United States · United States Congress · 11 November 1977
Omnibus Rights to Privacy Act - Title I: Federal Information Practices Board - Federal Information and Privacy Board Act - Establishes the Federal Information Practices Board to conduct continuing oversight of the effect of private and governmental data collection activities on the rights and privileges of individuals. Directs the Board to investigate compliance with Federal laws affecting information practices including laws pertaining to: (1) privacy; (2) freedom of information; (3) fair credit reporting and billing; and (4) government in the sunshine. Title II: Privacy Act Amendments - Privacy Act Amendments - Requires, under the Privacy Act of 1974, Federal agencies maintaining records which identify persons to whom they pertain to disclose to such persons the actual uses and disclosures made of such records when access to such records is granted to such person under that Act. Specifies limitations on disclosures of such records to third parties, on collection, and on maintenance of such information. Prohibits Federal action that would foster the development of a standard universal personnel identifier based on social security numbers or otherwise or of a central population register unless specifically provided by statute. Title III: Personal Records - Protection of Personal Records Act - Sets forth procedures to be used for disclosure of consumer reports or credit, financial, toll, or insurance records by a third-party recordkeeper to a Federal officer, employee, or agent, provided such information is obtained pursuant to the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Includes among the means through which information may be disclosed (1) written authorization by the person to whom the information relates, (2) administrative subpena, (3) search warrant, (4) judicial subpena, and (5) grand jury subpena. Specifies prerequisite findings and other conditions for the issuance of administrative, judicial, and grand jury subpenas. Prohibits obtaining papers or other personal effects which contain intimate information, including the business records of a sole proprietor, from an individual or third-party recordkeeper by means of administrative subpena, judicial subpena, or search warrant. Title IV: Financial Assistance Records - Privacy of Public Assistance and Social Services Records Act - Requires each State, as a condition for the receipt of Federal moneys for public assistance or social services programs, to provide for the privacy of records used in the administering of such programs. Subjects such State privacy laws to the certification of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare as meeting the principles specified in this Act. Requires, in accordance with such principles, the provision of access to information by the subject of such information, the correction and accuracy of such information and the establishment of appropriate remedies and penalties for the enforcement of such statute. Title V: Medical Records - Privacy of Medical Information Act - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to require each medical-care institution participating in the Medicaid or Medicare program to implement procedures which meet specific privacy protection requirements for the maintenance and disclosure of personal medical information. Requires medical-care institutions to afford an individual (or his designated representative) a reasonable opportunity to inspect his personal medical information file. Permits the parent or guardian of a minor child to inspect the file of such minor, except that portion of the file which relates to: (1) venereal diseases of the minor; (2) family planning services (including abortions) sought and received by such minor; (3) alcohol or drug abuse services; and (4) any other medical services sought by the minor without the prior approval of his parent or guardian. Requires that the individual seeking disclosure of his personal medical information file sign and date a written authorization which permits a medical-care institution to disclose specific information to specified persons for a specified period of time and requires further that such institution maintain a record of all such disclosures. Makes it the duty of medical-care institutions to maintain accurate, relevant, timely, and complete files and to grant to individuals the right to request changes in their files. Requires such institutions either to make the requested changes and notify the individual of the change or to supply the individual with the reasons why such changes were not made and with an opportunity to file a statement disagreeing with the institution's refusal. Prohibits an institution from refusing to make a requested change if such change would make an individual's file accurate, relevant, timely, or complete. Requires medical-care institutions to disclose to individuals with personal medical information on file the uses to which such files may be put without their prior authorization. Generally limits disclosure to those portions of such files which are necessary to accomplish the purposes for which disclosure was originally authorized. Permits disclosure of personal medical information files without prior authorization: (1) for consultation; (2) for compelling circumstances involving an individual's health and safety; (3) for audits, evaluations, and biomedical and epidemiological research; (4) to comply with public reporting statutes; (5) to supply admission and health status information; and (6) to comply with a lawful judicial or administrative subpena. Title VI: Fair Credit Reporting Act Amendments - Fair Credit Reporting Act Privacy Amendments - Amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act to make specified restrictions on disclosures of information respecting a