United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1977
Synthetic Fuels Research and Demonstration Act - Title I: Motor Vehicle Synthetic Fuel Research and Demonstration Project - Directs the Administrator of the Energy Research and Development Administrator of the Energy Research and Development Administration to establish a synthetic fuels project for motor vehicles in accordance with a research and development plan. Prescribes criteria to be followed by the Administrator in: (1) the selection of a synthetic fuel; (2) the selection of a project agency; and (3) the establishment of a research and demonstration plan. Requires that the Administrator submit interim reports to Congress and a final report within three years of the enactment of this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of $15,000,000 through fiscal year 1980 for such project. Title II: Electrical Generation Synthetic Fuel Research and Demonstration Projects - Directs the Administrator of the Energy Research and Development Administration to establish a program of Federal assistance to public utilities for the support of synthetic fuels projects for the generation of electricity. Establishes criteria for applicants to be considered for financial assistance. Establishes guidelines for the Administrator in selecting projects from eligible applicants. Stipulates that the amount of funds for any such project shall be based on the difference between the cost of conventional fuel which would ordinarily be used. Limits payments under this title to $1,000,000 for any single project. Requires the Administrator to submit interim reports to Congress and a final report within three years of the enactment of this Act. Authorizes appropriations of $6,000,000 through fiscal year 1980 for such program.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1977
Ocean Mining Incentive Act - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish an Office of Ocean Mining Incentives in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Directs the Office to establish a program of Federal insurance against ocean mining losses suffered during prototype operations. Specifies conditions and limitations with respect to such insurance coverage. Stipulates that such coverage may not exceed $100,000,000 in aggregate to any single firm. Stipulates that only those firms which have engaged in ocean mining research and development for at least five years and have expended at least $20,000,000 with respect to such activities shall be eligible for coverage. Directs the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to accelerate environmental assessment of deep seabed mining through preparation of a general programmatic environmental impact statement as required by the National Environmental Policy Act. Requires the use of such assessment as a basis for regulations governing the conduct of prototype mining operations. Imposes civil and criminal penalties upon ocean mining operations for violations of environmental requirements established by this Act or for unreasonable interference with lawful use of the high seas by any person. Authorizes injunctive relief in the United States district courts to prevent serious or irreparable damage to the marine environment from prototype operations or to prevent unreasonable interference with lawful uses. Expresses the support of Congress for the objectives of the United States Conference on the Law of the Sea. Declares it the sense of Congress that this Act be considered transitional in nature pending implementation of future diplomatic or legislative proposals. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as necessary for (1) the administration of this Act, and (2) for the ocean mining insurance fund established by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1977
Guarantees automatically any loan to a qualified veteran for the purchase and installation of solar heating and/or cooling in a dwelling which he owns and occupies. Exempts such loans from the existing $17,500 maximum amount of guaranty entitlement, and sets the amount of such entitlement at either: (1) the reasonable total cost of such purchase and installation, or (2) 20 percent of the value of the structure in which such system is to be installed, whichever is less. States that the original principal amount of such a loan shall not exceed the amount of guaranty entitlement so set.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1977
Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to make and insure loans under such Act for the solar heating or cooling of residential structures on family farms.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1977
Solar Energy for Homes Act - Authorizes the administrators of Federal housing programs, established under title II or III of the National Housing Act or (of) title V of the Housing Act of 1949, to increase the amount of loans made on single- or multi-family dwelling units by up to 20 percent where such increase reflects the cost of solar energy equipment. Amends the National Housing Act to authorize home improvement loans for the cost of acquisition and installation of solar energy system. Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to authorize the use of community development block grants for payments to assist in the acquisition and installation of solar energy equipment.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1977
