United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1977
Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to condition certain assistance to States, local governments, and agencies thereunder on the adoption of a law enforcement officers' bill of rights to include as a minimum the following: (1) allowing off-duty officers' to engage in political activities; (2) granting officers specified procedural rights in connection with investigations of their conduct on duty which may lead to a personnel action; (3) requiring officer representation on any police complaint review board established in the jurisdiction; (4) prohibiting mandatory disclosure of officers' finances; and (5) establishing a law enforcement officers' grievance commission in the jurisdiction to determine officer grievances.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1977
Housing and Community Development Act - Title I: Community Development Amendments - Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to include the alleviation of physical and economic distress through private investment and community revitalization among the objectives of such Act. Defines additional terms including "age of housing" and "extent of growth lag." Authorizes funds to be appropriated for the purpose of making grants to States and units of local governments to help finance community development programs, not to exceed: $3,500,000,000 for fiscal year 1978; $3,650,000,000 for fiscal year 1979; and $3,800,000,000 for fiscal year 1980. Limits amounts of appropriated funds which may be used to aid metropolitan cities, urban counties, and other units of local government within metropolitan areas to meet their hold-harmless needs. Authorizes funds not to exceed $400,000,000, to be appropriated for each of the fiscal years 1978, 1979, and 1980 for the purpose of assisting severely distressed cities that require supplemental grant assistance in order to alleviate excessive deterioration through neighborhood reclamation and community revitalization. Changes specified application and review requirements for such grants. Includes among activities eligible for assistance under this Act: (1) the financing of public or private acquisition for purposes or rehabilitation; and (2) activities carried out by public or private nonprofit entities which are necessary or appropriate to meeting the needs and objectives of approved community development plans. Sets forth the formulae which the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development must follow in order to determine the amount to be allocated to each metropolitan city and urban county and the distribution of remaining funds. Extends, by three years, the period during which funds will be reserved for use by the Secretary to make grants at his discretion. Increases, by one percent, the amount of funds to be reserved from the total amount appropriated for Community Development Programs. Removes the Secretary's authority to guarantee loans for acquisition of property with respect to grants to States and units of local government to help finance Community Development Programs. Authorizes the Secretary to make urban development action grants to severely distressed cities to help alleviate physical and economic deterioration through community revitalization in areas of population out-migration or stagnating or declining tax base. Reserves urban development action grants only to those cities that have demonstrated results in providing housing for persons of low- and moderate-income and in providing equal opportunity in housing and employment for low- and moderate-income persons and members of minority groups. Lists information to be included in applications for such grants, including a description of a concentrated Urban Development Action Program. Directs the Secretary to establish criteria to be followed in selecting cities to be recipients of such grants. Requires annual reviews and audits of grant recipients. Amends the Housing Act of 1964 to extend the rehabilitation loan program through fiscal year 1979. Authorizes $60,000,000 to be appropriated for fiscal year 1978. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1978 for comprehensive planning under the Housing Act of 1954, of which funds 20 percent shall be made available for planning grants. Title II: Housing Authorizations - Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to increase the limit on funds that are authorized to be appropriated for contracts for annual contributions to low-income housing projects in 1977. Sets forth the limitation on funds authorized to be appropriated for the purpose of providing annual contributions for the operation of such projects. Prohibits the Secretary from entering into contracts for specified dwelling units after the enactment of this Act. Makes provisions for the assumption of maintenance responsibilities of existing units. Amends the National Housing Act to increase the maximum mortgage amounts under the Federal Housing Administration's multifamily mortgage insurance programs including the homeownership program. Changes the eligibility requirements for mortgage insurance under the National Housing Act by decreasing downpayment requirements. Permits the Secretary to increase mortgage insurance premiums for cooperative housing projects. Extends additional assistance payments for low-income rental projects which achieve 50 percent occupancy. Permits the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to insure, on a permanent basis, mortgages and loans with provisions of varying rates of amortization. States that the principal obligation of such mortgages insured may not exceed 97 percent of the appraised value of the property covered by the mortgage. Exempts such insured mortgages from State laws limiting the amount of interest which may be charged. Amends the National Housing Act to increase the allowable maximum mortgage amount and the term of maturity for mortgage credit assistance. Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to increase the amount authorized to be appropriated to reimburse the housing loan funds for properties transferred under the urban homesteading program. Amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 to authorize funds, not to exceed $108,000,000 for fiscal year 1978 and such sums as are necessary for each fiscal year thereafter, for flood insurance studies. Amends the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1970 to authorize funds not to exceed $65,000,000 for fiscal year 1978 for specified research and demonstration projects. Increases the limits on amounts of conventional mortgages which may be purchased by the Federal National Mortgage Association and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation pursuant to the National Housing Act. Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to prohibit the Secretary from applying new administrative policies in derogation of the rights (including the right of renewal) of an owner under specified leases. Amends the Housing Act of 1959 to direct the Secretary to issue and implement regulations for the efficient coordination of application processing for specified loans for housing for elderly and handicapped families. Amends the National Housing Act to authorize the Secretary to insure mortgages in any community where the Secretary determines among, other things that: (1) temporary adverse economic conditions exist throughout the community as a direct and primary result of outstanding claims to ownership of land in the community by an American Indian tribe, band, or Nation; (2) as a direct result of the community's temporarily impaired economic condition, owner occupants of homes in the community have been involuntarily unemployed or underemployed and have thus incurred substantial reductions in income which significantly impair their ability to continue timely payment of their mortgages; and (3) as a result, widespread mortgage foreclosures and distress sales of homes are likely in the community. Title III: Program Extensions - Amends the National Housing Act to extend specified Federal Housing Administration insurance programs including the following: (1) housing renovation and modernization; (2) general insurance authorization; (3) housing for moderate income and displaced families; (4) membership in cooperative associations for lower income families; (5) rental housing for low-income families; (6) coinsurance of mortgages; (7) experimental housing; (8) armed services housing; (9) group practice facilities and medical practice facilities; and (10) new communities. Extends the authority of the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to grant flexible interest rates for specified mortgage insurance programs. Amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 to extend the national flood insurance program until September 30, 1978. Extends, by one year, the Emergency Home Purchase Assistance Act and the new community program. Title IV: Lending Powers in Federal Savings and Loan Association - Amends the Home Owners' Loan Act of 1933 to extend the lending authority of Federal Savings and Loan Associations for the following: (1) construction loans; (2) single family dwelling loans; (3) property improvement loans; and (4) multifamily dwelling loans. Makes conforming amendments to the Federal Home Loan Bank Act. Title V: National Urban Policy - National Urban Policy and New Community Development Act- Amends the Urban Growth and New Community Development Act of 1970 to change its emphasis from urban "growth" to "development and redevelopment." Makes changes in the contents of the President's national urban policy report. Title VI: Rural Housing - Authorizes appropriations for specified rural housing programs. Amends the Housing Act of 1949 to make changes in the guaranteed housing loan program. Authorizes prepayment of taxes and insurance by Farmers Home Administration borrowers without requiring that such funds are held in escrow. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to make expenditures from the Rural Housing Insurance Fund in order to correct construction defects or to pay claims of the owner of property arising from such defects. Redefines the term "domestic farm labor" for purposes of farm housing loans and grants to include specified laborers in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Sets forth eligibility requirements for farm housing assistance for elderly or handicapped persons or families. Extends the program for rural housing loans for elderly and handicapped families to include congregate housing facilities for families who require some supervision and central services. Requires that at least 60 percent of insured rural housing loans shall benefit persons of low income. Authorizes the Farmers Home Administration to undertake rural housing research with any public or private body. Makes it mandatory for the Secretary of Agriculture to provide rural rental assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1977
Congressional Campaign Financing Act - Entitles to campaign payments congressional candidates who agree to certain reporting and recordkeeping procedures and certify that (1) they and their authorized committees will not incur campaign expenses in excess of certain limitations and (2) they have received contributions in excess of a certain sum and no person has given more than $100 toward the amount so certified. Sets the amount of payments to an eligible candidate at the amount of contributions received up to a specified maximum. Stipulates that sums given by any one contributor totalling over $100 shall be disregarded for purposes of matching grants. Restricts use of funds forwarded under this Act to defraying campaign expenses either directly or through repayment of campaign loans. Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to specify spending limits for candidates receiving payments under this Act. Waives such limits for sums in excess of the limit imposed for candidates receiving payments. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to establish a separate Congressional Election Payment Account in the Presidential Election Campaign Fund and to deposit certain sums in such account in accordance with specified guidelines. Requires repayment of excess payments and unexpended payments. Penalizes use of funds for other than campaign purposes. Authorizes the Federal Election Commission to institute repayment actions in district courts. Specifies the administrative authority of the Commission in carrying out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1977
Suspends for two years with regard to regulations involving saccharin the operation of the proviso in the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act which prohibits regulatory approval of a food additive found to cause cancer.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1977
