United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1978
Permits a taxpayer to continue to treat, at his option, a payment of compensation under a nonqualified compensation reduction plan as payable to him in a later tax year, despite a proposed Treasury Department rule which would require such payment to be treated as payable to the taxpayer in the year it would have been payable but for the taxpayer's exercise of his option.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1978
Social Security Financing Amendments - Title I: Provisions to Improve the Financing of the Old Age-Survivors, and Disability Insurance Program - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the rate of tax established by the Social Security Financing Amendments of 1977 on wages received by the employees and paid by employers, and on the earnings of the self employed, for the purposes of Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act. Maintains at the level established by the Social Security Amendments of 1977 the rate of tax on employment and self employment income for purposes of Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act. Increases, to specified levels, the allocations of wages and self-employment income from the Treasury to the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund. Establishes measures to maintain balances in the Federal Old-Age and Survivor Insurance Trust Fund, and the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund sufficient to make the payments required of such funds by means of loans among such funds. Title II: Improvement of Long-Range Financing Through a Gradual Increase in Retirement Age - Increases, from 65 to 68 years, the retirement age at which an individual may receive old-age, wife's, husband's, widow's or widower's insurance benefits without a reduction because such individual became eligible for such benefits before reaching retirement age. Sets forth a schedule for such increase in steps to occur between December, 1999 and March, 2011. Title III: Working Spouse's Benefit and Elimination of Gender-Based Distinctions Under the Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance Program - Establishes a "working spouse's benefit" under Title II. Provides that any individual who receives both old-age benefits or a disability insurance benefit and wife's, husband's, widow's, widower's, or mother's insurance benefits shall be entitled to such working spouse benefit. States that such benefit shall be a percentage of the smaller of the two benefits to which the recipient was entitled. Limits the receipt of such benefits to one member of a married couple when both members are eligible. Amends Title II to eliminate gender-based distinctions in awarding benefits under such Title. Equalizes treatment of fathers, husbands, divorced husbands, surviving divorced husbands, and widowers with the treatment of their female counterparts under the Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance Program. Eliminates marriage or remarriage of a benefit recipient as a factor in terminating or reducing benefits. Title IV: Coverage of Federal Employees Under the Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance Program - Amends Title II of the Social Security Act and the Internal Revenue Code to include Federal employees within the coverage of the Social Security system. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare in consultation with the Civil Service Commission to carry out a detailed study of how best to coordinate the benefits of the civil service retirement system and the benefits of the old-age, survivors, and disability insurance system, with the objective of developing for Federal employees a combined program of retirement, disability, and related benefits which will assure that such employers are no worse off, comparing their benefits under the combined program with the benefits they would receive under the Federal staff retirement systems at the time of their coverage under the old-age, survivors, and disability insurance system pursuant to the amendments made by this Act. Directs the Secretary to carry out a study of how best to coordinate the Medicare program and the program established by the Federal Employees Health Benefits Act, with the objective of developing for Federal employees a combined program of health insurance benefits to accompany the retirement and disability program developed by this Act. Title V: Liberalization and Eventual Repeal of Earnings Limitation for Individuals Age 65 and Over - Increases the minimum amount which an individual may earn before suffering a loss or reduction of benefits under the Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance program to $625 for each month of the taxable year ending after 1980 and before 1982. Removes the earnings limitation for taxable years beginning after January 1, 1982.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1978
Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to authorize the Commissioner of Education to make grants to State and certain local educational agencies to assist them in developing and carrying out an educational proficiency plan approved by the Commissioner. Provides guidelines and requirements for such grant applications. Establishes the National Commission on Basic Education within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare and directs it to (1) provide technical assistance in developing such educational proficiency plans; and (2) monitor State and local materials and procedures related to educational proficiency standards.
United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1978
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to direct the Secretary of the Treasury to issue regulations corresponding to the principles set forth in a certain private letter ruling relating to the exclusion from gross income of amounts deferred by participants in public deferred compensation plans.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1978
SS Life Act - Directs the Secretary of the Navy to transfer to LIFE International for 15 years the hospital ship U.S.S. Sanctuary (AH-17) to furnish health care to developing nations. Renames such ship the "SS LIFE". Authorizes the appropriation of $6,000,000 for fiscal year 1979 for modification of such ship and for maintenance and operation $494,000 for fiscal year 1979, $5,000,000 for fiscal year 1980, $4,000,000 for fiscal year 1981, $3,000,000 for fiscal year 1982, $2,000,000 for fiscal year 1983, and $1,000,000 for fiscal year 1984.
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 1978
Amends the Board for International Broadcasting Act of 1973 to prohibit assistance to Radio Free Europe or Radio Liberty if any Communist country is permitted to use such broadcast facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 1978
Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to require States applying for assistance under such Act to establish and implement standards of educational proficiency applicable to public school students. Establishes the National Commission on Basic Education and directs it to: (1) establish proficiency standards; and (2) review and approve or disapprove State plans implementing such standards. Authorizes the Commissioner of Education to financially assist States in preparing educational standards plans. Directs the Commissioner to make proficiency examinations directly available to public school students in districts where State proficiency plans are not in effect.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1978
Prohibits, during the fiscal years 1978 and 1979, the use of funds appropriated to the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare to carry out a program on smoking and health described by the Secretary of such Department on January 11, 1978. Stipulates that programs on smoking and health for the period beginning October 1, 1977 and ending January 10, 1978, shall not be affected. Limits the use of funds which were projected on or before January 11, 1978, to be expended to carry out the program on smoking and health, announced on such date, to expenditures for additional research during 1978 or 1979 on the harmful properties of tobacco and dangerous effects of smoking.
United States · United States Congress · 7 December 1977
Medical Expense Tax Credit Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals a refundable tax credit for medical expenses. Provides for advance payment of the refund in cases where qualified expenses exceed adjusted gross income. Directs the President to report to Congress on the utility of this tax credit in meeting the Nation's health care needs and its adequacy as a replacement for other programs.
United States · United States Congress · 5 December 1977
Tuition Tax Credit Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a credit against an individual's income tax in an amount equal to 50 percent of the sum of the amounts paid by him to educational institutions as tuition (though no more than $500 for any single individual) for the attendance of the taxpayer, the taxpayer's spouse, or any of his dependents with respect to whom he is entitled to a personal exemption.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 1977
Declares that there be no reduction of customs duties on textile or apparel products and that such products be excluded from the current Tokyo Round of Multilateral Trade Negotiations in Geneva.
