United States · United States Congress · 13 October 1978
Title I: Public Employee Retirement Income Security - Public Employee Retirement Income Security Act - Requires administrators of pension plans which are (A) not excepted by this Act or otherwise covered under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), and (B) established and maintained for the benefit of the employees of any State government or political subdivision, to provide the following information to plan participants and beneficiaries: (1) a summary plan description which provides an accurate, comprehensive, and understandable summary of their rights and obligations; (2) a summary description of any material modification in the terms of the plan; and (3) upon written request, a statement which indicates the total accumulated contributions, pension benefits, and vesting status of the participant. Specifies the content of such summary plan description. Directs such administrators to provide to any participant or beneficiary who requests withdrawal of contributions, payment of benefits, or a benefit election, a written explanation of the effects of such action on remaining plan benefits. Requires such administrators to file with the Employee Benefit Administration (EBA) established by title II of this Act: (1) a copy of the summary plan description; and (2) an annual report. Specifies the content of such report, including a financial statement and schedule, an actuarial statement, information on terminated vested participants who are entitled to future benefits, and other information which the EBA may require. Directs the EBA to prescribe simplified annual reports for any plan which covers less than 100 participants. Allows the EBA, in certain circumstances, to prescribe alternative methods and to exempt any plan or person from the requirements of this Act. Requires pension plans covered by this Act to provide for one or more fiduciaries and to include: (1) any funding policy which has been established; (2) procedures for amendment and for the allocation of responsibility for the plan's operation and administration; and (3) benefit provisions. States that all assets shall be held in trust by one or more trustees. Prohibits persons who have been convicted of specified offenses from serving in certain capacities, including fiduciary and trustee, for specified periods. Provides that a fiduciary shall discharge his duties for the exclusive purpose of providing benefits to participants and their beneficiaries and defraying reasonable expenses of administering the plan, with the care, skill, prudence, and diligence that a prudent man would exercise in like circumstances. Requires a fiduciary to diversify the investments of the plan, except a plan which provides for individual accounts, so as to minimize the risk of large losses, unless under the circumstance it is clearly prudent not to do so. Prohibits a fiduciary from: (1) dealing with the assets of a plan for his own interest or account; (2) acting in any transaction involving the plan on behalf of a party adverse to the interest of the plan or participants; and (3) receiving personal consideration from any party dealing with the plan in connection with a plan transaction. Provides that a fiduciary shall not permit specified transactions with a party in interest for less than, or more than, adequate consideration, security, or a reasonable rate of interest. Limits acquisition by the plan of qualifying employer securities, loans, or real property to ten percent of the fair market value of the assets of the plan. Establishes personal liability for a fiduciary who breaches any of the responsibilities, obligations, or duties imposed by this Act. Sets forth circumstances in which a fiduciary shall be liable for a breach of fiduciary responsibility of another fiduciary with respect to the same plan. Requires trustees holding assets of a plan to use reasonable care to prevent a co-trustee from committing a breach and to jointly manage and control the assets, unless allocation of responsibility is authorized by the trust agreement. Makes a government employer liable in the event of a breach by a fiduciary who is one of its employees or officials, but allows subsequent recovery by such employer from such employee. Sets forth bonding requirements, with specified exceptions, for every fiduciary of a plan. States that no government official shall be a fiduciary or co-fiduciary with respect to actions taken in an official capacity. Establishes penalties for willful violation of the reporting, disclosure, and bonding requirements. Includes violations of this Act within existing criminal statutes involving theft, embezzlement, false statements, and racketeering with respect to ERISA. Provides for a good faith defense for criminal violations of certain provisions of this Act. Requires plans covered by this Act to establish a claims procedure which provides participants with a written explanation of benefit denials and a reasonable opportunity for a full and fair review. Allows a participant or beneficiary to bring a civil action in State or Federal court to recover benefits, enforce rights, or clarify rights to future benefits, or in Federal court for failure of an administrator to comply with a request for information as required by this Act. Authorizes a participant, beneficiary, fiduciary or the EBA to bring a civil action in Federal court for breach of fiduciary duty and to obtain equitable relief for violations of this Act. Sets forth provisions relating to jurisdiction, service of process, allowance of fees and costs, and civil penalties. Authorizes the EBA to make appropriate investigations to determine whether any person has, or is