United States · United States Congress · 25 October 1977
Consumer Representation and Reorganization Act - Establishes as an independent agency within the executive branch an Office of Consumer Representation to be headed by an Administrator appointed by the President by and with the consent of the Senate. Requires the Administrator to transmit to the Congress and the President by February 1 of each year a report on the activities and accomplishments of the Office during the preceding calendar year including a summary of consumer complaints received and actions taken thereon. States the functions of the Office, including to: (1) represent the interests of consumers before Federal agencies and courts to the extent authorized by this Act; (2) encourage and support research, studies, and testing leading to a better understanding of consumer products and improved products, services and consumer information; (3) submit recommendations annually to the Congress and the President on measures to improve the operation of the Federal Government in the protection and promotion of the interests of consumers; (4) cooperate with State and local governments and private enterprise in the promotion and protection of the interests of consumers; and (5) publish and distribute material to inform consumers and Congress of matters of interest to the consumer. Authorizes the Administrator, whenever the result of any Federal agency proceeding or activity may substantially affect an interest of consumers, to intervene as a party or otherwise participate in representing the interests of consumers. Directs the Agency to receive, evaluate, develop, act on, and transmit complaints to the appropriate Federal or non-Federal entities concerning actions or practices which may be detrimental to the interests of consumers. Requires the Agency to maintain a public document room containing an up-to-date listing of all signed consumer complaints of any significance arranged in meaningful and useful categories together with annotations of Agency actions. Requires the Office to gather and disseminate to the public information concerning: (1) the functions and duties of the Office; (2) consumer products and services; (3) problems encountered by consumers; and (4) notices of Federal hearings, proposed and final rules, and other pertinent activities of Federal agencies. Directs the Office to encourage and support, through both public and private entities, the development and application of information on consumer products and services. Authorizes Federal agencies to perform, at the request of the Administrator, tests regarding products, services, or any matter affecting the interests of consumers. Authorizes each Federal agency, upon the written request of the Administrator, to furnish or allow access to all documents, papers, and records in its possession which the Administrator deems necessary for the performance of his functions. Requires every Federal agency, in considering any action which may substantially affect the interest of consumers, to notify the Agency of such action. Transfers to the Office of Consumer Representation the functions, funds, records, and property of other Federal offices the duties of which now fall within what this Act designates as the jurisdiction of the Office of Consumer Representation. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to report to Congress functions performed by Federal programs which overlap, duplicate, or conflict with the functions performed by the office. Terminates the Office of Consumer Representation five years after the effective date of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 1977
Consumer Representation and Reorganization Act - Establishes as an independent agency within the executive branch an Office of Consumer Representation to be headed by an Administrator appointed by the President by and with the consent of the Senate. Requires the Administrator to transmit to the Congress and the President by February 1 of each year a report on the activities and accomplishments of the Office during the preceding calendar year including a summary of consumer complaints received and actions taken thereon. States the functions of the Office, including to: (1) represent the interests of consumers before Federal agencies and courts to the extent authorized by this Act; (2) encourage and support research, studies, and testing leading to a better understanding of consumer products and improved products, services and consumer information; (3) submit recommendations annually to the Congress and the President on measures to improve the operation of the Federal Government in the protection and promotion of the interests of consumers; (4) cooperate with State and local governments and private enterprise in the promotion and protection of the interests of consumers; and (5) publish and distribute material to inform consumers and Congress of matters of interest to the consumer. Authorizes the Administrator, whenever the result of any Federal agency proceeding or activity may substantially affect an interest of consumers, to intervene as a party or otherwise participate in representing the interests of consumers. Directs the Agency to receive, evaluate, develop, act on, and transmit complaints to the appropriate Federal or non-Federal entities concerning actions or practices which may be detrimental to the interests of consumers. Requires the Agency to maintain a public document room containing an up-to-date listing of all signed consumer complaints of any significance arranged in meaningful and useful categories together with annotations of Agency actions. Requires the Office to gather and disseminate to the public information concerning: (1) the functions and duties of the Office; (2) consumer products and services; (3) problems encountered by consumers; and (4) notices of Federal hearings, proposed and final rules, and other pertinent activities of Federal agencies. Directs the Office to encourage and support, through both public and private entities, the development and application of information on consumer products and services. Authorizes Federal agencies to perform, at the request of the Administrator, tests regarding products, services, or any matter affecting the interests of consumers. Authorizes each Federal agency, upon the written request of the Administrator, to furnish or allow access to all documents, papers, and records in its possession which the Administrator deems necessary for the performance of his functions. Requires every Federal agency, in considering any action which may substantially affect the interest of consumers, to notify the Agency of such action. Transfers to the Office of Consumer Representation the functions, funds, records, and property of other Federal offices the duties of which now fall within what this Act designates as the jurisdiction of the Office of Consumer Representation. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to report to Congress functions performed by Federal programs which overlap, duplicate, or conflict with the functions performed by the office. Terminates the Office of Consumer Representation five years after the effective date of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 October 1977