Young Farmers' Homestead Act - Establishes as an agency within the Department of Agriculture the Federal Farm Assistance Corporation. Authorizes the Corporation to purchase farm land in value of up to $250,000 per unit. Provides that the Corporation shall make such farms available for lease and subsequently for sale. Directs that the farms may be leased to an eligible applicant for a period of not less than two years not more than ten years with specified restrictions upon the use of such land. Provides that the lessee may at any time within six months prior to the expiration of his lease make application to the Board of Directors for purchase of such unit upon the expiration of such lease. States that the Board shall approve such application if it determines that the lessee can successfully manage and operate such farm unit. Specifies a formula to be used in determining the selling price of each farm. Provides that a buyer may obtain financing through any available source, but if private financing is not available, the Farmers Home Administration shall furnish the financing at a specified rate. Requires the Corporation to file annually with the Secretary of Agriculture a complete report as to the business of the Corporation. Provides that the financial transactions of the Corporation shall be audited at least once each year by the General Accounting Office. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to appoint an advisory council to advise the Board regarding the administration of this Act. Provides that the Council's advice shall include recommendations on what the eligibility requirements should be for leasing farm units and what experience should be required for leasing a farm. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to carry out this Act. Specifies criminal provisions applicable to the Federal Farm Assistance Corporation. (Amends 18 U.S.C. 657, 658, 1006, and 1014)
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1977
Prohibits the consideration of any cost of living increase of Old Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance benefits after May 1977 for purposes of determining the eligibility for or amount of assistance which any individual or family is provided under specified Federal housing programs.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1977
Excludes employers with less than 25 employees during any consecutive six-month period in the most recent fiscal year from coverage under the Occupational Safety and Health Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1977
Amends the program of Aid to Families with Dependent Children of Title IV and Title XVI (Supplemental Security Income for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled) of the Social Security Act to assure that recipient of aid and benefits under such Titles do not have the amount of such and or benefits reduced because of increases in the amount of benefits under Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1977
Amends Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to assure the individuals otherwise eligible for benefits under such Title do not lose such eligibility, or have the amount of such benefits reduced, because of increases in the amount of benefits under Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1977
Provides that recipients of veterans' pensions and compensation will not have the amount of such pension or compensation reduced because of increases in social security benefits. Applies to annual income determinations made for calendar years after 1976.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1977
Provides that recipients of veterans' pensions and compensation will not have the amount of such pension or compensation reduced, or entitlement thereto discontinued, because of general or cost-of- living increases in social security benefits or in benefits under any other Federal retirement, annuity or endowment program.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1977
Directs the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to pay a pension to each veteran who served in the active military, naval, or air service at any time during World War I and who is not eligible for a non-service connected disability pension. Directs the Administrator to pay medical services costs required outside Veterans' Administration facilities if travel to such facilities would be a burden for the veteran. Provides for survivor pensions for the widows of such veterans.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1977
Regulatory Reform Act - Requires the President to submit to Congress a plan recommending reforms with respect to the regulation of: (1) energy, the environment, housing, and occupational health and safety by specified Federal agencies by April 30, 1979; (2) transportation and communications by specified Federal agencies by April 30, 1981; (3) banking and finance, international trade, and Government procurement by specified Federal agencies by April 30, 1983; and (4) food, consumer health and safety, economic trade practices, and labor- management concerns by specified Federal agencies by April 30, 1985. States that each such plan shall include recommendations for reform of such specified agencies and shall report on the cumulative impact of all Government regulatory activity reviewed, up to that date, on specific industry groupings. States that if the President fails to submit such plans by the specified dates, the Senate and House Committees on Government Operations shall draft their own plans to be submitted to Congress for action. Requires the Comptroller General and the Congressional Budget Office to, contemporaneously with the development of the President's plan, submit a report assessing the purpose, effects, efficiency, and cost effectiveness of each agency included in the plans submitted by the President. States