about to, violate any provision of this Act. Prohibits persons from taking retaliatory action against any plan participant or beneficiary for exercising any right to which he is entitled under this Act, or from interfering with or preventing the exercise of such rights. Amends the Social Security Act to require the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to transmit to an individual, upon request, information which the Employee Benefit Administration holds relating to his terminated vested benefits. Establishes an Advisory Council on Governmental Plans to advise and make recommendations to the EBA with respect to its functions under this Act. Provides that any pension plan or trust forming part of a plan, which is subject to this Act, shall be deemed to have met the requirements for a tax qualified plan or trust in the Internal Revenue Code of 1954. Title II: Employee Benefit Administration - Employee Benefit Administration Act - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to establish, within one year of enactment, an independent Employee Benefit Administration (EBA) which may, in the discretion of the President, be within any department or agency of the United States. Transfers the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation from the Department of Labor to the EBA. Establishes within the offices of the Secretary of Labor and Secretary of the Treasury the positions of special liaison officers to the Administration. Authorizes the EBA to administer all provisions of the Public Employee Retirement Income Security Act. Directs the President to transfer to and vest in the Board of Directors of the EBA: (1) the functions and duties of the Secretary of Labor under titles I and II of ERISA; (2) such functions and duties of the Secretary of the Treasury under titles I and II of ERISA and under the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, relating to employee benefit and governmental plans, as the President shall designate, including all functions relating to the qualification and disqualification of employee benefit and governmental plans; and (3) such other functions and duties of departments and agencies, relating to employee benefit and governmental plans, as the President may designate.
United States · United States Congress · 12 October 1978
Amends National Labor Relations Act standards relative to severance of members of a particular craft from a broader collective bargaining unit for the purpose of establishing a separate craft unit to, among other revisions, require the National Labor Relations Board to consider the same factors as would be considered in an initial establishment of a craft unit.
United States · United States Congress · 5 October 1978
Presidential Records Act - States that the United States shall reserve and retain complete ownership, possession, and control of all Presidential records. Requires the President to assure that the performance of official Presidential duties is adequately documented and that documentary materials be appropriately maintained. Permits the President to dispose only of such records which have no administrative, historical, informational, or evidentiary value if: (1) the President obtains the views, in writing, of the Archivist of the United States concerning the proposed disposal schedule of such records; (2) copies of such schedule and the Archivist's views are submitted to Congress at least 60 days in advance of the proposed disposal; and (3) the President receives notification that the Archivist does not intend to consult with Congress on the disposal of such records. Directs the Archivist to consult with Congress on the disposal of such records when such a consultation is in the public interest or when the records to be disposed of may be of special interest to Congress. Requires the Archivist to assume custody, control, and preservation of and access to the records of a President upon the conclusion of the President's term of office. Requires the Archivist to place such records in a Presidential archival depository or another archival facility operated by the United States. Authorizes the Archivist to designate, after consultation with the President, a director for each depository or facility. Permits restrictions on access to Presidential records for up to 12 years if such documents have been validly classified as secret, relate to a Federal appointment, certain trade secrets or other commercial information obtained under privileged circumstances, consist of confidential communications requesting or submitting advice between the President and his advisers or between advisers, or contain personal information, disclosure of which would constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy. Establishes limits on the duration of the restriction of disclosure of Presidential records. Subjects Presidential records to subpena or other judicial process for the purposes of any civil or criminal investigation or proceeding. States that such records shall be available to an incumbent President and to either House of Congress. Makes the records of a former President available to such former President or the designated representative of such former President. Applies all provisions of this Act to Vice-Presidential, as well as Presidential records.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1978
Amends National Labor Relations Act standards relative to severance of members of a particular craft from a broader collective bargaining unit for the purpose of establishing a separate craft unit to, among other revisions, require the National Labor Relations Board to consider the same factors as would be considered in an initial establishment of a craft unit.