Radioactive Waste Management Act - Amends the Atomic Energy Act to require the transfer of radioactive waste generated by licensees under such Act to Federal repositories for storage. Directs the Energy Research and Development Administration to construct and operate such repositories. Directs the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to establish and enforce standards for construction and operation of all Federal repositories. Requires the Commission to hold public hearings in each State which has jurisdiction of any property within 25 miles of the site of the proposed repository and to consult with the Governors of such States. Amends the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974 to grant the Nuclear Regulatory Commission licensing and regulatory authority regarding Federal repositories. Requires the transfer of military radioactive waste to Federal repositories. Directs the Administrator of the Energy Research and Development Administration to restore the background radiation at abandoned uranium mill sites or mines as designated by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to levels which approximate those levels which existed before operations commenced at such sites. Authorizes States to exercise concurrent authority regarding radioactive waste storage if the State requirements impose additional or more stringent standards for the construction or operation of such facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 1977
Amends the Local Public Works Capital Development and Investment Act of 1976 to authorize the Secretary of Commerce to make grants to certain cities or townships for construction of local public works projects. Sets forth limitations on the amount of such grants. Authorizes the appropriation of $196,927,000 to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 October 1977
Title I: Administrator of the House of Representatives - Amends the Rules of the House of Representatives to add rule XLVIII, to establish an Administrator of the House of Representatives to plan, coordinate, and direct the administrative support operations of the House. Establishes, under the Administrator, a Comptroller of the House of Representatives to be the chief finance official of the House responsible for specified functions relating to budget salaries, and House expenditures. Creates the Office of Personnel and Work Management to carry on recruitment, placement, training, and orientation activities, including the development of an affirmative action program, and a grievance procedure. Requires the Administrator to promulgate guidelines with respect to prices charged to patrons of specified House facilities, use of House photographic service, acceptance of print orders, and use of the House Recording Studio. Adds rules XLIX to the Rules of the House, establishing the position of Auditor of the House of Representatives. Abolishes the Select Committee on the Beauty Shop and the Special Committee on the Recording Studio. Title II: Committee on House Administration - Amends rule X of the Rules of the House to give the Committee on House Administration jurisdiction over all bills, resolutions, and other matters relating to all expenditures of the House, in addition to those made from the contingent fund. Discontinues the Committee's function with respect to reporting on the travel of Members, and the scheduling of meetings. Requires the Committee to perform specified oversight functions regarding the management of House facilities by the Administrator and Auditor. Title III: Clerk of the House of Representatives - Amends rule III of the House to discontinue the Clerk's responsibility for certain administrative matters including the performance of labor and the keeping of accounts. Requires the Clerk to report all House debates and committee hearings. Amends rule XXXIV of the Rules of the House to make the Clerk of the House responsible for the appointment and removal of official reporters of the House. Title IV: Annual Reporting Requirement - Amends Rule I of the Rules of the House to require the Administrator, Clerk, Sergeant-at-Arms, and Doorkeeper of the House to submit annual reports on the main activities of their offices to the Speaker. Title V: Miscellaneous Amendments to the Rules of the House of Representatives - Amends Rule XI to authorize the appointment of associate staff members to standing committees. Amends rule XI to require that all standing committees of the House prepare abstracted and indexed hearings which shall be available to the public. Amends rule XXXIV to require that certain remarks not actually made in whole or in part by a Member of the House be distinguished in the Congressional Record from those made by a Member. Adds new rule L to the Rules of the House, establishing a Fair Employment Practices Panel to review complaints alleging discrimination under clause 9 of Rule XLIII. Authorizes the Panel to refer unsettled complaints to the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct. Adds new rule LI to the Rules of the House to require Members desiring to engage in certain foreign travel to submit a request with respect to such travel to the Administrator of the House. Sets forth the procedure for approving such requests. Requires Members engaging in such travel to transmit a report to the Administrator. Sets forth the procedure to be followed by Members desiring to engage in foreign travel relating to such Member's duties as a member of a House committee. Prescribes regulations regarding foreign travel by Members via airplanes. Outlines reimbursement procedures for foreign travel expenses. Title VI: Provisions Relating to House Operations and Employees - Requires that any congressional Member organization which desires to be designated as a legislative service organization transmit an application for certification to the Committee on House Administration. Requires each congressional Member organization and each legislative service organization to submit an annual report to the Committee. Entitles each Member of the House to a clerk hire allowance to remain available throughout the session. Requires each Member, chairman of a standing committee, subcommittee thereof, or congressional Member or service organization to inform the Administrator as to the full-time or part-time status of such individual's employees. Entitles Members-elect to specified allowances. Limits the staff expenses of certain committees. Establishes in the contingent fund of the House the "House Employees Medical Disability and Maternity Benefits Fund" to compensate employees absent from duty. Entitles each House Member to allocate any portion of his or her official expenses allowance to defray the educational expenses incurred by such Member's employees. Requires the Committee on House Administration to establish a billing procedure for official expenses. Entitles each Member to specified allowances for computer services. Directs the House Information Systems to provide computer terminal equipment to each House Member and committee. Title VII: Creation of Select Committee - Creates a select committee to conduct a study of House rule X (standing committees), and rule XI (rules of procedure for committees).
