United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1977
Amends the program of Aid to Families with Dependent Children of Title IV and Title XVI (Supplemental Security Income for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled) of the Social Security Act to assure that recipient of aid and benefits under such Titles do not have the amount of such and or benefits reduced because of increases in the amount of benefits under Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1977
Amends Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to assure the individuals otherwise eligible for benefits under such Title do not lose such eligibility, or have the amount of such benefits reduced, because of increases in the amount of benefits under Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1977
Administrative Rule Making Reform Act - Requires a Federal agency preparing to hold a rule making session to make a reasonable effort to inform those likely to be affected by the proposed rule making. Requires that if the affected group is large, representatives of such group must be notified. Requires, in addition to present requirements, that the notice of rule making include the projected effective date of the rules, the purpose of the rule making, the text of the proposed rules, and the technical or other studies on which the agency intends to rely in the rule making proceedings. Applies the requirements of this Act to all rule making sessions except (1) those specifically authorized to be kept secret in the interest of national security, (2) those relating to agency management, and (3) those promulgating rules which are not enforceable by imprisonment, fine, civil penalty, or denial of future Federal benefits. 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. Sets forth procedures for adoption of resolutions to approve, disapprove, or compel reconsideration for both Houses. Requires the Administrative Conference of the United States to study congressional review of agency rule making under this Act and report the effect of such review on such rule making before July 1, 1982. Authorizes to be appropriated $200,000 to finance such study. Makes this Act effective on the first day of the first session of the 95th Congress. Terminates the congressional review required by this Act at the adjournment of the 97th Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1977
Administrative Rule Making Reform Act - Requires a Federal agency preparing to hold a rule making session to make a reasonable effort to inform those likely to be affected by the proposed rule making. Requires that if the affected group is large, representatives of such group must be notified. Requires, in addition to present requirements, that the notice of rule making include the projected effective date of the rules, the purpose of the rule making, the text of the proposed rules, and the technical or other studies on which the agency intends to rely in the rule making proceedings. Applies the requirements of this Act to all rule making sessions except (1) those specifically authorized to be kept secret in the interest of national security, and (2) those relating to agency management. Requires public notice and public opportunity for comment of all rule making proceedings under this Act unless the agency finds that the rules to be proposed are emergency rules or are of routine or insignificant impact in which case the rule must be published with reasons for its adoption. Requires Federal agencies to give interested persons at least 45 days to participate in the rule making. Requires the agency to maintain a file of each proceeding to be made available to the courts, Congress, and to the public in connection with review of the rule. Limits the period for public comment to a maximum of 90 days. Requires a copy of all proposed rules to be sent to Congress. States that such rule, other than an emergency rule, shall not become effective if it is disapproved within 90 days by both Houses of Congress, or it is disapproved within 60 days by one House and no action is taken on the disapproval resolution by the other House. 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 · 2 August 1977
Administrative Rule Making Reform Act - Requires a Federal agency preparing to hold a rule making session to make a reasonable effort to inform those likely to be affected by the proposed rule making. Requires that if the affected group is large, representatives of such group must be notified. Requires, in addition to present requirements, that the notice of rule making include the projected effective date of the rules, the purpose of the rule making, the text of the proposed rules, and the technical or other studies on which the agency intends to rely in the rule making proceedings. Applies the requirements of this Act to all rule making sessions except (1) those specifically authorized to be kept secret in the interest of national security, and (2) those relating to agency management. Requires public notice and public opportunity for comment of all rule making proceedings under this Act unless the agency finds that the rules to be proposed are emergency rules or are of routine or insignificant impact in which case the rule must be published with reasons for its adoption. Requires Federal agencies to give interested persons at least 45 days to participate in the rule making. Requires the agency to maintain a file of each proceeding to be made available to the courts, Congress, and to the public in connection with review of the rule. Limits the period for public comment to a maximum of 90 days. Requires a copy of all proposed rules to be sent to Congress. States that such rule, other than an emergency rule, shall not become effective if it is disapproved within 90 days by both Houses of Congress, or it is disapproved within 60 days by one House and no action is taken on the disapproval resolution by the other House. Sets forth procedures for adoption of resolutions to approve or disapprove any such rule for both Houses. Requires the Administrative Conference of the United States to study Congressional review of agency rule making under this Act and report the effect of such review on such rule making before July 1, 1982. Authorizes to be appropriated $200,000 to finance such study. Makes this Act effective on the first day of the first session of the Ninety-fifth Congress. Terminates the Congressional review required by this Act at the adjournment of the Ninety-seventh Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1977
Overturns the Internal Revenue Service's Revenue Ruling 76-453 which holds that: (1) transportation expenses between an individual's residence and temporary place of work are not deductible; and (2) reimbursement for such expenses by employers is includible in gross income.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 1977
