United States · United States Congress · 28 April 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 · 27 April 1977
Legal Services Corporation Amendments Act - Amends the Legal Services Corporation Act to subject the Corporation and each State advisory council established under such Act to Government in the Sunshine Act requirements regarding open meetings. Authorizes the Corporation to carry out its research, training, and assistance functions by means of grant or contract. Permits up to ten percent of the funds appropriated to the Corporation to be used for such purposes. Requires a court appointing an attorney employed by an organization receiving assistance under the Legal Services Corporation Act to provide for reasonable compensation for such attorney, unless the appointment is made pursuant to a law or practice applied generally to all lawyers appearing before the court. States that attorneys receiving more than one-half their annual professional income from an organization established for the sole purpose of providing legal assistance under the Legal Services Corporation Act shall be deemed to be State or local employees for purposes of provisions prohibiting certain activities of such employees in connection with partisan politics. Repeals restrictions on political activities unrelated to legal assistance with respect to such attorneys. Revises guidelines regarding eligibility for, and priorities relative to, such assistance. Revises the limitations on the use of funds made available by the Corporation to (1) permit the provision of legal assistance with respect to criminal matters where a person is charged with an offense involving hunting, fishing, trapping, or gathering fruit of the land, a defense asserted involves rights arising from an Indian treaty, or a person is charged with a misdemeanor or lesser offense in an Indian tribal court; and (2) eliminate prohibitions against providing legal assistance to un-emancipated persons less than 18 years of age or in connection with a proceeding relative to school desegregation or a selective service or military violation; and (3) revise the prohibition against providing legal assistance to organize or encourage the formation of any organization or coalition. Authorizes appropriations for carrying out the activities of the Corporation through fiscal year 1979. Authorizes the appointment of independent hearing examiners to preside over hearings to suspend or terminate assistance under the Legal Service Corporation Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1977
Young Families' Housing Act - Graduated Payment Mortgage Insurance Act - Amends the National Housing Act to permit the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to insure, on a regular basis, mortgages and loans with provisions for varying rates of amortization corresponding to anticipated variations in family income. Sets a percentage limit on the mortgage value ratio of mortgages which will be insurable under this Act. Prescribes eligibility requirements for such insurance. States that mortgages or loans insured pursuant to this Act shall not be subject to State usury laws in most cases. Individual Housing Account Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a deduction for amounts paid in cash into an individual housing account. Defines the term "individual housing account" for the purposes of this Act. Limits annual tax deductions to $2,500 and lifetime deductions to $10,000. Makes provisions for tax treatment upon distribution of such accounts. Exempts individual housing accounts from taxation under the Internal Revenue Code.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 1977
District of Columbia Retirement Reform Act - Title I: Financing of Retirement Benefits - Establishes the District of Columbia Retirement Board to exercise exclusive authority to manage and control the funds established by this Title. Details provisions relating to the Board's composition, the election and terms of office of Board members, the procedures to be followed by the Board, and the financing of the Board's operations. Establishes the District of Columbia Policemen and Firemen's Retirement Fund into which shall be deposited: (1) amounts withheld from the salaries of, and deposited by, members of the Metropolitan Police and the Fire Department of the District of Columbia, pursuant to the Policemen and Firemen's Retirement and Disability Act, (2) amounts appropriated to the Fund pursuant to this Act, and (3) amounts made as return on investment of the assets of the Fund. Establishes the District of Columbia Teachers' Retirement Fund into which shall be deposited: (1) amounts withheld from the salaries of, and amounts deposited by, each teacher in the public schools of the District of Columbia for such teachers' retirement account, (2) amounts appropriated to the Fund pursuant to this Act, and (3) amounts made as return on investment of the assets of the Fund. Establishes the District of Columbia Judges' Retirement Fund into which shall be deposited: (1) amounts withheld from the salaries of, and amounts deposited by, judges of the District of Columbia Court of of Appeals and the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, (2) amounts appropriated to the Fund pursuant to this Act, and (3) amounts made as return on investment of the assets of the Fund. Requires that the assets of each Fund established by this Act be kept separate from other moneys, but not necessarily kept separate from one another if the Board determines that commingling of such assets is advisable for investment purposes. Requires the Board to maintain a cash reserve for the Funds sufficient to meet current annuity and disability benefit outlays. Prohibits the investment of assets of the funds in obligations issued or guaranteed in whole or in part by the government of the District of Columbia, the government of the Commonwealth of Virginia, the government of the State of Maryland, or the government of any political subdivision thereof, or in obligations secured by real property in the District of Columbia, Virginia, or Maryland. Directs the Board to engage an enrolled actuary to periodically determine: (1) the amount required to be deposited in each Fund annually in perpetuity in order to meet the cost of annuities and other retirement and disability benefits payable in perpetuity from the Fund less the amount of employee contributions to the Fund; (2) in years before fiscal year 2004, the base level amount required to be deposited in each fund annually in perpetuity to meet the cost of annuities and other retirement and disability benefits payable from the Fund less the amount of employee