United States · United States Congress · 13 July 1977
Prohibits any Federal department, establishment, or agency from using social security account numbers to identify accounts pertaining to individuals except where such use was occurring on January 1, 1977, and has not been discontinued or such use is specially authorized by a subsequent enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to restrict or prohibit the disclosure of taxpayer return information in matters pertaining to prospective jurors; State tax enforcement; investigations of prospective Federal appointees; child support enforcement efforts; and Federal enforcement of nontax laws.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 1977
Privacy of Medical Information Act - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to require each medical-care institution participating in the Medicaid or Medicare program to implement procedures which meet specific privacy protection requirements for the maintenance and disclosure of personal medical information. Requires medical-care institutions to afford an individual (or his designated representative) a reasonable opportunity to inspect his personal medical information file. Permits the parents or guardian of a minor child to inspect the file of such minor, except that portion of the file which relates to: (1) venereal diseases of the minor; (2) family planning services (including abortion) sought and received by such minor; (3) alcohol or drug abuse services; and (4) any other medical services sought by the minor without the prior approval of his parent or guardian. Requires that the individual seeking disclosure of his personal medical information file sign and date a written authorization which permits a medical-care institution to disclose specific information to specified persons for a specified period of time and requires further that such institution maintain a record of all such disclosures. Makes it the duty of medical-care institutions to maintain accurate, relevant, timely, and complete files and to grant to individuals the right to request changes in their files. Requires such institutions either to make the requested changes and notify the individual of the change or to supply the individual with the reasons why such changes were not made and with an opportunity to file a statement disagreeing with the institution's refusal. Prohibits an institution from refusing to make a requested change if such a change would make an individual's file accurate, relevant, timely, or complete. Requires medical care institutions to disclose to individuals with personal medical information on file the use to which such files may be put without their prior authorization. Permits disclosure of personal medical information files without authorization: (1) for consultation; (2) for compelling circumstances involving an individual's health and safety; (3) for audits, evaluations, and biomedical and epidemiological research; (4) to comply with public reporting statutes; (5) to supply admission and health status information; and (6) to comply with a lawful judicial or administrative subpena. Authorizes an officer or agent of the United States to obtain personal medical information files by judicial or administrative subpena if such subpena is authorized by law and identifies the information sought with reasonable particularity and if the information sought is maintained by the medical-care institution pursuant to a statute or regulation or constitutes material evidence in the prosecution of a violation of a Federal law. Allows an individual whose file is sought by subpena to challenge the issuance of the subpena. Excludes from evidence in a proceeding before any court or agency personal medical information obtained in violation of the provisions of this Act. Establishes civil remedies for an individual aggrieved by a violation of this Act and specifies criminal penalties for officials or employees of the Federal Government who disclose personal medical information in violation of this Act. Limits the transfer of personal medical information among agencies to that information which is necessary for the preparation of a proceeding brought to enforce a specific Federal statute. Includes within the definition of the Federal crime of mail fraud the procurement of medical information by false or fraudulent pretenses.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 1977
Requires, under the Privacy Act of 1974, Federal agencies maintaining records which identify persons to whom they pertain to disclose to such persons the actual uses and disclosures made of such records when access to such records is granted to such person under that Act. Specifies limitations on disclosures of such records to third parties, and on collection and maintenance of such information. Requires agencies to reconsider any determination which was made on the basis of erronous information which has been subsequently corrected.
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the limitations on charitable deductions and investment tax credits taken by cooperative corporations. Allows cooperatives to allocate their investment tax credits among their patrons.
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
Tuition Tax Relief Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals alternative, limited income tax credits or deductions for the tuition paid for the primary, secondary or higher education of the taxpayer, or the taxpayer's spouse spouse and dependents.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the limitations on charitable deductions and investment tax credits taken by cooperative corporations. Allows cooperatives to allocate their investment tax credits among their patrons.
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 1977
Amends the Mann Acts, which prohibit certain transportation of females for immoral purposes, to extend coverage to prohibit transportation of any individual for immoral purposes and to increase the penalties specified in such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1977
Amends the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to authorize Federal assistance to private, profitmaking agencies and organizations for purposes of conducting research, training, and other activities relating to the rehabilitation of handicapped individuals.