United States · United States Congress · 5 October 1977
Urges the International Whaling Commission to adopt a ten-year moratorium on the commercial killing of whales, and to undertake the management of unprotected, small cetacean. Encourages specified nations to comply voluntarily with a ten-year moratorium on such killing, as endorsed by the United Nations.
United States · United States Congress · 3 October 1977
States that in computing Federal payments to local governments based on amounts of Federal public land within their boundaries, certain amounts of such land which heretofore have been excluded shall be included. Specifies the date on which such payments shall be made with respect to entitlement lands.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 1977
States that in computing Federal payments to local governments based on amounts of Federal public land within their boundaries, certain amounts of such land which heretofore have been excluded shall be included. Specifies the date on which such payments shall be made with respect to entitlement lands.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 1977
Amends the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to require all hospitals skilled nursing facilities, home health agencies, intermediate care facilities, and shared health facilities which participate in programs under titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of such Act to adopt and make public a statement of the rights and responsibilities of patients in their care. Directs the Secretary to require that such statement establish specified guarantees including guarantees: (1) that the patient's civil and religious liberties will not be infringed; (2) that the patient has the right to private communications with his physician, attorney, or any other person; (3) that the patient has the right to have privacy in treatment and in caring for personal needs and confidentiality in the treatment of personal and medical records; and (4) that the patient has the right to notice and a hearing before being transferred or discharged from a facility. Directs the Secretary to provide each facility, patient and staff member with a copy of the statement of rights and the enforcement procedures and remedies available to patients, and requires further that each facility adopt a written plan for implementing such rights. Establishes a procedure for the enforcement of patients' rights. Directs the Secretary to prescribe a schedule of statutory money damages for violations of such rights. Requires State agencies responsible for inspection and enforcement of Medicare and Medicaid programs to investigate patients' complaints and to file a written report within ten days disposing of such complaints. Imposes fines upon facilities found in violation of patients' rights payable to the patient or his heirs. Allows a patient or facility to bring an original action in U.S. district court to enforce rights. Awards costs and reasonable attorney's fees to the prevailing party. Provides that damages awarded to patients shall not constitute income or resources for purposes of determining eligibility under Medicaid or any Federal or federally-assisted State program which conditions eligibility upon income or resources.
United States · United States Congress · 16 September 1977
Authorizes the Secretary of State to acquire a statue or bust of George C. Marshall and place it in the Department of State. Establishes a noncompensated Commission, under the direction of the Secretary, to select a sculptor the size, style, design, and material of such statue or bust. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Secretary as of October 1, 1978, $10,000 for such acquisition. Provides that the Secretary shall be responsible for all care and maintenance of the memorial.
United States · United States Congress · 16 September 1977
Amends the Agricultural Adjustment Act, as amended by the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act, to subject imported tomatoes to restrictions comparable to those applicable to domestic tomatoes.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 1977
Right to Financial Privacy Act - States that the purposes of this Act are to protect and preserve the confidential relationship between financial institutions and their customers and the constitutional rights of those customers, and to promote commerce by prescribing policies and procedures to insure that customers have the same right to protection against unwarranted disclosure of customer records as if the records were in their possession. Prohibits any Federal agency or employee, or any State or local government, from obtaining copies of, access to, or the information contained in, the financial records of any customer from a financial institution unless such records are described with particularity and: (1) such customer has authorized such disclosure in accordance with this Act; (2) such records are disclosed in response to an administrative subpena or summons; (3) such records are disclosed in response to a court order; or (4) such records are disclosed in response to a judicial subpena. States that no financial institution may provide to a Federal agency or employee, or to any State or local government, copies of or the information contained in the financial records of any customer except in accordance with the requirements of this Act. Sets forth provisions governing customer authorization, administrative subpenas and summons, and judicial subpenas. Prescribes civil and criminal penalties for violation of the provisions of this Title.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 1977
Amends the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act to authorize the Administrator of General Services to assign surplus Federal real property to the Secretary of Commerce for disposal of such property at not less than 25 percent of the fair market value to States and local areas threatened by unemployment as a result of the closing of Federal facilities. Requires that such property be used by the transferees for economic development purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 1977
Requires the Office of Management and budget to provide information on the formulas and assumptions used in the distribution of Federal domestic assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 1977
