United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1977
Adds Title X - "Special Demonstration Programs in the Biomedical Sciences for Secondary School Students from Disadvantaged Backgrounds" to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. Authorizes the Commissioner of Education to make grants to, and enter into contracts with, institutions of higher education for the purpose of offering five-year demonstration programs to encourage disadvantaged secondary education students to pursue professional training in the biomedical sciences. Directs the Commissioner to appoint an advisory committee to advise on the approval of applications for assistance under this title. Stipulates that the amount of assistance for any one five-year demonstration program shall not exceed a specified sum. Sets forth the activities each demonstration program must provide and the criteria which each applicant must meet in order to be eligible for assistance under this title. Requires each demonstration project to have an advisory committee of at least nine members. Sets forth the authorized uses of funds made available under this title. Authorizes the appropriation of $12,000,000 for fiscal year 1978. Stipulates that such sum shall remain available for expenditure or obligation through fiscal year 1983.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1977
Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury, for cash management purposes, to invest any portion of the Treasury's operating cash for periods of up to 90 days in (1) obligations of depositories maintaining Treasury tax and loan accounts secured by a pledge of collateral acceptable to the Secretary as security for tax and loan accounts, and (2) obligations of the United States and of agencies of the United States. Amends the Home Owners' Loan Act to authorize the Secretary of the Treasury to deposit public money in any federal savings and loan association or member of a federal home loan bank. Amends the National Housing Act to make institutions insured by the Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation depositories of public money. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to define qualified savings and loan associations which may receive tax payments.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1977
Cigarette Health Protection Tax Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to substitute a health protection tax on cigarettes manufactured in or imported into the United States for the present tax. Sets forth graduated tax rates based on the tar and nicotine content of each cigarette. Directs the Federal Trade Commission to determine the tar and nicotine content of each brand of cigarettes manufactured in or imported into the United States, and to certify these findings to the Secretary of the Treasury.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1977
Public Health Cigarette Smoking Act - Makes it unlawful, under the Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act, for any person to manufacture, import, or package for sale or distribution within the United States any cigarettes the package of which (1) fails to bear the required health warning statement; and (2) fails to bear a statement of the tar and nicotine content of each cigarette in such package, as determined by the Federal Trade Commission. States that it shall be unlawful for any person to disseminate or cause to be disseminated any cigarette advertisement which fails to contain the required statements and which is either disseminated by United States mails or in commerce or which is likely to induce, directly or indirectly, the purchase in, or have an effect upon, commerce of cigarettes. Requires cigarettes for export to contain the required statements in the language of the country to which such package is exported.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1977
Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to include tobacco products within the definition of food as contained in such Act thereby subjecting such products to the same regulation as food under such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1977
Authorizes the President of the United States to designate the week beginning November 6, 1977, and ending November 12, 1977, as "National Volunteer Firemen Week."
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1977
Requires the Congressional Record for the House of Representatives to contain an accurate and verbatim account of remarks actually delivered on the floor of the House together with supporting data. Limits revisions of verbatim remarks in the Record to the correction of grammatical and typographical errors which do not change the meaning, content, or substance of those remarks. Entitles Members to insert in the Records remarks not actually delivered on the floor. Stipulates that such insertions always be clearly distinguishable from verbatim remarks.