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
Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish mandatory operating procedures to reduce noise, conserve fuel, and improve the operational safety of civil turbojet aircraft aircraft operating within the United States. Specifies certain operating procedures for aircraft which shall be included in such regulations. Directs the Secretary to study the advisability of requiring the use of new flight instruments in the landing operations of civil turbojet powered aircraft to reduce noise and increase the safety of landing operations and to report the results of such study to Congress. Stipulates that no two or three engine civil turbojet powered aircraft having an engine bypass ratio of less than 1.5 shall be subject to any standard or regulation prescribed under any provision of law which permits the acoustic retrofit of such aircraft after a specified date.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1977
Administrative Rule Making Reform Act - Requires a Federal agency preparing to hold a rule making session to make a reasonable effort to inform those likely to be affected by the proposed rule making. Requires that if the affected group is large, representatives of such group must be notified. Requires, in addition to present requirements, that the notice of rule making include the projected effective date of the rules, the purpose of the rule making, the text of the proposed rules, and the technical or other studies on which the agency intends to rely in the rule making proceedings. Applies the requirements of this Act to all rule making sessions except (1) those specifically authorized to be kept secret in the interest of national security, and (2) those relating to agency management. Requires public notice and public opportunity for comment of all rule making proceedings under this Act unless the agency finds that the rules to be proposed are emergency rules or are of routine or insignificant impact in which case the rule must be published with reasons for its adoption. Requires Federal agencies to give interested persons at least 45 days to participate in the rule making. Requires the agency to maintain a file of each proceeding to be made available to the courts, Congress, and to the public in connection with review of the rule. Limits the period for public comment to a maximum of 90 days. Requires a copy of all proposed rules to be sent to Congress. States that such rule, other than an emergency rule, shall not become effective if it is disapproved within 90 days by both Houses of Congress, or it is disapproved within 60 days by one House and no action is taken on the disapproval resolution by the other House. Provides that either House of Congress may, by resolution, require any agency to reconsider and resubmit any rule to which this Act applies. Requires that such proposed rule be repromulgated anew in accordance with all the provisions of this Act unless it is reconsidered and resubmitted to Congress within 180 days after the adoption of the resolution requiring such reconsideration. Requires the Administrative Conference of the United States to study Congressional review of agency rule making under this Act and report the effect of such review on such rule making before July 1, 1982. Authorizes to be appropriated $200,000 to finance such study. Makes this Act effective on the first day of the first session of the Ninety-fifth Congress. Terminates the Congressional review required by this Act at the adjournment of the Ninety-seventh Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1977
Constitutional Amendment - Provides that total appropriations shall not exceed estimated revenues. Authorizes the suspension of such prohibition in time of war or national emergency. Prohibits any increase in the national debt as it exists on the date this article is ratified. Sets forth a schedule for repayment of the national debt.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1977
Amends the Rules of the House of Representatives to transfer the responsibility for investigating Communist and subversive organizations affecting the internal security of the United States to a standing Committee on Internal Security established by this Resolution. Confers upon such committee the responsibility for investigating all organizations within the United States aimed at overthrowing or altering the Government of the United States by force, insurrection or other unlawful means or inciting or employing violence to obstruct the authority of the Federal Government with respect to matters of internal security of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an itemized deduction, according to a specified formula, to any taxpayer who owns a passenger automobile which he uses in a carpool.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1977
Amends the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 to increase the maximum amount of acreage which may be leased to a single person, association, or corporation in a single state from 20,480 acres to 51,200 acres. Requires that the Secretary of the Interior insure that lessees under such Act who meet specified qualifications be allowed to participate in the planning and granting of rights-of-way for electric power transmission lines in the general area of the lease. Directs the Secretary to insure that such lessees be granted maximum access to existing rights-of-way and existing transmission lines. Authorizes the use of phased environmental assessments in accordance with similarly phased geothermal leasehold rights, to be granted upon the request of a majority of the potential bidders in accordance with procedures to be prescribed by the Secretary.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1977
Amends Titles I (Grants to States for Old-Age Assistance and Medical Assistance for the Aged), IV (Aid to Families with Dependent Children), X (Grants to States for Aid to the Blind), XIV (Grants to States for Aid to the Permanently and Totally Disabled), and XVI (Supplemental Security Income for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled) of the Social Security Act to insure that future increases in benefits under a Federal retirement or disability program shall not be taken into consideration in determining a person's eligibility for aid or assistance under the programs established by such Titles. Defines the term "Federal retirement or disability program" to mean the insurance systems established under Title II (Old-Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act, the Railroad Retirement Act of 1937, Title 38, United States Code (veterans), and any other federally-financed program which provides for periodic payment of retirement or disability benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 1977
Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish mandatory operating procedures to reduce noise, conserve fuel, and improve the operational safety of civil turbojet aircraft operating within the United States. Specifies certain operating procedures for aircraft which shall be included in such regulations. Directs the Secretary to study the advisability of requiring the use of new flight instruments in the landing operations of civil turbojet powered aircraft to reduce noise and increase the safety of landing operations and to report the results of such study to Congress. Stipulates that no two-or three-engine civil turbojet powered aircraft having an engine bypass ratio of less than 1.5 shall be subject to any standard or regulation prescribed under any provision of law which permits the acoustic retrofit of such aircraft after a specified date.