Establishes procedures for taking the decennial census. Establishes a decennial census period beginning two years prior to the decennial census date and ending three years after such date. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce during this period to conduct a trial census which shall be the final test of all the procedures to be used in taking the decennial census. Requires the Secretary to submit a report regarding such trial census to specified committees in Congress prior to conducting such a census. Stipulates that no changes may be made in the content or procedures to be used in taking a decennial census after four months following the date of a trial census. Stipulates that the decennial census shall consist only of: (1) an enumeration of the population; (2) sample surveys of the characteristics of the population and housing of the United States; and (3) supplemental surveys necessary to meet the needs of the Federal, State, or local government for economic and social data. Sets forth restrictions regarding the collection of such data. Allows employees conducting the enumeration of population access to the records of the Federal Government and of State or local governments which are necessary to insure that all individuals and households are counted. Stipulates that such employees may obtain only names and addresses from such records and that such information may only be used for purposes of the enumeration. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct special surveys in a State for the purpose of clarifying the findings of decennial supplemental surveys. Directs the Secretary to prepare a plan specifying procedures to be used for correcting errors in census counts and to submit such plan to specified committees in Congress. Directs the Secretary, beginning in 1985, to conduct a mid-decade census of population. Requires the use of the most recent data, either from the decennial or mid-decade census, in determining eligibility for benefits under Federal programs in which census data is a factor. Requires the Secretary to submit specified reports to Congress prior to the taking of a decennial or mid-decade census. Directs the Secretary to insure that the language and categories of questions used on census forms take into account the needs and preferences of the public and to establish a program to provide information to the public regarding the need for, and operation of, the decennial census. Authorizes the Secretary to establish a program for the training and selection of supervisory employees engaged in decennial census activities. Directs the Secretary to prepare a plan for conducting censuses other than the decennial or mid- decade census and to submit such plan to Congress at least 60 days before the census is begun. Authorizes the Secretary to issue "determination estimates," defined as estimates derived from any data which (1) is not produced as an activity of the decennial census period and (2) is produced to enable the executive branch of the Federal Government to determine the amount of benefit received under a Federal law by a State or local government. Sets forth procedures by which a State or local government may challenge such an estimate. Directs the Secretary to establish a Division of Evaluation within the Bureau of the Census to evaluate censuses and to submit the results of such evaluation to the Secretary and the Director of the Census. Directs the General Accounting Office to review evaluations made by the Division every three years. Directs the Secretary in 1979, in 1983, and in every fifth year thereafter, to conduct a census of agriculture. Directs the Secretary to conduct a census of irrigation and drainage in 1979, 1983, and every tenth year after 1983.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1977
Amends the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 to prohibit the award of contracts for technical support services under rebid or recompetition procedures for substantially the same services on the basis of lower salaries than those paid by the predecessor contractor. Prohibits a procuring agency from awarding a contract unless it has determined that the salary levels for professional employees proposed under such contract are keeping with the professional contribution and reflect the professional status, responsibility, and value of the education and experience of such professional employees. (Amends 10 U.S.C. 2304)
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1977
Requires the Office of Management and budget to provide information on the formulas and assumptions used in the distribution of Federal domestic assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1977
Expands Federal government liability for the acts of its officers who routinely perform investigative, inspection, or law enforcement functions to include certain intentional and ministerial acts. States that such liability shall be exclusive and preclude any remedy against officers individually. Directs the Attorney General to pay the attorney fees incurred by such an officer in connection with a criminal investigation into such officer's official actions.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1977
Honors General Thaddeus Kosciuszko by presenting the memorial plaque to be erected in his memory in the Wawel Cathedral in Krakow, Poland, on October 17, 1977, as a gift of the American people to the people of Poland.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1977
Congressional Pay Raise Deferral Act - Amends the Federal Salary Act of 1967 and the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 to provide that any adjustment in the rate of pay for Members of Congress proposed during any Congress shall not take effect earlier than the beginning of the next Congress. States that any such pay adjustment proposed in an even-numbered year of any Congress after the congressional elections and before the beginning of the following Congress, shall be considered as occurring during the first session of the following Congress for the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1977
Authorizes the Secretary of State to accept a statue or bust of George C. Marshall and place it in the Department of State. Establishes a noncompensated Commission under the direction of the Secretary to select a sculptor and select the size, style, design, and material of such statue or bust. Authorizes not more than $10,000 for its procurement, the remaining expense to be contributed without expense to the United States. Directs that the authority given to the Secretary lapse unless such statue or bust is installed within two years after enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1977
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide payment for optometric and medical vision care under the supplementary medical insurance program.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1977
Requires the Office of Management and budget to provide information on the formulas and assumptions used in the distribution of Federal domestic assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1977
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the services and contributions of school volunteers be recognized, and requests the President of the United States to issue a proclamation in recognition of this fact.
