United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1978
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 · 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 · 28 February 1978
Increases from $250 to $400 the burial and funeral expense allowance which may be paid by the Veterans Administration on behalf of certain deceased veterans.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1978
Merit Selection for United States Attorneys Act - Revises the method for selection of United States Attorneys to establish a United States Attorney Selection Commission for each judicial district. Provides for appointment of commission members by the appropriate State chief executive. Directs a Commission to select and forward to the President and Attorney General a list of four to eight candidates within 90 days of the expiration of the incumbent's term. Requires the President to nominate a commission candidate or to request another list. Limits U. S. attorneys to two four year terms. Restricts the power of the President to unilaterally remove a U.S. attorney.
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 · 14 February 1978
Directs that United States attorneys be appointed and subject to removal by the Attorney General rather than the President. Eliminates set terms for United States attorneys.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1978
Federal Disclosure and Accountability Act - Prohibits any Federal employee from coercing any individual for the purpose of interfering with the right of such individual to disclose any illegal or otherwise improper Government action to the Review Board on Improper Government Actions, established by this Act and from taking any adverse personnel action against such individual who is a Federal employee in retaliation for such disclosure. Requires the Board to investigate any such disclosure and, in the event further investigation or action is warranted, to notify the person, the head of the agency in which such person is employed, and, if appropriate, the Attorney General and/or the Comptroller General.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1978
Prohibits commerce in contraband cigarettes. Defines "contraband cigarettes" as a quantity of more than 20,000 cigarettes, bearing no evidence of payment of applicable State cigarette taxes, which are in the possession of any person other than (1) a person licensed by the State where the cigarettes are found or by the Internal Revenue Service, (2) a common or contract carrier, or (3) a government agent in the performance of duties. Subjects dealers in cigarettes to such reporting requirements as the Secretary of the Treasury may prescribe.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1978
Career Criminals Prosecution Act - Authorizes the Administrator of the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration to provide grants and technical assistance to certain units of local government having populations of at least 250,000 for the establishment and operation of programs designed to identify and expedite the prosecution of career criminal offenders. Sets forth requirements for grant applications and limits on payments to any single local government.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1978
Expresses the insistence of the House of Representatives that the Government of the Republic of Korea cooperate with a certain investigation of the House of Representatives Committee on Standards of Official Conduct. Declares that failure of the Government to cooperate with such investigation will have a negative impact on relations between the United States and the Republic of Korea, including assistance for the latter country.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1978
Constitutional Amendment - Provides that the District of Columbia be treated as a State for purposes of representation in the Congress, election of the President and Vice President, and Article V of the Constitution of the United States. Repeals the provisions of the twenty-third amendment to the Constitution of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1978
Amends Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to prohibit Federal payments for abortions under such Title except when necessary to prevent the death of the mother.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1978
Establishes an 11-member Commission on the Humane Treatment of Animals to study the treatment of animals. Requires that the membership include zoologists, veterinarians, and representatives from humane societies. Requires the Commission to determine if animals are caused needless pain or suffering as a result of their treatment on farms and in laboratory experimentation. Requires Commission investigation into domestic pet growth rates and the effectiveness of existing laws regarding the treatment of animals. Excludes the study of the treatment of animals occurring in connection with the exercise of any religion. Directs the Commission to report its findings to the Congress and the Commission 60 days after it submits its final report. Authorizes appropriations of $750,000 per year to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1978
Confers jurisdiction upon Federal district courts to enforce a State child custody order against a parent who, in violation of such order, took the child to another State.
United States · United States Congress · 15 December 1977
Permits actions for deprivations of rights under color of any law or custom of the District of Columbia under the provision of the Civil Rights Act which permits civil actions for deprivation of Federal rights under color of State or territorial law.
United States · United States Congress · 7 December 1977
Federal Election Campaign Reform Act - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to (1) permit designated committees to make expenditures for Presidential candidates, (2) exempt from a candidate's contribution limits payments for certain media advertisements by other candidates which advocate election of such candidate, and (3) direct the Federal Election Commission to establish uniform recordkeeping and reporting procedures.
United States · United States Congress · 8 November 1977
Declares it the sense of Congress that normalization of diplomatic relations between the United States and Cuba be predicated upon resolution of issues regarding violations of persons and property by the Cuban Government in 1959, use of Cuban military personnel beyond its borders, and human rights.
United States · United States Congress · 4 November 1977
National Educational Opportunities Act - Title I: Definition and Guarantee of a Unitary School System and Equal Educational Opportunity - Establishes procedures and guidelines for the establishment of equal education opportunities for students in elementary and secondary schools. Title II: State Equal Educational Opportunities Plans - Requires that States submit equal education opportunities plans to the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare for approval. Establishes criteria for approval of such plans and eligibility for Federal assistance. Title III: General Provisions and Definitions - Defines the terms used in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 November 1977
Telephone Privacy Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit unsolicited commercial telephone calls to a telephone subscriber who has notified the telephone company that he does not wish to receive such calls. Directs the Federal Communications Commission to prescribe regulations specifying the manner in which a telephone subscriber shall notify the telephone company that he does not wish to receive unsolicited calls. Prescribes criminal penalties for violations of this Act. Excludes from the definition of "unsolicited commercial telephone calls" calls made in response to an express request of the individual called or made in connection with an overdue debt or contractual obligation.