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1977
Authorizes the appropriation of the following sums to the Energy Research and Development Administration for fiscal year 1977: (1) for nonnuclear energy research, development and demonstration of fossil, solar, geothermal, and other forms of energy and for energy conservation and education, $1,175,671,000; and (2) for environmental research and safety, basic energy sciences, and related nonnuclear programs, $464,302,000. Title I: Nonnuclear Programs - Lists amounts authorized for specific programs of fossil energy development, including coal, petroleum, natural gas, solar energy, and geothermal energy development programs. Imposes limits and conditions on fossil energy development programs. Stipulates that authorizations for fossil energy demonstration plants shall expire at the end of three fiscal years without further Congressional action. Authorizes the Administrator of the Energy Research and Development Administration to establish a price-support program for demonstration of municipal solid waste reprocessing systems. Imposes limitations on the use of funds for additional nonnuclear programs without specific authorization by Congress. Amends the Federal Nonnuclear Energy Research and Development Act of 1974 to make the Administrator of the Energy Research and Development Administration a member of the Water Resources Council. Establishes a program of small grants not to exceed $50,000 for the dissemination of information with respect to energy-conserving technologies. Directs the Administrator, in consultation with the Environmental Protection Agency, to prepare a report on the environmental monitoring and assessment costs associated with nonnuclear energy demonstration projects. Title II: For Nonnuclear Environmental Research and Safety, Basic Energy Sciences, Program Support, and Related Programs - Lists amounts authorized for specific programs of biomedical and environmental research, operational safety, and basic energy sciences. Authorizes the appropriation of $1,000,000 to the Water Resources Council for the water resources evaluation study authorized by the Federal Nonnuclear Energy Research and Development Act of 1974. Authorizes the appropriation of $500,000 to the Council on Environmental Quality for the environmental evaluation of nonnuclear energy technologies authorized by such Act. Lists authorizations for additional plant and capital expenditures. Places percentage limitations on the amount of cost overruns allowable without additional Congressional authorization. Title III: General Provisions - Stipulates that amounts appropriated may remain available until expended, provided an appropriation Act so specifies. Authorizes use of operating budget funds for the funding of employee-suggested research projects up to the pilot stage of development, subject to specified conditions. Requires officers or employees of the Energy Research and Development Administration involved in administering programs authorized by this Act to disclose all known financial interests in energy-related businesses. Imposes criminal penalties for knowing violations of such disclosure requirements. Authorizes the appropriation of $3,390,051,000 to the Administration for nuclear research programs subject to the requirement that such funds not be utilized for nuclear weapons research. Authorizes additional expenditures for plant and capital equipment and environmental research and safety as enumerated in prior legislation. Title IV: Organizational Conflicts - Amends the Federal Nonnuclear Energy Research and Development Act of 1974 to direct the Administrator of the Energy Research and Development Administration to require disclosure of possible conflicts of interest or unfair competitive advantages resulting from contracts entered into pursuant to such Act. Prohibits the Administrator from entering into such contracts unless such conflict has been avoided or mitigated. Title V: Energy Extension Service - National Energy Extension Service Act - Establishes an Energy Extension Service in the Energy Research and Development Administration to develop and implement a comprehensive program for the identification and application of energy conserving practices and techniques. Stipulates that programs shall provide for technical assistance and practical demonstration in the agricultural, commercial, residential, and small business sectors. Requires that the national program permit States to establish technical support institutes at colleges or universities as designated by the Governor of each State. Stipulates that such program shall be implemented in a manner designed to minimize conflict with existing services in the private sector of the economy. Establishes procedures and criteria for the development of State plans for implementing the provisions of this title. Allows for Federal development of plans for States in which an acceptable plan has not been submitted. Directs the Administrator of the Energy Research and Development Administration to develop a comprehensive program and plan for coordination of Federal energy education and information dissemination programs. Stipulates that such plan shall detail procedures for assessing the energy efficiency of various Federal programs. Establishes a National Energy Extension Service Advisory Board to conduct a continuing review of the programs developed under this title. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary from the fiscal year 1977 authorization for nonnuclear programs, to carry out the purposes of this title. Prescribes a formula for allocation of such funds to the States.