Housing and Community Development Act - Title I: Community Development Amendments - Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to include the alleviation of physical and economic distress through private investment and community revitalization among the objectives of such Act. Defines additional terms including "age of housing" and "extent of growth lag." Authorizes funds to be appropriated for the purpose of making assistance to States and units of local governments to help finance community development programs, not to exceed $3,500,000,000 for fiscal year 1978; $3,650,000,000 for fiscal year 1979; and $3,800,000,000 for fiscal year 1980. Limits amounts of appropriated funds which may be used to aid metropolitan cities, urban counties, and other units of local government within metropolitan areas to meet their hold-harmless needs. Authorizes funds not to exceed $400,000,000 to be appropriated for each of the fiscal years 1978, 1979, and 1980 for the purpose of assisting severely distressed cities that require supplemental grant assistance in order to alleviate excessive deterioration through neighborhood reclamation and community revitalization. Includes among activities eligible for assistance under this Act: (1) the financing of public or private acquisition for purposes of rehabilitation and (2) activities carried out by public or private nonprofit entities which are necessary or appropriate to meeting the needs and objectives of approved community development plans. Sets forth the formulae which the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development must follow in order to determine the amount to be allocated to each metropolitan city and urban county and the distribution of remaining funds. Extends, by three years, the period during which funds will be reserved for use by the Secretary to make grants at his discretion. Increases, by one percent, the amount of funds to be reserved from the total amount appropriated for Community Development Programs. Removes the Secretary's authority to guarantee loans for acquisition of property with respect to grants to States and units of local government to help finance Community Development Programs. Authorizes the Secretary to make urban development action grants to severely distressed cities to help alleviate physical and economic deterioration through community revitalization in areas of population out-migration, or stagnating or declining tax base. Reserves urban development action grants to only those cities that have demonstrated results in providing housing for persons of low-and moderate-income and in providing equal opportunity in housing and employment for low-and moderate-income persons and members of minority groups. Lists information to be included in applications for such grants, including a description of a concentrated Urban Development Action Program. Directs the Secretary to establish criteria to be followed in selecting cities to be recipients of such grants. Amends the Housing Act of 1964 to extend the rehabilitation loan program through fiscal year 1979. Authorizes $60,000,000 to be appropriated for fiscal year 1978. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1978 for comprehensive planning under the Housing Act of 1954. Title II: Housing Authorizations - Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to increase the limit on funds that are authorized to be appropriated for contracts for annual contributions to low-income housing projects in 1977. Sets forth the limitation on funds authorized to be appropriated for the purpose of providing annual contributions for the operation of such projects. Amends the National Housing Act to increase the maximum mortgage amounts under the Federal Housing Administrations's multifamily mortgage insurance programs including the homeownership program. Changes the eligibility requirements for mortgage insurance under the National Housing Act by decreasing downpayment requirements. Permits the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to insure on a permanent basis mortgages and loans with provisions of varying rates of amortization. States that the principal obligation of such insured mortgages may not exceed 97 percent of the appraised value of the property covered by the mortgage. Exempts such insured mortgages from State laws limiting the amount of interest which may be charged. Amends the National Housing Act to increase the allowable maximum mortgage amount and the term of maturity for mortgage credit assistance. Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to increase the amount authorized to be appropriated to reimburse the housing loan funds for properties transferred under the urban homesteading program. Amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 to authorize funds, not to exceed $108,000,000 for fiscal year 1978 and such sums as are necessary for each fiscal year thereafter, for flood insurance studies. Amends the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1970 to authorize funds not to exceed $60,000,000 for fiscal year 1978 for specified research and demonstration projects. Increases the limits on amounts of conventional mortgages which may be purchased by the Federal National Mortgage Association and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation pursuant to the National Housing Act. Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to prohibit the Secretary from applying new administrative policies in derogation of the rights (including the right of renewal) of an owner under specified leases. Title III: Program Extensions - Amends the National Housing Act to extend specified Federal Housing Administration insurance programs including the following: (1) housing renovation and modernization; (2) general insurance authorization; (3) housing for moderate income and displaced families; (4) membership in cooperative associations for lower income families; (5) rental housing for low-income families; (6) coinsurance of mortgages; (7) experimental housing; (8) armed services housing; (9) group practice facilities and medical practice facilities; and (10) new communities. Extends the authority of the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to grant flexible interest rates for specified mortgage insurance programs. Amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 to extend the national flood insurance program until September 30, 1978. Extends, by one year, the Emergency Home Purchase Assistance Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1977
Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to pay a specified sum to a certain individual in full settlement of such individual's claims against the United States.