that if no comprehensive regulatory reform legislation is enacted by August 1 of the year following the year in which a comprehensive plan has been submitted by the President, then all agencies affected thereby shall have no authority to issue any new rules not essential for preserving the public health and safety; if such reform is not enacted by October 1 of such year, such agency shall have no authority to enforce any rule not essential for preserving the public health and safety; if no such reform is enacted by December 31 of such year, such agency shall be terminated on such date. States that all rules of such terminated agency essential for preserving the public health and safety shall remain effective and shall be enforced by the Department of Justice. Requires the President to submit subsequent plans in the manner and in the order and frequency set forth by this Act every ten years.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1977
Authorizes appropriations in specified amounts for fiscal year 1978 for the procurement of naval vessels for the armed forces. Prohibits the obligation of funds authorized under this Act for the DD6-47 guided missile destroyer program for material or components which are not suitable for use in a nuclear powered strike cruiser until the President has made certain determinations and has reported them to the Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1977
Amends the Rules of the House of Representatives to add rule XLV prohibiting any Member from maintaining or having maintained for such Member's use, an unofficial office account.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1977
State of Maine Aboriginal Claims Act - Recognizes the prior conveyances of title and interests in lands and waters now comprising the State of Maine made by the Passamaquoddy and Penobscot Indian Tribes as valid and binding. Limits the relief which may be granted as a result of claims arising out of the allegedly wrongful loss of aboriginal title rights in Maine by these tribes to monetary damages. Transfers all cases involving this Act to the United States District Court for the District of Maine.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1977
Amends the Fishery Conservation and Management Act of 1976 to: (1) redefine "vessel of the United States" to mean any vessel documented under the laws of the United States or registered under the laws of any State which is either owned by a United States citizen or has been continuously owned by the same person who owned it prior to January 27, 1977; (2) define "citizen of the United States" for purposes of the Act; (3) permit any foreign nation to treat as a vessel under its own flag, any vessel documented under the laws of the United States or registered under the laws of any State if more than 25 percent of the vessel is owned by a citizen or legal entity of such nation; (4) require the Secretary of Commerce to submit to Congress an annual report regarding foreign investment in the United States fishing industry, and details the content of such report; (5) require the Secretary to prescribe such regulations as may be necessary to gather information for such report; (6) require the Secretary of the Treasury to furnish the Secretary with certain information; and (7) authorize such appropriations as may be necessary for the preparation of such report.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1977
Amends rule X of the Rules of the House of Representatives to create a 37-member Select Committee on Energy. Directs the Speaker to refer first to the select committee all bills, resolutions and other matters relating to: (1) energy resources, regulation, conservation, and allocation; (2) energy power administration. Gives to the select committee sole jurisdiction over certain bills transmitted to Congress in accordance with the Energy Policy and Conservation Act. Directs that any bill, resolution or other matter reported from the select committee be treated as if it had been reported from a standing committee of the House.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals an income tax deduction for amounts paid into an employee's tax-exempt retirement trust, or for an annuity contract. Limits the allowable deduction to 15 percent of the individual's gross income, or $1,500, whichever is less, minus a specified portion of the employer's contributions and, in the case of employees exempt from self-employment, FICA or Railroad Retirement Act taxation, the amount of FICA tax liability they would have paid if they were not exempt.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1977
Provides that recipients of veterans' pension and compensation will not have the amount of such pension or compensation reduced, or entitlement thereto discontinued, because of increases in monthly social security benefits. Applies these amendments to annual income determinations made for calendar years after 1972. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 415(g), adds 38 U.S.C. 503(d))
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1977
Requires the Congressional Record for the House of Representatives to contain an accurate and verbatim account of remarks actually delivered on the floor of the House together with supporting data. Limits revisions of verbatim remarks in the Record to the correction of grammatical and typographical errors which do not change the meaning, content, or substance of those remarks. Entitles Members to insert in the Records remarks not actually delivered on the floor. Stipulates that such insertions always be clearly distinguishable from verbatim remarks.