United States · United States Congress · 11 October 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) remove the adjusted gross income limitation on the credit for the elderly; (2) increase the amount of the credit; and (3) provide an annual cost-of-living adjustment for the credit.
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 · 23 September 1977
Amends the National Trails System Act by requiring the Secretary of the Interior to study the feasibility of designating the Overmountain Men Victory Trail in the States of Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina, as a national scenic trail.
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 1977
Postpones, until July 1, 1978, the effective date of 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 · 12 September 1977
Expresses the sense of the Congress that any right to, title to, or interest in the property of the United States Government agencies in the Panama Canal Zone or any real property and improvements thereon located in the zone should not be conveyed, relinquished, or otherwise disposed of to any foreign government without specific authorization of such conveyance, relinquishment, or other disposition by any Act of Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1977
Expresses the displeasure of the House of Representatives toward any policy of the Internal Revenue Service which changes through administrative interpretation long-standing applications of the Internal revenue laws. Expresses the sense of the House that the Internal Revenue Service refrain from changing its policy with respect to taxation of benefits given to employees, without submission of any proposed changes to Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 1977
National Energy Supply and Conservation Act - Establishes the following national energy goals for 1985: (1) reduction of annual growth rate to 2.5 percent, with eventual reduction to two percent by 1995; (2) reduction of oil imports to less than five million barrels per day through increases in domestic production of oil, natural gas, and synthetic fuels by 2.0, 0.75, and 1.0 million barrels per day, respectively; (3) reduction of gasoline consumption of ten percent from 1977 levels; (4) increased energy efficiency in heating and cooling systems in 90 percent of homes, schools, and hospitals; (5) increased coal production of at least 400 million tons over 1976 levels; and (6) use of solar energy in more than 2.5 million homes. Title I: Pricing, Regulatory, and Other Nontax Provisions - Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to direct the Federal Energy Administrator to establish procedures for the submission, approval, and implementation of residential energy conservation plans by State utility regulatory authorities. Establishes criteria governing programs to be carried out by public utilities as part of such energy conservation plans. Authorizes the Administrator to implement and enforce a Federal plan in the event of inadequate State action. Amends the Energy Conservation in Existing Buildings Act of 1976 to authorize assistance under the Federal Energy Administration weatherization grant program to families with incomes of up to 125 percent of the poverty level. Directs the Administrator to develop regulations designed to include use of optimum cost-effective energy conservation measures in such program. Increases the appropriations authorized for such program to $130,000,000 for fiscal year 1978 and $200,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1979 and 1980. Amends the Housing Act of 1949 to direct the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to establish a weatherization grant program designed to achieve energy conservation objectives. Amends the Federal National Mortgage Association Charter Act to direct the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to order the Federal National Mortgage Association to provide financial assistance for the purchase of energy conserving improvements for low and moderate income dwellings. Amends the National Housing Act to authorize the Secretary to insure loans for such energy conservation improvements. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to direct the Federal Energy Administrator to establish a program of grants and technical assistance to States and localities for energy-conserving measures in buildings of local governmental units. Authorizes the appropriation of $7,500,000 for each of fiscal year 1978 and 1979 for preliminary energy audits for such purposes and $25,000,000 for each of such fiscal years for technical assistance. Amends the National Housing Act and the Housing Act of 1949 to require promotion of the use of energy saving techniques through minimum property standards for newly constructed residential housing. Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to study the feasibility of requiring all residential dwelling units to meet energy efficiency standards. Amends the Energy Conservation Standards for New Buildings Act of 1976 to authorize the appropriation of an additional $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1978 and 1979 for grants to States and localities under such Act. Directs the Federal Energy Administrator, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, the Secretary of Agriculture, and the Administrator of the Community Services Administration to conduct a joint study of the weatherization activities undertaken after the enactment of this Act. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to direct the Federal Energy Administrator to establish energy efficiency standards for specified household appliances. Stipulates that such standards shall reflect the maximum improvement in energy efficiency which is technologically and economically feasible. Authorizes additional appropriations to the Administrator for fiscal year 1977 to carry out such functions. Amends the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act to require disclosure of additional information relating to tax liability based on automobile fuel economy. Authorizes the Federal Trade Commission to prescribe rules requiring disclosure of such tax information in television advertisements. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to direct the Federal Energy Administrator to establish targets for specified industries for increased use of energy-saving recovered materials by 1987. Requires major corporations in the affected industries to file reports on progress toward achieving such targets. Authorizes the Federal Energy Administrator to make grants to States for projects to assist schools and health care facilities under approved energy conservation plans. Establishes guidelines and criteria governing the submission of such plans by State Governors to the Administrator for approval. Establishes criteria governing the allotment of Federal funds to States for such purposes. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1978, 1979, and 1980 for such grants. Natural Gas Act Amendments - Amends the Natural Gas Act to terminate Federal Power Commission authority to regulate sales of new natural gas in interstate commerce. Stipulates that prices for offshore sales of new natural gas shall not exceed the ceiling price for sales of new natural gas produced from offshore Federal lands. Stipulates that prices paid for natural gas in transactions between a natural gas company and its affiliates shall not exceed prices paid in comparable sales by persons not affiliated with any natural gas company. Amends the Emergency Natural Gas Act of 1977 to extend various emergency authorities under such Act through 1979. Establishes procedures for the establishment of ceiling prices for new natural gas produced from offshore Federal lands through April 20, 1982. Authorizes the Commission to grant exemptions to price ceilings within high-cost production areas. Establishes procedures for adjustments to price ceilings established pursuant to this Act. Directs the Commission to prohibit the curtailment of adequate supplies of natural gas for essential agricultural purposes. Establishes procedures governing the allocation of increased costs of natural gas to pipeline companies amongst various user classes. Stipulates that such amendments to the Natural Gas Act shall not take effect until April 30, 1978. Prescribes national minimum standards for State-regulated electric utilities with respect to rates and pollution control costs. Requires that utility rate schedules reflect actual costs of service. Prohibits increases in rates by utilities without prior approval following evidentiary hearings. Requires utilities to offer alternative