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 1977
National Consumer Cooperative Bank Act - Title I: National Consumer Cooperative Bank - Establishes the National Consumer Cooperative Bank to: (1) encourage the development of cooperatives eligible for its assistance by providing specialized credit and technical assistance; (2) maintain broad-based control of the Bank by its voting stockholders; (3) encourage broad-based ownership control and active participation by members in eligible cooperatives; (4) assure that the net savings from operations and the operations of borrowers from the Bank are made available or accounted for to the stockholders or members; and (5) assist in improving the quality and availability of goods and services to consumers. Authorizes the creation of no less than four nor more than twelve corporate regional banks. States that the Bank shall have the power to make and service loans, commitments for credit, guarantees, furnish financially related services, technical assistance, and issue obligations. Enumerates additional powers necessary to carry out its powers and duties. Requires the Bank to hold an annual meeting of stockholders. Permits the Bank to obtain funds through the public or private sale of its bonds, debentures, notes, and other evidences of indebtedness. Authorizes the Bank to make loans to eligible organizations which shall be repayable in not more than 40 years. States that the objective of the Bank shall be to provide the type of credit needed by eligible borrowers, at the lowest reasonable cost on a sound business basis, taking into account the cost of money to the Bank. Defines "eligible cooperatives" for purposes of assistance under this title. Title II: Self-Help Development Fund - Establishes in the Treasury a Consumer Cooperative Self-Help Development Fund. Permits the Cooperative Bank and Assistance Administration to make a capital investment advance out of the Fund to any eligible cooperative if the Administration determines that the applicant's initial or supplemental capital requirements exceed its ability to obtain a Title I loan from the Bank or other sources, and the membership of the applicant consists substantially of low-income persons. Title III: Cooperative Technical Assistance - Directs the Cooperative Bank and Assistance Administration to make available information and services concerning the organization or reorganization of cooperatives to best achieve the objectives of this Act and to best provide the means through which various types of goods, services, and facilities can be made available to members and patrons. States that such assistance may include investigations, surveys, and director and management training and assistance. Title IV: The Cooperative Bank and Assistance Administration and General Provisions - Establishes the Cooperative Bank and Assistance Administration. Directs the Administration to assure that the objectives of this Act are carried out. States that until the stock of the Bank held by the United States has been fully retired the Bank shall be exempt from any form of taxation. Requires the Administration and the Board to report annually to the appropriate committees of Congress on the activities of the Administration and on the Bank's capital, operations, financial condition, the self-help development fund, and to make recommendations for legislation to improve its services.
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers to take the credit for expenses of work incentive programs for wages paid new, full-time handicapped employees over the first cumulative 12 months of their employment.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 1977
Family Income Maintenance Act - Amends the Social Security Act by adding the following new title: Title XXI - Family Income Maintenance Benefits - Directs that every eligible family shall be paid family income maintenance benefits by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare. States that in order to be eligible for benefits a family must include at least one individual who is either a citizen or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence and have a countable income of no more than is authorized for benefit payments pursuant to this Act. Specifies that the amount of benefits paid shall be $2,400 a year for the first adult in a family, $1,200 a year for each additional adult, and $550 a year for each dependent child under the age of 18. Stipulates that such amount shall be reduced by the amount of the family's countable income. Sets forth a formula for determining a family's countable income. Requires that every employable individual who is a member of an eligible family shall, as a condition to receiving benefits, register for services, training, and employment in a work incentive program. Directs that all existing Federal public assistance and welfare programs be replaced by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 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 · 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
Public Participation in Federal Agency Proceedings Act - Authorizes each Federal agency to award reasonable attorneys' fees and other costs of participation in all rulemaking, ratemaking, licencing, and other proceedings which relate directly to the health, safety, civil rights, environment, and economic well-being of consumers in the marketplace. Permits such awards if the person participating in the agency proceeding represents an interest the representation of which contributes or can reasonably be expected to contribute substantially to a fair determination of the proceeding, and the economic interest of the person in the outcome is small in comparison to the costs of effective participation in the proceeding or the person demonstrates to the satisfaction of the agency that such person 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 at all possible. 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 proceeding. Makes such recipient liable for repayment of such advance if the agency determines that the person clearly has not provided the representation for which the payments 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 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 1978, 1979, and 1980; 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 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1977
Investment Tax Credit Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an additional investment tax credit for machinery and equipment placed in service on existing manufacturing plants or in nearby areas.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals an income tax credit for five percent of the rent paid for their principal residence. Limits the credit to $75 in the case of a joint return, $37.50 for married individuals filing separately, and $50 for other taxpayers.