consumer by credit reporting agencies applicable to independent authorization services. Defines such services as any persons who regularly engage in whole or in part in the practice of providing consumer credit information or other credit-related information on consumers to third persons, or guarantee the payment to payor banks of checks signed by consumers. Requires credit card issuers to maintain reasonable procedures to prevent disclosures of inaccurate information. Prohibits any credit reporting agency from making any consumer report respecting any consumer which contains information identifying any person to whom a previous consumer report respecting such consumer has been furnished. Requires a credit grantor to disclose, upon request, specified information to a consumer who is adversely affected by a credit decision. Sets forth procedures to be followed when a consumer disputes the completeness or accuracy of any item of information contained in such consumer's file. Requires each commercial reporting service to maintain reasonable procedures designed to avoid the disclosure of inaccurate information to third persons and to assure that information maintained in its files is accurate. Sets standards to be followed by depository institutions with respect to the gathering of any information concerning a consumer, including disclosure to the consumer of all types of information which may be collected and all types of institutions which may collect such information. Requires a depository institution to inform the consumer whenever it makes an adverse decision respecting a depository service involving such consumer. Establishes safeguards for holders of insurance policies against errors of the insurance institution and violation of the privacy of such holders. Directs the Federal Trade Commission to promulgate regulations requiring specified institutions to make disclosures to policy holders. Specifies which information shall be disclosed. Makes provisions for the enforcement of this Title. Title VII: Tax Records - Confidentiality of Tax Records Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to restrict or prohibit the disclosure of taxpayer return information in matters pertaining to: prospective jurors; State tax enforcement; investigations of prospective Federal appointees; child support enforcement efforts; and Federal enforcement of nontax laws. Title VIII: Educational Privacy Rights - Family Educational Rights and Privacy Amendments - Amends the General Education Provisions Act to require educational agencies or institutions to adopt a written policy providing for protection of the privacy of personal information, including guidelines regarding: (1) access to student records; (2) the right to challenge such records and include clarifying material; (3) types of information that may be released with or without consent; (4) student and parental participation in formulating such privacy policies; and (5) enforcement.
United States · United States Congress · 4 November 1977
Declares it the sense of the Congress that the President direct the United States delegation to the Belgrade Conference to place the issue of the arrest, trial, and conviction of Mykola Rudenko and Oleska Tykhy before the Conference.
United States · United States Congress · 3 November 1977
Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to require each medical- care institution participating in the Medicaid or Medicare program to implement procedures which meet specific privacy protection requirements for the maintenance and disclosure of personal medical information. Requires medical-care institutions to afford an individual (or his designated representative) a reasonable opportunity to inspect his personal medical information file. Permits the parent or guardian of a minor child to inspect the file of such minor, except that portion of the file which relates to: (1) venereal diseases of the minor, (2) family planning services (including abortions) sought and received by such minor; (3) alcohol or drug abuse services; and (4) any other medical services sought by the minor without the prior approval of his parent or guardian. Requires that the individual seeking disclosure of his personal medical information file sign and date a written authorization which permits a medical-care institution to disclose specific information to specified persons for a specified period of time and requires further that such institution maintain a record of all such disclosures. Makes it the duty of medical-care institutions to maintain accurate, relevant, timely, and complete files and to grant to individuals the right to request changes in their files. Requires such institutions either to make the requested changes and notify the individual of the change or to supply the individual with the reasons why such changes were not made and with an opportunity to file a statement disagreeing with the institution's refusal. Prohibits an institution from refusing to make a requested change if such change would make an individual's file accurate, relevant, timely, or complete. Requires medical-care institutions to disclose to individuals with personal medical information on file the uses to which such files may be put without their prior authorization. Generally limits disclosure to those portions of such files which are necessary to accomplish the purposes for which disclosure was originally authorized. Permits disclosure of personal medical information files without prior authorization: (1) for consultation; (2) for compelling circumstances involving an individual's health and safety; (3) for audits, evaluations, and biomedical and epidemiological research; (4) to comply with public reporting statutes; (5) to supply admission and health status information; and (6) to comply with a lawful judicial or administrative subpena.