United States · United States Congress · 20 September 1978
Title I: Public Employee Retirement Income Security - Public Employee Retirement Income Security Act - Requires administrators of pension plans which are (A) not excepted by this Act or otherwise covered under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), and (B) established and maintained for the benefit of the employees of any State government or political subdivision, to provide the following information to plan participants and beneficiaries: (1) a summary plan description which provides an accurate, comprehensive, and understandable summary of their rights and obligations; (2) a summary description of any material modification in the terms of the plan; and (3) upon written request, a statement which indicates the total accumulated contributions, pension benefits, and vesting status of the participant. Specifies the content of such summary plan description. Directs such administrators to provide to any participant or beneficiary who requests withdrawal of contributions, payment of benefits, or a benefit election, a written explanation of the effects of such action on remaining plan benefits. Requires such administrators to file with the Employee Benefit Administration (EBA) established by title II of this Act: (1) a copy of the summary plan description; and (2) an annual report. Specifies the content of such report, including a financial statement and schedule, an actuarial statement, information on terminated vested participants who are entitled to future benefits, and other information which the EBA may require. Directs the EBA to prescribe simplified annual reports for any plan which covers less than 100 participants. Allows the EBA, in certain circumstances, to prescribe alternative methods and to exempt any plan or person from the requirements of this Act. Requires pension plans covered by this Act to provide for one or more fiduciaries and to include: (1) any funding policy which has been established; (2) procedures for amendment and for the allocation of responsibility for the plan's operation and administration; and (3) benefit provisions. States that all assets shall be held in trust by one or more trustees. Prohibits persons who have been convicted of specified offenses from serving in certain capacities, including fiduciary and trustee, for specified periods. Provides that a fiduciary shall discharge his duties for the exclusive purpose of providing benefits to participants and their beneficiaries and defraying reasonable expenses of administering the plan, with the care, skill, prudence, and diligence that a prudent man would exercise in like circumstances. Requires a fiduciary to diversify the investments of the plan, except a plan which provides for individual accounts, so as to minimize the risk of large losses, unless under the circumstance it is clearly prudent not to do so. Prohibits a fiduciary from: (1) dealing with the assets of a plan for his own interest or account; (2) acting in any transaction involving the plan on behalf of a party adverse to the interest of the plan or participants; and (3) receiving personal consideration from any party dealing with the plan in connection with a plan transaction. Provides that a fiduciary shall not permit specified transactions with a party in interest for less than, or more than, adequate consideration, security, or a reasonable rate of interest. Limits acquisition by the plan of qualifying employer securities, loans, or real property to ten percent of the fair market value of the assets of the plan. Establishes personal liability for a fiduciary who breaches any of the responsibilities, obligations, or duties imposed by this Act. Sets forth circumstances in which a fiduciary shall be liable for a breach of fiduciary responsibility of another fiduciary with respect to the same plan. Requires trustees holding assets of a plan to use reasonable care to prevent a co-trustee from committing a breach and to jointly manage and control the assets, unless allocation of responsibility is authorized by the trust agreement. Makes a government employer liable in the event of a breach by a fiduciary who is one of its employees or officials, but allows subsequent recovery by such employer from such employee. Sets forth bonding requirements, with specified exceptions, for every fiduciary of a plan. States that no government official shall be a fiduciary or co-fiduciary with respect to actions taken in an official capacity. Establishes penalties for willful violation of the reporting, disclosure, and bonding requirements. Includes violations of this Act within existing criminal statutes involving theft, embezzlement, false statements, and racketeering with respect to ERISA. Provides for a good faith defense for criminal violations of certain provisions of this Act. Requires plans covered by this Act to establish a claims procedure which provides participants with a written explanation of benefit denials and a reasonable opportunity for a full and fair review. Allows a participant or beneficiary to bring a civil action in State or Federal court to recover benefits, enforce rights, or clarify rights to future benefits, or in Federal court for failure of an administrator to comply with a request for information as required by this Act. Authorizes a participant, beneficiary, fiduciary or the EBA to bring a civil action in Federal court for breach of fiduciary duty and to obtain equitable relief for violations of this Act. Sets forth provisions relating to jurisdiction, service of process, allowance of fees and costs, and civil penalties. Authorizes the EBA to make appropriate investigations to determine whether any person has, or is about to, violate any provision of this Act. Prohibits persons from taking retaliatory action against any plan participant or beneficiary for exercising any right to which he is entitled under this Act, or from interfering with or preventing the exercise of such rights. Amends the Social Security Act to require the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to transmit to an individual, upon request, information which the Employee Benefit Administration holds relating to his terminated vested benefits. Establishes an Advisory Council on Governmental Plans to advise and make recommendations to the EBA with respect to its functions under this Act. Provides that any pension plan or trust forming part of a plan, which is subject to this Act, shall be deemed to have met the requirements for a tax qualified plan or trust in the Internal Revenue Code of 1954. Title II: Employee Benefit Administration - Employee Benefit Administration Act - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to establish, within one year of enactment, an independent Employee Benefit Administration (EBA) which may, in the discretion of the President, be within any department or agency of the United States. Transfers the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation from the Department of Labor to the EBA. Establishes within the offices of the Secretary of Labor and Secretary of the Treasury the positions of special liaison officers to the Administration. Authorizes the EBA to administer all provisions of the Public Employee Retirement Income Security Act. Directs the President to transfer to and vest in the Board of Directors of the EBA: (1) the functions and duties of the Secretary of Labor under titles I and II of ERISA; (2) such functions and duties of the Secretary of the Treasury under titles I and II of ERISA and under the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, relating to employee benefit and governmental plans, as the President shall designate, including all functions relating to the qualification and disqualification of employee benefit and governmental plans; and (3) such other functions and duties of departments and agencies, relating to employee benefit and governmental plans, as the President may designate.