contributions; and (3) the amount received to meet the obligations of each Fund for the next fiscal year less employee contributions for such period. Sets forth formulae to determine annual Federal amortization payments and annual District of Columbia payments to each Fund. Authorizes the appropriations of specified sums from the revenues of the United States and from amounts in the United States Treasury credited to the District of Columbia for Federal and District of Columbia contributions to each Fund, respectively. Requires each member of the Board to submit detailed annual personal financial disclosure statements to Congress and the D.C. government. Directs the Board to publish annual reports with respect to each retirement program and corresponding Fund to which this Act applies. Requires that each such report include: (1) a financial statement containing a statement of Fund assets and liabilities, a statement of changes in net assets available for benefits under the retirement program, and other specified information; (2) an opinion by an independent public accountant as to whether such financial statement is presented in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles; (3) an actuarial statement containing specified information relating to the Fund and retirement program; (4) information relating to the number of employees covered by the retirement program, persons receiving compensation from the Fund, and specified changes to the Funds' operation; and (5) a report from each insurance company or similar organization from which program benefits are purchased or which guarantees such benefits. Directs the Board to prepare summary retirement programs descriptions to be supplied to each participant in, and beneficiary under, each retirement program to which this Act applies. Requires that annual reports and copies of summary retirement program descriptions, including periodic updates containing material modification, be filed with the Mayor of the District of Columbia, the District of Columbia Council, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the President pro tempore of the Senate. Empowers the Mayor, the Council, or either House of Congress to reject any filing upon making specified findings. Suspends Federal contributions to any Fund with respect to which a filing is rejected or no timely filing has been made pending an acceptable filing. Requires that copies of such reports and descriptions be made available for public inspection. Designates the Board and each member of the Board fiduciaries with respect to the Funds. Authorizes the Board to designate one or more persons to exercise fiduciary responsibilities with respect to Funds established by this Act but places with the Board fiduciary responsibility for the oversight of any person so designated. Lists standards and guidelines to be followed by fiduciaries in the discharge of their duties. Specifies circumstances under which a fiduciary shall be liable for a breach of fiduciary duty by another fiduciary. Prohibits a fiduciary from causing the Fund to engage in specified transactions with interested parties or with itself. Deems void any provision in an agreement instrument which purports to relieve a fiduciary of responsibility or liability. Permits the Board, fiduciaries, and groups of retirement program participants to purchase insurance to cover liability or losses arising from a breach of fiduciary duty. Prohibits any person convicted of specified crimes from serving as an administrator, fiduciary, counsel, or employee of, or as a consultant to, and Fund established by this Act within five years of any such conviction or release from imprisonment, unless the Board of Parole of the United States determines that such person's service with the Fund would not be contrary to the purposes of this Act. Requires every fiduciary of a Fund established by this Title and every person who handles its funds to be bonded. Sets forth criminal penalties for violation of fiduciary obligations. Creates civil causes of action for the benefit of specified plaintiffs to enforce the provisions of this Act. Specifies time limits within which civil action grounded on breach of fiduciary duty must be brought. Title II: Changes in Retirement Benefits - Revises the method for determining the salary base period for computation of annuities of participants in the District of Columbia Policemen and Firemen's Retirement Fund. Permits any member or officer of the Metropolitan Police or Fire Department who is on approved leave without pay to serve as a full-time official of an employee organization to have such service credited towards his retirement upon meeting specific requirements. Sets forth separate procedures and standards for members of the Metropolitan Police and the Fire Department with respect to (1) eligibility for voluntary retirement, (2) eligibility for disability retirement, (3) amount of disability annuities, (4) suspension of disability annuities, (5) physical examination of disability annuitants, and (6) amount of survivors annuities. EnTitles any such member who completes five years of service and who is thereafter separated from service other than through disability retirement or voluntary optional retirement to elect to either (1) receive at the time of separation the amount of deductions from such individual's salary deposited in the Fund, or (2) receive an annuity beginning on the first day of the month during which such individual attains age 55 or on the first day of the month after such individual's separation from service, whichever occurs later. Authorizes cost-of-living adjustments in annuities payable from the District of Columbia Policemen and Firemen's Retirement Fund. Permits the Mayor to waive collection of any overpayment to an annuitant if such overpayment is less than $100. Permits the Mayor, in the case of payments due to mental incompetents or minors, to make payment to any person, who in his judgement, is responsible for the care of such claimant. Authorizes cost-of-living adjustments in annuities payable from the District of Columbia Teacher's Retirement Fund and District of Columbia Judges' Retirement Fund. Revises the means for determining eligibility for each such adjustment. Revises the amount of benefits due under a teacher's annuity in the event the named beneficiary of such annuity predeceases the annuitant.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 1977
Provides that the lake referred to as "Laurel River Lake" on the Laurel River, Kentucky, shall hereafter be known as the "John Sherman Cooper Lake," and that the dam forming such lake shall hereafter be referred to as the "John Sherman Cooper Dam."