United States · United States Congress · 3 November 1977
Federal Computer Systems Protection Act - Makes it a Federal crime for a person to directly or indirectly access or cause to be accessed for fraudulent purposes a computer system affecting commerce or having a connection with a Federal agency or financial institution.
United States · United States Congress · 3 November 1977
Biennial Budgeting Act - Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to establish a two-year cycle for the congressional budget process. Requires each standing committee of Congress to review the laws and programs under its jurisdiction every other year and to consider the desirability of new legislation in such areas. Requires separate consideration for authorizing legislation, budget resolutions, and appropriation bills.
United States · United States Congress · 3 November 1977
Federal Information and Privacy Board Act--Establishes the Federal Information Practice Board to conduct continuing oversight of the effect of private and governmental data collection activities on the rights and privileges of individuals. Directs the Board to investigate compliance with Federal laws affecting information practices, including laws pertaining to: (1) privacy; (2) freedom of information; (3) fair credit reporting and billing; and (4) government in the sunshine.
United States · United States Congress · 3 November 1977
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Amendments - Amends the General Education Provisions Act to require educational agencies or institutions to adopt a written policy providing for protection of the privacy of personal information, including guidelines regarding: (1) access to student records; (2) the right to challenge such records and include clarifying material; (3) kinds of information that may be released with or without consent; (4) student and parental participation in formulating such privacy policies; and (5) enforcement.
United States · United States Congress · 3 November 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide identical income tax rates for single persons and married couples filing joint returns. Limits the earned income that must be reported by a married individual filing a separate return to the amount actually earned by that individual.
United States · United States Congress · 3 November 1977
Bikeway Transportation Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to make grants for 80 percent of the cost to States and municipalities of bikeway construction projects in urban areas or in places connecting such areas with national, State, or local parks, seashores or recreational areas. Requires such bikeway projects to be in accordance with a continuing comprehensive transportation planning process carried on cooperatively by States and local communities and in accordance with construction standards established by the Secretary.
United States · United States Congress · 3 November 1977
Prohibits the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development from approving any application for rental increases in federally assisted housing unless the amount of such increase is permitted under State and local law.
United States · United States Congress · 3 November 1977
Increases the authorization provided for the development of Ellis Island as part of the Statue of Liberty National Monument, New York, from $6,000,000 to $50,000,000.
United States · United States Congress · 2 November 1977
Amends the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act of 1975 to prohibit the Secretary of Transportation from permitting the transportation of radioactive materials in areas containing a population density greater than 12,000 persons per square mile, except when such materials are to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment purposes in such area or during a national emergency.
United States · United States Congress · 1 November 1977
Declares that there be no reduction of customs duties on textile, apparel, or fiber products and that such products be excluded from the current Tokyo Round of Multilateral Trade Negotiations in Geneva.
United States · United States Congress · 31 October 1977
Federal Disclosure and Accountability Act - Prohibits any Federal employee from coercing any individual for the purpose of interfering with the right of such individual to disclose any illegal or otherwise improper Government action to the Review Board on Improper Government Actions, established by this Act and from taking any adverse personnel action against such individual who is a Federal employee in retaliation for such disclosure. Requires the Board to investigate any such disclosure and, in the event further investigation or action is warranted, to notify the person, the head of the agency in which such person is employed, and, if appropriate, the Attorney General and/or the Comptroller General.
United States · United States Congress · 27 October 1977
International Emergency Food Reserve Act - Authorizes the President: (1) to enter into negotiations with other nations to develop an international system of food reserves for humanitarian food relief needs; and (2) to establish and maintain an International Emergency Food Reserve as a contribution of the United States toward the development of such a system. Requires for such Reserve minimum stocks of two million tons, allowing an increase up to six million tons pursuant to an international agreement.