United States · United States Congress · 15 August 1978
Requires the President to submit to Congress a biannual report on the management of the executive branch. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to provide an evaluative report on Federal programs to the President to be included with the President's report.
United States · United States Congress · 9 August 1978
Expresses the sense of Congress that the Environmental Protection Agency, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and the Federal courts should expedite all remaining administrative and judicial proceedings with respect to the Seabrook Nuclear Station project (New Hampshire), and that all licensing and permitting procedures for the construction and operation of nuclear generating stations should be reviewed and modified to improve the efficiency of such procedures.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1978
Federal Information Centers Act - Requires the General Services Administration to establish a nationwide network of Federal Information Centers for the purpose of informing the public of programs and procedures of the Federal Government and for other appropriate and related purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 1978
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should use his influence to induce the Soviet Union to withdraw all troops occupying Czechoslovakia by December 1978, and to reevaluate sales and export licenses to the Soviet Union and participating Warsaw Pact countries if such withdrawal is not effectuated.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 1978
Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to request the National Academy of Science to conduct a study regarding the desirability of developing a Federal policy for the determination of the potential carcinogenicity in man of chemicals tested primarily in nonhuman test systems through the standardization of certain tests.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 1978
Presidential Records Act - States that the United States shall reserve and retain complete ownership, possession, and control of all Presidential records. Requires the President to assure that the performance of official Presidential duties is adequately documented and that documentary materials be appropriately maintained. Permits the President to dispose only of such records which have no administrative, historical, informational, or evidentiary value if the President obtains the views, in writing, of the Archivist of the United States concerning the proposed disposal schedule of such records, and copies of such schedule and the Archivist's views are submitted to Congress at least 60 days in advance of the proposed disposal. Requires the Archivist to assume custody, control, and preservation of and access to the records of a President upon the conclusion of the President's term of office. Requires the Archivist to place such records in a Presidential archival depository or another archival facility operated by the United States. Authorizes the Archivist to designate, after consultation with the President, a director for each depository or facility. Permits restrictions on access to Presidential records for up to ten years if such documents have been validly classified as secret, relate to a Federal appointment, certain trade secrets or other commercial information obtained under privileged circumstances, consist of confidential communications requesting or submitting advice between the President and his advisers or between advisers, or contain personal information, disclosure of which would constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy. Establishes limits on the duration of the restriction of disclosure of Presidential records. Subjects Presidential records to subpena or other judicial process for the purposes of any criminal investigation or proceeding. States that such records shall be available to an incumbent President and to either House of Congress. Makes the records of a former President available to such former President or the designated representative of such former President. Applies all provisions of this Act to Vice-Presidential, as well as Presidential records.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 1978
Endangered Species Act Amendments - Amends the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to establish an Endangered Species Committee. Directs the Committee to review applications submitted by Federal agencies regarding proposed agency actions to determine whether an exemption from the requirement of the Act that Federal agencies take no actions which would jeopardize endangered species or their critical habitats should be granted. Stipulates that such an exemption may be granted only after a public hearing and finding that the benefits of the agency action outweigh the benefits of alternative courses of action consistent with preserving the species or its critical habitat. States that no final determination of the Committee regarding such an exemption shall be considered a major Federal action under the National Environmental Policy Act. Provides for judicial review of any Committee action with regard to an exemption.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1978