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1977
Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to direct the Civil Aeronautics Board to adopt time limitations for decisions regarding applications for certificates of public convenience and necessity to engage in interstate air transportation. Requires the Board, if it does not act within such period, to issue the certificate as requested unless it, by order entered within the specified time period, finds that the public interest or extraordinary circumstances justify delay for a period of time specified in the order. Requires that any proposed rule or regulation establishing such time limits be submitted to each House of Congress and stipulates that it shall become effective 30 legislative days after submission unless either House adopts a resolution disapproving such rule or regulation.
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1977
Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to require the Civil Aeronautics Board to rescind the authority of any air carrier to provide non-stop service between two points if such authority is not exercised for any continuous one-year period. Authorizes the Board to grant such authority to another carrier with or without a hearing.
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1977
National Food Stamp Reform Act - Extends the Food Stamp Act of 1964 through fiscal year 1982. Excludes from the definition of "food" which may be purchased with food stamps alcoholic beverages, tobacco, ice cubes, artificial food colorings, powdered and liquid cocktail mixes, carbonated beverages, cooking wines, and chewing gum; and any other food, class of food, food product or condiment which the Secretary of Agriculture, in consultation with the President of the National Academy of Sciences - National Research Council (Food and Nutrition Board), determines to have a negligible or low nutritional value or to be an insignificant enhancement of palatability. Includes residents of federally subsidized housing for the elderly in the definition of "household". Redefines "elderly person" as someone 65 years or older (currently, 60 years of age). Defines "nutritionally adequate diet" as a diet sufficient to feed a family of four persons, consisting of a man and a woman between 20 and 54 years of age, one child between ages nine and eleven and one child between six and eight, and which meets additional specified conditions. Directs the Secretary to establish uniform national standards of eligibility for participation by households in the food stamp program. Requires the income standards of eligibility in every State to be the nonfarm income poverty guidelines prescribed by the Office of Management and Budget, adjusted annually; but limits the standards for Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Guam to those of the 50 States. Sets a 90-day accounting period for certification or recertification of food stamp applicants. Limits the maximum allowable financial resources (liquid and nonliquid assets) of a household to $1,500, except that, for households or two or more persons with one or more members 65 years or older, such resources are limited to $2,250. Specifies holdings excluded from the determination of such resources. Requires household income for purposes of the food stamp program to be the gross income of the household less: (1) a deduction of $25 a month for any household in which there is at least one elderly person; and (2) an additional deduction equal to 15 percent of all earned income to compensate for taxes, mandatory deductions, and work expenses. Includes in gross income: (1) all monetary payments to or on behalf of any household member except payments made for medical costs; (2) all income tax refunds and Federal income tax credits; (3) the value of all in-kind items; and (4) the value of all benefits received under any publicly or privately funded assistance program. Excludes from gross income: (1) payments for medical costs made on behalf of the household; (2) compensation for services performed by a student residing with the household who is not yet 18; (3) Uniform Relocation Assistance payments; (4) infrequent or irregular quarterly income; (5) all loans except deferred repayment education loans; and (6) the cost of producing self-employed income. Authorizes the Secretary to establish temporary emergency eligibility standards for households which are victims of a disaster. States that no household shall be eligible for participation in the Food Stamp program which includes an able- bodied adult between the ages of 18 and 65 who: (1) incurs a reduction of income as a result of voluntarily reducing his or her number of hours of employment without good cause; (2) fails to register for employment at a State or Federal employment office; (3) has refused to accept employment or public work within 30 miles of the person's principal residence; (4) fails to actively seek employment; or (5) is enrolled in an institution of post-secondary education as a substitute for full-time employment. Excludes from this class of ineligible individuals mothers with dependent children, primary or secondary school students, post-secondary level students or trainees' employed part-time, enrollees in a drug addiction or alcoholic treatment program, and persons working at least 30 hours per week. States that refusal to work at a plant site because of a strike or other labor dispute shall be deemed to be a refusal to accept employment. Declares that no person shall be eligible who is not a citizen or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence. States that no minor shall be considered a household member if such minor resides in a household in which no other member has a legal duty to support him unless: (1) the individual who had such a duty is financially unable to perform it; or (2) no individual with such duty exists. Requires each household receiving food stamps to report its income at least once each month. Declares that no household that knowingly transfers liquid or nonliquid assets for the purpose of qualifying or attempting to qualify for the food stamp program shall be eligible to participate in the program for a minimum of 90 days. States that no person who receives supplementary security income benefits under title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) of the Social Security Act, State supplementary payments under