United States · United States Congress · 12 October 1977
Authorizes the President to call a White House Conference on Families in 1979. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish an advisory committee to such Conference.
United States · United States Congress · 5 October 1977
Bikeway Transportation Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to make grants for 80 percent of the cost to States and municipalities of bikeway construction projects in urban areas or in places connecting such areas with national, State, or local parks, seashores or recreational areas. Requires such bikeway projects to be in accordance with a continuing comprehensive transportation planning process carried on cooperatively by States and local communities and in accordance with construction standards established by the Secretary.
United States · United States Congress · 5 October 1977
Bikeway Transportation Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to make grants for 80 percent of the cost to States and municipalities of bikeway construction projects in urban areas or in places connecting such areas with national, State, or local parks, seashores or recreational areas. Requires such bikeway projects to be in accordance with a continuing comprehensive transportation planning process carried on cooperatively by States and local communities and in accordance with construction standards established by the Secretary.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1977
Amends the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to require all hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and intermediate care facilities which participate in programs under Titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of such Act to adopt and make public a statement of the rights and responsibilities of patients in the care of such facilities. Directs the Secretary to require that such statements establish specified guarantees including guarantees: (1) that the patient's civil and religious liberties will not be infringed; (2) that the patient has the right to private communications with his physician, attorney, or any other person; (3) that the patient has the right to conjugal visits; (4) that the patient has the right to have privacy in treatment in caring for personal needs and confidentiality in the treatment of personal and medical records; (5) that the patient has the right to notice and a hearing before being transferred or discharged from a facility; and (6) that the patient has such other rights as the Secretary deems appropriate. Directs the Secretary to require each facility to provide each patient and staff member with a copy of the statement of rights and the enforcement procedures and remedies available to patients, and requires further that each facility adopt a written plan for implementing such rights. Requires the Secretary to establish procedures for processing patients complaints and for the enforcement of patients' rights. Requires appropriate State agencies to investigate patients' complaints and to file a written report within 20 days disposing of such complaints. Imposes a fine, not to exceed $500 for each violation, upon a facility found in violation of patients' rights. Allows a patient to bring an original action in U.S. district court to enforce guaranteed rights. Authorizes the Attorney General of any State or of the United States to bring an action in U.S. district court or State court to enforce payment of fines imposed upon facilities found in violation of patients' rights. Provides that damages awarded to patients shall not constitute income or resources for purposes of determining eligibility under Medicaid or any Federal or federally-assisted program which conditions eligibility upon income or resources.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1977
Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to (1) make loans to certain cities and counties for the establishment and initial operating costs of clinics for the spaying and neutering of dogs and cats, and (2) make grants for the establishment of courses to train paraprofessionals in the anaesthetising and spaying and neutering of dogs and cats. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a limited credit against the income tax for contributions of the taxpayer's literary, musical or artistic compositions to certain tax exempt organizations. Limits the credit allowed for any one year to the amount of tax on past gross income attributable to the sale of such compositions. Disallows any credit for letters, memoranda, or similar property relating to the duties of any governmental office held by the taxpayer when they were composed. Limits the credit taken in any taxable year to the greater of $2,500 or 50 percent of the taxpayer's income tax liability for the year. Disallows a credit to the extent that the total value of contribution exceeds $35,000. Allows a five-year carry-over of any credit disallowed by the previous two limitations. Requires that the donee certify to the taxpayer that the contribution is material of literary, artistic or musical significance and its use will be related to the purpose upon which the donee's tax exempt status is based.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 1977