load management techniques to reduce maximum kilowatt demand. Directs the Federal Power Commission to consider imposing restrictions on the use of bulk or master meters in buildings. Requires disclosure of proposed and existing rate schedules by utilities to consumers. Authorizes consumer intervention in utility rate proceedings. Establishes enforcement and judicial review procedures for utility regulatory provisions of this Act. Amends the Federal Power Act to authorize the Federal Power Commission to provide pooling, wheeling, and other additional services in connection with the transmission of power. Directs the Commission to require utilities to report anticipated shortages and to prescribe rules prohibiting discrimination against cogenerators in the sale and purchase of electric energy. Prescribes procedures for consideration of proposed changes in electric utility rate schedules by the Commission. Amends the Energy Conservation and Production Act to authorize the Federal Energy Administrator to make grants to State utility regulatory commissions for the following purposes: (1) to increase the quantity and quality of State regulatory staff; (2) to establish programs to meet Federal consumer representation requirements; and (3) to demonstrate innovative rate structures. Authorizes the appropriation of $40,000,000 in any fiscal year for grants to improve staffing. Authorizes the appropriations of $5,000,000 for grants for consumer representation, and $5,000,000 for grants for rate structure innovation. Amends the Federal Power Act to establish an Office of Public Counsel in the Federal Power Commission for the purpose of adequate representation of consumer interests before the Commission. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1978 through 1981 for such Office. Authorizes the Office to pay reasonable fees to certain participants in evidentiary hearings, not to exceed $2,000,000 for all such persons in any fiscal year. Prohibits new electric powerplants and other major fuel-burning installations from using natural gas or petroleum as a primary energy source. Authorizes the Federal Energy Administrator to prohibit existing facilities from using such products in accordance with prescribed criteria. Directs the Administrator to grant exemptions from such requirements for specified reasons. Authorizes the appropriation of $11,500,000 to the Administrator for fiscal year 1978 to carry out such coal conversion authority. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to monitor the emission of powerplants and major fuel-burning installations required to convert to coal and other fuels under this Act. Authorizes $2,000,000 for fiscal year 1978 for such study. Directs the Federal Energy Administrator to study the socioeconomic impacts of expanded coal production resulting from this Act. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to authorize additional appropriations to the President to carry out Federal energy conservation programs established under the Act. Directs the Federal Energy Administrator to establish a program to demonstrate solar heating and cooling technology in Federal buildings. Establishes criteria governing the submission of proposals by the Administrator. Authorizes the appropriation of $100,000,000 through fiscal year 1980 for such program. Directs the Administrator to establish procedures governing the use of life cycle cost methods for evaluating energy requirements and alternatives for Federal buildings. Directs the Administrator to establish energy performance targets for existing buildings. Requires energy audits and retrofitting of existing Federal buildings to achieve compliance with such guidelines. Amends the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act of 1973 to direct the President to establish ceiling prices for first sales of domestically-produced new crude oil based on weighted averages of prior sales prices for foreign-produced crude oil. Directs the President to establish price ceilings for sales of domestically-produced old crude oil at stipulated levels. Stipulates that such Presidential authority to regulate crude oil prices shall become discretionary 20 months after the enactment of this amendment, without regard to other restrictions contained in such Act. Stipulates that authority to establish ceiling prices for new crude oil shall extend beyond the September 30, 1981 termination date of the Act. Directs the President to submit annual reports to the Congress on the savings in energy use achieved under each of the programs contained in this Title. Title II: Tax Provisions - Energy Tax Act - Allows a nonrefundable income tax credit for a portion of the expenses incurred by an individual for the installation of solar energy and wind equipment, insulation, and other energy savings components during taxable years 1977 through 1985, in a pre- existing dwelling unit. Limits the credits taken by an individual for each dwelling by specific amounts for different types of expenditures. Imposes an additional excise tax on automobiles to penalize vehicles with poor fuel efficiency. Establishes an initial tax scale for the 1979 model year, ranging from $553 on automobiles with less than 13 miles per gallon (mpg) fuel economy to no tax on automobiles with 15 mpg or better. Increases this tax over six years to a final scale for 1985 and later model years ranging from $3,856 on cars with less than 12.5 mpg fuel economy, to no tax on cars achieving 23.5 mpg or better. Provides that transfers received under this "Gas Guzzler Tax" are to be paid into a new Treasury trust fund (the Public Debt Retirement Trust Fund) and applied towards the retirement of the public debt. Postpones the scheduled rate reductions for the excise taxes on gasoline and other motor fuels from 1979 to 1985. Increases the motorboat fuel tax by two cents a gallon. Provides that such taxes will no longer be paid into the Land and Water Trust Fund after 1978, replacing the former 1980 cutoff date. Repeals the excise tax on motor bus bodies and chassis. Refunds excise taxes paid by producers, manufacturers, and importers on buses sold to intermediate dealers, but not yet sold to the ultimate purchaser, where corresponding refunds are made to the dealers and on buses sold to ultimate purchasers after April 20, 1977 and before the first date after this enactment. Repeals the excise tax on bus parts and accessories. Repeals the excise tax on tires, tubes and tread rubber used on buses used predominantly in transporting students and school employees, or on scheduled, common carrier, local, or intercity routes. Refunds the excise taxes paid on gasoline, other motor fuels, and lubricating oil used in such buses. Allows individuals an income tax credit for the first $300 in expenses incurred for the acquisition of any new electric motor vehicle, designed for non-rail transportation on public streets, after April 20, 1977 and before 1983. Imposes a crude oil equalization tax on domestically produced crude oil and liquid natural gas on the initial vendor for an amount gradually equalling the cost of imported oil. Terminates this tax September 30, 1981. Allows the President, subject to the disapproval of either House of Congress, to suspend increases in such tax for up to one year where the President determines it would have a serious effect on the United States economy when combined with new price increases for imported oil. Refunds up to 50 percent of the taxes paid by first sellers of crude oil for investments in new energy production. Directs the Secretary of Energy to report to Congress within 90 days of this enactment on the competitive viability of small and independent refiners, the effects of this tax on them, and remedial legislation the Secretary deems appropriate. Excludes refunds and taxes received from the initial purchaser from the vendor's gross income for income tax purposes. Rebates receipts on this tax attributable to domestically refined distillate fuel oil, as determined by the Secretary of Energy, to retailers where they have sold and delivered the oil into the tank of a school, hospital, church or residential structure, and reduces the purchaser's price by an equivalent amount. Provides an increase in the earned income credit and a rate decrease in the lower individual income tax brackets for tax years beginning in 1978. Provides for the payment of crude oil tax payments into a Crude Oil Equalization Taxes Trust Fund to be managed by the Secretary of the Treasury and to be disbursed or invested in United States obligations, and to States for the development of mass transit systems. Establishes an excise tax on the business use