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 · 28 March 1977
Accelerated Depreciation Allowance Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow taxpayers to elect accelerated amortization (twice the allowable depreciation deduction) for manufacturing property placed in service in States having an unemployment rate which is greater than six percent between October 1, 1976 and October 1, 1981.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1977
Declares it the sense of Congress that the President should urge the Soviet Union to allow Dr. Sergei Kovalev to accept the invitation of Cornell University.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1977
Requests the President of the United States to convene a White House Conference on Small Business with the help of the Senate Small Business Committee to develop recommendations, including suggestions for joint legislative and executive action, for revitalizing and maintaining the economic viability of the small business infrastructure.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1977
Declares it the sense of the Congress that the President should establish a special task force to develop reliable information to determine whether the price of natural gas in interstate commerce should be deregulated. Stipulates that the task force shall consist of representatives of the Department of the Interior, the Federal Energy Administration, the Federal Power Commission, the Energy Research and Development Administration, and industrial and residential users. Directs the task force to report the findings of its study within three months after the date of adoption of this resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1977
Family Farm Preservation Act - Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to prohibit any insured bank from investing any of the funds of a common trust fund or other fund for the collective investment of assets held by the bank as fiduciary, agent, or in any similar capacity, in real estate used principally for agricultural purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1977
Amends rules XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives to require that each committee report accompanying a public bill or joint resolution contain an evaluation of the paperwork which would be incurred in carrying out such bill or resolution including estimates of time and cost required of affected parties, a showing of whether the effect of the bill could be substantial, and an estimate of recordkeeping requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1977
Comprehensive Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act - Title I: Educational Assistance Program Amendments - Redefines the qualifying service period of an "eligible veteran" to be the period from August 4, 1964 to January 1, 1977; and redesignates as an "eligible peacetime post-Korean veteran" anyone whose qualifying service period fell between January 31, 1955, and August 5, 1964; and entitles both "eligible veterans" and "eligible peacetime post-Korean veterans" to all benefits, services and loans available under the educational assistance program. Extends from 36 to 45 months the period of eligibility for receiving educational assistance (this provision currently exist, 38 U.S.C. 1661 (a)). Sets conditions for extending the ten-year delimiting period for receipt of assistance up to a maximum of two additional years. Provides that counseling offered by the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to veterans eligible for educational assistance may include assisting any veteran: (1) to select the occupation or training objective suitable to personal circumstances, characteristics, financial resources, dependent responsibilities and other relevant factors; (2) to select the occupation or training objective which will provide reasonable opportunities for employment and with job satisfaction after development of the required job skills; (3) to select the educational institution that will effectively assist in attaining educational or vocational objectives; and (4) to develop a program of education that will lead to a recognized and predetermined educational, vocational, technical, or professional objective within the veteran's period of entitlement. Directs the Administrator to take such measures as may be necessary, including denial of applications or disapproval of courses, to insure that no aspect of the educational assistance program is used for the purpose of income supplementation, unemployment compensation, or adjusted compensation. Allows continued payments to veterans enrolled in institutions not complying with provisions of the Act if such veterans are not at fault for the noncompliance. Provides an accelerated educational assistance allowance, not to exceed twice the ordinary monthly amount, to be granted, after appropriate counseling, to an eligible veteran or person who demonstrates need for the acceleration. Stipulates the categories of persons most likely to need a program of acceleration. Limits any program of accelerated assistance allowances to five years. Title II: War Orphans' and Widows' Educational Assistance Program Amendments - Allows the ten-year period of eligibility for educational assistance for the spouse of a veteran with a service-connected disability to run from the wedding date of the spouse and such veteran. Entitles eligible war orphans and widows to accelerated educational assistance allowances. Title III: Administration of Educational Benefits - Extends the coverage of existing administrative provisions of the educational assistance program to all branches and extensions of an educational institution. Directs the Administrator to establish between the Administration, the State approving agencies and nationally recognized accrediting agencies and associations, an exchange of information pertaining to activities of educational institutions, especially to the enforcement of approval standard and enrollment restrictions and fraudulent and other criminal activities on the part of persons connected with the institution; and directs the Administrator to furnish the U.S. Attorney General, the Department of Defense, the Department of Health, Education and Welfare, the Federal Trade Commission, the Federal Communications Commission and other Federal, State and local agencies such information and assistance as may be necessary to preclude abuses or enhance the effectiveness of the programs established hereunder. Requires educational institutions to transmit to State approving agencies catalogs or bulletins certified as true, current and correct both in content and policy by an authorized school official. Requires the State approving agencies to find as a condition of approval, adequate standards of progress established and clearly defined, and to find that an institution and its programs of education are in every aspect, portion, element, and division in full