United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1977
Bill of Rights Procedures Act - Title I: Confidentiality of Financial, Toll, and Credit Records - Prohibits any United States entity or representative from obtaining copies of, or access to, information contained in the financial records, toll records, or credit records of any customer of a financial institution, communication common carrier, credit card issuer, or consumer reporting agency. Lifts such prohibition if: (1) the records are described with sufficient particularity; and (2) the customer has authorized disclosure, the disclosure is obtained in response to an administrative subpoena, search warrant, or judicial subpoena, or disclosure is in compliance with specified provisions of the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Sets forth procedures for obtaining customer authorization, administrative subpoenas and summons, search warrants, and judicial subpoenas. Requires financial institutions, communication common carriers, credit card issuers, and consumer reporting agencies to keep records of all examinations of customer records, including the identity of the person examining such records, the governmental agency or department such person represents, and a copy of the authorization. Directs that copies of, or the information contained in, financial, toll, or credit records obtained pursuant to this Act not be used for other than the specific statutory purpose for which the information was originally obtained and that such information or records not be provided to any other Government department or agency or other person except where the transfer of such information is specifically authorized by statute. Stipulates that any action under this title may be brought in any appropriate U.S. district court without regard to the amount in controversy, or in any other court of competent jurisdiction, within three years from the date on which the violation occurs or the date of discovery of such violation, whichever is later. Imposes liability on any person or entity who knowingly obtains or discloses information in violation of this title, making such person or entity liable to the customer to whom the disclosed information relates for actual damages, such punitive damages as the court may allow if the violation was willful, and the costs of litigation. Makes injunctive relief available to any person aggrieved by a violation or threatened violation of this Act. Title II: Mail Covers - Defines "mail cover" as the procedures by which a systematic record or inspection is made of any data appearing on the outside cover of any mail matter. Prohibits the initiation of any mail cover without the written authorization of specified postal officials and good cause to believe, on the basis of an affidavit setting forth the specific reasons for the proposed mail cover, that such procedure is necessary to the investigation of the commission or the attempted commission of a felony or is necessary to aid in locating a fugitive. Permits a mail cover to be conducted for 30 days, with extensions to be granted as specified. Requires any mail cover conducted for more than one year to be judicially authorized. Allows the chief postal inspector or a regional chief postal inspector to issue an emergency authorization for a mail cover on the basis of an oral request from specified law enforcement officials, if such request is supported by an affidavit within 45 days and on condition that no data from such mail cover be made available to the requesting authority until authorization according to regular procedures has been granted. Stipulates that the subjects of mail covers shall be given notice of such cover within 90 days of its termination, unless notice is judicially waived due to possible jeopardizing of continuing investigations. Requires that the chief postal inspector submit to Congress an annual report including the number of requests for mail covers, the identity of the law enforcement agencies making such requests, and a list of the offenses for which mail cover requests were received. Specifies civil remedies for violation of this title. Title III: Amendments to Chapter 119, Title 18, United States Code - Sets forth procedures and restrictions governing the interception of wire or oral communications for purposes of supervisory observing or service by communication common carriers and others. Requires each communication common carrier to submit an annual report to the Federal Communications Commission detailing the interceptions made by it for the protection of its service against theft of service, the nature and frequency of communications intercepted, the number of persons whose communications were intercepted, the length of such interceptions, and the number of hours of recording of intercepted communications. Prohibits the manufacture, distribution, possession, and advertising of devices for theft of communication common carrier services. Stipulates that any such device may be seized and forfeited to the United States. Title IV: Penalties - Subjects officers, agents, or employees of the United States who violate any provision of title I or title II of this Act to a fine of not more than $1,000, imprisonment for not more than one year, or both. Title V: Congressional Subpoenas - Stipulates that nothing in this Act shall apply to Congressional subpoenas.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1977
Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1968 to allow the Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development to initiate civil actions to enforce the provisions of such Act. Extends from 30 to 60 days the period during which no civil suits may be initiated and the Secretary must make efforts to obtain voluntary compliance with such Act. Permits courts to award attorneys' fees to prevailing plaintiffs without regard to his financial ability to assume such fees.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1977