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 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 · 21 April 1977
Unvouchered Expenditure Control Act - Prohibits the expenditure of Federal moneys, not otherwise provided for by law, which are not made pursuant to procedures providing for a voucher describing the payee and items or services for which payment is being made. Requires all appropriations, not made under a law which provides otherwise, to provide for voucher requirements for expending such moneys appropriated. Requires the Comptroller General to audit all programs subject to this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 1977
Drug Pushers Elimination Act - Increases maximum penalties for distribution, possession with intent to distribute, or domestic or certain foreign manufacture of coca leaves or certain of its derivatives, specified opiates or stimulants, or counterfeits thereof. Imposes mandatory minimum sentences for such violations. Excepts addicted persons from the applicable minimum term of imprisonment specified in this Act. Stipulates that one conspiring or attempting to manufacture, distribute, import, or export certain controlled substances shall be punished the same as one who commits the offense which was the object of the conspiracy or attempt. Directs a judicial officer to consider whether a person charged with an offense under the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970 poses a danger to himself, the persons or property of others, or the community in setting conditions of release pending trial. Denies release prior to trial to a person charged with an offense for which penalties are increased in this Act, upon a judicial officer making any one of specified findings in a special hearing to be conducted at the time of arraignment. Prohibits persons convicted of certain narcotics crimes, with certain exceptions for addicts, from being released while awaiting sentence or after having filed an appeal or a petition for a writ of certiorari. Permits an addict charged with unlawfully importing, selling, or conspiring to import or sell a narcotic drug to be eligible for civil commitment and rehabilitation in lieu of criminal prosecution if the court determines that such alleged violation was for the primary purpose of enabling the offender to obtain a narcotic drug required for personal use because of the addiction.
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow taxpayers to credit against the income tax specified higher education expenses, including tuition, fees, books, and supplies, incurred by the taxpayer for himself or any other individual. Limits the credit to 100 percent of the first $300 for any individual, 50 percent of the next $300, and 10 percent of the next $400. Limits the credit to expenses incurred by full time students at institutions of vocational and higher education, minus scholarships and veterans' benefits. Limits the total credit allowed the taxpayer to his income tax liability minus the sum of all other credits applied thereto. Disallows any deduction of educational expenses used to determine the amount of the credit allowed by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 1977
Emergency Amendments to the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 - Amends the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 to declare that a duty of due care should be imposed on the tuna fishing industry in connection with purse-seine tuna fishing in order to reduce porpoise mortality to insignificant levels while still allowing for accidental porpoise mortality. Revises the definition of "take" under the Act to mean to kill or attempt to kill any marine mammal in the case of purse-seine netting of porpoises for the purpose of tuna fishing. Requires the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of the Department in which the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is operating to achieve the purposes of the Act by establishing progressively lower quotas for the incidental taking of certain species and populations of marine mammals. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to ban the importation of commercial fish and fish products from any foreign country having jurisdiction over fishing vessels which cause the incidental killing of or serious injury to marine mammals in excess of standards set by this Act. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of the Department in which the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is operating to issue permits for the taking of the eastern stock of spinner dolphin incidental to commercial fishing for yellowfin tuna. Restricts the transfer or repair of any commercial fishing vessel operated pursuant to a permit under this Act authorizing the taking of marine mammals incidental to commercial purse seine fishing for yellowfin tuna to any person for operation under the jurisdiction of a foreign country. Authorizes the Secretary to deny permits under the Act, and to modify, suspend, or revoke any permit, if the Secretary finds, on the basis of observer reports, that the permittee has not exercised due care in complying with the conditions of the Act with respect to reducing the incidental killing of marine mammals. Establishes the basis upon which fees for permits shall be calculated.
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 1977
District of Columbia Retirement Reform Act - Establishes three retirement funds encompassing: (1) District of Columbia firefighters and police officers; (2) District of Columbia teachers; and (3) District of Columbia judges. Establishes the District of Columbia Retirement Board to manage the retirement funds created by this Act. Details provisions relative to the administration of such funds and revises provisions relating to specified retirement and disability benefits under the retirement programs of such personnel.
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow taxpayers a credit against the income tax for specified higher education expenses, including tuition, fees, books and supplies, incurred by the taxpayer for himself or any dependent.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt nonprofit volunteer firefighting or rescue organizations from the excise tax on sales of special fuels, automotive parts, petroleum products, and communication services.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1977
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 and dependents.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1977
Lifeline and Electric Rate Reform Act - Title I: General Provisions - Declares it the purpose of this Act to reform inequities in the structure of electric utility rates. Title II: Definitions - Defines the terms used in this Act. Defines the scope of coverage under this Act. Stipulates that direct Federal regulation shall not apply where regulation is specifically reserved and effectively enforced by the States in accordance with applicable national minimum standards. Title III: Electric Energy Office - Creates an Electric Energy Office in the Federal Power Commission to establish and enforce National Minimum Standards for Ratemaking to be binding upon all electric utility regulatory agencies. Requires that all electric utilities and local distributors furnish monthly reports to the office disclosing information on the amount of electric energy supplied, the amount and rate of charges for each consumer class, and the amount and costs of fuel utilized by each utility. Imposes criminal and civil penalties for failure to make full disclosure of such information. Title IV: Rate Structures - Directs the Federal Power Commission, in the exercise of its regulatory functions, to accord highest priority to residential and small business users. Prohibits regulatory authorities from permitting the sale of electric energy to low priority users at rates less than those charged to high-priority consumers. Imposes criminal penalties for the furnishing of electric-energy at rates or charges which have not been specifically approved by the appropriate regulatory agency after public hearings. Directs the Federal Power Commission to encourage conservation of electric energy by requiring that rates be graduated progressively upward for consumption of electric energy in amounts above subsistence quantities. Title V: Lifeline Electric Rates - Requires that electric utility rate charges for subsistence quantities of electric energy to residential consumers not exceed the lowest rate charged to any other electric consumer. Requires the use of graduated rate structures for consumption of electric energy in amounts above subsistence quantities. Title VI: Electric Rates for Nonresidential Customers - Requires that electric utility rate changes for nonresidential customers be the lowest rate charged to any other electric consumer in the same class. Requires progressively higher rates for consumption in excess of the basic requirements of such nonresidential customers. Title VII: Effective Dates - Stipulates that the provisions of this Act shall become effective one year from the date of its passage, unless otherwise indicated.