Urban Growth Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce corporate income tax rates. Increases the corporate surtax exemption to $100,000. Makes the regular investment tax credit permanent. Allows an additional ten percent investment tax credit for new property placed in depressed areas. Increases the limitations on the investment credit to allow it to offset 100 percent of the taxpayer's current liability. Increases the credit allowable for employment of new employees by an amount equal to one percent of the unemployment insurance wages paid to qualified employees during periods of unemployment exceeding seven percent nationally. Allows accelerated amortization of depreciable equipment (with a 60 month period) and facilities (with a period equal to one-half each facility's useful life) which are placed in high unemployment areas. Repeals the income tax exclusion of dividends received by individuals. Allows qualified domestic corporations an unlimited deduction for dividends paid. Provides flat limitations on corporate deductions for dividends from foreign corporations where the taxpayer is not claiming a net operating loss. Allows the current deduction of federally-required, nonproductive expenditures as business expenses. Provides for annual cost-of-living adjustments to depreciation allowances, property bases, and the interest paid on United States savings bonds and certificates, as well as the redemption value of all United States obligations of a year or more, including savings bonds and certificates.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1978
Anti-Dumping Enforcement Act - Amends the Antidumping Act, 1921, to require the Secretary of the Treasury to notify the International Trade Commission upon the publication of a finding that the price of imported products is less than the foreign market or construction value. Eliminates the requirement that the Secretary postpone publication of such a finding pending a determination by the Commission on whether "dumping" is occurring. Decreases the time periods during which the Secretary must complete the investigation of "dumping" allegations. Imposes liquidation deadlines upon imported merchandise upon which a special "dumping" duty has been imposed. Requires the establishment of a task force for each investigation of "dumping" allegations to serve as an intermediary between the Secretary and the industrial and labor groups interested in the investigation.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1978
Truth-in-Regulation Act - Requires the Environmental Protection Agency and all Federal regulatory agencies to prepare with respect to each rule promulgated by such agencies: (1) a statement comparing the private costs of such rule with the benefit such rule would have on the environment; and (2) an environmental impact statement. Establishes standing task forces in each community affected by proposed agency rules to assess the economic and employment impact of each such rule. Requires Congressional approval of any such rule which will cause an increase in unemployment.
United States · United States Congress · 31 May 1978
Investment Incentive Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to restore part of the pre-1969 tax treatment of capital gains by repealing the capital gains item of tax preference for the minimum tax; lowering the corporate alternative tax to 25 percent of net capital gain; and lowering the alternative individual tax to 25 percent of net capital gain.
United States · United States Congress · 31 May 1978
Authorizes the President of the United States to designate the week beginning on the Sunday preceding the fourth Thursday in November of each year as "National Family Week".
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1978
Federal Information Centers Act - Requires the General Services Administration to establish a nationwide network of Federal Information Centers for the purpose of informing the public of programs and procedures of the Federal Government and for other appropriate and related purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1978
Spent Nuclear Fuel Storage Act - Title I: Temporary Storage of Spent Fuel - Directs the Secretary of Energy in consultation with other agencies to conduct a study and issue a preliminary report on the amount of spent nuclear fuel which can be stored at temporary spent fuel storage facilities currently in operation or under construction and whether any additional storage facilities should be acquired by the Federal Government. Requires that a final report be evaluated by the President. Directs that within 60 days after the receipt of such report, the President issue a plan for the temporary storage of spent nuclear fuel. Stipulates that any such plan take effect at the end of 60 calendar days of continuous session of Congress after the date on which copies of such plan are transmitted to each House of Congress. Permits the Congress to reject such plan by the adoption of a concurrent resolution. Sets forth the legislative procedure for the consideration of any such resolution. Title II: Permanent Storage of Radioactive Waste - Directs the Secretary in consultation with other Federal agencies to conduct a study to evaluate methods of providing permanent storage of radioactive waste and to determine the amount of storage capacity required to permanently store all radioactive waste. Requires the Secretary within two years from the date of enactment of this Act to issue a preliminary report on the results of such study. Directs the President to evaluate the final report and issue a plan for the permanent storage of radioactive waste. Stipulates that the plan shall take effect after 60 calendar days of Congressional session unless rejected by the adoption of a concurrent resolution. Sets forth the legislative procedure for the consideration of any such resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1978
Defense Dependents' Education Act - Directs the Secretary of Defense to establish a program of free public education through secondary school for dependents of military and civilian personnel overseas and on certain military bases. Transfers certain authority of the Commissioner of Education regarding schools on domestic military installations to the Secretary of Defense. Establishes within the Department of Defense the Office of Dependents' Education and an Advisory Council on Dependents' Education. Makes such overseas schools eligible for assistance under the National School Lunch Act and the Child Nutrition Act of 1966.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1978