of oil and gas. Provides different tax rates for uses of oil (including all petroleum and petroleum fuel products except natural gas and gasoline) according to three "tiers" of usage, the highest tier tax rate being provided electric energy producers with the lowest rate applied against uses in internal combustion engines. Exempts a large number of uses from the tax (generally applying to residential, transportation, petrochemical, retail, and non-manufacturing activities, as well as uses where substitute fuels are not feasible or are precluded by Federal or State pollution regulations). Allows each taxpayer an exempt amount of 50,000 barrels of oil (or its BTU equivalent) for application in taxable business uses. Provides for the reclassification of uses by the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the appropriate Federal agencies, where a lower tax classification is consistent with the policy to encourage conversion from, or conservation of, oil and gas, or where a specific facility is otherwise granted an exemption under this Act on its use of petroleum fuels. Applies different tax rates for two tiers of natural gas usages, (internal combustion and utility uses) the rates for non-utility/energy producers uses gradually filling the "price gap" in the user's geographic area between natural gas and more expensive petroleum, but not exceeding the price for BTU equivalent residual fuel oil. Provides a ten percent reduction in the taxes due on natural gas acquired under interruptible contracts. Defines the tiers of natural gas uses and exempt uses of natural gas in the same manner as for business uses of oil, lumping natural gas and oil together for purposes of computing the user's exempt amount. Allows the President to suspend this tax, subject to the disapproval of either House of Congress, for up to one year. Allows taxpayers to elect a nonrefundable credit against the tax on business use of oil and gas for new depreciable property, acquired before 1991, which uses alternative fuels, or is used for transporting or producing alternative fuels, or is supplementary pollution control property otherwise required by law. Allows a carryover of the tax credit to the extent it exceeds current liability. Allows a carryover to 1981 of tax liability for 1978 and 1980. Requires that the election for such credit be made before or on the taxpayer's filing deadline for the first taxable year ending after 1978, or 1982 in the case of a regulated public utility. Prescribes special administrative provisions and definitions for property eligible for this credit. Allows a taxpayer to elect a regular investment tax credit for this credit. Allows a taxpayer to elect a regular investment tax credit for this property to the extent that it qualifies for the same, and to the extent that the taxpayer's current liability for the business use tax (minus carryovers) is exceeded by the allowable business use tax credit. Provides an additional business investment tax credit of ten percent for the period April 20, 1977 through 1982 for property which is not qualified for the regular investment credit but which is alternative energy equipment, recycling equipment, or is otherwise qualified under the definitions of this Act, or under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of Energy, to cover energy efficient property. Denies the investment tax credit for air conditioning and heating units, and boilers and combustors fueled by petroleum or petroleum products (including natural gas) where coal is not prohibited by Federal or State pollution regulations. Limits the depreciation deduction of petroleum, petroleum product, or natural gas fueled boilers placed in service after June 30, 1977, to the straight line method. Allows the straight line depreciation deduction for boilers in use before April 21, 1977, to be taken against a line "drawn" to any early retirement dates established by the taxpayer for the boilers to the satisfaction of the Secretary of the Treasury. Makes the Tax Reduction and Simplification Act's temporary reduction in the minimum tax preference for intangible drilling costs a permanent reduction. Allows the deduction of intangible drilling expenses for geothermal wells to the same extent and manner as drilling expenses for gas and oil wells. Allows a ten percent depletion deduction for geothermal deposits, provided that it does not exceed the property's adjusted basis. Extends the excise tax exemption for lubricating oil to cover oils used in producing rerefined lubricating oil. Directs the President to make annual reports to Congress on the tax, energy and other relevant effects of this Title's provisions. Establishes congressional procedures for disapproval, by either House, of Presidential suspensions of the energy excise taxes. Provides administrative provisions for the collection, determination and disbursement of the taxes, rebates, credits, and deductions established under this Title.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 1977
Amends Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to reduce the requirements for eligibility for disability benefits for blind persons. Requires that a blind individual have at least six quarters of coverage to be eligible for disability benefits. Sets forth a method of computing the average monthly wage of a blind individual for the purpose of determining such individual's primary insurance amount. Provides that in no case shall such amount be less than the amount which would be determined without regard to an individual's blindness. States that no reductions will be made from the benefits to which a person is entitled because of such person's refusal to accept State-approved rehabilitative services under the Vocational Rehabilitation Act. Continues the payment of such benefits as long as blindness lasts, the amount of an individual's earnings notwithstanding.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 1977
Academic Freedom Act - Requires any regulation affecting any institution of higher learning to be published in the Federal Register and include an educational impact statement. Prohibits enforcement of any regulation which fails to maintain academic requirements for graduate or undergraduate admissions. Restricts the authority and enforcement powers of Federal officials with respect to educational programs or activities of higher education institutions receiving Federal financial assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1977
Directs the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare to conduct a study to assess (1) current technical capabilities to predict the toxic or carcinogenic effect on humans of substances which have induced cancer in animals; (2) public health benefits and risks of food containing such substances; (3) existing means of evaluating such benefits and risks, and the validity of such analysis; (4) instances in which restrictions on such substances do not accord with benefit-risk analysis; and (5) the relationship between Federal regulatory policies concerning the use of such substances for food and nonfood purposes. Directs the Secretary to request the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences, or other public or private nonprofit organizations, to conduct the study. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study of saccharin and other nonnutritive sweeteners to determine (1) any impurities in saccharin; (2) the toxic and carcinogenic effects of such impurities; and (3) the health benefits of saccharin and other nonnutritive sweeteners. Requires the Secretary to report to the House Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce and to the Senate Committee on Human Resources (1) the results of the saccharin study within one year; and (2) the results of the food additives study within 18 months. Prohibits the Secretary from restricting (except for labeling requirements allowed under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act) the sale or distribution of saccharin, or any food, drug, or cosmetic containing saccharin for 18 months. Authorizes the Secretary to promulgate regulations requiring (1) retail establishments where saccharin, or any drug, food, or cosmetic containing saccharin, is sold to display prominently, during the 18 month period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act, a notice of saccharin's possible health risks; and (2) advertising (printed or electronic) of such saccharin products to contain a statement of the possible health risks of saccharin.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 1977