Radiation Health and Safety Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to develop and issue to the States criteria and minimum standards for the accreditation of educational institutions conducting programs for the training of radiologic technologists and medical and dental practitioners. Directs the Secretary to develop and issue to the States criteria and minimum standards for licensure of radiologic technologists. Directs that State and local governments be encouraged to minimize exposure of the public to ionizing radiation from all sources, and establishes procedures for the adoption of appropriate standards. Allows the Secretary to make grants to States in an amount up to two-thirds of the first year and one-third of the second year costs of planning, developing, or establishing programs to carry out the provisions of this Act. Prohibits conducting activities contrary to this Act and subjects violators to a civil penalty of not more than $1,000. Requires the Secretary to submit to Congress every fifth year a report evaluating the implementation of this Act and making recommendations for legislation. States that whenever a performance standard for a class of X-ray system in prescribed, the Secretary shall by regulation prescribe a performance standard applicable to systems of such class prior to the effective date of such standard. Directs the Secretary to carry out a program of inspection of all X-ray systems to which standards apply and which are in actual use in the United States. Authorizes officers or employees duly designated by the Secretary to enter at reasonable times any establishment in which an X-ray system is located and to inspect such system. Directs the Secretary to publish guidelines for the use of X-ray examinations in the diagnosis and treatment of disease.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income tax credit for 25 percent of the amount of rent rent paid by the taxpayer which is equal to the taxpayer's proportionate share of the local and State property taxes imposed on the land and building in which his dwelling unit is located.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 1977
Makes it unlawful for any Federal employee or official or for any person engaged in any business or other activity in or affecting interstate commerce to (1) permit, require, request, or attempt to require or request any employee or person applying for employment to take any polygraph test; or (2) discharge, discipline, or deny promotion to any employee or deny employment to any individual for refusing to submit to any requirement or request that such person take a polygraph test. Permits any person aggrieved by a violation of this Act, or any employee organization authorized by such a person, to obtain compensatory and injunctive relief in appropriate United States district courts.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 1977
Declares that the President should establish a Commission on Domestic and International Hunger and Malnutrition which should: (1) collect and generate information and resources on food, hunger, malnutrition and related concerns; (2) assess current programs affecting domestic and international hunger and malnutrition; (3) analyze and report its findings and recommendations to the President, the Congress, and the public; and (4) assist the President and the Congress in implementing its recommendations.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 1977
Amends the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to require all hospitals skilled nursing facilities, home health agencies, intermediate care facilities, and shared health facilities which participate in programs under titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of such Act to adopt and make public a statement of the rights and responsibilities of patients in their care. Directs the Secretary to require that such statement establish specified guarantees including guarantees: (1) that the patient's civil and religious liberties will not be infringed; (2) that the patient has the right to private communications with his physician, attorney, or any other person; (3) that the patient has the right to have privacy in treatment and in caring for personal needs and confidentiality in the treatment of personal and medical records; and (4) that the patient has the right to notice and a hearing before being transferred or discharged from a facility. Directs the Secretary to provide each facility, patient and staff member with a copy of the statement of rights and the enforcement procedures and remedies available to patients, and requires further that each facility adopt a written plan for implementing such rights. Establishes a procedure for the enforcement of patients' rights. Directs the Secretary to prescribe a schedule of statutory money damages for violations of such rights. Requires State agencies responsible for inspection and enforcement of Medicare and Medicaid programs to investigate patients' complaints and to file a written report within ten days disposing of such complaints. Imposes fines upon facilities found in violation of patients' rights payable to the patient or his heirs. Allows a patient or facility to bring an original action in U.S. district court to enforce rights. Awards costs and reasonable attorney's fees to the prevailing party. Provides that damages awarded to patients shall not constitute income or resources for purposes of determining eligibility under Medicaid or any Federal or federally-assisted State program which conditions eligibility upon income or resources.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 1977
Animal Clinic Loan Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make loans, not exceeding $50,000, to certain municipalities for the construction and operation of nonprofit clinics for the spaying and neutering of dogs and cats. Sets forth requirements with respect to the control of dogs and cats which must be met by a municipality as a condition for receiving such a loan. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide identical income tax rates for single persons and married couples filing joint returns. Limits the earned income that must be reported by a married individual filing a separate return to the amount actually earned by that individual.