United States · United States Congress · 21 July 1977
Requires the Office of Management and budget to provide information on the formulas and assumptions used in the distribution of Federal domestic assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1977
Investment Policy Act - Title I: Findings and Definitions - States that the lack of a national policy on investment can adversely affect the economic health and well-being of the Nation. Title II: Declaration of National Policy - Declares that it is the policy and responsibility of the Federal Government to provide incentives to assure maximum investment in private enterprise. Title III: Federal Agency Coordination and Cooperation - Requires the Council on Wage and Price Stability shall submit an Investment Policy Report to Congress which shall include information on levels of capital investment available, trends in such levels, and reviews of economic programs affecting capital investment. Requires the President to transmit to Congress as a part of the economic report such other recommendations as desirable or necessary to achieve the policy declared in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 1977
Directs the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a one year review of toxic and carcinogenic substances including: (1) current capabilities to predict the effect on humans of substances found to induce cancer in animals; (2) the benefits and risks to the public of such substances; (3) the validity of benefit-risk analysis of such substances; and (4) the relationship of Federal regulatory policies concerning the use of such substances for food and for non-food purposes. Directs the Institute to report its findings and legislative and administrative recommendations to the Congress and the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare within one year. Authorizes the continued use of saccharin for eighteen months. Prohibits the Secretary from taking any action under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to prohibit or restrict the sale or distribution (other than requiring labeling) of saccharin.
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 1977
Wildlife on Federal Lands Trapping Act - Requires the Secretary of the Interior to issue such regulations, relating to trapping, as are necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act. Prohibits the Secretary from approving any type of trap unless such trap utilizes the most humane capture method available for the species concerned, and minimizes the probability of capturing species for which such trap was not intended. Directs the Secretary to undertake a research program to develop such types of traps. Establishes an advisory commission to make recommendations to the Secretary with respect to traps designed or intended for use. Prohibits the Secretary from permitting trapping on Federal lands where such trapping may reduce any species below specified levels. Sets forth a procedure for the application and issuance of trapping permits. Requires the attachment of a shipping certificate to any package containing the fur, hide, skin, horn, or feathers of any mammal or bird captured by any trap within any State or the District of Columbia if such package is transported in interstate or foreign commerce. Establishes criminal penalties for: (1) engaging in trapping without a permit issued pursuant to this Act; (2) violating any condition of such permit; (3) violating any regulation of the Secretary relating to trapping; (4) selling or transporting in interstate commerce an unapproved trap; or (5) falsifying the shipping certificate. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into cooperative agreements with States with respect to the imposition of trapping regulations consistent with those prescribed under this Act. Authorizes such appropriations as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1977
Diplomatic Relations Act - Repeals provisions relating to diplomatic immunity which (1) deem void judicial writs or process issuing against persons with diplomatic immunity, (2) impose penalties for wrongful suit, and (3) exempt certain servants of diplomatic personnel from immunity. Extends the privileges and immunities specified in the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations to diplomatic personnel and families from nations which have not ratified the convention. Permits the President to grant to diplomatic personnel privileges and immunities more or less favorable than those in the Convention. Directs any judicial action brought against immune personnel to be dismissed. Requires such personnel to have liability insurance.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1977
Declares it the sense of the Congress that the United States delegation to the Belgrade preparatory meeting should make every effort to insure that the agenda for the Belgrade Conference on the Final Act of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe permits an exchange of views on the application and violations of the Final Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1977
Social Security Rights Act - Requires that procedures be established for the expedited replacement of undelivered benefit checks under title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act. Requires that decisions (and reconsiderations) on initial benefit claims be made within 90 days. Requires that payment of benefits on approved claims begin no later than the day regularly fixed for delivery of benefit checks in the second month following the month in which the claim was approved.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1977
Authorizes the Secretary of State to accept a statue or bust of George C. Marshall and place it in the Department of State. Establishes a noncompensated Commission under the direction of the Secretary to select a sculptor and select the size, style, design, and material of such statue or bust. Authorizes not more than $10,000 for its procurement, the remaining expense to be contributed without expense to the United States. Directs that the authority given to the Secretary lapse unless such statue or bust is installed within two years after enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1977
Authorizes the Secretary of State to accept a statue or bust of George C. Marshall and place it in the Department of State. Establishes a noncompensated Commission under the direction of the Secretary to select a sculptor and select the size, style, design, and material of such statue or bust. Authorizes not more than $10,000 for its procurement, the remaining expense to be contributed without expense to the United States. Directs that the authority given to the Secretary lapse unless such statue or bust is installed within two years after enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1977
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) and Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to include the services of licensed practical nurses under the coverage provided pursuant to such Titles.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1977
Amends Titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require automatic sprinkler systems in all skilled nursing facilities and intermediate care facilities certified for participation in the Medicare or Medicaid programs unless a waiver of such requirement is granted in accordance with conditions set forth in this Act. Establishes a program of low-interest Federal loans to assist such facilities in constructing or purchasing and installing automatic sprinkler systems.