National Energy Supply and Conservation Act - Establishes the following national energy goals for 1985: (1) reduction of annual growth rate to 2.5 percent, with eventual reduction to two percent by 1995; (2) reduction of oil imports to less than five million barrels per day through increases in domestic production of oil, natural gas, and synthetic fuels by 2.0, 0.75, and 1.0 million barrels per day, respectively; (3) reduction of gasoline consumption of ten percent from 1977 levels; (4) increased energy efficiency in heating and cooling systems in 90 percent of homes, schools, and hospitals; (5) increased coal production of at least 400 million tons over 1976 levels; and (6) use of solar energy in more than 2.5 million homes. Title I: Pricing, Regulatory, and Other Nontax Provisions - Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to direct the Federal Energy Administrator to establish procedures for the submission, approval, and implementation of residential energy conservation plans by State utility regulatory authorities. Establishes criteria governing programs to be carried out by public utilities as part of such energy conservation plans. Authorizes the Administrator to implement and enforce a Federal plan in the event of inadequate State action. Amends the Energy Conservation in Existing Buildings Act of 1976 to authorize assistance under the Federal Energy Administration weatherization grant program to families with incomes of up to 125 percent of the poverty level. Directs the Administrator to develop regulations designed to include use of optimum cost-effective energy conservation measures in such program. Increases the appropriations authorized for such program to $130,000,000 for fiscal year 1978 and $200,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1979 and 1980. Amends the Housing Act of 1949 to direct the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to establish a weatherization grant program designed to achieve energy conservation objectives. Amends the Federal National Mortgage Association Charter Act to direct the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to order the Federal National Mortgage Association to provide financial assistance for the purchase of energy conserving improvements for low and moderate income dwellings. Amends the National Housing Act to authorize the Secretary to insure loans for such energy conservation improvements. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to direct the Federal Energy Administrator to establish a program of grants and technical assistance to States and localities for energy-conserving measures in buildings of local governmental units. Authorizes the appropriations of $7,500,000 for each of fiscal years 1978 and 1979 for preliminary energy audits for such purposes and $25,000,000 for each of such fiscal years for technical assistance. Amends the National Housing Act and the Housing Act of 1949 to require promotion of the use of energy saving techniques through minimum property standards for newly constructed residential housing. Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to study the feasibility of requiring all residential dwelling units to meet energy efficiency standards. Amends the Energy Conservation Standards for New Buildings Act of 1976 to authorize the appropriation of an additional $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1978 and 1979 for grants to States and localities under such Act. Directs the Federal Energy Administrator, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, the Secretary of Agriculture, and the Administrator of the Community Services Administration to conduct a joint study of the weatherization activities undertaken after the enactment of this Act. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to direct the Federal Energy Administrator to establish energy efficiency standards for specified household appliances. Stipulates that such standards shall reflect the maximum improvement in energy efficiency which is technologically and economically feasible. Authorizes additional appropriations to the Administrator for fiscal year 1977 to carry out such functions. Amends the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act to require disclosure of additional information relating to tax liability based on automobile fuel economy. Authorizes the Federal Trade Commission to prescribe rules requiring disclosure of such tax information in television advertisements. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to direct the Federal Energy Administrator to establish targets for specified industries for increased use of energy-saving recovered materials by 1987. Requires major corporations in the affected industries to file reports on progress toward achieving such targets. Authorizes the Federal Energy Administrator to make grants to States for projects to assist schools and health care facilities under approved energy conservation plans. Establishes guidelines and criteria governing the submission of such plans by State Governors to the Administrator for approval. Establishes criteria governing the allotment of Federal funds to States for such purposes. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1978, 1979, and 1980 for such grants. Natural Gas Act Amendments - Amends the Natural Gas Act to terminate Federal Power Commission authority to regulate sales of new natural gas in interstate commerce. Stipulates that prices for offshore sales of new natural gas shall not exceed the ceiling price for sales of new natural gas produced from offshore Federal lands. Stipulates that prices paid for natural gas in transactions between a natural gas company and its affiliates shall not exceed prices paid in comparable sales by persons not affiliated with any natural gas company. Amends the Emergency Natural Gas Act of 1977 to extend various emergency authorities under such Act through 1979. Establishes procedures for the establishment of ceiling prices for new natural gas produced from offshore Federal lands through April 20, 1982. Authorizes the Commission to grant exemptions to price ceilings within high-cost production areas. Establishes procedures for adjustments to price ceilings established pursuant to this Act. Directs the Commission to prohibit the curtailment of adequate supplies of natural gas for essential agricultural purposes. Establishes procedures governing the allocation of increased costs of natural gas to pipeline companies amongst various user classes. Stipulates that such amendments to the Natural Gas Act shall not take effect until April 30, 1978. Prescribes national minimum standards for State-regulated electric utilities with respect to rates and pollution control costs. Requires that utility rate schedules reflect actual costs of service. Prohibits increases in rates by utilities without prior approval following evidentiary hearings. Requires utilities to offer alternative load management techniques to reduce maximum kilowatt demand. Directs the Federal Power Commission to consider imposing restrictions on the use of bulk or master meters in buildings. Requires disclosure of proposed and existing rate schedules by utilities to consumers. Authorizes consumer intervention in utility rate proceedings. Establishes enforcement and judicial review procedures for utility regulatory provisions of this Act. Amends the Federal Power Act to authorize the Federal Power Commission to provide pooling, wheeling, and other additional services in connection with the transmission of power. Directs the Commission to require utilities to report anticipated shortages and to prescribe rules prohibiting discrimination against cogenerators in the sale and purchase of electric energy. Prescribes procedures for consideration of proposed changes in electric utility rate schedules by the Commission. Amends the Energy Conservation and Production Act to authorize the Federal Energy Administrator to make grants to State utility regulatory commissions for the following purposes: (1) to increase the quantity and quality of State regulatory staff; (2) to establish programs to meet Federal consumer representation requirements; and (3) to demonstrate innovative rate structures. Authorizes the appropriation of $40,000,000 in any fiscal year for grants to improve staffing. Authorizes the appropriations of $5,000,000 for grants for consumer representation, and $5,000,000 for grants for rate structure innovation. Amends the Federal Power Act to establish an Office of Public Counsel in the Federal Power Commission for the purpose of adequate representation of consumer interests before the Commission. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1978 through 1981 for such Office. Authorizes the Office to pay reasonable fees to certain participants in evidentiary hearings, not to exceed $2,000,000 for all such persons in any fiscal year. Prohibits new electric powerplants and other major fuel-burning installations from using natural gas or petroleum as a primary energy source. Authorizes the Federal Energy Administrator to prohibit existing facilities from using such products in accordance with prescribed criteria. Directs the Administrator to grant exemptions from such requirements for specified reasons. Authorizes the appropriation of $11,500,000 to the Administrator for fiscal year 1978 to carry out such coal conversion authority. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to monitor the emission of powerplants and major fuel-burning installations required to convert to coal and other fuels under this Act. Authorizes $2,000,000 for fiscal year 1978 for such study. Directs the Federal Energy Administrator to study the socioeconomic impacts of expanded coal production resulting from this Act. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to authorize additional appropriations to the President to carry out Federal energy conservation programs established under the Act. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to establish a van pooling program for officers and employees of the Federal Government. Directs the Federal Energy Administrator to establish a program to demonstrate solar heating and cooling technology in Federal buildings. Establishes criteria governing the submission of proposals by the Administrator. Authorizes the appropriation of $100,000,000 through fiscal year 1980 for such program. Directs the Administrator to establish procedures governing the use of life cycle cost methods for evaluating energy requirements and alternatives for Federal buildings. Directs the Administrator to establish energy performance targets for existing buildings. Requires energy audits and retrofitting of existing Federal buildings to achieve compliance with such guidelines. Amends the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act of 1973 to direct the President to establish ceiling prices for first sales of domestically-produced new crude oil based on weighted averages of prior sales for domestically-produced crude oil which is exempt from regulation. Federal Photovoltaic Utilization Act - Establishes a photovaltaic energy commercialization program for the accelerated procurement of photovoltaic solar electric systems in new and existing Federal facilities, primarily for use by the Department of Defense. Authorizes the Federal Energy Administrator to make contracts for the acquisition of such photovoltaic systems. Directs the Administrator, together with the Administrator of the Energy Research and Development Administration, to jointly establish a photovoltaic systems evaluation and purchase program designed to insure that such systems reflect the most advanced technology. Establishes an advisory committee to assist in the establishment and conduct of the program. Authorizes the appropriation of $39,000,000 for photovoltaic system acquisition for fiscal years 1978 through 1981. Directs the President to submit annual reports to the Congress on the savings in energy use achieved under each of the programs contained in this Title. Title II: Tax Provisions - Energy Tax Act - Allows a nonrefundable income tax credit for a portion of the expenses incurred by an individual for the installation of solar energy and wind equipment, insulation, and other energy savings components during taxable years 1977 through 1985, in a pre-existing dwelling unit. Limits the credits taken by an individual for each dwelling by specific amounts for different types of expenditures. Imposes an additional excise tax on automobiles to penalize vehicles with poorer fuel efficiency. Establishes an initial tax scale for the 1979 model year, ranging from $553 on automobiles with less than 13 miles per gallon (mpg) fuel economy to no tax on automobiles with 15 mpg or better. Increases this tax over six years to a final scale for 1985 and later model years ranging from $3,856 on cars with less than 12.5 mpg fuel economy, to no tax on cars achieving 23.5 mpg or better. Provides that transfers received under this "Gas Guzzler Tax" are to be paid into a new Treasury trust fund (the Public Debt Retirement Trust Fund) and applied towards the retirement of the public debt. Postpones the scheduled rate reductions for the excise taxes on gasoline and other motor fuels from 1979 to 1985. Increases the motorboat fuel tax by two cents a gallon. Provides that such taxes will no longer be paid into the Land and Water Trust Fund after 1978, replacing the former 1980 cutoff date. Repeals the excise tax on motor bus bodies and chassis. Refunds excise taxes paid by producers, manufacturers, and importers on buses sold to intermediate dealers, but not yet sold to the ultimate purchaser, where corresponding refunds are made to the dealers and on buses sold to ultimate purchasers after April 20, 1977 and before the first date after this enactment. Repeals the excise tax on bus parts and accessories. Repeals the excise tax on tires, tubes and tread rubber used on buses used predominantly in transporting students and school employees, or on scheduled, common carrier, local, or intercity routes. Refunds the excise taxes paid on gasoline, other motor fuels, and lubricating oil used in such buses. Allows individuals an income tax credit for the first $300 in expenses incurred for the acquisition of any new electric motor vehicle, designed for non-rail transportation on public streets, after April 20, 1977 and before 1983. Imposes a crude oil equalization tax on domestically produced crude oil and liquid natural gas on the initial vendor for an amount gradually equalling the cost of imported oil. Terminates this tax September 30, 1981. Allows the President, subject to the disapproval of either House of Congress, to suspend increases in such tax for up to one year where the President determines it would have a serious effect on the United States economy when combined with new price increases for imported oil. Refunds up to 50 percent of the taxes paid by first sellers of crude oil for investments in new energy production. Directs the Secretary of Energy to report to Congress within 90 days of this enactment on the competitive viability of small and independent refiners, the effects of this tax on them, and remedial legislation the Secretary deems appropriate. Excludes refunds and taxes received from the initial purchaser from the vendor's gross income for income tax purposes. Rebates receipts on this tax attributable to domestically refined distillate fuel oil, as determined by the Secretary of Energy, to retailers where they have sold and delivered the oil into the tank of a school, hospital, church or residential structure, and reduces the purchaser's price by an equivalent amount. Provides an increase in the earned income credit and a rate decrease in the lower individual income tax brackets for tax years beginning in 1978. Provides for the payment of crude oil tax payments into a Crude Oil Equalization Taxes Trust Fund to be managed by the Secretary of the Treasury and to be disbursed or invested in United States obligations, and to States for the development of mass transit systems. Establishes an excise tax on the business use of oil and gas. Provides different tax rates for uses of oil (including all petroleum and petroleum fuel products except natural gas and gasoline) according to three "tiers" of usage, the highest tier tax rate being provided electric energy producers with the lowest rate applied against uses in internal combustion engines. Exempts a large number of uses from the tax (generally applying to residential, transportation, petrochemical, retail, and non-manufacturing activities, as well as uses where substitute fuels are not feasible or are precluded by Federal or State pollution regulations). Allows each taxpayer an exempt amount of 50,000 barrels of oil (or its BTU equivalent) for application in taxable business uses. Provides for the reclassification of uses by the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the appropriate Federal agencies, where a lower tax classification is consistent with the policy to encourage conversion from, or conservation of, oil and gas, or where a specific facility is otherwise granted an exemption under this Act on its use of petroleum fuels. Applies different tax rates for two tiers of natural gas usages, (internal combustion and utility uses) the rates for non-utility/energy producers uses gradually filling the "price gap" in the