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 · 8 February 1977
Amends the Tax Reform Act to provide an unlimited exclusion from gross income of disability payments received by persons who retired on or before October 1, 1976, and either retired on disability, or were entitled to retire on disability.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1977
Medicare Long-Term Care Act - Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to establish a voluntary program to provide long-term care benefits for aged and disabled individuals who elect to enroll under such program, financed from premium payments by enrollees together with contributions from funds appropriated by the Federal Government and contributions by States. Lists criteria for eligibility for long-term care service benefits. States that the benefits provided to an individual under this Act shall consist of (1) home health services, (2) homemaker services, (3) nutrition services, (4) long-term institutional care services, (5) day care and foster home services, and (6) community mental health center outpatient services. Enumerates the requirements for certification of a State long-term care agency by the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare. Provides for the payment of premiums for benefits received under this Act by individuals who elect to participate in the long-term care program. Establishes on the books of the Treasury of the United States a trust fund to be known as the Federal Long-Term Care Trust Fund. Creates a Board of Trustees of such Trust Fund, composed of the Secretary of the Treasury, the Secretary of Labor, and the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare, all ex officio. States that the Secretary of the Treasury shall be the Managing Trustee of the Board of Trustees and that the Commissioner of Social Security shall serve as the Secretary of the Board. Requires the Board to meet at least once each calendar year. Enumerates the duties of the Board. Declares that a community long-term care center shall: (1) provide the items and services listed in this Act to each individual who (a) is eligible for benefits under this part, (b) resides in the area served by such center, and (c) is certified as requiring such services; (2) evaluate and certify the long-term care needs of an individual for whom such care may be required in order to maintain such individual in an independent living arrangement which is reasonable given such individual's state of health and other circumstances (but not including such individual's economic circumstances); (3) maintain a continuous relationship with (and periodically evaluate not less than annually) each individual who is receiving any of the items and services listed in this Act; (4) provide full opportunity for such individual and his family to participate in the determinations and functions under this Act; (5) provide an organized system for making its existence and location known to all individuals in its service area who are eligible for benefits under this part, and for making known to such individuals the method or methods by which they may most efficiently obtain and use the services which it makes available; and (6) perform such other functions as the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare may by regulation prescribe in order to have such center most effectively carry out the purposes of this Act. Sets forth a formula by which payments to States for the reimbursement of community long-term care centers may be calculated. Directs the Secretary, after consultation with organizations representing the chief executives of the various States, and other interested parties, to develop and make available to community long-term care centers one or more methods of obtaining payment for the benefits covered under this Act on a prospective method, it may not alter its election without the prior approval of the Secretary. Provides that whenever the Secretary finds that the number of community long-term care centers electing a particular prospective payment method promulgated in accordance with this Act is not sufficient to provide an adequate basis for either the operation or evaluation of that method, the Secretary shall withdraw that method and allow the community long-term care centers which have elected such method to select another method within 30 days of notice of such withdrawal. Permits a Governor of a State to certify to the Secretary a method of prospective payment other than those promulgated under this Act. States that the determination of whether an individual is entitled to benefits under this Act shall be made by the Secretary in accordance with regulations prescribed by him. Provides for increases in supplemental security income benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1977
Amends the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 to make the provisions, formerly applicable to persons between 40 and 65 years of age, applicable to anyone 40 years of age or older.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the taxpayer's age requirement (65 years) and the dollar limitation on the adjusted sales price ($35,000) for the exclusion from gross income of gain realized on the sale of the taxpayer's principal residence.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1977
Establishes a Task Force on the Taxation of Real Property by State and Local Governments to study and evaluate such taxation, its effects on middle and fixed income taxpayers, and the feasibility of using Federal taxation and other methods to reduce the dependence of State and local governments on such taxation. Provides that the Task Force shall include: (1) four officials of the executive branch, to be appointed by the President; (2) four Senators, no more than two from the same political party, to be appointed by the majority leader; (3) four Representatives, no more than two from the same political party, to be appointed by the Speaker; and (4) 12 individuals not Federal employees or officers representing State and local governments, the academic community and citizens groups, to be appointed by the President, Speaker and majority leader in concert. Empowers the Task Force to hold hearings, administer oaths, issue subpenas, hire a staff, contract out research projects and obtain assistance upon request from all other Government agencies and departments. Directs the Task Force to submit its final report to the President and the Congress within one year after all of its members have been appointed. Provides for the termination of the Task Force on the ninetieth day after submission of its final report.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1977