such title, or payments under specified provisions of title II (Old Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of such Act, shall be considered a member of a household for any month, if for such month, such individual resides in a State in which the Supplemental Security Income benefit has been increased specifically to include the bonus value of food coupon allotments. Requires food coupons to be designed with spaces for the user to sign upon receipt and redemption. Requires coupon users to present suitable identification; including signature and photograph, when redeeming coupons at approved food stores. States that the value of the food coupon allotment to which eligible households will be entitled shall be an amount sufficient to allow a household to purchase a nutritionally adequate diet. Requires the semi-annual adjustment of the value of an allotment based on changes in the cost of food. Establishes as the charge a household shall pay for its coupon allotment the lesser of: (1) the percentage of its income which would be expended for food by an average household of its size and income range in the same region of the country; or (2) 30 percent. Provides, under the requirements for State plans for the administration of the food stamp program, for closer State supervision of eligibility by households. Requires the State agencies administering the program to conduct nutrition education programs for recipients. Directs each State agency to establish an earnings clearance system for the purpose of checking the actual income and assets of a household against those reported by the household. Provides that if a State agency does not comply with the provisions of the Food Stamp Act, the Secretary may refer the matter to the Attorney General with a request for an injunction, or he may direct that there be no further issuance of coupons in the political subdivisions where such failure has occurred until such time as satisfactory corrective action has been taken. Establishes a national system for providing information to State agencies in order to assist them in preventing households from receiving food stamps in more than one State or in more than one political subdivision within a State. Sets a civil penalty not in excess of $10,000 for each violation of the Food Stamp Act of 1964 or regulations issued pursuant to it by specified persons, including State agencies. Directs the Secretary to pay to each State agency out of funds appropriated by Congress an amount equal to 75 percent of all direct costs of State food stamp program investigations, prosecutions, and State activities related to recovering losses sustained in the food stamp program. Specifies information to included in the Secretary's annual report in addition to information already given.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1977
Food Additive Safety Amendments - States that a food additive shall be deemed safe if the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare (1) makes a finding, based on recommendations of an advisory committee, that the public benefit from permitting the use of such additive would exceed the public risk which might result from such use; (2) gives notice in the Federal Register of such a finding and invites public comment thereon; and (3) issues a final order not earlier than 120 days of such publication in the Federal Register of such findings. Specifies factors the Secretary must take into consideration when evaluating a food additive. Deems saccharin a safe food additive unless the Secretary declares it unsafe under the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1977
Natural Gas Act Amendments - Amends the Natural Gas Act to terminate Federal Power Commission authority to regulate sales of new natural gas in interstate commerce. Stipulates that prices for offshore sales of new natural gas shall not exceed the ceiling price for sales of new natural gas produced from onshore Federal lands. Stipulates that emergency sales of natural gas to curtailed customers who qualify as essential users shall not affect such exempt status. Authorizes the Commission to terminate such exemptions on or after April 15, 1978, if they are no longer deemed necessary to protect high priority consumers of natural gas. Directs the Federal Power Commission to conduct studies and make reports regarding the nature and availability of natural gas reserves. Requires that the Commission keep current information available relating to the estimated natural gas reserves for individual fields. Establishes procedures for the establishment of ceiling prices for new natural gas produced from offshore Federal lands through December 31, 1982. Authorizes the Commission to grant exemptions to price ceilings within high-cost production areas. Establishes procedures for adjustments to price ceilings established pursuant to this Act. Directs the Commission to prohibit the curtailment of adequate supplies of natural gas for essential agricultural purposes. Directs the Commission to prohibit the use of natural gas as boiler fuel where adequate alternatives are available. Authorizes exemptions from such prohibition where necessary to comply with pollution control or environmental protection and safety standards.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1977
Right to Private Records Act - Prohibits any financial institution from disclosing to any State or to any subdivision of any State any financial record of a customer unless such customer has so authorized or a valid search warrant, subpena or summons has been obtained according to the terms of this Act. States that no officer, employee or agent of any financial institution, communication common carrier, creditor or credit reporting agency holding any financial, toll, or credit record who is required by law to notify any law enforcement official or any political subdivision of any State of any criminal law violation which such person believes is being committed shall disclose any information except in accordance with this Act. Makes provisions for general or limited authorization of disclosure of any financial, toll, or credit record by means of a written statement containing specified information. Permits revocation of such authorization by written notification at any time, and otherwise limits to one year, any authorization to disclose. Prohibits any financial institution, communication common carrier, creditor, credit