Amends the Education Amendments of 1972 with regard to the prohibition of sex discrimination in any educational program receiving Federal financial assistance to include service fraternities and service sororities among organizations whose membership practices are exempt from such prohibition.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1978
Expresses the condemnation by the Congress of the March 11, 1978, attack on Israel by the Palestine Liberation Organization, and the expressed intention of the PLO to continue such attacks and to disrupt the peace efforts between Israel and Egypt. Requests the President to make the disapproval of the Congress known to governments approving the PLO attack. Expresses Congressional approval of the peace efforts between Israel and Egypt. Urges other Middle East countries to join such efforts. Declares negotiation to be the best way to bring peace to the Middle East.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1978
Legislative Oversight Act - Title I: Requirements for Authorization Bills - Requires all legislation considered by either House of Congress which authorizes new budget authority or increased tax expenditures to include a statement of objectives of the program to be authorized or established and a requirement that the agencies administering the program report annually to Congress to assist it in determining whether such program should be amended. Requires such agency reports to list the costs and accomplishments of each program. Title II: Requirements for Reports Accompanying Authorization Bills - Requires committee reports accompanying such legislation to identify expected economic and social costs and benefits of new programs authorized or established by such legislation, potentially duplicative programs, and previous efforts to accomplish the objectives of the program being considered. Requires reports to contain, if the legislation continues an existing program, authorization, or tax expenditure, an assessment of the degree to which such program or tax expenditure has met previously stated objectives. Requires the Comptroller General to publish and periodically update a descriptive catalog of interrelated Federal activities which compares program costs and accomplishments and describes program interrelationships, including the extent to which programs are duplicative. Title III: Presidential Budget Recommendations - Requires the President's budget to describe the relationship between the President's recommended program budgets and the program accomplishments reported by Federal agencies under this Act. Title IV: Authorization Time Limit; Certain Obligations not Impaired - Prohibits congressional consideration of any legislation which authorizes new budget authority or provides new or increased tax expenditures, or new spending authority for a period exceeding five years. Exempts from this prohibition national debt service and payments to individuals from Federal trust funds to which such individuals have contributed. Title V: Miscellaneous Provisions; Effective Date - Recognizes the authority of either House to amend this Act. Sets the effective date of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1978
Authorizes the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution to acquire the Museum of African Art. Establishes a Commission for the Museum of African Art to assist the Board in the operation and development of the Museum. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1978
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow any State taxing authority which receives Federal tax return information to disclose such information to a State auditing agency for the purpose of auditing the activities of the taxing authority.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1978
Corrections Construction and Program Development Act - Title I: Findings and Declaration of Purpose - States Congressional findings with regard to State and local corrections and declares the purpose of this Act to be to provide additional resources to State and local governments to upgrade correctional facilities and programs. Title II: Supplemental Grant Program under Part E of Crime Control Act - Authorizes the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration to make supplemental grants to States submitting approved applications for correctional facility grants under the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968.
United States · United States Congress · 2 November 1977
Defense Dependents' Education Act - Directs the Secretary of Defense to establish a program of free public education through secondary school for dependents of military and civilian personnel overseas and on certain military bases. Transfers certain authority of the Commissioner of Education regarding schools on domestic military installation to the Secretary of Defense. Establishes within the Department of Defense: (1) the Office of Dependents' Education; and (2) an Advisory Council on Dependents' Education. Stipulates that such overseas schools shall be eligible for assistance under the National School Lunch Act and the Child Nutrition Act of 1966.
United States · United States Congress · 1 November 1977
Stipulates that the $5,000 increase in the official expenses allowance for Members of the House of Representatives shall not take effect until the House of Representatives adopts a resolution determining specific guidelines for what constitutes an official expense.