Title I: Customs Procedural Reform - Customs Procedural Reform Act - Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 with respect to: (1) the rate of duty on articles upon which the duty may be paid later than the time of entry; (2) times and places for filing the entry of merchandise; (3) procedures for the release of merchandise from customs custody; (4) recordkeeping requirements regarding imported merchandise; (5) authority of the Secretary of the Treasury to examine records and witnesses regarding the entry of imports; and (6) court jurisdiction regarding the summons of such records and witnesses. Repeals penalties for refusal to allow the inspection of import records. Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 with respect to withdrawal from a warehouse of merchandise for consumption without payment of duty, and penalties, enforcement, and judicial procedures for fraud, gross negligent, and negligent entry of merchandise. Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to prohibit the assessment of penalties against goods more than five years after the occurrence constituting the violation. Title II: Customs Simplification - Customs Simplification Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code and the Tariff Schedules of the United States with respect to alcoholic beverages, tobacco imports, and articles for personal use. Requires certain rulings of the Secretary of the Treasury pursuant to rates of duty to be published in the Federal Register. Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 with respect to administrative customs exemptions, entry of equipment, and repair parts of vessels made in a foreign country, and consignees as owners of imported merchandise. Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 with respect to: (1) unclaimed merchandise; (2) the disposition of forfeited spirits, wines and beer; (3) the authority of the Secretary of the Treasury to prescribe declaration and entry regulations; (4) the authority of the Secretary to refund duty paid due to error; (5) exemption of articles imported for personal use from trademark regulations; (6) forfeiture of articles imported contrary to law; (7) exemption of owners of pleasure boats from prohibitions against Federal employee ownership of vessels used for importation; (8) the authority of the Secretary of the Treasury and the Commissioner of Customs to regulate importation by civil air transportation; and (9) limitations on liquidation. Amends the Merchant Marine Act of 1920 to authorize a monetary payment in lieu of forfeiture of merchandise transported in violation of vessel documentation requirements. Repeals specified importation fees regarding customs documents, vessels and manifests, fees on frontiers, and requirements that tables of such fees be posted. Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to authorize Customs Service officers to carry firearms, serve search and arrest warrants, summonses, and subpoenas, and make certain warrantless arrests under such Act. Title III: General Provisions - Declares portions of these Acts to be severable.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1977
Title I: Customs Procedural Reform - Customs Procedural Reform Act - Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 with respect to (1) the rate of duty on articles upon which the duty may be paid later than the time of entry, (2) times and places for filing the entry of merchandise, (3) procedures for the release of merchandise from customs custody, (4) recordkeeping requirements regarding imported merchandise, (5) the authority of the Secretary of the Treasury to examine records and witnesses regarding the entry of imports, and (6) court jurisdiction regarding the summons of such records and witnesses. Repeals the authority of the Secretary to prohibit importation for failure to permit inspection of import records. Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 with respect to (1) publication of a protest against the decision of a customs officer, (2) withdrawal from a warehouse of merchandise for consumption without payment of duty, (3) falsity or lack of manifests on a vessel or vehicle of importation and the presence of narcotics on such vessel or vehicle, and (4) penalties, enforcement, and judicial procedures for fraud, gross negligent, and negligent entry of merchandise. Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 with respect to (1) the value limitations on seizure and condemnation of prohibited merchandise, (2) publication requirements on Customs Service rulings, and (3) customhouse brokers licensing. Title II: Customs Simplification - Customs Simplification Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code and the Tariff Schedules of the United States with respect to alcoholic beverages, tobacco imports, and articles for personal use. Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 with respect to administrative customs exemptions, entry of equipment, and repair parts of vessels made in a foreign country, and consignees as owners of imported merchandise. Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 with respect to (1) unclaimed merchandise, (2) the disposition of forfeited spirits, wines and beer, (3) the authority of the Secretary of the Treasury to prescribe declaration and entry regulations, (4) the authority of the Secretary to refund duty paid due to error, (5) exemption of articles imported for personal use from trademark regulations, (6) exemption of owners of pleasure boats from prohibitions against Federal employee ownership of vessels used for importation, and (7) limitations on liquidation. Amends the Merchant Marine Act of 1920 to authorize a monetary payment in lieu of forfeiture of merchandise transported in violation of vessel documentation requirements. Repeals specified importation fees regarding customs documents, vessels and manifests, fees on frontiers, and requirements that tables of such fees be posted. Title III: Custom Service Appropriations Authorization - Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary for the United States Customs Service for fiscal years 1979 and 1980. Title IV: Separability of Provisions - Declares portions of this Act to be severable.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1977
Limousine Limitation Act - Prohibits Government use of any limousine, use of any Government motor vehicle to transport any official between his place of employment and his dwelling place, and Government employment of any chauffeur. Excepts from this Act limousines for the President, Ambassadors, and specified other persons whose personal safety depends upon the use of such limousines.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 1977
Provides that the income tax treatment of certain transportation expenses between the taxpayer's residence and place of work shall be determined without regard to Revenue Ruling 76-453 or any other ruling, regulation or decision reaching the same result.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1977
Title I: Geological and Geophysical Expenditures - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a deduction for domestic geological and geophysical costs incurred while searching for oil and gas deposits. Establishes such costs as an item of tax preference. Title II: Geothermal Wells - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a deduction for intangible drilling and development costs and domestic geological and geophysical costs in the case of wells drilled for geothermal steam and associated geothermal resources. Establishes such costs as items of tax preference.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1977