United States · United States Congress · 4 November 1977
Autistic Children Research Act - Provides, under the Public Health Service Act, for the Director of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development to: (1) plan and develop a coordinated autism research program; (2) collect, analyze, and disseminate all data useful in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of autism; and (3) establish comprehensive, coordinated diagnostic and evaluation procedures for early detection and effective guidance for autistic children. Authorizes $500,000 for fiscal year 1978 and $5,000,000 per year for fiscal years 1979-1982 for loans and grants to any public or private nonprofit entity operating a center with education programs for autistic children.
United States · United States Congress · 4 November 1977
Declares it the sense of the Congress that the President direct the United States delegation to the Belgrade Conference to place the issue of the arrest, trial, and conviction of Mykola Rudenko and Oleska Tykhy before the Conference.
United States · United States Congress · 3 November 1977
Amends the Equal Credit Opportunity Act to prohibit discrimination against any applicant for credit on the basis of the geographical location of the applicant's residence.
United States · United States Congress · 3 November 1977
Family Violence Prevention and Treatment Act - Title I: General Provisions - Sets forth the findings of Congress and declares the purposes of this Act. Defines terms used in this Act. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the provisions of this Act in fiscal year 1978 and 1979. Title II: Coordinating Council on Family Violence - Establishes within the executive branch an independent organization known as the Coordinating Council on Family Violence (Council). Specifies the membership of the Council. States that the functions of the Council shall be: (1) to identify, assess, and coordinate all Federal programs related to problems of family violence in order to eliminate duplication of effort, inefficient use of resources, and lack of strategic objectives and priorities; and (2) to stimulate new programs within member agencies of the Council where necessary to fill gaps in services, funding, research, or demonstration programs. Directs the Council to make recommendations to the President and the Congress at least annually with respect to the coordination of overall policy and development of objectives and priorities. Title III: National Center for Community Action Against Family Violence - Directs the Director of ACTION to establish a National Center for Community Action Against Family Violence. States that the purpose of the Center shall be to provide information and technical assistance to local community groups which need assistance with organizing or operating existing or proposed programs dealing with family violence. Describes the functions of the Center including: (1) the development and maintenance of an information clearinghouse for services available for the treatment and prevention of family violence; (2) the establishment of a toll-free telephone number for the provision of information and counseling; (3) the development of a volunteer force to provide service through community centers dealing with family violence; (4) the making of grants to support and train volunteers; and (5) the development of a campaign to educate the public about the problems of family violence and resources available to deal with such problems. Sets forth procedures for the execution of such functions. Title IV: Amendments to the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act - Requires State plans under the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act to include provisions for the reporting of forms of family violence in addition to child abuse and neglect. Title V: Evaluation and Research - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to provide a specified sum for each of the two years following the enactment of this Act to evaluate the impact of community programs assisted by HEW on the prevention and treatment of family violence.
United States · United States Congress · 31 October 1977
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide payment for dental care, eye care, dentures, eyeglasses, and hearing aids under the supplementary Medical Insurance Program. Excludes from coverage under the Supplementary Medical Insurance Program charges for referral to a physician for the detection or diagnosis of eye diseases.
United States · United States Congress · 26 October 1977
Directs the Secretary of Defense to place a plaque and a permanent display of medals, ribbons, and tributes of the Vietnam era on the crypt at the National Cemetery at Arlington, Virginia, reserved for an unknown American serviceman who lost his life in Southeast Asia. Directs the Secretary to perform the duties required by this Act even though the remains of such serviceman have not yet been placed in the crypt.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 1977
Special Prosecutor Act - Provides continuing authority for the appointment of a special prosecutor to conduct investigations relative to alleged violations of criminal law involving abuse of office, fraud against the United States, obstruction of justice, or campaign finance by any of specified Federal officials or campaign managers. Directs the Attorney General to promulgate regulations requiring employees of the Department of Justice to disqualify themselves from investigations or prosecutions which may result in a conflict of interests or the appearance thereof.
United States · United States Congress · 12 October 1977
Amends the Arms Export Control Act to extend the period of time and to revise the method for computing the period of time during which Congress may object to a proposed sale under such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 October 1977
Tuition Tax Relief Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals alternative, limited income tax credits or deductions for the tuition paid for the primary, secondary or higher education of the taxpayer, his spouse, or his dependents.