United States · United States Congress · 28 October 1977
Civil Rights Act - Prohibits any person engaged in commerce, any person conducting a program which receives Federal assistance, a Federal contractor or subcontractor, or holder of an interest in Federal property from discriminating with respect to employment, housing, credit, or participation in benefits which make such prohibitions applicable, on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religious affiliation or belief, age, handicap, political affiliation or belief, marital status, parental status, or lack of citizenship. Exempts from such prohibitions denial of medical treatment where such denial does not occur because of characteristics of individuals of the above listed status groups. Exempts from such prohibitions (1) employment near Indian reservations in which preference is given to Indians; (2) employment classification or referral by an employer or labor union when the above listed characteristics constitute a bona fide occupational qualification (3) employment by educational institutions with respect to religion under specified circumstances; (4) employment discrimination based on religion when an employer would suffer undue hardship in accommodating religious practices of the individual; (5) age discrimination required by law in order to benefit children or to achieve statutory objectives, or the comply with a bona fide seniority system or employee benefit plan; (6) handicapped discrimination when the handicapped individual could not perform essential job functions without undue hardship to the employer or when the individual does not meet essential eligibility requirements for services, programs, or activities; (7) political discrimination in employment when such individual is elected or appointed to policy making levels of political offices; (8) age discrimination in housing resulting from designation of a certain area for adults; and (9) certain employers with fewer than 15 employees. Authorizes the Attorney General to investigate and enforce complaints of such discrimination. Limits the ability of an individual to institute civil suit based upon such discrimination. Imposes a civil fine for knowing violation of this Act. Imposes a civil fine or imprisonment for willful, repetitions violations of this Act. Repeals nondiscrimination provisions of specified Federal statutes. Supersedes Executive Order 11063 and specified portions of Executive Order 11246. Declares that nondiscrimination and equal opportunity requirements shall not be required under specified statutes and Federal programs. Directs the Attorney General to prescribe regulations for enforcement of this Act. Transfers to the Attorney General the assets of any agency of which all powers, functions, and duties are terminated by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 1977
Requires the Comptroller General to provide for a financial audit of pension plans for Federal employees and officials to be conducted by the office of Management and Budget and submitted to Congress and the Comptroller General. Establishes the Board of Government Actuaries to establish a uniform basis for the presentation of actuarial information to be used with respect to reports furnished under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 October 1977
Expresses Congressional favor of the proposed revised coverage schedule of basic benefits for employee pension benefit plans other than multiemployer plans which was transmitted to Congress by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation on September 23, 1977.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1977
Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to postpone for two years the date upon which automatic plan termination insurance coverage becomes effective with respect to multiemployer plans.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1977
Exempts members of bona fide religions which historically hold conscientious objections to joining or financially supporting labor organizations from compulsory membership or support of such organizations under the National Labor Relations Act. Stipulates that such persons may be required to pay in accordance with specified guideline sums equal to applicable union dues and initiation fees to nonreligious charitable funds.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 1977
Amends the National Labor Relations Act to enable a party to an express or implied no-strike, no-picket, or no-lockout agreement between an employer and a labor organization to petition any district court of the United States for temporary injunctive relief to prevent any person from engaging in or inducing conduct in breach of such agreement.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a limited deduction for amounts paid by or on behalf of an individual for an individual retirement account, an individual retirement annuity, an individual retirement bond, an employees' trust, or an annuity contract.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1977
Administrative Rule Making Reform Act - Requires a Federal agency preparing to hold a rule making session to make a reasonable effort to inform those likely to be affected by the proposed rule making. Requires that if the affected group is large, representatives of such group must be notified. Requires, in addition to present requirements, that the notice of rule making include the projected effective date of the rules, the purpose of the rule making, the text of the proposed rules, and the technical or other studies on which the agency intends to rely in the rule making proceedings. Applies the requirements of this Act to all rule making sessions except (1) those specifically authorized to be kept secret in the interest of national security, and (2) those relating to agency management. Requires public notice and public opportunity for comment of all rule making proceedings under this Act unless the agency finds that the rules to be proposed are emergency rules or are of routine or insignificant impact in which case the rule must be published with reasons for its adoption. Requires Federal agencies to give interested persons at least 45 days to participate in the rule making. Requires the agency to maintain a file of each proceeding to be made available to the courts, Congress, and to the public in connection with review