compliance with the law. Revises the criteria for approval of nonaccredited courses. Requires all advertising, promotion, sales techniques, claims and personnel employed by or representing the institution and branches or extensions offering nonaccredited courses to be in compliance with all applicable State and Federal licensing regulations and laws. Permits the Administrator to disapprove any institution of program of education approved as accredited if it fails to comply with any of specified provisions of law. Makes any advance payment of initial educational assistance or subsistence allowance conditional, and denies such advance payments to those entitled to receive accelerated payments. Requires the application for conditional advance payments to indicate that the eligible veteran or person had requested such, that it is necessary and appropriated to meet specific expenses, and that such expenses shall reasonably equal or exceed the amount of conditional advance payment. Requires the Administrator to set up an appeals procedure for administrative proceedings involving property loss resulting from a decision to terminate or modify an eligible veteran's or person's educational benefits. Increases from $3 and $4 to $8 and $10 respectively the fees paid to educational institutions in reimbursement for reports and certifications. Directs the Administrator to refer to the U.S. Attorney General any deliberate, premeditated, or willful misconduct or illegal action of a significant nature or involving a significant sum of money stemming from overpayments occasioned by a false or misleading report by an educational institution. Sets new conditions for the enrollment of an eligible veteran or person in a program of correspondence or residence-correspondence. Denies approval of enrollment in an institution in any way affiliated with a proprietary institution or profitmaking operation which affects any program of education provided eligible veterans and persons unless such program meets all the requirements of the law. Requires the Administrator to notify any eligible veteran or eligible person of any available vocational assistance alternatives and of any legal recourse when it disapproves an institution or discontinues anyone's educational assistance. Requires the Administrator, upon determination that the interruption of failure of a person's program was due in whole or in part to problems of personal adjustment, to advise such person of available counseling services and vocational, educational and psychological assistance. Establishes with the Veterans Administration an Interagency Veterans' Advisory Task Force to advise and assist the Administrator, among other things, in: (1) the review of the effectiveness and coordination of all rights and services authorized for veterans; (2) the development and implementation of studies of the effectiveness of laws applicable to veterans and eligible persons; (3) the monitoring and evaluation and preclusion of abuses of veterans' adjustment assistance programs; (4) the investigation of allegations indicating that veterans are being denied rights, benefit,or assistance; and (5) the appraisal of Federal laws, appropriations, and policies meeting the readjustment needs of veterans. Directs the Task Force to serve as a national clearinghouse for information and assistance relating to the needs of veterans, and to serve as an advocate for the correction of problems and the preclusion of abuses. Establishes within the Task Force a section on enforcement and implementation of laws, a section on the evaluation and accreditation of military experience, and an Advisory Committee to take over the duties and responsibilities of the current advisory committee, with special emphasis on the inclusion and participation of veterans receiving or requiring readjustment assistance. Empowers the Task Force and its sections to issue subpenas. Requires the Task Force to report to Congress within one year of enactment its findings and recommendations for post-Vietnam era readjustment assistance programs. Sets maximum aggregate education loan amounts for eligible persons with no, one, two, or more dependents. Title IV: Miscellaneous Veterans Program Amendments - Requires the Veterans' Administration to adjust its adjudication criteria and under no circumstances to determine eligibility for veterans' benefits for ex-servicemen with other than honorable discharges with either less lenient or more restrictive criteria and procedures that those used by the various military departments in the review and upgrading of other than honorable discharges. Title V: Employment and Training of Disabled and Vietnam-era Veterans - Creates within the Department of Labor a separate agency to be known as the Veterans' Employment Service which shall be headed by an Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans' Employment. Title VI: Veterans' Administration: Miscellaneous Amendments - Directs the Administrator to initiate a comprehensive outreach and information program to inform veterans of the programs and services made available by this Act. Directs the veterans' representatives to carry out such outreach and information assistance services. Requires both the Administrator and the veterans' representatives especially to assist veterans whose educational benefits have ended because of the expiration of their delimiting period to obtain alternative means of completing their education and training.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1977
Extends to former employees of county soil Conservation committees who are employed by any Federal agency, specified civil service compensation, leave, and seniority benefits afforded to former employees of such county committees who are employed by the Department of Agriculture. u9
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1977
Amends Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to provide a claimant who has been denied benefits thereunder with the opportunity to obtain informal reconsideration of his claim. Requires the maintenance of a written summary of reconsideration proceedings. Grants a claimant the right to a hearing on the denied claim if the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare affirms the denial upon review. Requires the hearing to be conducted pursuant to the requirements for an 'adjudication" under the Administrative Procedure Act under an administrative law judge (ALJ). Directs the Secretary to appoint ALJ's to conduct such hearings. Sets forth criteria under which the ALJ in charge of a hearing must remand a disputed claim to the appropriate regional commissioner of the Social Security Administration.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1977
Amends the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 to abolish automatic cost-of-living pay adjustments for Members of Congress. Amends the Federal Salary Act of 1967 to make the recommendations of the President with respect to salaries of Members of Congress effective only upon a resolution by the Congress approving such recommendations.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1977