Prohibits the appointment of new employees to operate automated elevators in the Capitol and its associated buildings. Directs that such positions be eliminated as they become vacant.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1977
Provides that the income tax treatment of certain transportation expenses between the taxpayer's residence and place of work shall be determined without regard to Revenue Ruling 76-453 or any other ruling, regulation or decision reaching the same result.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow to a taxpayer holding an economic interest in a geothermal energy property a tax deduction amounting to 22 percent of the gross income from such property excluding from such gross income an amount equal to any rents or royalties paid or incurred by the taxpayer in respect to such property. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to issue regulations granting the option to deduct as expenses intangible drilling and development costs in the case of wells drilled for geothermal steam and associated geothermal resources.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1977
Amends the United Nations Participation Act of 1945 to permit importation of chrome, shipped from a country other than Rhodesia under a contract entered into prior to March 18, 1977, if the seller is not of Southern Rhodesian origin.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1977
Provides that the income tax treatment of certain transportation expenses between the taxpayer's residence and place of work shall be determined without regard to Revenue Ruling 76-453 or any other ruling, regulation or decision reaching the same result.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1977
Provides that the income tax treatment of certain transportation expenses between the taxpayer's residence and place of work shall be determined without regard to Revenue Ruling 76-453 or any other ruling, regulation or decision reaching the same result.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1977
Government Economy and Spending Reform Act - Title I: Authorizations of New Budget Authority - Terminates on specified dates budget authority for all Government programs except health care services, general retirement and disability insurance, and Federal employee retirement and disability programs which are funded by trust funds. Declares out of order in either the Senate or the House of Representatives consideration of any legislation which authorizes new budget authority not in compliance with this Act. Requires the Committees on Appropriations and the Committees on the Budget of both Houses of Congress to identify each program's functional and subfunctional category (as so characterized in the Budget of the United States, Fiscal Year 1977, transmitted to Congress by the President on January 21, 1976), the committees having legislative jurisdiction over such program, and whether such program operates under permanent authorization and budget authority. Makes the budget termination provisions of this Act effective on the first day of the Ninety-fifth Congress. Title II: Early Elimination of Inactive and Duplicate Programs - Requires the Comptroller General of the United States to identify for Congress any programs which have duplicate objectives or for which no outlays have been made for the last two fiscal years. Directs the standing committees of both Houses to consider such programs and report recommendations for eliminating inactive and duplicate programs before March 15, 1978, to the extent possible. Title III: Quadrennial Program Review and Evaluation - Sets forth a timetable for reviewing the budget of a Government program. Requires review by standing committees of the Congress every four years of each program's cost, effectiveness, and the extent to which such program duplicates or is similar to any other program. States that such review shall include a comprehensive evaluation of the merits of such program to determine if it warrants continuation. Requires justification of any recommendation to fund any program which has objectives similar to or the same as another program's objectives. Directs the Comptroller General and the Congressional Budget Office to provide Congress with information and analyses of programs being reviewed under this Act. Requires the President to similarly review the merits of continuing programs contained in the annual Budget and to report the finds of such review prior to transmitting the Budget to Congress. Title IV: Continuing Review and Evaluation - Directs the Comptroller General to report to Congress the result of any audit which shows a substantial deficiency in achievement of the objectives of any Government program. Requires subsequent audits, a report of which must be submitted to Congress, to determine if such deficiency has been eliminated. Title V: Congressional Review of Agency Rulemaking - Requires that any regulation proposed by a Federal agency be submitted to Congress. Allows such regulation to become effective 60 days after it is submitted unless within such 60 day period it is disapproved by either House of Congress. Title VI: Miscellaneous - States that those provisions of this Act which direct the operation of either House are enacted as an exercise of the rulemaking power of such House and recognizes the right of either House to change such rules.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that the manufacturer's excise tax imposed on fishing equipment shall be due at the close of the quarter immediately following the quarter in which the goods are shipped.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 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 · 22 April 1977
Truth in Government Accounting Act - Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to prepare and make public annual consolidated financial statements for all expenditures of the United States utilizing the accrual method of accounting.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 1977
Postal Reorganization Act Amendments - Changes the organizational structure of the United States Postal Service by: (1) naming the Postmaster General chief executive officer and vesting in the Postmaster General the powers formerly held by the Board of Governors; (2) revising the procedures for adjustment of rates and services whereby the Postal Service is authorized to request the Congress to authorize appropriations to defray the estimated costs of the Postal Service for the fiscal year, to request a recommended decision of the Postal Rate Commission, or to propose a change in the nature of postal services; (3) requiring that all proposed capital investments by the Postal Service be reviewed by the Post Office and Civil Service Committees of the Senate and the House of Representatives; and (4) requiring the Postal Rate Commission to submit to the President annually a separate budget for its operating expenses. Prohibits reducing the frequency of mail delivery service below the frequency which was in effect on April 21, 1977.