of the rule. Limits the period for public comment to a maximum of 90 days. Requires a copy of all proposed rules to be sent to Congress. States that such rule, other than an emergency rule, shall not become effective if it is disapproved within 90 days by both Houses of Congress, or it is disapproved within 60 days by one House and no action is taken on the disapproval resolution by the other House. Sets forth procedures for adoption of resolutions to approve or disapprove any such rule for both Houses. Requires the Administrative Conference of the United States to study Congressional review of agency rule making under this Act and report the effect of such review on such rule making before July 1, 1982. Authorizes to be appropriated $200,000 to finance such study. Makes this Act effective on the first day of the first session of the Ninety-fifth Congress. Terminates the Congressional review required by this Act at the adjournment of the Ninety-seventh Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1977
Requests the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to hasten the assembly of data and expedite the reviews and consideration precedent to the introduction of sodium valproate for the treatment of epilepsy in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 1977
Black Lung Benefits Amendments Act - Amends the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969 to stipulate that black lung benefits shall be paid by the Secretary of Labor in accordance with the provisions of this Act for the first year following the enactment of this Act. Stipulates that claims filed after the end of such year shall be filed pursuant to applicable State workers' compensation laws. Stipulates that interim standards prescribed by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare as to eligibility for benefits shall not be applicable under this Act. Stipulates that monthly amounts of benefits shall remain unchanged. Stipulates that earlier claims filed under provisions superseded by this Act shall remain valid and unaffected by such amendments.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 1977
Employee Bill of Rights Act - Amends the Congressional findings and policies declared in the National Labor Relations Act. Stipulates that only bargaining representatives who are chosen by secret ballot may be deemed exclusive representatives with whom employers have a duty to bargain collectively. Deems it an unfair labor practice for a labor organization to threaten or impose any fine or other economic sanction against any person in the exercise of rights under the National Relations Act. Permits a labor organization, employer, or ten percent of the members of the appropriate bargaining unit to request a referendum regarding a potential or existing strike. Deems it an unfair labor practice for a labor organization to call or maintain a strike if a majority of employees voting in such a referendum vote not to strike or if such a referendum is requested before a strike begins and the results have not yet been certified. Provides that if an employer, labor organization, or group of employees, submit a dispute to binding arbitration under an existing collective bargaining agreement, or have agreed to submit, arbitration shall be the exclusive forum and no unfair labor practice proceeding involving the same subject matter may be instituted before the National Labor Relations Board unless determinations of such arbitration are inconsistent with rights granted under the National Labor Relations Act. Permits any number of a religion, body, or sect which has traditionally objected to membership in and financial support of labor organizations to refrain from joining or supporting a union. Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act to prohibit use of any procedure by which union dues and other assessments are deducted from employees paychecks in soliciting and collecting contributions for a segregated campaign fund.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 1977
Employee Bill of Rights Act - Amends the Congressional findings and policies declared in the National Labor Relations Act. Stipulates that only bargaining representatives who are chosen by secret ballot may be deemed exclusive representatives with whom employers have a duty to bargain collectively. Deems it an unfair labor practice for a labor organization to threaten or impose any fine or other economic sanction against any person in the exercise of rights under the National Relations Act. Permits a labor organization, employer, or ten percent of the members of the appropriate bargaining unit to request a referendum regarding a potential or existing strike. Deems it an unfair labor practice for a labor organization to call or maintain a strike if a majority of employees voting in such a referendum vote not to strike or if such a referendum is requested before a strike begins and the results have not yet been certified. Provides that if an employer, labor organization, or group of employees, submit a dispute to binding arbitration under an existing collective bargaining agreement, or have agreed to submit, arbitration shall be the exclusive forum and no unfair labor practice proceeding involving the same subject matter may be instituted before the National Labor Relations Board unless determinations of such arbitration are inconsistent with rights granted under the National Labor Relations Act. Permits any number of a religion, body, or sect which has traditionally objected to membership in and financial support of labor organizations to refrain from joining or supporting a union. Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act to prohibit use of any procedure by which union dues and other assessments are deducted from employees paychecks in soliciting and collecting contributions for a segregated campaign fund.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1977
Amends the National Labor Relations Act to provide that all employees covered by such Act who are members of a bona fide religion which has historically held conscientious objections to joining or financially supporting labor organizations shall not be required to join or so support any such organization as a condition of employment.
![Official portrait of Rep. Erlenborn, John N. [R-IL-13]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/e000204_200.jpg)