Declares it the sense of the Congress that the President should establish a special task force to develop reliable information to determine whether the price of natural gas in interstate commerce should be deregulated. Stipulates that the task force shall consist of representatives of the Department of the Interior, the Federal Energy Administration, the Federal Power Commission, the Energy Research and Development Administration, and industrial and residential users. Directs the task force to report the findings of its study within three months after the date of adoption of this resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1977
Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 by establishing the support price of milk at not less than 90 percent of the parity price, and by providing for quarterly adjustments.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1977
Declares it the sense of Congress that all portions of the officially designated National System of Interstate and Defense Highways shall be free from tolls. Entitles each State having any portion of a free or toll highway bridge or tunnel which is part of the Interstate System to receive additional funds from the Highway Trust Fund for the removal of such toll facilities and the completion of the Interstate System within such State. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to deliver to Congress an estimate of the September 30, 1978, depreciated value of toll and free facilities incorporated in the Interstate System. Specifies criteria for determining such depreciation value. Allows a reimbursement of 90 percent of such depreciated value which remove tolls or presently operate free highway facilities Decreases Federal-aid highway apportionments for States not electing to eliminate tolls from facilities within the Interstate System. (Adds 23 USC 156)
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1977
Declares it the sense of the Congress that the President should establish a special task force to develop reliable information to determine whether the price of natural gas in interstate commerce should be deregulated. Stipulates that the task force shall consist of representatives of the Department of the Interior, the Federal Energy Administration, the Federal Power Commission, the Energy Research and Development Administration, and industrial and residential users. Directs the task force to report the findings of its study within three months after the date of adoption of this resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1977
Amends the Housing and Community Development Act to provide that units of general local government receiving grants, under the hold-harmless provisions of such Act, shall be entitled, after fiscal year 1977, to continue to receive the amount to which they are presently entitled.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1977
Constitutional Amendment - Extends the term of office of the President and Vice President to six years and prohibits any person from being elected to such offices more than once. Establishes three year terms of office for Members of the House of Representatives. Permits any person previously holding the office of President or Vice President for less than six years to hold such office under this amendment.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1977
Declares it the sense of the Congress that the President should establish a special task force to develop reliable information to determine whether the price of natural gas in interstate commerce should be deregulated. Stipulates that the task force shall consist of representatives of the Department of the Interior, the Federal Energy Administration, the Federal Power Commission, the Energy Research and Development Administration, and industrial and residential users. Directs the task force to report the findings of its study within three months after the date of adoption of this resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1977
Title I: Extends, for one year, the effectiveness of provisions authorizing, among other things, more flexible regulation of maximum interest rates and open market operations in agency issues by Federal Reserve Banks. Title II: Exempts depository institutions situated in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania from the prohibition against offering interest or dividend-paying accounts, from which the owner may make withdrawals by negotiable or transferable instruments for the purpose of making transfers to third parties. Title III: Amends the Federal Reserve Act to extend for two years: (1) the limitation on the aggregate amount of specified obligations of the United States which may be purchased or sold; and (2) the period during which direct purchases of United States obligations may be made. Title IV: Amends the Federal Credit Union Act to remove specified requirements which must be met by State credit unions as a condition for insurance of members' accounts. Empowers a Federal credit union to make loans and extend credit to members, other credit unions or financial organizations. Permits credit unions to make loans to members in accordance with the following: (1) loans shall be made in conformity with criteria established by the board of directors and with standards enumerated in this Act; (2) lines of credit shall be established to a stated maximum amount on specified terms and conditions which may be different than those for another borrower; (3) loans to other credit unions shall be approved by the board of directors, and are not to exceed one percent of the paid-in and unimpaired capital and surplus of the credit union; and (4) participation loans shall be in accordance with written policies of the board of directors. Prohibits a Federal Credit Union from making loans to its directors and to members of its supervisory credit committee. Makes changes with respect to the powers of Federal credit unions including the power to: (1) invest funds, with some limitations, in the shares, stocks, or obligations of any other organization or corporation which advances the development of credit unions; and (2) sell all or part of its assets to another credit union, to purchase all or part of the assets of another credit union and to assume the liabilities of the selling credit union. Revises the powers and duties of the credit committee of a Federal credit union. Makes changes with respect to loan limits; security for loans; the amount of funds to be set aside by the credit union to protect itself from losses; and the issuance of dividends by the board of directors.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1977