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 1977
Excludes industrially funded personnel from the computation of the end strength for civilian personnel within the Department of Defense for any fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 1977
Establishes within the House of Representatives a Standing Committee on Intelligence to oversee and make continuing studies of the intelligence activities and programs of the United States Government, and to submit to the House proposals for legislation. Directs referral to the Committee of all matters relating to the Central Intelligence Agency and its Director, intelligence activities of all other Government departments and agencies, organization or reorganization of such departments and agencies related to intelligence activities, and authorizations for appropriations for specified departments and agencies. Amends rules X of the Rules of the House of Representatives to establish a procedure whereby certain legislation reported by the Committee may be referred to other standing committees for consideration, and conversely from other standing committees to the Committee. Requires the Committee to obtain an annual report from the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, the Secretaries of State and of Defense, and the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation reviewing the intelligence activities of the agency or departments, and of foreign countries directed at the United States. Sets forth procedures whereby the Committee may disclose publicly any information in its possession which will serve the public interest. Requires the Committee to notify the President of any such proposed disclosure if the information has been previously classified, submitted to it by the executive branch, and if the executive branch has requested that such information by kept secret. Permits the Committee, upon objection by the President to disclosure, to refer the question to the House for consideration. Authorizes the House to (1) approve the public disclosure, (2) disapprove the public disclosure, or (3) leave the final determination to the Committee. Allows the Committee to make certain information regarding lawful intelligence activities which has been classified, available to other committees or Members under specified circumstances. Requires the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct to investigate an unauthorized disclosures. Prohibits the appropriation of funds for any fiscal year beginning after September 30, 1978 for specified intelligence activities of Federal departments or agencies unless such funds have been authorized by a House bill or joint resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 1977
Constituent Postal Card Act - Sets the postage rate for a postal card mailed to the official address of a Member of Congress by a Constituent of such Member at an amount equal to the cost of the manufacture, printing, and delivery of such card.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 1977
Makes changes in the management program of Redwood National Park, California, including authorizing the Secretary of Agriculture to alter the boundaries of the Park Protection Zone. Authorizes the Secretary to acquire specified lands and sets forth procedures for such takings. Requires the Secretary to submit an annual written report on such acquisition.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1977
Equity in Social Security Act - Amends Title II (Old-Age, Survivors', and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act: (1) to eliminate the requirement that a husband be receiving at least one-half of his support from his wife, and that a widower be receiving at least one-half of his support from his wife at the time of her death in order to qualify for husband's and widower's insurance benefits; (2) to extend eligibility for such benefits to unmarried divorced husbands and widowers; (3) to extend without regard to any age limitation, husband's benefits to a husband who has in his care a minor child who is entitled to child's insurance benefits under Title II; and (4) to extend to widowers and surviving divorced fathers the same benefits as are available to widows and surviving divorced mothers with minor children in their care. Permits the payment of old-age insurance benefits to a married couple on their combined earnings record.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1977
Public Participation in Federal Agency Proceedings Act - Authorizes each Federal agency to award reasonable attorneys' fees and other costs of participation in all rulemaking, ratemaking, licencing, and other proceedings which relate directly to the health, safety, civil rights, environment, and economic well-being of consumers in the marketplace. Permits such awards if the person participating in the agency proceeding represents an interest the representation of which contributes or can reasonably be expected to contribute substantially to a fair determination of the proceeding, and the economic interest of the person in the outcome is small in comparison to the costs of effective participation in the proceeding or the person demonstrates to the satisfaction of the agency that such person does not have sufficient resources to participate effectively in the proceeding absent an award under this Act. Requires the agency to make a determination of eligibility under this Act prior to timely participation in the proceeding if at all possible. Requires payment of an award under this Act within 90 days after the date of final decision. Allows such agency to make advance payments to permit the persons to participate or to continue to participate in the proceeding. Makes such recipient liable for repayment of such advance if the agency determines that the person clearly has not provided the representation for which the payments were made or that the person has acted in an obdurate, dilatory, mendacious, or oppressive manner toward any other participant. Permits persons seeking judicial review of a Federal agency's action to recover attorneys' fees and other reasonable costs of litigation from the United States if: (1) the plaintiff is afforded the relief sought in substantial measure; (2) the court determines that such action served an important public purpose; and (3) the economic interest of the person is small in comparison to the costs of effective participation in the action, or such person does not have sufficient resources to participate effectively in the action absent an award under this section. Requires the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to submit to Congress an annual report on awards of attorneys' fees and litigation expenses against the United States. Authorizes to be appropriated (1) for awards to participants in agency proceedings under this Act, $10,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 1978, 1979, and 1980; and (2) for awards to persons seeking judicial review of agency actions under this Act, such sums as may be necessary to make such awards for actions brought prior to the end of fiscal year 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1977
Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act - Title I: Statement of Findings and Policy - Declares that most of the nation's coal reserve can only be mined by underground methods. Lists the purposes of this Act, including the establishment of a nationwide program to prevent adverse effects to society and the environment from surface coal mining. Title II: Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement - Establishes in the Interior Department the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement with a Director appointed by the President. States that such Office shall administer the programs required by this Act and assist the States in development of State programs for surface coal mining and reclamation. States that the Office shall be considered an independent Federal regulatory body. Title III: State Mining and Mineral Resources Research Institute - Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary of the Interior of sums adequate to provide for each participating State $200,000 for fiscal year 1978, $300,000 for fiscal year 1979, and $400,000 for each fiscal year thereafter for five years, to assist the States in carrying on the work of a competent and qualified mining and mineral resources research institute or center at the school of mines of one public college or university of the State. Requires such monies to be matched dollar-for-dollar by the States. Authorizes appropriations of $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1978, such sum to be increased by $2,000,000 each fiscal year for six years thereafter, for specific projects in mining and mineral research in institutes. Directs the Secretary to establish a center for cataloging current and projected scientific research in mining and mineral resources. Requires the Secretary to appoint an Advisory Committee on Mining and Mineral Research for advice on all matters concerning mining and mineral resources research. Title IV: Abandoned Mine Reclamation - Creates the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund in the Treasury. Requires operators of coal mines to pay into the fund quarterly fees of $.35 per ton of coal produced by surface mining and $.15 per ton of coal produced by underground mining, or ten percent of the value of the coal in the mine, whichever is less. Authorizes use of money in the Fund for acquisition and reclamation of abandoned and unreclaimed mine lands and for acquisitions and fillings of voids and sealing of tunnels and entryways in abandoned mines. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to enter into agreements with landowners of water rights under which such landowners shall furnish a conservation and development plan and shall effect such plan in return for financial assistance from the Secretary of Agriculture of up to 80 percent of the cost of such a reclamation effort. Encourages States to acquire abandoned and unreclaimed land, and to transfer it to the Secretary for reclamation, and authorizes matching grants for such purpose, up to 90 percent of the land price. Allows resale of reclaimed land by public bidding, and allows local public participation in determining the use of reclaimed land. Title V: Control of the Environmental Impacts of Surface Coal Mining - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to publish, within 180 days of the enactment of this Act, regulations which establish a permanent regulatory procedure and performance standards for surface coal mining and reclamation standards. Requires the Secretary to obtain the concurrence of the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency with respect to regulations concerned with air or water quality standards. Establishes a permit program to require mining operators to comply with environmental protection standards. Allows State control over surface mining permits if certain requirements are met. Authorizes the implementation of a Federal program if States fail to act. Permits State laws and regulations that are more stringent than those set forth pursuant to this Act. Requires permit applications to describe the method of mining and equipment proposed to be used, to describe by maps the land to be affected, and to contain a statement of results of test borings or core samplings of the affected land. Stipulates that permits must be accompanied by a mining and reclamation plan which shall include a description of present uses of the land, steps to be taken to prevent environmental damage and a description of the reclamation activities. Requires the posting of performance bonds and possession of liability insurance by applicants for permits. Requires the establishment of coal exploration regulations by appropriate State and Federal authorities. Requires that such regulations include provisions for reclamation of lands disturbed in exploration activities. Imposes the following general environmental performance standards on surface mining operations as a condition of the issuance of a permit under this Act: (1) restoration of the land affected to a prior use, consistent with public health and safety; (2) restoration to the original contour of the land and backfilling, grading, and compacting the excess overburden and other waste materials to attain the lowest grade; (3) removal and segregation of topsoil in a separate layer where it is able to support vegetation; (4) minimization of disturbances to the hydrologic balance at the mine site and surrounding areas by eliminating or reducing toxic drainage, siltation, and contamination problems; (5) conformity with standards for the design and location of coal mine waste piles; and (6) establishment of a diverse, effective, and permanent vegetation on regraded areas. Stipulates that the regulatory authority shall make test borings of core samplings for mining operators with an estimated annual production of less than 250,000 tons of coal. Establishes additional requirements for steep-slope surface mining operations. Defines the term "steep-slope" to include any slope above 20 degrees or lesser slopes as may be defined by the regulatory authority. Directs the Secretary to promulgate rules and regulations directed at the surface effects of underground mining. Directs and authorizes inspection of surface coal mining and reclamation to determine compliance with this Act and regulations. Provides requirements for recordkeeping and submittal and monitoring by mine operators. Imposes civil penalties for violation of this Act or regulations under it. Establishes procedures for citizen suits and judicial review of actions under this Act. Establishes conditions under which mine operators may request a release of all or part of the performance bond. Requires public notice and hearings upon applications for such releases. Requires States to establish, as a condition of assuming primary regulatory control, a planning process designed to identify lands unsuitable for surface coal mining. Requires designation of lands as unsuitable if it can be shown that reclamation pursuant to the requirements of the Act is not feasible. Authorizes designation of lands as unsuitable where operations mining will: (1) be incompatible with land use plans or programs; (2) affect fragile or historic lands of significant historic, scientific or esthetic value; (3) affect renewable land resources with an impact on long-range food and water supply; and (4) increase a significant hazard to life and property, including the possibility of flood and earthquake damage. Prohibits surface coal