Federal-Aid to Ridesharing Act - Title I: Short Title, Findings, Purpose, Policy, Goals, and Definitions - Declares it the national policy to encourage ridesharing, to reduce the number of vehicles on the roads and highways, to reduce demand for gasoline, and to increase transportation opportunities for the handicapped and the elderly. Title II: Consolidation of Federal Ridesharing Activities - Establishes an Office of Ridesharing within the Urban Mass Transportation Administration of the Department of Transportation to coordinate Federal ridesharing programs under this Act and to establish national goals with respect to ridesharing. Requires the Director of the Office of the Management and Budget to transfer to the Office of Ridesharing the existing programs of the various Federal agencies which are duplicative of, or could be performed more appropriately by, the Secretary of Transportation under the authority contained in this Act. Requires the Director to report to the Committees on Appropriations and Government Operations of the House and Senate regarding such program transfers. Terminates the Office of Ridesharing on September 30, 1983. Directs the President and the committees of the House and Senate having primary oversight responsibility with respect to the Office to conduct inquiries into its performance and effectiveness and to make recommendations on whether the Office should be abolished, reorganized or extended prior to such termination date. Title III: Planning, Technical Studies, Research and Demonstration - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish procedures and guidelines for the development and implementation of State ridesharing plans. Authorizes Federal financial assistance for the development and implementation of qualified State plans. Authorizes Federal grants for technical studies and research projects. Directs the Secretary to set a goal for each State for increasing average motor vehicle occupancy by 1980 and to set national ridesharing goals for 1980 and 1985. Authorizes the Secretary to undertake research, development, and demonstration projects in all phases of ridesharing. Authorizes the Secretary to study the transportation component of those Federal programs and projects providing social services and to propose a plan to make such services more cost- effective. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress regarding such study. Title IV: Ridesharing Programs, Grants, Loans - Authorizes the Secretary to make grants and loans to assist States and designated recipients in developing specific ridesharing programs and projects. Stipulates that such loans shall constitute a revolving fund and all monies from such fund shall be deposited in the General Treasury on September 30, 1983, unless Congress acts to continue such fund. Title V: General Provisions - Authorizes the Secretary to prescribe such rules as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act. Requires the Secretary to report annually to the President and the Congress and other specified individuals on the operation of programs under this Act. Establishes additional criteria for the submission and approval of surveys, plans, specifications, and estimates for proposed projects under this Act. Authorizes appropriations in specified amounts from the highway trust fund for the various programs under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1977
Medicare-Medicaid Anti-Fraud and Abuse Amendments - Amends Titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require that Medicare and Medicaid payments be made directly to the physician or other person providing the service involved. Allows payment in accordance with an assignment from the person or institution providing care or service if such assignment is made to a governmental agency or entity or is established by the order of a court of competent jurisdiction or to an agent of such person or institution if the agent does so pursuant to an agency agreement under which the compensation to be paid to the agent for his services or in connection with the billing or collection of payments due such person or institution under the plan is unrelated to the amount of such payments or the billings thereof, and is not dependent upon the actual collection of any such payment. States that the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare shall by regulation (or by contract provision) provide that any entity (other than a public entity) which is a provider or supplier that furnishes, or arranges for the furnishing of items or services with respect to which is claimed under Title XVIII, Title V (Maternal and Child Welfare), or under Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act or a party to an agreement with the Secretary under such titles shall promptly comply with any request, specifically addressed to that entity by the Secretary or the Comptroller General of the United States, for information concerning ownership, control, or costs of such entities. Increases the maximum penalty for defrauding the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Makes review and certification requirements of the Social Security Act inapplicable to providers, suppliers, and practitioners being reviewed by any Professional Standards Review Organization designated by the Secretary to be competent to perform review responsibilities. Directs the Secretary to give priority to requests by Professional Standards Review Organizations for review responsibility with respect to services furnished in shared health facilities. States that where a Professional Standards Review Organization has been found competent by the Secretary to assume review responsibility with respect to specified types of health services, such reviews shall constitute the conclusive determination on those issues for purposes of payment under the Social Security Act. Requires professional Standards Review Organizations to provide data and information to assist Federal and State agencies having responsibility for identifying and investigating cases or patterns of fraud or abuse, and to assist the Secretary in carrying out appropriate health care planning and related activities. Requires the Secretary to make payment to qualified Professional Standards Review Organizations in an amount equal to the reasonable amount of the expenses incurred in connection with the defense of any suit, action, or proceeding