Uniform Consumer Dairy Sanitation Act - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to promulgate standards of quality for foreign dairy products which are to be marketed in the United States. Prohibits the entry of foreign dairy products into the United States unless such product has been inspected and found to be wholesome and pure. Directs the Secretary to provide for the inspection of all lots of foreign dairy products at points of entry. Directs the Department to quarantine products which do not meet the standards of quality promulgated under this Act and to destroy such products if they are not claimed by the exporter within 30 days. States that such quarantine and disposal costs shall be borne by the exporter. Requires that foreign milk processing plants which export dairy products into the United States meet the same general grading and inspection standards required of domestic producers. Directs the Secretary to promulgate standards of quality for the production, preservation, storage, transportation, and handling of milk used in manufacturing a foreign dairy product to be exported to the United States. Requires such standards to reflect the minimum level of quality required by the individual States in regulation of the handling of milk used in manufacturing dairy products. Specifies health and sanitation standards which foreign producers and handlers of milk must meet. Directs the Secretary to establish a licensing and overseas inspection program to carry out the provisions of this Act. States that an onsite inspection of a foreign dairy farm shall be made only if a serious violation of sanitation standards is suspected and only with the permission of the dairy farmer, the milk processing plant, and the foreign government. Denies a license to export dairy products into the United States if such permission to inspect is refused. Authorizes appropriations in such amounts as are necessary to carry out the administration and supervision requirements of this Act during the first fiscal year in which any provision of this Act is operative. Authorizes the Secretary to prescribe assessments, collect fees, and solicit contributions to cover the cost of inspection services under this Act. States that the remaining costs of administering the requirements of this Act shall be borne by the United States. Establishes criminal penalties for violations of the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1977
Declares it the sense of the Congress that the President should establish a special task force to develop reliable information to determine whether the price of natural gas in interstate commerce should be deregulated. Stipulates that the task force shall consist of representatives of the Department of the Interior, the Federal Energy Administration, the Federal Power Commission, the Energy Research and Development Administration, and industrial and residential users. Directs the task force to report the findings of its study within three months after the date of adoption of this resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1977
Provides that recipients of veterans' pension and compensation will not have the amount of such pension or compensation reduced, or entitlement thereto discontinued, because of increases in monthly social security benefits. Applies these amendments to annual income determinations made for calendar years after 1972. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 415(g), adds 38 U.S.C. 503(d))
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1977
Constitutional Amendment - Provides that the people of the several States, and the District of Columbia, shall elect the President and Vice President. Requires each voter to cast a single vote for two persons who shall have consented to the joining of their names as candidates for the offices of President and Vice President. Requires the voters for President and Vice President in each State to have the qualifications requisite for voters for the most numerous branch of the State legislature, except that for voters for President and Vice President, the legislature of any State may prescribe less restrictive residence qualifications and for voters for President and Vice President the Congress may establish uniform residence qualifications. Provides that the pair of persons having the greatest number of votes for President and Vice President shall be elected, if such number be at least 40 percent of the whole number of votes cast for such offices. Provides that if the choice of President and Vice President shall be made from the two pairs of persons who received the highest numbers of votes. Requires the days for such elections to be determined by Congress and to be uniform throughout the United States. Requires Congress to prescribe by law the time, place, and manner in which the results of such elections shall be ascertained and declared. Allows Congress to provide for the case of the death, inability, or withdrawal of any candidate for President or Vice President before a President and Vice President have been elected, and for the case of the death of both the President-elect and Vice President-elect.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1977
Declares the support of the House of Representatives for the President's intentions (1) to proceed with a comprehensive nuclear test ban treaty, (2) to seek ratification of the SALT II agreement, and (3) to seek an agreement with the Soviet Union for major reductions in atomic weapons.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1977
Federal Employees' Political Activities Act - Revises provisions prohibiting Federal employees, Postal Service employees, and District of Columbia employees from engaging in political activities. Continues proscriptions against employees using their official authority or influence to interfere with the result of any election or to coerce the political action of any person. Modifies provisions relating to the solicitation and offering of political contributions by Federal employees. Prohibits employees from: (1) giving or offering to give a political contribution to any individual either to vote or refrain from voting; (2) soliciting or receiving a political contribution to vote or refrain from voting; (3) knowingly giving a political contribution to a superior; (4) knowingly soliciting or receiving a political contribution from another employee with respect to whom such employee is a superior; (5) knowingly soliciting or receiving a political contribution in specified facilities; or (6) knowingly soliciting or receiving a political contribution from or giving a political contribution to an employee, Member of Congress or officer of a uniformed service. Places additional restrictions on specified employees of the Internal Revenue Service, the Department of Justice and the Central Intelligence Agency. Prohibits employees, with specified exceptions, from engaging in political activities while on duty, while wearing a uniform or official insignia identifying their position, or