mining operations on certain Federal lands, or within 100 feet of a public road or within 300 feet of a building or dwelling, unless the consent of the affected public or private interest is obtained. Requires implementation of a Federal lands program applicable to all surface coal mining and reclamation activities pursuant to Federal laws or taking place on Federal lands. Requires that coal exploration operations which substantially disturb the natural land surface on such lands be subject to a permit program established by the Secretary of the Interior. Requires separate regulations for programs for special bituminous coal surface mines that meet specified criteria, and for anthracite coal surface mines which are regulated by environmental protection standards of the States. Title VI: Designation of Lands Unsuitable for Noncoal Mining - Allows the Secretary to designate Federal lands unsuitable for mining materials other than coal, if they are predominantly urban or suburban in character or if such mining operations would have an adverse impact on lands used primarily for residential and related purposes. Title VII: Administrative and Miscellaneous Provisions - Defines the terms used in this Act. Prohibits discrimination against employees for filing suit under this Act and for testifying in a proceeding under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to make annual grants to the States to assist the States in developing, administering, and enforcing State programs under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to provide technical assistance and training, and assistance in preparing and maintaining a continuing inventory of information on surface coal mining and reclamation projects. Requires the Secretary to submit an annual report to the President and the Congress. Directs the Secretary to contract with the National Academy of Sciences-National Academy of Engineering for a study of surface coal mining conditions in Alaska in order to determine which, if any, of the provisions of this Act should be modified with respect to such operations in Alaska. Directs the Chairman of the Council on Environmental Quality to contract with the National Academy of Sciences-National Academy of Engineering and other groups for a study of the technology for surface and open-pit mining and reclamation for minerals other than coal designed to assist in the development of regulation for such operations. Directs the Secretary to consult with Indian tribes in studying the regulation of surface mining on Indian lands. Requires all surface coal mining operations on Indian lands to comply with requirements at least as stringent as specified provisions in this Act within 30 months from the enactment of this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of the following sums to carry out this Act: (1) for various contract authority, $10,000,000 per fiscal year for fiscal years 1978, 1979, and 1980; (2) for the performance of test borings by the regulatory authority, an amount reserved for such purpose from the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund not to exceed $40,000 per fiscal year; (3) for administrative and other purposes, $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1978, $20,000,000 for fiscal years 1979 and 1980, and $30,000,000 for fiscal years thereafter; and (4) for research and demonstration projects of alternative coal mining technologies, $35,000,000 for fiscal year 1978, and for the next four years. Stipulates that no new budget authority for fiscal year 1977 is authorized by the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1977
Permits any Federal employee or Member of Congress who, at the time of retirement, does not elect a reduced annuity in order to provide a survivor annuity to a spouse or other person to make such an election within one year after retiring. Requires such employee to refund to the Government an amount equal to the amount such employee's annuity would have been reduced during the period from the date of retirement to the date of election plus interest. (Amends 5 U.S.C. 8339)
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1977
Congressional Pay Reform Act - Amends the Federal Salary of 1967 to: (1) make recommendations for rates of pay for Members of Congress and the Resident Commissioner from Puerto Rico, transmitted by the President to Congress, subject to the approval of Congress under this Act; and (2) specify that such recommendations may be considered approved if each House of the Congress passes a specific resolution granting such approval within 180 calendar days of continuous session after the date of the President's transmittal of such recommendations. Sets forth the form of the resolution granting such approval, and the rules and procedure to be followed in each House with respect to the consideration of such resolution. Amends the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 to establish the annual rates of pay for Members of Congress, Delegates to the House of Representatives, the Resident Commissioner from Puerto Rico, the President pro tempore of the Senate, the Speaker of the House, and the Senate and House majority and minority leaders at the rates in effect on September 30, 1976, until otherwise changed by law. Declares that if any recommendations transmitted to the Congress by the President on January 17, 1977, relating to rates of pay for such positions take effect before enactment of this Act, the rates of pay for such positions will be those in effect on September 30, 1976, unless such recommendations are approved by Congress in accordance with this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1977
Makes it a violation of the Federal Trade Commission Act for any retailer to increase the price of consumer commodities once he marks the price on any such consumer commodity, and permits the Federal Trade Commission to order any such retailer to refund any amounts of money obtained by increasing the price of such consumer commodity.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1977
Permits any Federal employee or Member of Congress who, at the time of retirement, does not elect a reduced annuity in order to provide a survivor annuity to a spouse or other person to make such an election within one year after retiring. Requires such employee to refund to the Government an amount equal to the amount such employee's annuity would have been reduced during the period from the date of retirement to the date of election plus interest. (Amends 5 U.S.C. 8339)
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1977
Directs the Bureau of Labor Statistics to expand the Current Population Survey so as to provide monthly to each State statistics on the number of unemployed persons within it.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1977
Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to deem a food additive unsafe to be marketed if it is found to induce cancer in man or animal when ingested in reasonable quantities, or found in appropriate tests to induce cancer in man or animal when ingested in reasonable quantities.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1977