Authorizes the Secretary of Labor, under the Occupational Safety and Health Act, to make visits to the work place of any employer, upon the request of the employer, to consult with and advise the employer concerning the obligations of the employer under such Act. Directs the Secretary to give priority to small businesses and hazardous workplaces. Stipulates that no consultative visit made under this Act may serve as an inspection or investigation as otherwise provided for by the Occupational Safety and Health Act, except: (1) in the case of an employer who fails to eliminate a danger disclosed during such a visit; or (2) if conditions are found during such a visit which indicate the probability that death or serious harm could result to employees therefrom, the Secretary may notify the employer of such conditions and afford him a reasonable time to eliminate such conditions. Prohibits the transmission of information obtained during a consultative visit to representatives of the Secretary engaged in enforcement. Directs the Secretary to establish education programs to inform employers and employees of the hazards in particular industries. Authorizes the appropriation of funds through fiscal year 1979 for the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1977
Amends rule XXVII of the Rules of the House of Representatives to direct that it shall not be in order to entertain a motion to suspend the rules to consider any measure or matter unless the committee having jurisdiction over the measure or matter, by roll call vote, a majority being actually present, authorizes consideration of the measure or matter under a suspension of the rules, or if a written request has been filed with the Speaker by the chairman and ranking minority member of the committee having jurisdiction over the measure or matter, asking for its consideration under a suspension of the rules.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1977
Amends rule XIV of the Rules of the House of Representatives to require that an accurate account of words actually spoken on the floor of the House, together with permitted supporting data be printed in the Congressional Record. Limits revisions of verbatim remarks in the Record to the correction of grammatical and typographical errors which do not change the meaning, content, or substance of those remarks. Entitles Members to insert in the Record remarks not actually delivered on the floor. Stipulates that such insertions always be clearly distinguishable from words actually spoken on the floor.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1977
Adds Rule XLV to the Rules of the House of Representatives, allowing continuous television and radio coverage of House floor proceedings. Makes the Speaker responsible for the implementation of this Rule. Establishes a Broadcast Advisory Board to assist the Speaker. Makes it the general responsibility of the Clerk to make provision for such coverage. Stipulates that this Rule shall not apply with respect to joint sessions of the House and Senate. Provides all television and radio broadcasting stations, networks, services and systems in the United States and its territories with access to all of the live coverage of the proceedings of the House. Restricts use of coverage to legitimate news or research purposes. Stipulates that broadcast shall be presented without commercial sponsorship. Prohibits coverage provided under this Rule from use as partisan political campaign material.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1977
Amends rule XI of the Rules of the House of Representatives to require that records of committee actions be made available for public inspection except for information which would endanger national security or would violate any rule of the House.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1977
Amends the Rules of the House of Representatives to require a roll call vote on demand of any committee member on any question before the committee and on every motion to report any bill or resolution of a public character.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1977
Amends rule XI of the Rules of the House of Representatives to require that, insofar as applicable, the House rules which apply to standing committees shall also apply to any select, special, or ad hoc committee, commission, or other entity established by the House.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1977
Amends the Rules of the House of Representatives to permit the House, by appropriate resolution, to direct the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct to undertake an investigation of alleged misconduct on the part of any Member, officer, or employee of the House. Requires the committee to file a written report on its findings and recommendations whenever it has undertaken an investigation.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1977
Amends rule XI of the Rules of the House to require that all committee meetings, including meetings for the mark-up of legislation, shall be open to the public, except when the committee determines in open session by roll call vote that the disclosure of the matter to be considered would endanger national security or violate any law or rule of the House of Representatives.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1977
Amends rule X of the Rules of the House of Representatives to limit all standing committees with more than 20 employees, except the Committee on Appropriations, to no more than six subcommittees.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1977
Congressional Salary Act -- Amends the Federal Salary Act of 1967 to make any recommendations of the President relating to the salaries of Members of Congress, Delegates to the House of Representatives, and the Resident Commissioner from Puerto Rico purely advisory. Amends the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 to require that the annual rate of pay for Members of Congress, Delegates to the House of Representatives, the Resident Commissioner from Puerto Rico, and the Senate and House leadership be the rate payable for such positions on the date of enactment of this Act unless otherwise established by law. Prohibits any law increasing such rates of pay from taking effect before the first day of the Congress following the Congress during which such law is enacted.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1977
Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to public and nonprofit private entities which are engaged in the development of new schools of veterinary medicine to assist in such development. Requires applying schools to demonstrate that there is a reasonable indication that non-Federal financial resources for development will be available and that Federal assistance will accelerate the date on which the school will be able to begin its teaching program.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1977
Establishes a nine-member National Commission on Social Security. Requires the Commission to study and investigate titles II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) and XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act. Requires that annual reports be submitted to Congress and the President. Terminates the existence of the Commission after it files its fourth annual report. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 17 January 1977
Terminates the authority of Members of Congress and Delegates to Congress from the various territories to make appointments to the various service academies. Terminates the authority of the Secretaries of the military departments to appoint members of the reserve components of the armed forces to the academies except under certain circumstances. Directs the Board of Visitors of the Military, Naval, and Air Force academies to inquire into the admission policy and procedure of these academies on their annual visit and to send their annual report to the Congress as well as the President. Directs the Board of Visitors of the Coast Guard and Merchant Marine academies to inquire into specified subject areas including admission policies and procedures on their annual visit and to report to the Congress as well as the President regarding their findings. Amends the Merchant Marine Act, 1936 to accomplish the purposes of this Act with respect to the Merchant Marine Academy.
United States · United States Congress · 17 January 1977
Condemns terrorist activities. Declares it the sense of the House of Representatives: (1) that terrorists should be punished; (2) that the release of Abu Daoud by France was premature and unjustified; and (3) that such release should be condemned.
United States · United States Congress · 17 January 1977
Directs the Joint Committee on the Library to procure a bronze bust or statue of Martin Luther King, Jr. and to place it in a suitable location in the Capitol.
United States · United States Congress · 13 January 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 · 11 January 1977
Amends the Rules of the House of Representatives to remove the 25-member limit to the number of sponsors of any House of Representatives bill. Permits the addition or deletion of any Member's name as the sponsor of any legislation by a request made by a Member to the Speaker on behalf of such Member.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 1977
Establishes the House of Representatives a Select Committee on Narcotics Abuse and Control to review problems of narcotics abuse including enforcement, international trafficking, organized crime, and the approach of the criminal law system to narcotics law violations. Requires the Committee to report its findings annually to the House of Representatives.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to limit the application of the Tax Reform Act's elimination of the sick pay exclusion for persons who have not retired on total disability, to taxable years beginning after December 31, 1976.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Title I: Authorizations and Limitations - Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to increase the appropriation for surety bond guarantees from $56,500,000 to $71,000,000. Increases from $6,000,000,000 to $8,000,000,000 the amount appropriated for the business loan and investment fund of the Small Business Administration. Increases from $450,000,000 to $525,000,000 the amount appropriated for economic opportunity loans. Increases the funds for small business investment companies from $725,000,000 to $1,100,000,000. Authorizes appropriations and sets program levels for various programs under the Small Business Act for fiscal years 1978 and 1979. Title II: Miscellaneous, Conforming and Technical Amendments - Requires that reports to the President and Congress concerning minority small businesses include: the proportion of loans and other assistance under this Act; the goals of the Administration for the next fiscal year with respect to such concerns: and recommendations for improving assistance. Title III: Amendments to Small Business Administration Loan Authority - Amends the Small Business Act to allow loans to be used for the financing of residential or commercial construction or rehabilitation for sale. States that no payments will be required of the small business while payments are being made by the Small Business Administration pursuant to the assumption of such business's obligation or while the Administration has suspended payment on its own loan. Limits the period of such assumption or suspension to five years. Sets the prerequisites for receiving the loan and the conditions for repayment of such loan. Title IV: Amendments to Small Business Administration Disaster Loan Authority - Expands the coverage of disaster loans to situations which the Small Business Administration determines to be disasters and where no disaster has been declared upon the certification by the Governor of a State to the Small Business Administration that small business concerns have suffered economic injury as a result of such disaster and that financial assistance is not available on reasonable terms in the disaster-stricken area. Title V: Certificate of Competency - Amends the elements to be considered in certification of any small business for the receipt or performance of a specific Government contract. Requires that final disposition of contract awards be made by the Administration. Describes the role of Government procurement officers and officers engaged in the sale and disposal of Federal property. Title VI: Small Business Set-Asides - Provides that any contracting agency, under the Small Business Act, shall place contracts to allow more than one small business concern to perform work, if the amount of a proposed small business set-aside contract exceeds the maximum amount of a contract for which a surety may be guaranteed against loss under the Small Business Administration's surety bond guarantee program.