brought against such organization, member, employee, or person related to the performance of any duty or function of such organization. Directs the Secretary to submit to the Congress an annual report on the administration, impact, and cost of the program during the preceding fiscal year. Authorizes the Comptroller General of the United States to sign and issue supoenas for the purpose of any audit, investigation, examination, analysis, review, evaluation, or other function authorized by law with respect to any program authorized under this Act. Requires the Secretary to suspend any physician or practitioner from participation in the Medicare or Medicaid programs whenever such individual is convicted of a criminal offense related to their involvement in such programs. Conditions participation in, or certification or recertification under, the programs established by titles XVIII, XIX, and XX (Grants to States for Services) upon disclosure of the name of any person who: (1) has a direct or indirect ownership or control interest of five percent or more in such provider, institution, organization, or agency, and (2) has been convicted of a criminal offense related to the involvement of such person in any of such programs. Prohibits expenditure under the Medicaid plan to the extent that any agency, organization, or other person (other than a member of the individual's family) would have been obligated by a State law or contract to provide such care or services but for a provision of the State law or contract which limits or excludes such obligation because the individual is eligible for or receives care or services under the plan.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1977
Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to extend until September 30, 1978, the period of time during which funds allotted to States for the construction of treatment works shall remain available.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1977
Authorizes and directs the Secretary of Labor, through the Bureau of Labor Statistics, to prepare, as part of the Consumer Price Index published monthly by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a consumer price index (to be known as the Consumer Price Index for the Aged and Other Social Security Beneficiaries) designed to reflect the relevant price information for individuals, as a group, who are 65 years of age or older or are otherwise entitled to monthly benefits under Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1977
Amends Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to provide that the automatic cost-of-living increases in benefits be made on a semiannual basis (rather than on an annual basis as at present).
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1977
Amends the Tax Reform Act to provide an unlimited exclusion from gross income of disability payments received by persons who retired on or before October 1, 1976, and either retired on disability, or were entitled to retire on disability.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1977
Economic Development Revenue Bond Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to restrict the tax exclusion of interest on industrial development bonds to issues having an aggregate face amount of $50,000,000 or less, the proceeds of which are to be used for the acquisition, construction or improvement of land or depreciable property in certified economic development areas, or for the redemption of such issues. Provides for the annual certification by the Secretary of Commerce of qualified areas which meet the criteria and purpose of the Public Works and Economic Development Act. Allows the continued exclusion of industrial development bonds excludable before this Act where the bonds were issued or authorized before enactment, or where a governmental unit or other person has made specified types of financial commitments relating to such issues before enactment. Allows national banks to deal in and underwrite industrial development bonds for economic development areas.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 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 · 27 January 1977
Human Resources Development Act - Directs the President, through the Secretary of Labor, to carry out a program of projects by means of contracts with public and private employers, including labor unions, and with institutions of higher education, each such project to either: (1) involve increased participation of employees in decision making and, through compensation or otherwise, in the gains associated with increased productivity; or (2) demonstrate specific programs or guidelines under which employment can be maintained at prescribed levels for a specific period and advances can be made in the quality of working life. Includes within such demonstration projects, grants to employers in high unemployment areas for the purpose of retaining employees who would otherwise be laid off during periods of cyclical unemployment through improving the design of workplaces or work assignments or improving job skills. Directs the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service and the National center for Productivity and Quality of Working Life, when requested by the Secretary, to provide technical assistance with respect to projects pursuant to contracts under this Act. Establishes a Human Resources Advisory Council to furnish advice and assistance in the administration of such projects. Authorizes the Secretary to guarantee, or make commitments to guarantee, loans made by certain financial or credit institutions or pension funds to independently owned and operated small businesses requiring funds in order to continue participation in a project assisted under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 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 · 26 January 1977
Amends the Budget and Accounting Act of 1921 to authorize the Comptroller General to request and receive all necessary documents relating to any expenditure by a Federal agency to determine whether such expenditure was, in fact, made and was authorized by law.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1977
Amends the Rules of the House of Representatives to remove the 25-member limit to the number of sponsors of any House of Representatives bill. Permits the addition or deletion of any Member's name as the sponsor of any legislation by a request made by a Member to the Speaker on behalf of such Member.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1977