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 1977
Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to authorize appropriations for the United States International Trade Commission for fiscal year 1978, and for each fiscal year there after. Limits the number of personal staff members of each commissioner and the Chairperson of the Commission. Revises the qualifications for such commissioners. Revises the procedures for the appointment and extends the terms of office of the Chairperson and vice-chair person. three years. Prohibits a commissioner from engaging in any outside business, vocation, or employment. Permits the Commission to function notwithstanding vacancies. Authorizes the chair to take certain administrative actions. Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to authorize the Secretary of the Treasury, the Secretary of Commerce, and the United States International Trade Commission to establish the comparability of statistics on imports with programs for international harmonization of trade statistics as well as domestic production statistics programs.
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1977
Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to authorize the Civil Aeronautics Board to grant exemptions from the requirements of such Act for all-cargo operations in interstate air transportation pending consideration of an application for initial certification under such Act if such exemption is in the public interest.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1977
Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to authorize the President to waive prohibitions against the designation of a nation (1) which is a member of OPEC, (2) which is a party to an international arrangement to raise prices to unreasonable levels, or (3) which participates in an international arrangement to withhold vital resources, as a beneficiary developing country for purposes of certain tariff preferences, if the President determines such waiver to be in the national economic interest. Prohibits such waiver if the country is participating, or has participated in such withholding.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1977
Creates a Select House Committee on Population to conduct an investigation and study of: (1) the major adverse effects of current population growth throughout the world; (2) approaches which have been shown to be effective in coping with excessive population growth; and (3) means to encourage countries with excessive population growth rates to adopt methods proven to be successful in reducing population growth rates.
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 1977
Customs Service Appropriations Authorization Act - Authorizes the appropriation to the Department of the Treasury of such sums as may be necessary for the customs service to carry out its functions in fiscal years 1980 and 1981.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1977
Declares that specified persons previously appointed as temporary hearing examiner's under the Supplemental Security Income program of the Social Security Act shall be considered appointed to career-absolute positions as hearing examiners.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 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 · 23 March 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals an a income tax deduction for amounts paid into an employee's tax-exempt retirement trust, or for an annuity contract. Limits the allowable deduction to 15 percent of the individual's gross income, or $1,500, whichever is less, minus a specified portion of the employer's contributions and, in the case of employees exempt from self-employment, FICA or Railroad Retirement Act taxation, the amount of FICA tax liability they would have paid if they were not exempt. Limits the deduction, in the case of employees covered by exempted government plans, to employees whose employers have elected to meet the Internal Revenue Code's criteria for qualified pension plans.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1977
Amends the Occupational Safety and Health Act to exclude from coverage (1) employers with ten or fewer employees; and (2) employees not employed on a regular basis for 30 or more consecutive days. Requires that a warning rather than a citation be given for a first instance violation, other than a willful or serious violation, to an employer who has not employed more than 25 employees at any time during the 30 days prior to an inspection or investigation. Prohibits the imposition of a civil penalty against an employer for a nonserious violation if (1) such employer has not previously received a citation for the same violation; and (2) the inspection upon which such citation was based resulted in the issuance of citations for ten or or fewer violations of a nonserious nature.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the exclusion from gross income for the cancellation of certain student loans to all cancellations after 1975.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the termination dates for the income tax exclusion of scholarships under the Armed Forces Health Professions Scholarship Program.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow unlimited individual income tax deductions for the medical care expenses incurred for the taxpayer, his spouse and dependents, and certain senior citizens who do not qualify as dependents.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1977
Provides that the income tax treatment of certain transportation expenses between the taxpayer's residence and place of work shall be determined without regard to Revenue Ruling 76-453 or any other ruling, regulation or decision reaching the same result.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1977
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require that the charge to a provider of services under such title for the costs of utilization review shall be calculated without apportioning such costs among the non-Medicare patients of such provider.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1977
Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require appropriate tests before a food additive may be banned as inducing cancer in man or animal, and to permit the marketing of such an additive with appropriate warning labeling.