Amends the Arms Export Control Act, with respect to approval for the transfer of defense articles, training, or services under that Act, to delay the effective date of such approval until the end of the first period of 30 days of continuous Congressional session after the President has certified the proposed transfer to Congress, unless Congress disapproves such transfer by concurrent resolution within that period. Permits such proposed transfer to become effective immediately if the President certifies to Congress that a state of emergency exists which requires such transfer in the national security interests of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1977
Food Additive Safety Amendments - States that a food additive shall be deemed safe if the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare (1) makes a finding, based on recommendations of an advisory committee, that the public benefit from permitting the use of such additive would exceed the public risk which might result from such use; (2) gives notice in the Federal Register of such a finding and invites public comment thereon; and (3) issues a final order not earlier than 120 days of such publication in the Federal Register of such findings. Specifies factors the Secretary must take into consideration when evaluating a food additive. Deems saccharin a safe food additive unless the Secretary declares it unsafe under the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1977
Amends rules XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives to require that each committee report accompanying a public bill or joint resolution contain an evaluation of the paperwork which would be incurred in carrying out such bill or resolution including estimates of time and cost required of affected parties, a showing of whether the effect of the bill could be substantial, and an estimate of recordkeeping requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1977
Campaign Financing Act -- Title I: Public Financing of Congressional General Election Campaigns - Entitles to payments under this Act Congressional candidates who agree to certain reporting and recordkeeping procedures and who certify that (1) he and his authorized committees will not incur campaign expenses in excess of certain limitations, (2) he has qualified to have his name placed on the election ballot in an election for Congressional office, and (3) he has received contributions in excess of a certain sum and no person has given more than $100 toward the amount so certified. Sets the amount of payments to an eligible candidate at the amount of contributions received up to a specified maximum. Stipulates that sums given by any one contributor totalling over $100 shall be disregarded for purposes of matching grants. Restricts use of funds forwarded under this Act to defraying campaign expenses either directly or through repayment of campaign loans. Specifies a limit on the amount of personal funds which a candidate may spend in connection with a Congressional campaign and remain eligible to matching grants. Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to specify spending limits for candidates receiving payments under this Act. Waives such limits for candidates whose opponents are not receiving matching payments and have spent sums in excess of the limit imposed for candidates receiving payments. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to establish a separate Congressional General Election Payment Account in the Presidential Election Campaign Fund and to deposit certain sums in such account in accordance with specified guidelines. Requires repayment of excess payments and unexpended payments. Penalizes use of funds for other than campaign purposes. Authorizes the Federal Election Commission to institute repayment actions in district courts. Specifies the administrative authority of the Commission in carrying out this Act. Title II: Public Financing of Presidential General Election Campaigns - Raises the general election spending limit for Presidential candidates who are eligible to receive public funds under either the Presidential Election Campaign Fund Act or the Presidential Primary Matching Payment Account Act. Sets limits on the amount which a State party committee may spend in connection with the general election campaign of its Presidential candidate. Provides an alternative method for determining the amount of money to which candidates are entitled under the Presidential Election Campaign Fund Act based upon amount of contributions received after the final primary. Specifies conditions for candidates electing such method. Permits Presidential candidates eligible to receive payment under the Presidential Election Campaign Fund Act to receive additional small contributions from individual contributors up to a specified limit. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to reduce the maximum amount which a multicandidate committee may contribute to any candidate or his committees. Specifies the effective date of the provisions of this Act and guidelines with respect to deposit in the Congressional General Election Campaign Fund during 1977.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1977
Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to specifically encompass pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions within the prohibition against sex discrimination in employment, including discrimination with respect to fringe benefit plans.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1977
Synthetic Fuels Research and Demonstration Act - Title I: Motor Vehicle Synthetic Fuel Research and Demonstration Project - Directs the Administrator of the Energy Research and Development Administrator of the Energy Research and Development Administration to establish a synthetic fuels project for motor vehicles in accordance with a research and development plan. Prescribes criteria to be followed by the Administrator in: (1) the selection of a synthetic fuel; (2) the selection of a project agency; and (3) the establishment of a research and demonstration plan. Requires that the Administrator submit interim reports to Congress and a final report within three years of the enactment of this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of $15,000,000 through fiscal year 1980 for such project. Title II: Electrical Generation Synthetic Fuel Research and Demonstration Projects - Directs the Administrator of the Energy Research and Development Administration to establish a program of Federal assistance to public utilities for the support of synthetic fuels projects for the generation of electricity. Establishes criteria for applicants to be considered for financial assistance. Establishes guidelines for the Administrator in selecting projects from eligible applicants. Stipulates that the amount of funds for any such project shall be based on the difference between the cost of conventional fuel which would ordinarily be used. Limits payments under this title to $1,000,000 for any single project. Requires the Administrator to submit interim reports to Congress and a final report within three years of the enactment of this Act. Authorizes appropriations of $6,000,000 through fiscal year 1980 for such program.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1977