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Amends the Bankruptcy Act to establish in the order of payment out of bankrupt estates, a priority for consumers on account of a deposit of money made in connection with the purchase, lease, or rental of goods or services for personal, family or household use which were not delivered; or on account of a cause of action based on breach of warranty of fitness or merchantability or breach of express warranty or service contract with respect to the purchase, lease, or rental of goods or services for personal, family, or household use.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Federal Agency Control and Review Act - Requires the Office of Management and Budget to study the efficiency and effectiveness of each Federal agency every ten years and to recommend to the President and Congress reorganization or abolition of each such agency as may be necessary to improve such efficiency and effectiveness. Abolishes each such agency upon the due date of such report unless during the ten-year period since the last report Congress has passed legislation continuing such agency.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Civilian Conservation Corps Act - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior to establish a Civilian Conservation Corps for the purpose of providing employment for unemployed persons through public projects in connection with the conservation, improvement and utilization of the natural resources of lands and waters under the ownership or control of the United States or its agencies. Permits the Corps to undertake certain cooperative projects on State, local governments, or private lands. Sets forth eligibility requirements to be met by persons employed under this Act as Corps members. Directs that preference for employment be given to persons residing in areas having an employment rate of 6.5 percent or greater for three consecutive months. Limits employment of Corps members under this Act to a period of 24 months total employment. Sets forth the duties of the Secretaries under this Act. Authorizes the Secretaries to make grants to the States to assist them in employing unemployed individuals to carry out on non-Federal lands projects similar to those performed by the Corps.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Financial Disclosure Act - Requires the President, Vice President, Members of Congress and candidates for those offices, justices and judges of the United States, Presidential nominees, officers and employees of the United States compensated at a rate equal to or in excess of the rate prescribed for the grade of GS-15, and members of the uniformed services compensated at a rate equal to or in excess of the monthly rate prescribed for grade O-6 to file in each calendar year, with the Comptroller General and other specified executive or administrative officers, a financial statement for the preceding calendar year if such individual has occupied or been a candidate for the office or position for more than 90 days in such calendar year. Specifies the content of such financial statements. Makes mandatory the inclusion in such report of all items held not only by the individual, but by the spouse, and dependents of such person, and those acting on the individual's behalf. Permits the President to exempt any individual in the Central Intelligence Agency, the Defense Intelligence Agency, and the National Security Agency, or other person engaged exclusively in intelligence activities from the requirement to file a report with the Comptroller General if such disclosure would reveal the identity of an undercover Federal agent. Makes failure to file and falsifying reports punishable by a fine and/or imprisonment. Requires the head of each agency, the Clerk of the House of Representatives, the Secretary of the Senate, and the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to submit annually to the Comptroller General a complete list of individuals required to file such a report. Requires the Comptroller General to refer to the Attorney General the names of all individuals who the Comptroller General have reasonable cause to believe has failed to file or falsified such report, and that if such an individual is a Member of Congress, that the name be referred to the appropriate Congressional committees. Requires the Comptroller General to make such reports available to the public for all purposes not excluded under this Act. Makes the House of Representatives, the Senate, the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts, the Chairman of the Civil Service Commission and the head of each agency responsible for the review of such reports in accordance with any law or regulation regarding conflicts of interest or confidential financial information. Directs the Comptroller General to conduct audits of each specified group at varying intervals, and gives the Comptroller General subpena power for the purpose of conducting such audits. Requires the Civil Service Commission and the Department of Justice to recommend to Congress such legislation as may be necessary in the area of financial conflicts of interest among Federal employees and officers.