United States · United States Congress · 16 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 · 15 March 1977
Alaska Hydroelectric Energy Development and Conversion Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Alaska Power Administration, to develop a comprehensive plan for the development of hydroelectric power in Alaska. Requires that such plan be submitted to the Congress no later than January 1, 1980. Establishes criteria for the disposition of hydroelectric power developed in Alaska by the Secretary. Requires the Secretary to sell such power at the lowest possible rates consistent with sound business principles. Directs the Secretary to develop a comprehensive plan for the construction of direct current lines from Alaskan sources to the transmission system of the Bonneville Power Administration. Requires that such transmission lines and related facilities be designed so as to insure the minimum impact on the environment.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1977
Accredited Law Schools Constituted Depositories - Provides for the designation of any nationally accredited law school as a depository library upon request of such law school. (Amends 44 U.S.C. 1916)
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1977
Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to authorize the Civil Aeronautics Board to grant exemptions from the requirements of such Act for all-cargo operations in interstate air transportation pending consideration of an application for initial certification under such Act if such exemption is in the public interest.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1977
Department of Energy Organization Act - Title I: Declaration of Purposes - Declares it the purpose of this Act to establish a permanent Department or Energy in the executive branch to assist in the development of a coordinated national energy policy. Title II: Establishment of Department - Establishes a Department of Energy in the executive branch. Establishes an Energy Information Administration and an Economic Regulatory Administration within such Department. Title III: Transfers of Functions - Transfers to the Secretary of Energy all functions now vested in the Federal Energy Administration, the Energy Research and Development Administration, and the Federal Power Commission. Transfers energy-related functions from the Department of the Interior to the new Secretary. Transfers specified functions of the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, the Interstate Commerce Commission, the Secretary of the Navy, and the Secretary of Commerce to the new Secretary. Title IV: Board of Hearings and Appeals - Establishes a three-member Board of Hearings and Appeals within the Department to make agency determinations as required by law. Prohibits persons having interests in energy companies from serving as Board members. Title V: Administrative Procedures and Judicial Review - Stipulates that the provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act shall apply to rules and regulations issued by the Secretary or his delegate. Requires that opportunity for oral presentations of viewpoints be afforded where regulations are likely to have a substantial economic impact. Requires hearings on rules which substantially impact on a single geographic area to be held in such geographic area. Stipulates that United States district courts shall have exclusive jurisdiction of cases arising under this Act without regard to the amount in controversy, except where otherwise provided in authority transferred to the Secretary. Title VI: Administrative Provisions - Establishes a Leasing Liaison Committee to obtain information and make recommendations on Federal leasing activities conducted by the Secretary of the Interior which relate to energy resources. Requires officers and employees of the Department of Energy to disclose known financial interests in energy companies. Imposes criminal penalties for knowing violations of such disclosure requirements. Authorizes the Secretary to delegate authority to other officers, to create regional offices, and to establish advisory committees. Requires the Secretary to submit annual reports to the President for submission to the Congress. Title VII: Transitional Savings and Conforming Provisions - Stipulates that transfers of personnel as authorized by this Act shall not result in reduction in grade or unemployment for one year after enactment of this Act. Stipulates that orders, rules, and proceedings established or commenced under previous authority shall not be affected by the transfers under this Act. Amends the Federal Energy Administration Act, the Energy Reorganization Act, the Federal Power Act, the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act, the Energy Conservation Standards for New Buildings Act, the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935, the Rural Electrification Act of 1936, and other provisions of law to conform with the changes made by this Act. Title VIII: Effective Date and Interim Appointments - Stipulates that the provisions of this Act shall take effect no later than 120 days after the Secretary first takes office. Establishes procedures for interim appointment of officers prior to the effective date of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to restrict the amount of the deduction State legislators may take for living expenses while conducting legislative business to the daily dollar limitation to be established by the Secretary of Labor for each state legislature.
![Official portrait of Rep. Jones, James R. [D-OK-1]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/j000232_200.jpg)