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 1977
Directs the Secretary of the Senate and the Clerk of the House to prepare a daily electronic recording which shall include a summary of action taken in the Senate and House Chambers during the preceding day and a list of laws signed by the President during the thirty-day period before the day on which such recording is prepared. Requires the establishment of a toll-free telephone listing to be used to transmit such electronic recordings. Authorizes appropriations necessary to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 1977
Defense Production Act Amendments - Amends the Defense Production Act of 1950 to prohibit any Federal contracting officer who by virtue of his position is authorized to solicit or select sources of supply, or describe requirements for, enter into, award, modify, terminate, administer, or make determinations or findings with respect to any or contract while so employed, from accepting compensation from any contractor without the written permission of the standards of conduct counselor for his employing agency. Prohibits such contracting officer from owning a controlling interest in any contractor who has been affected by action taken by such officer. Prohibits such contracting officer from accepting employment within two years following his employment with the United States from any contractor who was affected by the action of such officer taken by him or her within three years prior to the termination of his or her employment with such agency, and from accepting employment with such a contractor in a position which was created or subsidized by revenues realized through a Federal contract handled by such officer until five years after the termination of such officer's employment with such agency has been terminated. Prohibits contractors from offering to any such officer of any compensation such officer is prohibited from receiving under this Act. Establishes a Conflict of Interest Review Board to review compliance by contracting officers with this Act. States that the Board shall issue advisory opinions with respect to compensation offered to such contracting officer after notice is published in the Federal Register and interested parties have had an opportunity to present testimony relating to the issuance of such advisory opinion. States that reliance on such advisory opinion shall be a defense to a civil or criminal case brought under this Act. Requires meetings of the Board at which such advisory opinions will be considered to be open to the public. Authorizes the Board to issue rules to implement this Act. Requires the Board to report annually to Congress respecting its activities and recommendations of legislative or regulatory actions to promote high ethical standards for Government employees. Requires the following persons to file specified information with the Board: (1) former Government employees who were employed in any given fiscal year as a representative of a Government contractor in any action in which the United States was a party or in any transaction with the United States; and (2) any Federal employee who was previously employed by a Government contractor at a salary rate equal to or greater than that for positions in grade GS-13. Exempts specified persons from the filing requirements of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1977
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Agriculture to permit the private, noncommercial ownership of excess wild free-roaming horses and burros.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1977
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) and Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to provide payment for services performed by professional clinical social workers. Includes outpatient services, community mental health centers, and neighborhood health centers among "qualified providers" under Titles XVIII and XIX. Removes specified limitations which are imposed on coverage of psychiatric and mental health services under such titles.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1977
Authorizes the Clerk of the House of Representatives to withhold charitable contributions from the pay of House employees for transmittal to the Combined Federal Campaign, if the employee requests the Clerk to do so.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1977
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to extend coverage to include expenses incurred in providing a Papanicolaou test for the diagnosis of uterine cancer, if the individual receiving the test has not had such a test on a routine basis during the preceding six months.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1977
Federal Employee Health Sunshine Act - Requires, the Civil Service Commission, in the event a contractor providing group health insurance for Federal employees intends to reduce the benefits provided under its contract, to publish in the Federal Register, 180 days before any such proposed reduction is to take effect, a statement explaining such proposal and giving the time and place of a hearing with respect to such proposal. Directs the Commission to hold such a hearing not later than 120 days before such proposal is scheduled to take effect.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1977
Directs the President to review United States policies and practices with respect to arms shipments to South Africa and to insure that such policies and practices are consistent with obligations under the United Nations Security Council Resolution to prevent shipment of arms and related items which might contribute to apartheid in South Africa. Requires the President to report on such review to Congress and to explain the licensing of "nonmilitary weapons" for shipment to South Africa.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1977
International Security Assistance Act - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act to authorize the appropriation of not more than $5,000,000 for the disaster relief contingency fund for fiscal year 1978. Authorizes the appropriation of $39,000,000 for international narcotics control for fiscal year 1978. Amends such Act to authorize the appropriation of $228,900,000 for fiscal year 1978 for military assistance, including specific amounts for Greece, Portugal, Spain, Turkey, Jordan, Indonesia, Philippines, and Thailand. Permits the President to increase such amounts by not more than ten percent. Sets forth restrictions on such appropriations. Amends such Act to increase to $255,000,000 for fiscal year 1978 the value of defense articles which may be added to stockpiles in foreign countries. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to restrict the utilization of military personnel in the overseas management of foreign assistance and sales programs. Restricts the use of defense attaches for such functions. Permits regular armed forces units to be used to standardize military operations between the United States and NATO countries. Restricts to 400 the number of military personnel which may be assigned to the management of international security assistance programs. Places military personnel performing such functions under the Chief of the United States Diplomatic Mission in the recipient country. Charges the overseas management costs of security assistance programs to funds appropriated by the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. Exempts personnel performing functions on a fully reimbursable basis under the Arms Export Control Act from prohibitions on the use of military personnel in the management of foreign assistance and sales programs. Removes administration of foreign military assistance from the direction of the Chief of the United States Diplomatic Mission. Amends such Act to exempt programs in southern Africa from the restriction of security supporting assistance to no more than 12 countries in any fiscal year. Requires security supporting assistance to be furnished to promote development objectives to assist the poor, avoiding large-scale development projects. Authorizes the appropriation of $2,214,700,000 for such purposes for fiscal year 1978, specifying amounts for Israel, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Cyprus, Lebanon, and Portugal. Exempts such assistance for Cyprus, Lebanon, and Portugal, from the limitation on the number of countries which may receive security supporting assistance in any fiscal year. Restricts $100,000,000 of appropriations for security supporting assistance for assistance to the majority ruled countries of southern Africa for problems of economic dislocation and educational training of Africans from Namibia and Zimbabwe. Requires the President to notify the Congress prior to obligation of funds for assistance in southern Africa. Expresses Congressional support for (1) negotiations to establish majority rule in Zimbabwe, and (2) establishment of an international fund for economic justice and development in Zimbabwe. Prohibits the use of more than $200,000,000 of funds appropriated for security supporting assistance, for economic development loans to Portugal unless the President certifies to Congress (1) that other countries have made commitments for economic assistance loans to Portugal, and (2) the justification for funds in excess of $200,000,000. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize the appropriation of $31,400,000 for fiscal year 1978 for international military education and training. Amends such Act to prohibit the use of funds made available under such Act for the construction, operation, or supply of fuel for any nuclear powerplant. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize appropriations not to exceed $8,000,000 for fiscal year 1978 for the Middle East Special Requirements Fund. Requires the President to justify utilization of such Fund rather than funds for development assistance. Directs that funds appropriated for such Fund or for security supporting assistance be available to assist Egypt and Israel in carrying out the agreement of October 10, 1975, and to implement the Sinai early warning system. Exempts certain funds from the requirement that the President report such obligations to Congress. Amends the Arms Export Control Act to repeal the requirement that the President notify Congress 30 days prior to approving transfer of defense articles. Delays the effectiveness of such approval for 30 days, during which Congress may disapprove such consent, unless the President certifies the existence of an emergency requiring immediate transfer. Exempts (1) transfers of maintenance or repair defense services or articles, (2) temporary transfers of defense articles for maintenance or repair, and (3) cooperative cross servicing arrangements among NATO members, from restrictions on the transfer of defense articles. Amends the Arms Export Control Act to authorize the appropriation of $675,850,000 for fiscal year 1978 to carry out such Act. Increases to $2,098,500,000 for fiscal year 1978 the limitation of the total of credits or loans for foreign military sales, of which not less than $1,000,000,000 shall be available only for Israel. Extends through fiscal year 1978 certain exemptions and repayment conditions for such assistance to Israel. Amends the Arms Export Control Act to exempt the issuance of licenses for the export of major defense equipment to Australia, Japan, or New Zealand from the $25,000,000 limitation on the value of arms exports to non-NATO countries. Exempts the authorizations of appropriations and limitations of authority for arms exports for fiscal year 1977 from provisions of this Act, when enacted. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary for fiscal year 1978 to carry out defense cooperation agreements between Greece and Turkey. Prohibits obligation or expenditure of such funds until such agreement is approved by legislation. Prohibits the obligation of funds appropriation for fiscal year 1978 for military assistance to Turkey until the President certifies that Turkey is in compliance with the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 and the Arms Export Control Act, and that substantial progress is being made toward agreement regarding the military forces in Cyprus, except for sales, credits and guarantees to enable Turkey to fulfill obligations to NATO. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to increase to $175,000,000 the limitation on military sales assistance to Turkey. Directs the President to study United States policies and practices with respect to the national security and military implications of international technology transfers. Specifies factors to be examined by such study. Requires the President to submit to Congress the findings of such study and recommendations for legislation. Prohibits assistance of any kind during fiscal year 1978 which would promote military operations in Zaire, unless the President determines that such assistance would be in the national security interests of the United States and submits to Congress the reasons for such determination and a description of such assistance. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to prohibit military assistance under such Act or sales under the Arms Export Control Act for aiding foreign governments in the repression of the rights of the populations of such countries contrary to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Declares it the sense of Congress that the President (1) take all effective measures to assure the cooperation of the Republic of Korea with the Department of Justice investigation of allegations of improper activity in the United States by agents of the Republic of Korea, and (2) report to Congress the extent of such cooperation.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1977
Public Disclosure of Lobbying Act - Requires organizations which expend more than $1,250 per quarter year or which employ at least one or more individuals who spend a specified amount of time engaged in lobbying activities to register with the Comptroller General and to update such registration annually. Requires the identification of any persons retained for lobbying purposes and the source and amounts of income of such organization as a part of such registration. Requires such organization to file quarterly reports concerning such lobbying activities including: (1) listing of total lobbying expenditures including each expenditure over $35 made to or for the benefit of any Federal officer, congressional employee, or Member of Congress; (2) expenditures made for dinners or receptions; and (3) the issue for which lobbying was carried out identified by bill number or agency involved. Requires the Comptroller General to make copies of each registration and report required by this Act available for public inspection and copying. Requires the Comptroller General to render written advisory opinions upon request of any individual or organization with respect to the requirements of this Act. States that anyone who acts in good faith reliance upon such advisory opinion shall be presumed to be in compliance with this Act. Requires the Comptroller General to enforce this Act using informal methods of conference or conciliation or, if necessary, by referring apparent violations to the Attorney General. Sets forth civil and criminal sanctions for violation of this Act. Repeals the Federal Regulation of Lobbying Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1977