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Government Economy and Spending Reform Act - Title I: Authorization of New Budget Authority - Terminates all budget authority for Federal programs on specified dates according to the functional or subfunctional category of each program as set forth in the fiscal year 1977 budget. Requires the Comptroller General to report to Congress by April 1, 1977, on specified programs with respect to the laws under which such program is carried on, the amount of new budget authority received by such program during the four fiscal years ending before April 1, 1977, and to identify programs for which no outlays have been made during the last two fiscal years ending before April 1, 1977. Prohibits providing new budget authority after the applicable review date set forth in this Act unless the provision of such budget authority is specifically authorized by law or the standing rules of either House of Congress. Title II: Zero-Base Program Review - Sets forth a timetable for Congressional zero-base review of new budget authority. Defines "zero-base review" as an evaluation of a given program to determine the merits of its continuation at a level less than, equal to, or more than its existing level. Requires each congressional committee conducting a zero-based program review to adopt tentative and final review plans, receive reports from the Comptroller General and Federal agencies on the program being reviewed, and report to their respective House the results of such zero-base review of the program. Sets forth minimum objectives of inquiry for such reviews. Requires that any committee reporting pursuant to this Act recommend the extent to which any program reviewed should be continued or eliminated. Title III: Continuing Review - Amends the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1970 to require, whenever the Comptroller General issues a report which discloses any substantial deficiency in the achievement of the objectives of any Federal program, the agency conducting such program to report to specified congressional committees 60 days after such report and every six months thereafter to delineate the actions taken with respect to such deficiency. Requires that such agency continue to issue such reports until such time as the Comptroller General determines that no purpose is served by their submission. Amends the Budget and Accounting Act of 1921, to require the inclusion in the Budget of a statement of the specific objectives of each Government program, and a comparison, in each subsequent Budget, of the achievement of such objectives for the last completed fiscal year with the planned objectives of such year. Title IV: Miscellaneous - Requires the Director of Management and Budget to study the feasibility of zero-base budgeting for Federal agencies. Requires the Director of the Congressional Budget Office to study the feasibility of personnel ceilings on employees of the United States and their relationships to alternative methods of carrying out the activities of such employees. Requires that such reports be submitted to Congress. Requires Federal agency heads to report requests for new budget authority to Congress. Requires specified committees to study the effectiveness of the zero-base review procedures required by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Comprehensive Oil Pollution Liability and Compensation Act - Title I: Domestic Oil Pollution Liability, Compensation, and Fund - Establishes in the Treasury of the United States a fund for the purpose of paying for otherwise uncompensated losses resulting from oil pollution. Enumerates the sources of monies to be deposited in such fund, including a fee, not to exceed three cents per barrel of oil, imposed upon owners of facilities receiving oil. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to issue obligations to the Secretary of the Treasury at times when fund assets are insufficient to meet fund liabilities. Lists the types of injuries which may be compensated under this Act and the potential claimants who have standing to assert claims involving each such type of damage. Imposes joint, several, and strict liability on the owners and operators of each pollution source. Specifies liability limits, except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct, for ships and other vessels. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish limits on the liability of classes of facilities used for transporting, producing, processing, storing, or transferring oil. Requires the owner or operator: (1) of any such facility; or (2) any ship which uses such facility or navigable waters of the United States, to establish and maintain evidence of financial responsibility in an amount sufficient to satisfy applicable liability limits. Directs the person in charge of a vessel or facility to immediately notify the Secretary of Transportation of any pollution incident in which the vessel or facility is involved. Specifies procedures whereby the Secretary may, in the absence of such an admission, designate and advertise pollution sources. Directs the Secretary, in instances in which: (1) the owner and operator of a vessel or facility designated by the Secretary deny such vessel's or facility's involvement; (2) the source of the discharge is a public vessel; or (3) the Secretary is unable to designate the pollution source, to advertise procedures for presenting claims directly to the fund. Requires all other claims, with limited exceptions, to be initially presented to the owner or operator, or to such persons' guarantor. Permits claimants to either present a claim to the fund or to bring an action in an appropriate United States district court when an owner or operator and a guarantor deny liability or fail to settle the claim within a specified period. Sets forth procedures for the disposition and appeal of claims submitted to the fund. Requires both the plaintiff and the defendant in a court action brought against an owner, operator, or guarantor to forward copies of all