user's geographic area between natural gas and more expensive petroleum, but not exceeding the price for BTU equivalent residual fuel oil. Provides a ten percent reduction in the taxes due on natural gas acquired under interruptible contracts. Defines the tiers of natural gas uses and exempt uses of natural gas in the same manner as for business uses of oil, lumping natural gas and oil together for purposes of computing the user's exempt amount. Allows the President to suspend this tax, subject to the disapproval of either House of Congress, for up to one year. Allows taxpayers to elect a nonrefundable credit against the tax on business use of oil and gas for new depreciable property, acquired before 1991, which uses alternative fuels, or is used for transporting or producing alternative fuels, or is supplementary pollution control property otherwise required by law. Allows a carryover of the tax credit to the extent it exceeds current liability. Allows a carryover to 1981 of tax liability for 1978 and 1980. Requires that the election for such credit be made before or on the taxpayer's filing deadline for the first taxable year ending after 1978, or 1982 in the case of a regulated public utility. Prescribes special administrative provisions and definitions for property eligible for this credit. Allows a taxpayer to elect a regular investment tax credit for this property to the extent that it qualifies for the same, and to the extent that the taxpayer's current liability for the business use tax (minus carryovers) is exceeded by the allowable business use tax credit. Provides an additional business investment tax credit of ten percent for the period April 20, 1977 through 1982 for property which is not qualified for the regular investment credit but which is alternative energy equipment, recycling equipment, or is otherwise qualified under the definitions of this Act, or under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of Energy, to cover energy efficient property. Denies the investment tax credit for air conditioning and heating units, and boilers and combustors fueled by petroleum or petroleum products (including natural gas) where coal is not prohibited by Federal or State pollution regulations. Limits the depreciation deduction of petroleum, petroleum product, or natural gas fueled boilers placed in service after June 30, 1977, to the straight line method. Allows the straight line depreciation deduction for boilers in use before April 21, 1977, to be taken against a line "drawn" to any early retirement dates established by the taxpayer for the boilers to the satisfaction of the Secretary of the Treasury. Makes the Tax Reduction and Simplification Act's temporary reduction in the minimum tax preference for intangible drilling costs a permanent reduction. Allows the deduction of intangible drilling expenses for geothermal wells to the same extent and manner as drilling expenses for gas and oil wells. Allows a ten percent depletion deduction for geothermal deposits, provided that it does not exceed the property's adjusted basis. Extends the excise tax exemption for lubricating oil to cover oils used in producing rerefined lubricating oil. Directs the President to make annual reports to Congress on the tax, energy and other relevant effects of this Title's provisions. Establishes congressional procedures for disapproval, by either House, of Presidential suspensions of the energy excise taxes. Provides administrative provisions for the collection, determination and disbursement of the taxes, rebates, credits, and deductions established under this Title.
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 1977
Directs the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a one year review of toxic and carcinogenic substances including: (1) current capabilities to predict the effect on humans of substances found to induce cancer in animals; (2) the benefits and risks to the public of such substances; (3) the validity of benefit-risk analysis of such substances; and (4) the relationship of Federal regulatory policies concerning the use of such substances for food and for non-food purposes. Directs the Institute to report its findings and legislative and administrative recommendations to the Congress and the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare within one year. Authorizes the continued use of saccharin for eighteen months. Prohibits the Secretary from taking any action under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to prohibit or restrict the sale or distribution (other than requiring labeling) of saccharin.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 1977
Amends Titles II and XVIII (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance, and Medicare, respectively) of the Social Security Act to specify the types of treatment and amount of coverage which will be provided for individuals disabled by end stage renal disease. Defines the time at which coverage begins for programs of renal dialysis, and for kidney transplant operations. States that coverage for home dialysis programs shall begin with the month in which such program begins. Extends coverage for a regular course of renal dialysis to individuals who received a kidney transplant in the case of the failure of such transplant. Extends coverage under the Medicare program to kidney donors. Authorizes the making of payments under the Medicare program to providers of services and renal dialysis facilities on behalf of individuals who have end-stage renal disease. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish annually a target reimbursement rate for home dialysis. Sets forth factors to be considered by the Secretary in determining such rate. Directs the Secretary to establish renal disease network areas, including a medical review board for each area, and a national end stage renal disease medical information system. Defines the goals of the network organizations and medical review boards to be the assurance of the most appropriate form of renal disease treatment for each individual having such disease, and the identification of treatment facilities and providers that are not cooperating toward meeting network goals. Declares it to be a national objective to have a majority of new patients being accepted for end-stage renal disease treatment in self-dialysis settings or in preparation for, or undertaking, kidney transplantation. Directs the Secretary, where it is found that self-training programs in any network are of insufficient capacity or are not distributed throughout the network in a manner which assures that self- dialysis training is adequate to meet the needs of individuals with renal disease, to place in effect a program under which self-dialysis training is provided in renal disease facilities or providers which shall be designated for this purpose. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish a medical review board to assess the appropriateness of patients for proposed treatment procedures, and to review and evaluate the comparative performance of facilities and physicians. Directs the Secretary to establish pilot projects under which assistance is provided to individuals in the purchase of home dialysis equipment. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress annually on the end stage renal disease program.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 1977
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide payment for rural health clinic services under the supplementary medical insurance program. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to provide through demonstration projects, reimbursement on a cost basis for services provided by physician-directed clinics in urban medically underserved areas for which payment may be made under Medicare, and for services provided by physician extenders employed by such clinics. Directs the Secretary to carry out demonstration projects to provide reimbursement under the Medicare program for services provided in organized centers offering comprehensive outpatient mental health services.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 1977
Makes it unlawful for any individual or entity to solicit to enroll or enroll any member of the armed forces in any labor organization, or for any member of the armed forces to join, or encourage other members to join, any labor union. Prescribes a penalty of not more than five years imprisonment for any individual violating this Act, and a fine of not less than $25,000 nor more than $50,000 for any labor organization in violation of this Act. (Adds 10 U.S.C. 975)