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 1977
Title I: Wildlife Restoration Fund - Amends the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act to: (1) make available to any State so much of the appropriation apportioned to it for any fiscal year for hunter education or public target range programs, which remain unexpended at the close of such fiscal year, for use in such programs during the succeeding fiscal year; (2) authorize the Secretary of the Interior to use any such funds, which remain unexpended at the close of such succeeding fiscal year, to assist one or more States in carrying out projects within their hunter education or public target range programs during the two fiscal years following such succeeding fiscal year; (3) authorize the Secretary to use any funds not expended for such projects before the close of such two- fiscal-year period to carry out the Migratory Bird Conservation Act; (4) require that certain revenues from taxes imposed on bows, arrows, and component parts of ammunition for firearms which accrue to the Wildlife Restoration Fund after fiscal year 1975 be apportioned among the States; (5) authorize the Secretary to pay funds to and cooperate with certain agencies of American Samoa in carrying out wildlife restoration projects; (6) include hunter education and public target range programs in Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, and the Virgin Islands within the projects which may be funded by the Secretary under the Act; (7) authorize each State to use certain funds apportioned to it under the Act to pay not more than 75 percent of the cost of a hunter education or public target range program, or both; and (8) set forth requirements with respect to the expenditure of Federal funds for public target ranges. Title II: Tax on Sale of Component Parts of Firearm Ammunition - Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to impose a tax on specified component parts of ammunition for firearms, and to exempt such articles from tax when purchased with funds appropriated for the military department.
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 1977
Natural Gas Act Amendments - Amends the Natural Gas Act to terminate Federal Power Commission authority to regulate sales of new natural gas in interstate commerce. Stipulates that prices for offshore sales of new natural gas shall not exceed the ceiling price for sales of new natural gas produced from onshore Federal lands. Stipulates that emergency sales of natural gas to curtailed customers who qualify as essential users shall not affect such exempt status. Authorizes the Commission to terminate such exemptions on or after April 15, 1978, if they are no longer deemed necessary to protect high priority consumers of natural gas. Directs the Federal Power Commission to conduct studies and make reports regarding the nature and availability of natural gas reserves. Requires that the Commission keep current information available relating to the estimated natural gas reserves for individual fields. Establishes procedures for the establishment of ceiling prices for new natural gas produced from offshore Federal lands through December 31, 1982. Authorizes the Commission to grant exemptions to price ceilings within high-cost production areas. Establishes procedures for adjustments to price ceilings established pursuant to this Act. Directs the Commission to prohibit the curtailment of adequate supplies of natural gas for essential agricultural purposes. Directs the Commission to prohibit the use of natural gas as boiler fuel where adequate alternatives are available. Authorizes exemptions from such prohibition where necessary to comply with pollution control or environmental protection and safety standards.
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 1977
Ocean Mining Incentive Act - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish an Office of Ocean Mining Incentives in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Directs the Office to establish a program of Federal insurance against ocean mining losses suffered during prototype operations. Specifies conditions and limitations with respect to such insurance coverage. Stipulates that such coverage may not exceed $100,000,000 in aggregate to any single firm. Stipulates that only those firms which have engaged in ocean mining research and development for at least five years and have expended at least $20,000,000 with respect to such activities shall be eligible for coverage. Directs the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to accelerate environmental assessment of deep seabed mining through preparation of a general programmatic environmental impact statement as required by the National Environmental Policy Act. Requires the use of such assessment as a basis for regulations governing the conduct of prototype mining operations. Imposes civil and criminal penalties upon ocean mining operations for violations of environmental requirements established by this Act or for unreasonable interference with lawful use of the high seas by any person. Authorizes injunctive relief in the United States district courts to prevent serious or irreparable damage to the marine environment from prototype operations or to prevent unreasonable interference with lawful uses. Expresses the support of Congress for the objectives of the United States Conference on the Law of the Sea. Declares it the sense of Congress that this Act be considered transitional in nature pending implementation of future diplomatic or legislative proposals. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as necessary for (1) the administration of this Act, and (2) for the ocean mining insurance fund established by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 1977