pleadings to the fund. Permits the fund to intervene in such actions. Subrogates any person or governmental entity, including the fund, paying compensation to all the claimant's claims and rights under this Act. Specifies procedures for and the measure of recovery in actions brought by the fund against owners, operators, or guarantors of alleged pollution sources. Declares that the rights and remedies under this Act shall be exclusive with respect to economic loss caused by oil pollution. Sets penalties for persons failing to comply with specified provisions in this Act. Title II: Effective Dates; Conforming Amendments; Severability - Specifies the effective date of this Act. Amends specified laws, including the Deepwater Port Act of 1974 and the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, to conform with the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Creates a Select House Committee on Population to conduct an investigation and study of: (1) the major adverse effects of current population growth throughout the world; (2) approaches which have been shown to be effective in coping with excessive population growth; and (3) means to encourage countries with excessive population growth rates to adopt methods proven to be successful in reducing population growth rates.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1976
Requests a United States Government policy toward Namibia which maintains the commitment of the United States to provisions of United Nations Security Council resolutions numbered 276, 301, and 385, which call for withdrawal of South African administration of Namibia and transfer of power to Namibians. Request United States adherence to policies which uphold additional obligations toward Namibia set forth in International Court of Justice decisions.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1976
Expresses the sense of Congress that the Attorney General parole into the United States those South American aliens having fled to Argentina and those Uruguayans within Uruguay who are in danger of losing their lives because of their political beliefs.
United States · United States Congress · 30 September 1976
Solid Waste Energy and Resource Recovery Act - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency: (1) to assist with research projects for the development of pilot plant facilities for the purpose of investigating new fuels, recovery methods, or technology; (2) to conduct demonstrations of new methods and technology; and (3) to test and evaluate such pilot plants and demonstration projects. Directs the Administrator to establish a program for the collection and dissemination of information to assist Federal, State, interstate, regional, and local agencies in planning and building solid waste collection, recycling and recovery facilities. Sets forth specific areas to be covered by such program. Directs the Administrator to make grants to State, interstate, municipal and intermunicipal agencies for: (1) the implementation of solid waste management plans and planning programs; (2) the development and revision of solid waste disposal plans as part of regional environmental protection systems; (3) the development of interlocal regions and establishment of regional agencies; (4) the development of proposals for various projects; and (5) the planning of programs for the removal and processing of abandoned motor vehicle hulks. Authorizes the Administrator to impose conditions consistent with the purposes of this Act upon such grants. Limits the amount of available Federal assistance to 85 percent of the total cost. Authorizes the Administrator to guarantee loans incurred by State, regional, or local government agencies to finance the construction of large-scale fuel, energy, or resource recovery facilities. Limits the total outstanding indebtedness allowed under this Act to $75,000,000. Sets forth procedures for applying for loan guarantees under this Act. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants to a State, regional authority or local government agency for the construction, operation, or maintenance of fuel, energy, and resource recovery facilities when such facilities cannot be financed by any other means. Limits the amount of each grant to 25 percent of the total cost of the project. Authorizes the appropriation of the following amounts for solid waste research and development and for grants for energy and resource recovery programs: $65,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1977; $17,000,000 for the transitional period ending September 30, 1977; and $70,000,000 for fiscal year 1978. Authorizes the appropriation of the following sums for grants for State, interstate, and local planning: $35,000,000 for fiscal year 1977; $9,000,000 for the transitional period; and $45,000,000 for fiscal year 1978. Authorizes the appropriation of the following sums for grants for construction of facilities: $40,000,000 for fiscal year 1977; 12,000,000 for the transitional period; and $60,000,000 for fiscal year 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1976
Provides, under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, that whenever an employer's failure to comply with any provision of that Act or any State requirement relating to industrial safety causes or contributes to an accident resulting in bodily injury, no provision of any workers' compensation law or similar statute shall be construed to bar an action at law for contribution, indemnification, or other relief against the employer by a person alleged liable for such injury.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1976