reporting agency or other person from requiring any person to make such authorization as a condition for doing business. Prescribes standards for the issuance of search warrants and judicial subpenas. Provides that a court may grant a subpena with a temporary delay of notification for a period of not greater than 90 days following the date of issuance if it finds, on the basis of an affidavit or sworn testimony, that it has been affirmatively demonstrated that such notification would jeopardize a continuing investigation of any crimes enumerated in this Act. Allows courts to enter ex parte orders granting an additional delay of such notification period not to exceed 180 days. Requires judges who grant or deny such delays to report to the Administrative Office of the United States Courts the particulars of such request. States that the Director of such office shall transmit to the Congress an annual report concerning the number of applications for extension of delay and the number of extensions granted or denied during the preceding calendar year. Grants standing to move to quash a subpena to any person to whom the financial, toll, or credit record ordered to be disclosed relates. Sets civil remedies available to persons injured by violations of this Act, including actual and punitive damages, attorney's fees and injunctive relief. Sets criminal penalties imposed on persons violating this Act. Prohibits any officer, employee, or agent of any person or government agency from intercepting, in the course of carrying out the business operations of such person or agency, oral or wire communications by or to any other officer, employee, or agent of such person or agency unless: (1) written notice is given; (2) such interceptions are for the purpose of training; (3) such interceptions occur only during the period specified in the notice required by this Act; (4) there is no recording of such communication; and (5) such person whose communication is intercepted has given written consent.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1977
Right to Private Records Act - Prohibits any financial institution from disclosing to any State or to any subdivision of any State any financial record of a customer unless such customer has so authorized or a valid search warrant, subpena or summons has been obtained according to the terms of this Act. States that no officer, employee or agent of any financial institution, communication common carrier, creditor or credit reporting agency holding any financial, toll, or credit record who is required by law to notify any law enforcement official or any political subdivision of any State of any criminal law violation which such person believes is being committed shall disclose any information except in accordance with this Act. Makes provisions for general or limited authorization of disclosure of any financial, toll, or credit record by means of a written statement containing specified information. Permits revocation of such authorization by written notification at any time, and otherwise limits to one year, any authorization to disclose. Prohibits any financial institution, communication common carrier, creditor, credit reporting agency or other person from requiring any person to make such authorization as a condition for doing business. Prescribes standards for the issuance of search warrants and judicial subpenas. Provides that a court may grant a subpena with a temporary delay of notification for a period of not greater than 90 days following the date of issuance if it finds, on the basis of an affidavit or sworn testimony, that it has been affirmatively demonstrated that such notification would jeopardize a continuing investigation of any crimes enumerated in this Act. Allows courts to enter ex parte orders granting an additional delay of such notification period not to exceed 180 days. Requires judges who grant or deny such delays to report to the Administrative Office of the United States Courts the particulars of such request. States that the Director of such office shall transmit to the Congress an annual report concerning the number of applications for extension of delay and the number of extensions granted or denied during the preceding calendar year. Grants standing to move to quash a subpena to any person to whom the financial, toll, or credit record ordered to be disclosed relates. Sets civil remedies available to persons injured by violations of this Act, including actual and punitive damages, attorney's fees and injunctive relief. Sets criminal penalties imposed on persons violating this Act. Prohibits any officer, employee, or agent of any person or government agency from intercepting, in the course of carrying out the business operations of such person or agency, oral or wire communications by or to any other officer, employee, or agent of such person or agency unless: (1) written notice is given; (2) such interceptions are for the purpose of training; (3) such interceptions occur only during the period specified in the notice required by this Act; (4) there is no recording of such communication; and (5) such person whose communication is intercepted has given written consent.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1977
Designates service as a Member of the Women's Air Forces Service Pilots as active duty for the purposes of all laws administered by the Veterans' Administration.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1977
Energy Conservation Tax Incentives Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow limited, nonrefundable income tax credits for individuals who: (1) install qualified insulation in their residences; (2) install qualified solar heating and cooling equipment in dwelling units used by them, or leased to others as residences; (3) replace the heating system in any dwelling with a reversible, compressible refrigerant system (i.e., a heat pump system); or (4) purchase personal or family electric highway vehicles between 1976 and 1982.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1977
Entitles a Federal employee whose position is reduced in grade to have the grade of such position treated as if such reduction had not occurred so long as such position is continued to be filled by such employee without a break in service. (Adds 5 U.S.C. 5366)
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1977