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow up to a $200 income tax deduction for one half of the expenses incurred for the installation and purchase of a teletypewriter for use by individuals whose sight, hearing, or speech is impaired.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 1977
Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants for research and development of new methods of research, experimentation, and testing which minimize the use of and the pain inflicted upon, live animals. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 1977
Bikeway Transportation Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to make grants for 80 percent of the cost to States and municipalities of bikeway construction projects in urbanized areas or connecting such areas with national, State, or local parks, seashores or recreational areas. Requires such bikeway projects to be in accordance with a continuing comprehensive transportation planning process carried on cooperatively by States and local communities and in accordance with construction standards established by the Secretary.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 1977
Declares it the sense of Congress that the President should express to the Soviet Union the concern of the United States for the physical condition of Yurij Shukhevych, and should urge his release.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 1977
Declares it the sense of Congress that the President should (1) urge the Soviet Union to release Rudenko and Tykhy from prison and permit them to emigrate, (2) urge the Soviet Union to release and drop charges against other members of groups monitoring the Helsinki Agreement, and (3) make it known that the United States expects all signatories of the Helsinki Accord to fulfill that agreement.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1977
Authorizes the award of attorney's fees to a prevailing party, other than the United States, in an action to enforce specified nondiscrimination and affirmative action provisions of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1977
National Home Health Care Act - Broadens the coverage of home health services under Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act and removes the 100-visit limitation presently applicable to the home health service program. Extends the coverage of posthospital home health services to include payment for items and services which the individual could otherwise obtain in a skilled nursing facility. Amends Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require the inclusion of home health services in a State's Medicaid program and permit the payment of rent under such program for elderly and handicapped persons who would otherwise require nursing home care. Provides expanded Federal funding for congregate housing for the displaced and the elderly by increasing the amount available for such housing under the low-income housing program. Establishes, in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, a Home Health Patient Ombudsman, who shall be appointed and provided with adequate staff and facilities by the Secretary. Makes it the duty and responsibility of the ombudsman to monitor specified programs under the Social Security and the various medical assistance programs under the State plans approved pursuant to such Act, and to maintain such oversight of those programs and their operation and administration as may be necessary to: (1) assure that home health patients under such programs are receiving the care to which they are entitled: (2) provide safeguards against over-charging for home health services; (3) identify abuses against home health patients; (4) receive, handle, and expedite complaints by home health patients; (5) recommend to the Secretary any changes in the regulations affecting home health services which may appear necessary or desirable; and (6) take appropriate action (including the transmission of findings to the Attorney General) with respect to abuses and violations of law affecting the provision or receipt of home health services under such programs. Requires the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to conduct a study and report to the Congress on the feasibility of extending to the Medicare program the prospective cost-related method of computing payments to nursing homes and home health agencies which is currently provided under the Medicaid program.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide identical income tax rates for single persons and married couples filing joint returns. Limits the earned income that must be reported by a married individual filing a separate return to the amount actually earned by that individual.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow up to a $200 income tax deduction for one half of the expenses incurred for the installation and purchase of a teletypewriter for use by individuals whose sight, hearing, or speech is impaired.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1977
Declares it the sense of Congress that the President should express to the Soviet Union the concern of the United States for the physical condition of Yurij Shukhevych, and should urge his release.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1977
Declares it the sense of Congress that the President should (1) urge the Soviet Union to release Rudenko and Tykhy from prison and permit them to emigrate, (2) urge the Soviet Union to release and drop charges against other members of groups monitoring the Helsinki Agreement, and (3) make it known that the United States expects all signatories of the Helsinki Accord to fulfill that agreement.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1977