Earthquake Hazard Reduction Act - Directs the President to establish: (1) a coordinated National Earthquake Hazard Reduction Program; (2) an Office of Earthquake Hazard Reduction; (3) a National Advisory Committee on Earthquake Hazard Reduction; and (4) an Earthquake Prediction Evaluation Board. Specifies the duties of the Office of Earthquake Hazard Reduction, including developing and maintaining an Earthquake Hazard Reduction Program plan and staffing and assisting the National Advisory Committee. Directs the National Advisory Committee to review and advise the Office of Earthquake Hazard Reduction regarding the progress, implementation, and coordination of the Earthquake Hazard Reduction Program. Enumerates the Federal agencies to be assigned responsibilities in the Earthquake Hazard Reduction Program. Details the elements of the Program, including physical studies; structural studies; social, legal and economic research; and practical application of knowledge concerning earthquakes. Directs the Earthquake Prediction Evaluation Board to evaluate individual earthquake predictions, compile and maintain a public record of the performance of prediction methods, and issue authenticated earthquake predictions if and when earthquake prediction becomes a sufficiently reliable science.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 1977
Establishes within the House of Representatives a Select Committee on Energy to study all aspects of the exploration, research and development, production, importation, distribution, and use of all energy-related resources, including national priorities and policies with regard to energy. Gives the Committee legislative jurisdiction over energy related matters.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1977
Amends the Ports and Waterways Safety Act of 1972 to apply the safety standards under such Act and other specified standards to all vessels entering into the United States Fishery Conservation Zone established under the Fishery Conservation and Management Act of 1976. Requires (previously allowed) the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to implement the safety standards specified in such Act. Transfers the duty of investigation of navigation accidents from the Secretary to the National Transportation Safety Board.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1977
Limousine Limitation Act - Prohibits Government use of any limousine, use of any Government motor vehicle to transport any official between his place of employment and his dwelling place, and Government employment of any chauffeur. Excepts from this Act limousines for the President, Ambassadors, and specified other persons whose personal safety depends upon the use of such limousines.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1977
Prohibits the closure or realignment of military bases involving reductions in civilian personnel positions below a specified level or construction or conversion at military installations made necessary by the relocation of such civilian personnel unless: (1) the Secretary of Defense or the Secretary of the military department concerned notifies the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives that such installation is a candidate for closure or realignment; (2) the appropriate Secretary complies with the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969; (3) the appropriate Secretary notifies the Committees on Armed Services of a final decision in writing regarding such closure or realignment and a detailed justification for such decision; and (4) a period of at least 60 days elapses between such notification and the implementation of such decision. Stipulates that this Act does not apply to closures or reductions which the President has certified to Congress as being necessary for reasons of national security or a military emergency.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1977
Amends rule XLIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives to prohibit Members of Congress from using funds, other than those specifically appropriated by Congress, for the purpose of fulfilling their activities as Federal office holders.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an individual income tax credit for 25 percent of the amounts paid or incurred for the purchase and installation of qualified insulative materials or heating equipment in the taxpayer's principal residence. Limits the credit to $375, or $750 in the case of a joint return. Stipulates that to be considered qualified such improvements must meet heat loss reduction or heating efficiency criteria to be established by the Secretary of the Treasury in accordance with standards developed and prescribed by the National Bureau of Standards.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1977
Congressional Salary Act -- Amends the Federal Salary Act of 1967 to make any recommendations of the President relating to the salaries of Members of Congress, Delegates to the House of Representatives, and the Resident Commissioner from Puerto Rico purely advisory. Amends the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 to require that the annual rate of pay for Members of Congress, Delegates to the House of Representatives, the Resident Commissioner from Puerto Rico, and the Senate and House leadership be the rate payable for such positions on the date of enactment of this Act unless otherwise established by law. Prohibits any law increasing such rates of pay from taking effect before the first day of the Congress following the Congress during which such law is enacted.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1977