Mobile Source Emission Control Amendments - Amends the Clean Air Act to extend through model year 1979 interim standards for hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide emissions from light-duty motor vehicles. Specifies standards applicable in model years 1980 and afterwards for such pollutants. Revises the emission standard for carbon monoxide to allow emissions of up to 9.0 grams per vehicle mile. Extends until model year 1981 the current 2.0 grams per vehicle mile interim standard for nitrogen oxide emissions from light-duty vehicles. Establishes a nitrogen oxides emissions standard of 1.0 gram per vehicle mile for model years after 1981, subject to revision or waiver by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency in accordance with prescribed procedures. Stipulates that such revisions and waivers shall not permit emissions in excess of the 2.0 grams per vehicle mile interim standard. Directs the Administrator, the Secretary of Transportation and the Federal Energy Administration to submit separate reports to Congress regarding the consequences of such emission standards on fuel consumption. Establishes additional prohibitions and penalties for tampering with motor vehicle emission control equipment. Empowers limits in the amount of vehicle testing required of small manufacturers. Establishes procedures for review of instructions for high altitude performance adjustments for motor vehicle emission control systems by the Administrator in accordance with specified requirements. Revises warranty requirements stipulated by the Act. Specifies an 18-month or 18,000 mile warranty requirement for the useful life of motor vehicle emission control systems. Directs the Administrator to study the effects of emissions of sulfur-bearing conformed from motor vehicles and aircraft. Extends the exception for disclosure of confidential information in administrative and judicial proceedings to emission data upon a satisfactory showing to the Administrator that such data would divulge trade secrets. Requires that documentation, justifications, proposed drafts, and comments of other agencies an proposed motor vehicle emission standards be made available to the public once such standards are proposed. Establishes procedures for oral presentation of views, with opportunity for cross-examination, with respect to such standards. Authorizes direct review of alleged procedural errors in the appropriate court of appeals. Authorizes the appropriation of $200,000,000 per fiscal year for fiscal years 1978, 1979, and 1980, to carry out the purposes of this Act other than research, development, and demonstration activities.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1977
Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require that certain factors be considered in determining whether a proposed use of a food additive is safe.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1977
Directs the Secretary of the Interior: (1) to study opportunities to augment, utilize or conserve water supplies available to Federal reclamation projects and to undertake conservation activities to mitigate damages to such project from the 1976-77 drought period; (2) to purchase water supplies and redistribute such water within Federal reclamation projects; (3) to study and evaluate studies of potential facilities to mitigate the effects of a recurrence of drought and make recommendations to the President and to Congress evaluating such facilities; and (4) to assist financially Federal reclamation project landowners who are without irrigation water supplies to carry out soil conservation measures. Authorizes the Secretary to defer without penalty the 1977 and 1978 payments of any installment charges owned to the United States on Federal reclamation projects as he deems necessary because of financial hardship caused by extreme drought conditions. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress by March 1, 1978, on expenditures under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 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 · 15 March 1977
Repeals the provisions of the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 permitting automatic cost-of-living adjustments in the salaries of Members of Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1977
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the ban or prohibition of saccharin should be delayed until the appropriate Congressional committees have determined that consumption of saccharin in unsafe.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1977
Directs the United States to pay reasonable litigation costs, including attorney fees, to prevailing defendants in civil actions in which the United States is a plaintiff.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1977
Amends Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act by removing the limitation on the amount of outside income which an individual may earn while receiving benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1977
Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to eliminate the requirement that persons filing an application with the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare include as part of application for approval of a new drug full reports of investigations which show whether or not such a drug is effective. Eliminates the power of the Secretary to disapprove a new drug on the basis that such drug will not have the effect it purports or is represented to have under the conditions of use prescribed, recommended, or suggested in the proposed labeling of the drug. Prevents the Secretary from withholding exemption for an experimental drug for investigative purposes on the basis that such drug will not be effective in a research context. Eliminates the authority of the Secretary to withhold approval of an application with respect to any new animal drugs on the basis that full reports of investigations on such drug have not proven it effective. Prevents the Secretary from withdrawing approval of a new animal drug on the basis that it poses an imminent hazard to health of man or animals because of a lack of substantial evidence that the drug will have the effect it purports or is represented to have under the conditions of use prescribed, recommended, or suggested in the labeling of it.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1977