Declares it the sense of Congress that the President should (1) urge the Soviet Union to release Rudenko and Tykhy from prison and permit them to emigrate, (2) urge the Soviet Union to release and drop charges against other members of groups monitoring the Helsinki Agreement, and (3) make it known that the United States expects all signatories of the Helsinki Accord to fulfill that agreement.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1977
Declares it the sense of Congress that the President should express to the Soviet Union the concern of the United States for the physical condition of Yurij Shukhevych, and should urge his release.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1977
Public Participation in Federal Agency Proceedings Act - Authorizes each Federal agency to award reasonable attorneys' fees and other costs of participation in all agency proceedings in which public participation is permitted or required. Permits such awards if the person participating in the agency proceeding represents a broad substantial public interest the representation of which contributes or can reasonably be expected to contribute substantially to a fair determination of the proceeding, and if the participant's economic interest in the outcome is small in comparison to the costs of effective participation in the proceeding or the participant demonstrates to the satisfaction of the agency that he or she does not have sufficient resources to participate effectively in the proceeding absent an award under this Act. Requires the agency to make a determination of eligibility under this Act prior to timely participation in the proceeding if all possible. Permits judicial review of a decision denying any participant of payment under this Act. Requires payment of an award under this Act within 90 days after the date of final decision. Allows such agency to make advance payments to permit the persons to participate or to continue to participate in the proceedings. Makes such recipient liable for repayment of such advance or ineligible for any amount he or she was originally entitled to if the agency determines that the person clearly has not provided the representation for which the payment were made or that the person has acted in an obdurate, dilatory, mendacious, or oppressive manner toward any other participant. Permits persons seeking judicial review of a Federal agency's action which relates directly to health, safety, civil rights, the environment, or the economic well-being of consumers to recover attorneys' fees and other reasonable costs of litigation from the United States if: (1) the plaintiff is afforded the relief sought in substantial measure; (2) the court determines that such action served an important public purpose; and (3) the economic interest of the person is small in comparison to the costs of effective participation in the action, or such person does not have sufficient resources to participate effectively in the action absent an award under this section. Requires the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to submit to Congress an annual report on awards of attorneys' fees and litigation expenses against the United States. Authorizes to be appropriated (1) for awards to participants in agency proceedings under this Act, $10,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 1979, 1980, and 1981; and (2) for awards to persons seeking judicial review of agency actions under this Act, such sums as may be necessary to make such awards for actions brought prior to the end of fiscal year 1981.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to authorize any taxpayer to elect to have any portion of any overpayment of tax or any contribution in money which the taxpayer forwards with the return for such taxable year be available, as the taxpayer may designate on such return, for the National Endowment for the Arts or the National Endowment for the Humanities.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1977
Olympic Summer Games Authorization Act - Authorizes appropriations for the planning and construction, under the supervision of the Department of Commerce, of sports facilities related to the Olympic summer games of 1984.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1977
Radiation Health and Safety Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to develop and issue to the States criteria and minimum standards for the accreditation of educational institutions conducting programs for the training of radiologic technologists and medical and dental practitioners. Directs the Secretary to develop and issue to the States criteria and minimum standards for licensure of radiologic technologists. Directs that State and local governments be encouraged to minimize exposure of the public to ionizing radiation from all sources, and establishes procedures for the adoption of appropriate standards. Allows the Secretary to make grants to States in an amount up to two-thirds of the first year and one-third of the second year costs of planning, developing, or establishing programs to carry out the provisions of this Act. Prohibits conducting activities contrary to this Act and subjects violators to a civil penalty of not more than $1,000. Requires the Secretary to submit to Congress every fifth year a report evaluating the implementation of this Act and making recommendations for legislation. States that whenever a performance standard for a class of X-ray system in prescribed, the Secretary shall by regulation prescribe a performance standard applicable to systems of such class prior to the effective date of such standard. Directs the Secretary to carry out a program of inspection of all X-ray systems to which standards apply and which are in actual use in the United States. Authorizes officers or employees duly designated by the Secretary to enter at reasonable times any establishment in which an X-ray system is located and to inspect such system. Directs the Secretary to publish guidelines for the use of X-ray examinations in the diagnosis and treatment of disease.