Constitutional Amendment - Provides that the people of the several States, and the District of Columbia, shall elect the President and Vice President. Requires each voter to cast a single vote for two persons who shall have consented to the joining of their names as candidates for the offices of President and Vice President. Requires the voters for President and Vice President in each State to have the qualifications requisite for voters for the most numerous branch of the State legislature, except that for voters for President and Vice President, the legislature of any State may prescribe less restrictive residence qualifications and for voters for President and Vice President the Congress may establish uniform residence qualifications. Provides that the pair of persons having the greatest number of votes for President and Vice President shall be elected, if such number be at least 40 percent of the whole number of votes cast for such offices. Provides that if the choice of President and Vice President shall be made from the two pairs of persons who received the highest numbers of votes. Requires the days for such elections to be determined by Congress and to be uniform throughout the United States. Requires Congress to prescribe by law the time, place, and manner in which the results of such elections shall be ascertained and declared. Allows Congress to provide for the case of the death, inability, or withdrawal of any candidate for President or Vice President before a President and Vice President have been elected, and for the case of the death of both the President-elect and Vice President-elect.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1977
Government Economy and Spending Reform Act - Title I: Authorization of New Budget Authority - Terminates all budget authority for Federal programs on specified dates according to the functional or subfunctional category of each program as set forth in the fiscal year 1977 budget. Requires the Comptroller General to report to Congress by April 1, 1977, on specified programs with respect to the laws under which such program is carried on, the amount of new budget authority received by such program during the four fiscal years ending before April 1, 1977, and to identify programs for which no outlays have been made during the last two fiscal years ending before April 1, 1977. Prohibits providing new budget authority after the applicable review date set forth in this Act unless the provision of such budget authority is specifically authorized by law or the standing rules of either House of Congress. Title II: Zero-Base Program Review - Sets forth a timetable for Congressional zero-base review of new budget authority. Defines "zero-base review" as an evaluation of a given program to determine the merits of its continuation at a level less than, equal to, or more than its existing level. Requires each congressional committee conducting a zero-based program review to adopt tentative and final review plans, receive reports from the Comptroller General and Federal agencies on the program being reviewed, and report to their respective House the results of such zero-base review of the program. Sets forth minimum objectives of inquiry for such reviews. Requires that any committee reporting pursuant to this Act recommend the extent to which any program reviewed should be continued or eliminated. Title III: Continuing Review - Amends the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1970 to require, whenever the Comptroller General issues a report which discloses any substantial deficiency in the achievement of the objectives of any Federal program, the agency conducting such program to report to specified congressional committees 60 days after such report and every six months thereafter to delineate the actions taken with respect to such deficiency. Requires that such agency continue to issue such reports until such time as the Comptroller General determines that no purpose is served by their submission. Amends the Budget and Accounting Act of 1921, to require the inclusion in the Budget of a statement of the specific objectives of each Government program, and a comparison, in each subsequent Budget, of the achievement of such objectives for the last completed fiscal year with the planned objectives of such year. Title IV: Miscellaneous - Requires the Director of Management and Budget to study the feasibility of zero-base budgeting for Federal agencies. Requires the Director of the Congressional Budget Office to study the feasibility of personnel ceilings on employees of the United States and their relationships to alternative methods of carrying out the activities of such employees. Requires that such reports be submitted to Congress. Requires Federal agency heads to report requests for new budget authority to Congress. Requires specified committees to study the effectiveness of the zero-base review procedures required by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1977
Declares the support of the House of Representatives for the President's intentions (1) to proceed with a comprehensive nuclear test ban treaty, (2) to seek ratification of the SALT II agreement, and (3) to seek an agreement with the Soviet Union for major reductions in atomic weapons.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1977