Authorizes appropriations in specified amounts out of the Airport and Airway Trust Fund to the Secretary of Transportation for fiscal year 1978 for specified aviation-related research, demonstration, and development projects under the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 and the Airport and Airway Development Act of 1970.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1977
Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act - Provides, under the Internal Revenue Code, for automatic cost-of-living adjustments, based on the Consumer Price Index, in: (1) the income tax rates; (2) the amount of standard deductions; (3) the amount of personal exemptions; (4) the amount of depreciation deductions; and (5) the adjusted basis for property. Makes cost-of-living adjustments in specified United States savings bonds and certificates and on other obligations of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 1977
Grants a Federal charter to the United States Submarine Veterans of World War II. Stipulates that the purposes of such organization shall be: (1) to perpetuate and establish memorials to the memory of those who gave their lives in submarine warfare during World War II; (2) to award college scholarships; and (3) to make the general public aware of life aboard submarines during World War II.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1977
Mobile Source Emission Control Amendments - Amends the Clean Air Act to postpone until model year 1982 motor vehicle emission standards which require a 90 percent reduction in emissions of carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons. Established the following interim emission standards for such pollutants: (1) for model years 1977 through 1979, 1.5 grams per vehicle mile for hydrocarbons and 15 grams per vehicle mile of carbon monoxide; and (2) for model years 1980 and 1981, 0.9 grams per vehicle mile of hydrocarbons and 9 grams per vehicle mile of carbon monoxide. Extends until model year 1981 the current 2.0 gram per vehicle mile interim standard for nitrogen oxide emissions from light-duty vehicles. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to establish such standards as appropriated for future model years. Directs the Administrator, the Secretary of Transportation, and the Federal Energy Administration to submit separate reports to Congress regarding the consequences of such emission standards on fuel consumption. Establishes additional prohibitions and penalties for tampering with motor vehicle emission control equipment. Imposes limits on the amount of vehicle testing required of small manufacturers. Establishes procedures for review of instructions for high altitude performance adjustments for motor vehicle emission control systems by the Administrator in accordance with specified requirements. Revises warranty requirements stipulated by the Act. Specifies on 18-month or 18,000 mile warranty requirement for the useful life of motor vehicle emission control systems. Directs the Administrator to study the effects of emission of sulfur-bearing compounds from motor vehicles and aircraft. Directs the Administrator to establish emission standards for air pollutants from railroad locomotives. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to make inspections to insure compliance with such standards. Prohibits States and localities from adopting different standards. Extends the exception for disclosure of confidential information in administrative and judicial procedures to emission data upon a satisfactory showing to the Administrator that such data would divulge trade secrets. Requires that documentation, justifications, proposed drafts, and comments of other agencies on proposed motor vehicle emission standards be made available to the public once such standards are proposed. Establishes procedures for oral presentation of views, with opportunity for cross-examination, with respect to such standards. Authorizes direct review of alleged procedural errors in the appropriate United States court of Appeals. Authorizes the appropriation of $200,000,000 per fiscal year for fiscal years 1978, 1979, and 1980, to carry out the purposes of this Act other than research, development, and demonstration activities.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1977
Prohibits the inspection or acquisition by an agent of the United States of medical and dental records of patients who are not under a federally- assisted program. Sets forth the procedure by which a patient may authorize the disclosure of such records. Establishes criminal penalties for violations of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1977
Makes it unlawful for any individual or entity to solicit to enroll or enroll any member of the armed forces in any labor organization, or for any member of the armed forces to join, or encourage other members to join, any labor union. Prescribes a penalty of not more than five years imprisonment for any individual violating this Act, and a fine of not less than $25,000 nor more than $50,000 for any labor organization in violation of this Act. (Adds 10 U.S.C. 975)
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1977
Excludes from eligibility for food stamps under the Food Stamp Act of 1964 any household whose principal wage earner is on strike for the duration of such strike. Excepts a household from this exclusion if it was participating in the food stamp program immediately prior to the start of such strike, or if any of its members is subject to an employer's lockout.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1977
Congressional Salary Act -- Amends the Federal Salary Act of 1967 to make any recommendations of the President relating to the salaries of Members of Congress, Delegates to the House of Representatives, and the Resident Commissioner from Puerto Rico purely advisory. Amends the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 to require that the annual rate of pay for Members of Congress, Delegates to the House of Representatives, the Resident Commissioner from Puerto Rico, and the Senate and House leadership be the rate payable for such positions on the date of enactment of this Act unless otherwise established by law. Prohibits any law increasing such rates of pay from taking effect before the first day of the Congress following the Congress during which such law is enacted.
![Official portrait of Rep. Goldwater, Barry, Jr. [R-CA-20]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/g000268_200.jpg)