United States · United States Congress · 5 October 1977
Title I: Administrator of the House of Representatives - Amends the Rules of the House of Representatives to add rule XLVIII, to establish an Administrator of the House of Representatives to plan, coordinate, and direct the administrative support operations of the House. Establishes, under the Administrator, a Comptroller of the House of Representatives to be the chief finance official of the House responsible for specified functions relating to budget salaries, and House expenditures. Creates the Office of Personnel and Work Management to carry on recruitment, placement, training, and orientation activities, including the development of an affirmative action program, and a grievance procedure. Requires the Administrator to promulgate guidelines with respect to prices charged to patrons of specified House facilities, use of House photographic service, acceptance of print orders, and use of the House Recording Studio. Adds rules XLIX to the Rules of the House, establishing the position of Auditor of the House of Representatives. Abolishes the Select Committee on the Beauty Shop and the Special Committee on the Recording Studio. Title II: Committee on House Administration - Amends rule X of the Rules of the House to give the Committee on House Administration jurisdiction over all bills, resolutions, and other matters relating to all expenditures of the House, in addition to those made from the contingent fund. Discontinues the Committee's function with respect to reporting on the travel of Members, and the scheduling of meetings. Requires the Committee to perform specified oversight functions regarding the management of House facilities by the Administrator and Auditor. Title III: Clerk of the House of Representatives - Amends rule III of the House to discontinue the Clerk's responsibility for certain administrative matters including the performance of labor and the keeping of accounts. Requires the Clerk to report all House debates and committee hearings. Amends rule XXXIV of the Rules of the House to make the Clerk of the House responsible for the appointment and removal of official reporters of the House. Title IV: Annual Reporting Requirement - Amends Rule I of the Rules of the House to require the Administrator, Clerk, Sergeant-at-Arms, and Doorkeeper of the House to submit annual reports on the main activities of their offices to the Speaker. Title V: Miscellaneous Amendments to the Rules of the House of Representatives - Amends Rule XI to authorize the appointment of associate staff members to standing committees. Amends rule XI to require that all standing committees of the House prepare abstracted and indexed hearings which shall be available to the public. Amends rule XXXIV to require that certain remarks not actually made in whole or in part by a Member of the House be distinguished in the Congressional Record from those made by a Member. Adds new rule L to the Rules of the House, establishing a Fair Employment Practices Panel to review complaints alleging discrimination under clause 9 of Rule XLIII. Authorizes the Panel to refer unsettled complaints to the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct. Adds new rule LI to the Rules of the House to require Members desiring to engage in certain foreign travel to submit a request with respect to such travel to the Administrator of the House. Sets forth the procedure for approving such requests. Requires Members engaging in such travel to transmit a report to the Administrator. Sets forth the procedure to be followed by Members desiring to engage in foreign travel relating to such Member's duties as a member of a House committee. Prescribes regulations regarding foreign travel by Members via airplanes. Outlines reimbursement procedures for foreign travel expenses. Title VI: Provisions Relating to House Operations and Employees - Requires that any congressional Member organization which desires to be designated as a legislative service organization transmit an application for certification to the Committee on House Administration. Requires each congressional Member organization and each legislative service organization to submit an annual report to the Committee. Entitles each Member of the House to a clerk hire allowance to remain available throughout the session. Requires each Member, chairman of a standing committee, subcommittee thereof, or congressional Member or service organization to inform the Administrator as to the full-time or part-time status of such individual's employees. Entitles Members-elect to specified allowances. Limits the staff expenses of certain committees. Establishes in the contingent fund of the House the "House Employees Medical Disability and Maternity Benefits Fund" to compensate employees absent from duty. Entitles each House Member to allocate any portion of his or her official expenses allowance to defray the educational expenses incurred by such Member's employees. Requires the Committee on House Administration to establish a billing procedure for official expenses. Entitles each Member to specified allowances for computer services. Directs the House Information Systems to provide computer terminal equipment to each House Member and committee. Title VII: Creation of Select Committee - Creates a select committee to conduct a study of House rule X (standing committees), and rule XI (rules of procedure for committees).
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 · 26 September 1977
Zero- Base Paperwork Act - Requires an annual justification for the continued use of any form used to solicit information from private sources and State and local government agencies.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 1977
Career Criminals Prosecution Act - Authorizes the Administrator of the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration to provide grants and technical assistance to certain units of local government having populations of at least 250,000 for the establishment and operation of programs designed to identify and expedite the prosecution of career criminal offenders. Sets forth requirements for grant applications and limits on payments to any single local government.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1977
Wage Supplements for Handicapped Individuals Act - Amends the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to authorize the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to conduct demonstration projects, either directly or by way of arrangement with public or private agencies, for the payment of wage supplements to handicapped individuals who are employed in sheltered workshops or work activity centers which meet certain standards, including any promulgated under this Act by the Secretary jointly with the Secretary of Labor.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from taxable unrelated income, income derived by tax exempt colleges, universities and their wholly owned corporations from the broadcasting of sporting events.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 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 · 5 August 1977
Declares it the sense of Congress that the President should express to the Soviet Union the concern of the United States for the physical condition of Yurij Shukhevych, and should urge his release.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1977
Declares it the sense of Congress that normalization of diplomatic relations between the United States and Cuba be predicated upon resolution of issues regarding violations of persons and property by the Cuban Government in 1959, use of Cuban military personnel beyond its borders, and human rights.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1977
Declares it the sense of Congress that the President should (1) urge the Soviet Union to release Rudenko and Tykhy from prison and permit them to emigrate, (2) urge the Soviet Union to release and drop charges against other members of groups monitoring the Helsinki Agreement, and (3) make it known that the United States expects all signatories of the Helsinki Accord to fulfill that agreement.