendered to such aliens. Directs that funds appropriated under this Act be made available to State or local public agencies to reimburse them for the non-Federal share of costs under Titles IV (Grants to States for Aid and Services to Needy Families with Children and for Child Welfare Services) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act. Limits the amount of assistance to be provided for a State or local public agency in fiscal years 1979, and 1980 for providing cash or medical assistance to aliens from Cambodia, Vietnam, and Laos. Requires the President to submit a report to specified Committees of Congress on the states of such refugees at regular intervals until December 31, 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 1977
Amends the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 to extend the coverage of such Act to individuals 65 or over, and to make unlawful seniority systems and employee benefit plans which require the retirement of individuals 40 or over.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 1977
Small Business Development Center Act - Authorizes the Small Business Administration to make grants to universities to assist them in developing centers to provide small businesses with a broad range of advice, information, and assistance. Limits the amount of such grant to no more than 75 percent of the cost of eligible activities in the operation or development of the center, except for grants to regional centers assisting State centers in research or other high cost activities. Establishes a Small Business Management and Technical Assistance Division within the Small Business Development Center program through a Deputy Associate Administrator. Establishes a Small Business Development Center Advisory Board composed of 14 members to advise and confer with the Deputy Associate Administrator for Management and Technical Assistance. Authorizes the Administration to make grants to universities, organizations, and business concerns to support research to solve problems which affect small business concerns.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 1977
Unvouchered Expenditure Control Act - Prohibits the expenditure of Federal moneys, not otherwise provided for by law, which are not made pursuant to procedures providing for a voucher describing the payee and items or services for which payment is being made. Requires all appropriations, not made under a law which provides otherwise, to provide for voucher requirements for expending such moneys appropriated. Requires the Comptroller General to audit all programs subject to this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 1977
Internal Revenue Administration Act - Establishes the Internal Revenue Administration in the executive branch of the Federal Government for the purpose of administering and enforcing the Internal Revenue Code. Prescribes the terms and conditions of office for the Administrator of the Internal Revenue Administration. Transfers all present functions, instructions, rules, or regulations which were promulgated or administered by the Secretary of the Treasury or his delegate with respect to the enforcement of the Internal Revenue Code, to the Internal Revenue Administration.
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 1977
Allows any Federal employee or Member of Congress who is a Japanese-American World War II internee to credit, for civil service retirement purposes, the period during which such individual was detained or interned in a camp or similar facility.
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 1977
Amends the Employment Act of 1946 to prohibit any Member of Congress from serving as a member of the Joint Economic Committee during more than two Congresses in any period of five successive Congresses beginning after 1978.
![Official portrait of Rep. Drinan, Robert F. [D-MA-4]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/d000499_200.jpg)