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow certain individuals to compute the amount of the deduction for retirement savings on the basis of the earned income of their spouses.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1977
Directs the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a one year review of toxic and carcinogenic substances including: (1) current capabilities to predict the effect on humans of substances found to induce cancer in animals; (2) the benefits and risks to the public of such substances; (3) the validity of benefit-risk analysis of such substances; and (4) the relationship of Federal regulatory policies concerning the use of such substances for food and for non-food purposes. Directs the Institute to report its findings and legislative and administrative recommendations to the Congress and the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare within one year. Authorizes the continued use of saccharin for eighteen months. Prohibits the Secretary from taking any action under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to prohibit or restrict the sale or distribution (other than requiring labeling) of saccharin.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1977
Directs the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a one year review of toxic and carcinogenic substances including: (1) current capabilities to predict the effect on humans of substances found to induce cancer in animals; (2) the benefits and risks to the public of such substances; (3) the validity of benefit-risk analysis of such substances; and (4) the relationship of Federal regulatory policies concerning the use of such substances for food and for non-food purposes. Directs the Institute to report its findings and legislative and administrative recommendations to the Congress and the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare within one year. Authorizes the continued use of saccharin for eighteen months. Prohibits the Secretary from taking any action under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to prohibit or restrict the sale or distribution (other than requiring labeling) of saccharin.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1977
Directs the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a one year review of toxic and carcinogenic substances including: (1) current capabilities to predict the effect on humans of substances found to induce cancer in animals; (2) the benefits and risks to the public of such substances; (3) the validity of benefit-risk analysis of such substances; and (4) the relationship of Federal regulatory policies concerning the use of such substances for food and for non-food purposes. Directs the Institute to report its findings and legislative and administrative recommendations to the Congress and the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare within one year. Authorizes the continued use of saccharin for eighteen months. Prohibits the Secretary from taking any action under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to prohibit or restrict the sale or distribution (other than requiring labeling) of saccharin.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1977
Directs the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a one year review of toxic and carcinogenic substances including: (1) current capabilities to predict the effect on humans of substances found to induce cancer in animals; (2) the benefits and risks to the public of such substances; (3) the validity of benefit-risk analysis of such substances; and (4) the relationship of Federal regulatory policies concerning the use of such substances for food and for non-food purposes. Directs the Institute to report its findings and legislative and administrative recommendations to the Congress and the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare within one year. Authorizes the continued use of saccharin for eighteen months. Prohibits the Secretary from taking any action under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to prohibit or restrict the sale or distribution (other than requiring labeling) of saccharin.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1977
Creates a 12 member select committee to conduct an investigation of the circumstances surrounding both product liability and professional liability insurance rate increases and any related issues the committee shall determine. Directs the committee to report to the House as soon as practicable during the present Congress the results of its investigation, together with such recommendations as it deems advisable.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 1977
Prohibits rules promulgated by any Federal agency (except an emergency rule which must become immediately effective to prevent serious injury or the substantial frustration of legislative policies or intent) from becoming effective until such proposed rules have been submitted to Congress and a 60-day period has lapsed thereafter. Prevents such rules from becoming effective if disapproved by either House of Congress within such 60-day period. Permits disapproved of emergency rules. Prohibits the submission to Congress of any rule identical to one which has been disapproved unless submitted pursuant to new legislative authority which has been enacted affecting the agency's powers with respect to the subject matter of such rule. Renders agency rules dealing with emergency or routine matters or which will have an insignificant impact effective without publication of advance/notice of proposed rule making proceedings in the Federal Register as is currently required. Renders any rule granting an exemption to another rule or which is exempt from public notice and comment requirements effective immediately.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1977
Directs the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a one-year review and evaluation of all available information respecting the toxicity and carcinogenicity of food additives. Directs that the study include: (1) information respecting the ability to predict the effect on humans of food additives found to cause cancer in animals; and (2) information regarding the desirability of weighing risk and benefits when making regulatory decisions respecting such additives. Requires the Institute to report the results of such evaluation to the Congress and the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare. Directs the Secretary to permit the continued use of saccharin as a food, food additive, drug, or cosmetic for the 18-month period following enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1977
Denies veterans' benefits to an individual whose discharge from military service during the Vietnam era under less than honorable conditions is administratively upgraded, under temporarily revised standards, to discharge under honorable conditions; but only when such veteran's claim for benefits is based solely on such upgraded discharge.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1977
Energy Conservation Tax Incentives Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow limited, nonrefundable income tax credits for individuals who: (1) install qualified insulation in their residences; (2) install qualified solar heating and cooling equipment in dwelling units used by them, or leased to others as residences; (3) replace the heating system in any dwelling with a reversible, compressible refrigerant system (i.e., a heat pump system); or (4) purchase personal or family electric highway vehicles between 1976 and 1982.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 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 · 19 May 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 · 18 May 1977
Broadcast License Renewal Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to set the term of a broadcast station license, or renewal, at five years. Provides that any license granted may be renewed upon its expiration, if the Commission finds that the public interest, convenience, and necessity would be served by the renewal of such license. Allows appeals from decisions and orders of the Commission to be taken to the United States court of appeals for the circuit in which such broadcast facility is located. Sets guidelines for expeditious action on applications for renewal of broadcasting station licenses by limiting material required to be filed. Requires the Commission to examine the renewal process and report within six months on methods of reducing and consolidating filings and supporting documents.
![Official portrait of Rep. Martin, James G. [R-NC-9]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/m000183_200.jpg)