Jobs Creation Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce the individual income tax rates. Allows a credit against the income tax up to $1,000, for ten percent of the increase in the total savings deposits and investments since the end of the previous year. Allows a limited income tax deduction by certain domestic corporations for dividends paid. Limits corporate deductions for dividends received from foreign corporations. Repeals corporate deductions for other dividends received. Allows the taxpayer to take a deduction for specified percentages of the acquisition costs of certain types of property, with a corresponding reduction in basis, in lieu of a depreciation deduction. Doubles the corporate surtax exemption to $100,000.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1977
Jobs Creation and Economic Growth Act - Title I: Job Creation Through Government Reform - Provides for the expiration of all provisions of law which authorize new budget authority for programs other than trust funds in the Treasury, on October 1, 1980. Prohibits the authorization of budget authority for new programs for a term greater than four years. Prohibits the authorization of new budget authority for existing programs which exceeds any previous extension of authority by more than one year, or which exceeds one fiscal year in the case of programs not previously extended. Prohibits, after October 1, 1981, any extension of budget authority, or any changes in programs funded from Treasury trust funds or having permanent budget authority unless the concerned program has undergone a program control review. Provides that such reviews shall be undertaken for every Government program by the appropriate Congressional committee at least once every four fiscal years to evaluate specified factors pertaining to the future need and efficiency of the concerned program. Directs the Comptroller General to make annual reports through 1979 identifying all Government programs funded from permanent budget authority and the Congressional committees having jurisdiction over them. Requires the Comptroller to identify all programs which have not been funded for two years or which are duplicative. Directs the Comptroller to complete studies of the efficiency and effects in specified areas of tax and labor law, and educational, employment and welfare programs and on productivity in the private sector and unemployment. States that the relevant Congressional committees shall take action on these studies by March 15, 1978, where possible, to eliminate waste and duplication. Requires each head of an Executive department or agency and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to prepare independent evaluations of the effectiveness of any of the department or agency programs undergoing a program control review. Provides for periodic audits and reports by the General Accounting Office of any program the Office determines is substantially deficient in carrying out its objectives. Requires budget transmittals after October 1, 1979 to include a detailed comparison of past and future objectives for each Government program. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to prepare an annual financial statement, based on accrual accounting procedures, for each Government program or activity. Requires all bills and joint resolutions to contain a fiscal note containing a five year projection of the proposal's estimated costs or savings before they may be introduced or reported from committee. Provides that such fiscal notes shall be prepared by the Governmental instrumentality which would carry out the provisions of the proposal. Title II: General Job Creation and Economic Growth - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the standard personal exemptions, over a transitional period, to $1,000. Increases, over a transitional period, the standard deduction for joint returns and surviving spouses to $2,500, for unmarried individuals to $1,800, and for married individuals filing separately to $1,250. Reduces personal income tax rates. Provides transitional taxable income and earned income credits. Requires the new tax rates to be applied to all wages withheld after September 30, 1977 for taxable years ending after December 31, 1977. Increases, over a transitional period, the investment tax credit. Increases the corporate surtax exemption. Allows taxpayers to take an amortization deduction for new facilities and equipment in high unemployment areas in lieu of a depreciation deduction. Allows alternative amortization periods for all new pollution control facilities placed in service before January 1, 1981. Provides a tax credit for five percent of new savings and investments held by the taxpayer at the end of the taxable year. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to prepare a legislative proposal integrating corporate and individual income taxes by providing proportionate tax deductions for dividends paid and tax credits for dividends received. Increases estate taxes by raising rates, lowering limitations on the credit for State taxes, and reducing the progressive scale for such rates and limitations. Establishes an estate tax exemption of $150,000. Allows an unlimited deduction from the taxable estate for all bequests and gifts to a surviving spouse. Exempts taxpayers from mandatory filing of gift tax returns during any of the first three quarters of the taxable year where the aggregate value of non-charitable gifts made during the quarter does not exceed $100,000. Extends the number of installments in which estate taxes on an estate consisting largely of an interest in a closely held business may be paid. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to prepare a report by July 1, 1978, evaluating the continued need for the Internal Revenue Code provisions regarding amortization of property in high unemployment areas and whether the investment tax credit should be raised. Amends the Small Business Act to increase the funding available for loans and guarantees to businesses under such Act. Title III: Structural and Long-term Job Creation - Amends the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act to establish an incentive program for providing part-time employment during the school year, and full-time employment during summer months, to disadvantaged youths. Amends the Act establishing the Youth Conservation Corps to increase the employment of disadvantaged youths in reducing the inventory of conservation work undertaken by the National Park Service and the United States Fish and Wildlife and Forest Service. Amends the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act to focus the Act's priorities and assistance upon aiding the chronically unemployed. Provides new programs under the Act, including the development of relocation assistance to confront chronic unemployment. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a limited tax credit for wages paid to new employees.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1977
Amends the Ports and Waterways Safety Act of 1972 to apply the safety standards under such Act and other specified standards to all vessels entering into the United States Fishery Conservation Zone established under the Fishery Conservation and Management Act of 1976. Requires (previously allowed) the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to implement the safety standards specified in such Act. Transfers the duty of investigation of navigation accidents from the Secretary to the National Transportation Safety Board.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1977
Truth in Government Accounting Act - Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to prepare and make public annual consolidated financial statements for all expenditures of the United States utilizing the accrual method of accounting.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1977
Adds Rule XLV to the Rules of the House of Representatives, allowing continuous television and radio coverage of House floor proceedings. Makes the Speaker responsible for the implementation of this Rule. Establishes a Broadcast Advisory Board to assist the Speaker. Makes it the general responsibility of the Clerk to make provision for such coverage. Stipulates that this Rule shall not apply with respect to joint sessions of the House and Senate. Provides all television and radio broadcasting stations, networks, services and systems in the United States and its territories with access to all of the live coverage of the proceedings of the House. Restricts use of coverage to legitimate news or research purposes. Stipulates that broadcast shall be presented without commercial sponsorship. Prohibits coverage provided under this Rule from use as partisan political campaign material.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1977
Amends the Rules of the House of Representatives to require a roll call vote on demand of any committee member on any question before the committee and on every motion to report any bill or resolution of a public character.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1977
Amends rule XI of the Rules of the House to require that all committee meetings, including meetings for the mark-up of legislation, shall be open to the public, except when the committee determines in open session by roll call vote that the disclosure of the matter to be considered would endanger national security or violate any law or rule of the House of Representatives.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1977
Amends rule XXVII of the Rules of the House of Representatives to direct that it shall not be in order to entertain a motion to suspend the rules to consider any measure or matter unless the committee having jurisdiction over the measure or matter, by roll call vote, a majority being actually present, authorizes consideration of the measure or matter under a suspension of the rules, or if a written request has been filed with the Speaker by the chairman and ranking minority member of the committee having jurisdiction over the measure or matter, asking for its consideration under a suspension of the rules.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1977
Amends rule XIV of the Rules of the House of Representatives to require that an accurate account of words actually spoken on the floor of the House, together with permitted supporting data be printed in the Congressional Record. Limits revisions of verbatim remarks in the Record to the correction of grammatical and typographical errors which do not change the meaning, content, or substance of those remarks. Entitles Members to insert in the Record remarks not actually delivered on the floor. Stipulates that such insertions always be clearly distinguishable from words actually spoken on the floor.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1977
Amends rule XI of the Rules of the House of Representatives to require that, insofar as applicable, the House rules which apply to standing committees shall also apply to any select, special, or ad hoc committee, commission, or other entity established by the House.
![Official portrait of Rep. Emery, David F. [R-ME-1]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/e000175_200.jpg)