in designated areas. Establishes the Board on Political Activities of Federal Employees to decide cases regarding violations of this Act. Directs the Civil Service Commission to investigate reports and allegations of prohibited activity. Requires the Commission to give notice to the Board and the employees involved of apparent violations, except when the conduct of specified officials is involved, in which case the Commission is directed to refer the matter to the Attorney General and to report to Congress and the President. Directs the Board to render a final decision on the apparent violation on the basis of the record after a hearing conducted by a hearing examiner, which record shall include the recommended decision of the hearing examiner and any exception to such decision filed by the employee. Permits an employee upon whom a penalty is imposed by an order of the Board to seek judicial review. Specifies penalties for violation of the prohibitions contained in this Act. Directs the Commission to establish a continuing program to inform all employees of their rights of political participation and to educate employees with respect to those activities which are prohibited. Creates a specific criminal offense for extortion of political contributions from Federal personnel.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1977
Declares it the sense of Congress that all portions of the officially designated National System of Interstate and Defense Highways shall be free from tolls. Entitles each State having any portion of a free or toll highway bridge or tunnel which is part of the Interstate System to receive additional funds from the Highway Trust Fund for the removal of such toll facilities and the completion of the Interstate System within such State. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to deliver to Congress an estimate of the September 30, 1978, depreciated value of toll and free facilities incorporated in the Interstate System. Specifies criteria for determining such depreciation value. Allows a reimbursement of 90 percent of such depreciated value which remove tolls or presently operate free highway facilities Decreases Federal-aid highway apportionments for States not electing to eliminate tolls from facilities within the Interstate System. (Adds 23 USC 156)
United States · United States Congress · 20 January 1977
Permits officers and employees of the Federal Government to elect coverage under title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act. Establishes periods during which such officers and employees may certify their intention to be covered by the Social Security Act. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to promulgate regulations requiring the heads of the various Federal agencies to know which of their employees qualify for elective coverage under this Act, or, in the alternative, to provide for the collection of the tax from a Federal employee electing such coverage, where it is not feasible for the head of the Federal agency or instrumentality involved to do so.
United States · United States Congress · 20 January 1977
Subjects all activities of the United States Postal Service which involve the management and disposal of surplus and excess Government property, held by the Postal Service at the time of its establishment, to the appropriate provisions of the Federal Property and Administrative Service Act of 1949.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1977
Amends Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to increase to $8,000 the amount of outside earnings which is permitted an individual each year without any deduction from benefits under such title.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1977
Constitutional Amendment - Extends the term of office of the President and Vice President to six years and prohibits any person from being elected to such offices more than once. Establishes three year terms of office for Members of the House of Representatives. Permits any person previously holding the office of President or Vice President for less than six years to hold such office under this amendment.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1977
Authorizes Representative Parren J. Mitchell to appear as a witness before the Superior Court of Baltimore City, State of Maryland, in response to the summons served to him.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1977
Declares that the House of Representatives does not favor energy action numbered 9, which would exempt motor gasoline from mandatory petroleum price controls.
United States · United States Congress · 17 January 1977
Makes National Guard civilian technicians members of the competitive service. Gives such individuals certain rights relating to order of retention and procedures for removal or suspension from employment.
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
Establishes an 11-member Commission on the Humane Treatment of Animals to study the treatment of animals. Requires that the membership include zoologists, veterinarians, and representatives from humane societies. Requires the Commission to determine if animals are caused needless pain or suffering as a result of their treatment on farms and in laboratory experimentation. Requires Commission investigation into domestic pet growth rates and the effectiveness of existing laws regarding the treatment of animals. Excludes the study of the treatment of animals occurring in connection with the exercise of any religion. Directs the Commission to report its findings to the Congress and the Commission 60 days after it submits its final report. Authorizes appropriations of $750,000 per year to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Amends the Local Public Works Capital Development and Investment Act of 1976 to increase the amount authorized to be appropriated under such Act to $6,000,000,000.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 1976
Subjects all activities of the United States Postal Service which involve the management and/or disposal of surplus and excess Government property, held by the Postal Service at the time of its establishment, to the appropriate provisions of the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949.
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 · 21 September 1976
Exempts depository institutions situated in New York and New Jersey from the prohibition against offering interest on dividend-paying accounts, from which the owner may make withdrawals by negotiable or transferable instruments for the purpose of making transfers to third parties.
United States · United States Congress · 26 August 1976
Authorizes the President to issue a proclamation designating the week beginning October 3, 1976, and ending October 9, 1976, as "National Volunteer Firemen Week."
![Official portrait of Rep. Hanley, James M. [D-NY-32]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/h000158_200.jpg)