Privacy Protection for Rape Victims Act - Amends the Federal Rules of Evidence to prohibit, in cases of alleged rape or assault with intent to commit rape, the introduction of evidence of the victim's prior sexual behavior. Makes such prohibition inapplicable: (1) to evidence of the victim's prior sexual conduct with the alleged assailant; and (2) to evidence of the victim's sexual behavior with others if it is offered by the accused on the issue of whether the accused was the source of the victim's pregnacy, disease, semen, or injury. Requires the accused to make a written motion to offer such evidence accompanied by a written offer of proof. Requires the court to hold a hearing to determine the admissability of such evidence, declaring it admissable only if the court finds that the evidence is relevant and that its probative value outweighs the danger of unfair prejudice. Makes inadmissible reputation or opinion evidence with respect to the victim's past sexual behavior.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 1976
Diplomatic Relations Act - Authorizes the President to regulate the privileges and immunities of foreign diplomatic missions and their personnel in a manner consistent with international agreements. Defines "foreign diplomatic mission and personnel thereof" for purposes of this Act. Requires the President to periodically publish a list of permanent foreign diplomatic missions and the personnel thereof. Declares void any judicial writ or process against a person or the property of any person entitled to immunity from suit or process under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 1976
Creates the John W. McCormack Senior Intern Program in the House of Representatives. Authorizes each Member, Delegate, or Commissioner of the House to hire two additional employees under such program. Requires that all such interns be 60 years of age or older and be residents of the district which the employing Member, Commissioner, or Delegate represents. Makes available to each Member, Resident Commissioner, or Delegate an annual payment of $500 for payment of compensation to such interns, in addition to other allowances, available to such Member, Resident Commissioner, or Delegate.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 1976
Deletes the provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act which limit to two the number of petitions for preference status which may be granted to a petitioner on behalf of an alien orphan immigrating to the United States for adoption.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 1976
Amends the Bankruptcy Act to include among debts which have priority specified debts to consumers of deposits of money made in connection with the purchase of goods or services for personal or household use not delivered on the date of bankruptcy.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 1976
Condemns the murders of Orlando Letelier and Ronni Karpen Moffitt and the serious injury of Michael Moffitt. Urges a complete and thorough investigation by federal authorities of the circumstances surrounding the bombing.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 1976
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act - Title I: General Provisions - Expresses the intent and findings of Congress that alternative energy sources for public and private consumption are necessary to reduce dependence on petroleum, natural gas, and nuclear and hydroelectric generations as a power source. Establishes the objective of establishing a cooperative effort to recover potential energy sources and other valuable materials from discarded material. Title II: Office of Discarded Materials; Authorities of the Administrator - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to establish within the Agency an Office of Discarded Materials to carry out administrative functions under this Act and the Solid Waste Disposal Act. Stipulates that the Administrator shall have exclusive supervisory authority over litigation commenced under this Act. Requires that the concurrence of the Administrator be obtained with respect to any aspect of proceedings before the Supreme Court where the Attorney General acts as the Administrator's representative. Directs the Administrator to collect information on discarded materials for dissemination to the public. Requires the establishment of resource recovery panels to assist State and local programs. Directs the Administrator to undertake studies and reports on discarded mining wastes and sludge material. Authorizes Federal grants to public and private applicants to assist in the purchase of discarded tire shredders. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1978 and 1979 for such programs and studies. Requires annual reports to Congress by the Administrator on activities of the Office of Discarded Materials. Title III: Hazardous Waste Management - Directs the Administrator to establish criteria for identifying hazardous waste materials. Establishes procedures for the development of standards to seasonably protect human health from hazardous waste. Directs the Administrator to establish a permit program to regulate the treatment, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste. Establishes requirements for application for such permits. Directs the Administrator to establish standards for State hazardous waste programs. Establishes procedures for authorization and withdrawal of authorization by the Administrator for the operation of State programs. Requires the operators of facilities regulated by this Act to allow authorized officials duly designated by the Administrator access to records relating to hazardous waste, and to enter and inspect facilities at any reasonable time upon the furnishing of a written statement as to the reason for the inspection by the authorized official. Establishes procedures for Federal enforcement of hazardous waste regulations. Title IV: State or Regional Discarded Materials Plans - Directs the Administrator to establish guidelines for State or regional discarded materials management plans. Lists factors to be considered by the Administrator in developing such guidelines. Establishes minimum requirements for approval of plans by the Administrator. Authorizes technical assistance to States and localities for the development and implementation of such plans. Directs the Administrator to establish criteria for classification of facilities as sanitary landfills. Stipulates that each State or regional plan shall require disposal of all discarded material in a sanitary landfill. Authorizes the appropriation of $30,000,000 for fiscal year 1978, $40,000,000 for fiscal year 1979, and $50,000,000 for fiscal year 1980 for grants to States for the development and implementation of State plans. Authorizes Federal loan guarantees from the United States Resource Recovery Corporation to local governments and other persons only with respect to facilities located in States or regions having an approved plan. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants and provide technical assistance to States and localities for the removal of sludge and other solid wastes from shorelines. Requires the establishment of a Task Force in the Environmental Protection Agency to perform surveillance activities and to provide technical assistance. Authorizes the appropriation of $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1978, $12,000,000 for fiscal year 1979, and $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1980 for grants under such program. Title V: Duties of the Secretary of Commerce in Resource Conservation and Recovery - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish accurate specifications for recovered materials, to promote development of resource recovery technology, and to stimulate the development of markets for recovered materials. Title VI: United States Resource Recovery Corporation - Creates a nonprofit United States Resource Recovery Corporation to stimulate the construction of new resource recovery facilities by reducing a portion of the operating risk inherent in traditional methods of capital formation for such facilities. Authorizes the Corporation to provide financial assistance to eligible facilities for up to 50 percent of the initial project cost. Limits the amount of financial assistance, which may be outstanding at any time to a total of $2,500,000,000. Authorizes the appropriation of $3,000,000 for fiscal year 1978 and $5,000,000 for fiscal year 1979, for administrative expenses incurred by the Corporation. Title VII: Federal Responsibilities - Requires Federal procurement agencies to maximize use of resource recovery and energy efficient methods in Federal procurement practices. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to establish guidelines for procurement agencies with recommended practices designed to encourage energy conservation and resource recovery. Title VIII: Miscellaneous Provisions - Prohibits employers from discriminating against employees who seek to enforce legally protected rights under this Act. Authorizes citizen suits in Federal district courts for alleged violations of provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 1976
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the resignation of a person under investigation by the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct has no effect upon the Committee's duty to continue its investigation and report back its findings and recommendations to the House. Directs the Committee to complete its investigation into the allegations of misconduct against Representative Wayne L. Hays and to report thereon prior to the sine die adjournment of the 94th Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 1976
Directs the President to proclaim that Valentyn Moroz shall be an honorary citizen of the United States. Urges cooperation in observance of the principles of the Final Act of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Soviet Union as one of the signators to the Final Act should provide Valentyn Moroz with the opportunity to accept the invitation of Harvard University for the 1976-77 academic year.
United States · United States Congress · 1 September 1976
National Neighborhood Policy Act - Establishes a National Commission on Neighborhoods which will include two members each from the House and the Senate and 16 public members appointed by the President. States the duties of the Commission which include studying the factors necessary to neighborhood survival and revitalization and making recommendations for modification of existing laws and policies. Makes provisions for the administration of this Commission. Authorizes to be appropriated funds necessary to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 September 1976
Expresses the sense of the Congress that Georgi Vins should be released from imprisonment and that the Government of the Soviet Union should allow him and all other religious believers within its borders to worship God freely, as the Soviet Union is committed to do by the provisions of its constitution and by the provisions of the United Nations Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
United States · United States Congress · 31 August 1976
Creates a nine member House Select Committee on the Fiscal Problems of Cities. Directs the committee to conduct a study to identify the nature and causes of problems afflicting large cities which face severe fiscal imbalance. Provides that consideration shall be given problems which contribute to the financial plight of cities, including: (1) net outmigration of population; (2) decline in employment opportunities; (3) adverse city/suburban relationships; (4) cost of public services; (5) rising crime rates; (6) lack of new investment in housing; and (7) racial, ethnic, and economic segregation. Calls upon the committee to develop a policy regarding the appropriate role of various levels of government in the solution of such problems. Requires the committee to evaluate the consequences of, and coordination among, existing Federal policies and programs which relate to the major problems identified by the committee. Directs the committee to formulate specific recommendations regarding Federal legislation and executive administrative action for modifications of or alternatives to present Federal programs.
![Official portrait of Rep. Fenwick, Millicent H. [R-NJ-5]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/f000078_200.jpg)