Life Support Centers Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize and direct the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, to make grants to the health agencies of States, or political subdivisions thereof, or to any qualified nonprofit agency for programs of: (1) prenatal health care to adolescents; (2) health care to infants of adolescent mothers; (3) family planning services; (4) social services for adolescent mothers; and (5) funds to purchase adoption services for adolescent mothers. Stipulates that the Federal share of assistance to programs under this section shall not exceed 75 percent of the cost of a program. Sets forth procedures by which application may be made for grants. Authorizes the appropriation of $30,000,000 to carry out the purposes of this Act for fiscal year 1978 and for each of the two succeeding fiscal years.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 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 · 19 January 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that taxpayers shall not be required to pay the principal or interest for underpayments of taxes for any period prior to April 16, 1977 (March 16, 1977 in the case of a corporation), nor penalized for any failure to withhold and deduct taxes on remuneration paid before 1977, to the extent that such failures or underpayment are attributable to new or increased tax liabilities imposed by the Tax Reform Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1977
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide payment for optometric and medical vision care under the supplementary medical insurance program.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1977
Requires that whoever uses or carries a firearm during the commission of a Federal felony, or whoever is convicted by a State court of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year and used or carried a firearm transported in, or affecting, interstate or foreign commerce during the commission of such crime shall, in addition to the punishment provided for the commission of such crime, be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of not less than five nor more than ten years. Requires in the case of a second or subsequent conviction the imposition of a term of imprisonment of not less than ten years, or to life imprisonment. Stipulates that the execution or imposition of any term of imprisonment under this Act (1) may not be suspended, (2) may not run concurrently; and (3) may not include probation.
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 · 19 January 1977
Condemns terrorist activities. Declares it the sense of the House of Representatives: (1) that terrorists should be punished; (2) that the release of Abu Daoud by France was premature and unjustified; and (3) that such release should be condemned.
United States · United States Congress · 13 January 1977
Directs the United States to pay reasonable litigation costs, including attorney fees, to prevailing defendants in civil actions in which the United States is a plaintiff.
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 1977
Title I: Flexible Interest Rate Controls - Extends for three months the authority for the regulation of interest rates on deposits and accounts in depository institutions. Title II: Negotiable order of Withdrawal Accounts - Eliminates the prohibition on depository institutions situated in New York and New Jersey from offering negotiable order of withdrawal accounts. Title III: Chartering of Mutual Savings Banks - Amends the Home Owners' Loan Act to authorize the Federal Home Loan Bank Board to provide for the organization, operation, and regulation of associations which may be known as Federal Savings and Loan Associations of Federal Savings Banks. Allows for the chartering of such associations and permits them to offer checking accounts. Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to provide that whenever a State-chartered mutual savings bank which is insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation is converted into a Federal savings bank, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation shall calculate the amount in its capital account attributable to such mutual savings bank and shall transfer to each Federal Savings Bank the amount calculated in accordance with this Act. Requires the Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation to insure the accounts of all Federal savings banks. Allows for the conversion of a State-chartered mutual savings bank into a Federal savings and loan association or a Federal savings bank to the extent authorized by the Federal Home Loan Bank Board. Title IV: Interest Rate Differentials - Repeals previous legislation which (1) extended authority for the flexible regulation of interest rates on deposits and share accounts in depository institutions, and (2) extended the National Commission on Electronic Fund Transfers.
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 1977
National Neighborhood Policy Act - Establishes a National Commission on Neighborhoods composed of 20 members. Directs the Commission: (1) to study the factors contributing to the decline of city neighborhoods and the factors necessary for neighborhood survival and revitalization; (2) to make recommendations for modifications in Federal, State, and local laws, policies and programs necessary to facilitate neighborhood preservation and revitalization; and (3) to report to Congress and to the President on such study. Enumerates the powers of the Commission including the power: (1) to award contracts and grants to evaluate existing neighborhood revitalization programs and the impact of existing laws on neighborhoods; and (2) to hold hearings in neighborhoods for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 1977
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to authorize payment for specified services performed by chiropractors, including x-rays and physical examinations, and related routine laboratory tests.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Uniform Federal Welfare and Medicaid Assistance Act - Amends Title IV (Aid to Families with Dependent Children), Title XVIII (Medicare), and Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to provide that the Federal matching rate for purposes of reimbursement to States under the programs of aid to needy families with children and medical assistance shall be set at 75 percent.
![Official portrait of Rep. LaFalce, John J. [D-NY-29]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/l000556_200.jpg)