Consumer Protection Act - Establishes as an independent agency within the executive branch the Agency for Consumer Protection, to be headed by an Administrator appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Requires the Administrator to transmit to the Congress and the President in January of each year a report on the activities of the Agency, including a summary of consumer complaints received and actions taken thereon and an efficiency evaluation of selected major consumer programs of each Federal agency. States the functions of the Agency, including to: (1) represent the interests of consumers before Federal agencies and courts; (2) support research leading to a better understanding of consumer products and improved products, services and information; (3) submit recommendations on improvement of Federal Government operations in the protection of consumers; and (4) cooperate with State and local governments and private enterprise in the promotion and protection of the interests of consumers. Allows the Administrator, whenever he determines that the result of any Federal agency proceeding or activity may substantially affect an interest of consumers, to intervene as a party or otherwise participate in representing the interests of consumers. Directs the Agency to act on and transmit complaints to the appropriate Federal or non-Federal entities concerning actions or practices which may be detrimental to the interests of consumers. Requires the Agency to maintain a public document room of signed consumer complaints for which the Agency has received, together with annotations of actions taken. Authorizes the Administrator to request Federal agencies to perform tests regarding products, services, or any matter affecting the interests of consumers. Authorizes the Administration to propose to any Federal agency, for submission to specified persons, written interrogatories or requests for reports and other related information, within such agency's authority. Exempts "small business concerns" as defined in this Act, from those entities which are subject to such authority. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to review such requests before they are issued. Requires every Federal agency, in considering any action which may substantially affect the interests of consumers, to notify the Agency of such action. Directs the President to submit to Congress a plan for the transfer to the Agency of those consumer-related advocacy programs of Federal activities which can be performed better by the Administrator.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1977
Department of Energy Organization Act - Title I: Declaration of Findings Policy and Purposes - Declares it the policy of the United States that energy conservation be given the highest priority in any national energy program. Title II: Establishment of Department - Established a Department of Energy in the executive branch. Establishes an Energy Information Administration and an Economic Regulatory Administration within such Department. Establishes within the Department an Office of Inspector General to review and investigate problems relating to the administration of the programs and operations of the Department. Title III: Transfers of Functions - Transfers to the Secretary of Energy all functions now vested in the Federal Energy Administration and the Energy Research and Development Administration. Transfers energy-related functions from the Department of the Interior to the new Secretary. Transfers specified functions of the Federal Power Commission, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, the Interstate Commerce Commission, the Secretary of the Navy, and the Secretary of Commerce to the new Secretary. Title IV: Federal Energy Regulatory Commission - Establishes a Federal Energy Regulatory Commission within the Department to be composed of five members appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. Transfers regulatory functions of the Federal Power Commission under the Federal Power Act and the Natural Gas Act to the new Commission. Establishes procedures governing the operation of the Commission. Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to delegate additional functions to the Commission. Title V: Administrative Procedures and Judicial Review - Stipulates that the provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act shall apply to rules and regulations issued by the Secretary or a delegate. Requires that opportunity for oral presentations of viewpoints be afforded when regulations are likely to have a substantial economic impact. Requires hearings on rules which substantially impact on a single geographic area, to be held in such geographic area. Stipulates that United States district courts shall have exclusive jurisdiction of cases arising under this Act without regard to amount in controversy, except where otherwise provided in authority transferred to the Secretary. Title VI: Administrative Provisions - Prohibits supervising employees from holding any interest in energy companies. Authorizes the Secretary to grant waivers from such prohibition in cases of exceptional hardship. Requires disclosure of known financial interest by officers and employees of the Department, subject to criminal sanctions. Grants the Secretary limited authority to reorganize organizational units within the Department. Directs the Secretary to submit annual reports of the activities of the Department to the President. Authorizes the Secretary to delegate authority to other officers, to create regional offices, and to establish advisory committees. Requires the Secretary to submit annual reports to the President for submission to the Congress. Title VII: Transitional Savings and Conforming Provisions - Stipulates that transfers of personnel as authorized by this Act shall not result in reduction in grade or unemployment for one year after enactment of this Act. Stipulates that orders, rules, and proceedings reestablished or commenced under previous authority shall not be affected by the transfers under this Act. Amends the Federal Energy Administration Act, the Energy Reorganization Act, the Atomic Energy Act, the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act, the Energy Conservation Standards for New Buildings Act, the Rural Electrification Act of 1936, and other provisions of law to conform with the changes made by this Act. Title VIII: Effective Date and Interim Appointments - Stipulates that the provisions of this act shall take effective no later than 120 days after the Secretary first takes office. Establishes procedures for interim appointments of officers prior to the effective date of this Act.
![Official portrait of Rep. Fascell, Dante B. [D-FL-19]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/f000041_200.jpg)