Minimum Income Maintenance Act - Amends the Social Security Act by adding Title XXI - Minimum Income Maintenance Benefits. Establishes a national program to guarantee a minimum adequate income for all qualified residents of the United States. Establishes eligibility requirements for such program. Sets the amount of annual benefit for any eligible individual at one-half of the applicable guarantee level as defined in this Act, reduced by one-half of the amount of such individual's income. Specifies that the guarantee level shall be established by the Bureau of Labor Statistics in the Department of Labor utilizing the most recent information and data which may be available on costs, incomes, budget levels, and consumption patterns, and shall take into account variations in consumption patterns as between different areas and regions and as between families of different sizes and compositions. States that "income," for purposes of this Act, includes all earned and unearned income. Requires every individual eligible for benefits to register for services, training, and employment in a work incentive program established under the Work Incentive Program of Title IV of the Social Security Act. Makes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare responsible for the administration of this title and the program of benefits established by this title. Imposes a fine of not more than $1,000 or imprisonment for not more than one year or both upon anyone found guilty of fraud in connection with determining rights under this title. Abolishes specified public assistance programs under the Social Security Act and the Food Stamp Act of 1964.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1977
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the ban or prohibition of saccharin should be delayed until the appropriate Congressional committees have determined that consumption of saccharin in unsafe.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1977
Department of Energy Organization Act - Title I: Declaration of Purposes - Declares it the purpose of this Act to establish a permanent Department or Energy in the executive branch to assist in the development of a coordinated national energy policy. Title II: Establishment of Department - Establishes a Department of Energy in the executive branch. Establishes an Energy Information Administration and an Economic Regulatory Administration within such Department. Title III: Transfers of Functions - Transfers to the Secretary of Energy all functions now vested in the Federal Energy Administration, the Energy Research and Development Administration, and the Federal Power Commission. Transfers energy-related functions from the Department of the Interior to the new Secretary. Transfers specified functions of the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, the Interstate Commerce Commission, the Secretary of the Navy, and the Secretary of Commerce to the new Secretary. Title IV: Board of Hearings and Appeals - Establishes a three-member Board of Hearings and Appeals within the Department to make agency determinations as required by law. Prohibits persons having interests in energy companies from serving as Board members. Title V: Administrative Procedures and Judicial Review - Stipulates that the provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act shall apply to rules and regulations issued by the Secretary or his delegate. Requires that opportunity for oral presentations of viewpoints be afforded where regulations are likely to have a substantial economic impact. Requires hearings on rules which substantially impact on a single geographic area to be held in such geographic area. Stipulates that United States district courts shall have exclusive jurisdiction of cases arising under this Act without regard to the amount in controversy, except where otherwise provided in authority transferred to the Secretary. Title VI: Administrative Provisions - Establishes a Leasing Liaison Committee to obtain information and make recommendations on Federal leasing activities conducted by the Secretary of the Interior which relate to energy resources. Requires officers and employees of the Department of Energy to disclose known financial interests in energy companies. Imposes criminal penalties for knowing violations of such disclosure requirements. Authorizes the Secretary to delegate authority to other officers, to create regional offices, and to establish advisory committees. Requires the Secretary to submit annual reports to the President for submission to the Congress. Title VII: Transitional Savings and Conforming Provisions - Stipulates that transfers of personnel as authorized by this Act shall not result in reduction in grade or unemployment for one year after enactment of this Act. Stipulates that orders, rules, and proceedings established or commenced under previous authority shall not be affected by the transfers under this Act. Amends the Federal Energy Administration Act, the Energy Reorganization Act, the Federal Power Act, the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act, the Energy Conservation Standards for New Buildings Act, the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935, the Rural Electrification Act of 1936, and other provisions of law to conform with the changes made by this Act. Title VIII: Effective Date and Interim Appointments - Stipulates that the provisions of this Act shall take effect no later than 120 days after the Secretary first takes office. Establishes procedures for interim appointment of officers prior to the effective date of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1977
Privacy Protection for Rape Victims Act - Amends the Federal Rules of Evidence to prohibit in cases of rape or assault with intent to rape the introduction of reputation or opinion evidence of a person's past sexual behavior. Permits the introduction of evidence of specific instances of a person's past sexual behavior only if such evidence is offered by the accused and is either: (1) on the issue of whether the accused was the source of pregnancy, disease, semen, or injury; or (2) on the issue of whether the alleged victim consented to the sexual behavior with respect to which the crime is alleged and restricted to the victim's past sexual relations with the defendant. Requires an accused who intends to introduce any such evidence to make a written motion to the court accompanied by a written offer of proof. Directs the court to hold a hearing on any such motion in chambers to determine admissibility.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1977
Congressional Pay Raise Deferral Act - Amends the Federal Salary Act of 1967 and the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 to provide that any adjustment in the rate of pay for Members of Congress proposed during any Congress shall not take effect earlier than the beginning of the next Congress. States that any such pay adjustment proposed in an even-numbered year of any Congress after the congressional elections and before the beginning of the following Congress, shall be considered as occurring during the first session of the following Congress for the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1977
Regulatory Agency Self-Destruct Act - Abolishes each Federal regulatory agency as of the close of September 30, 1977 unless, prior to such date: (1) the President conducts an investigation of the agency's overall performance, makes public a report on the findings of the investigation, and recommends to the Congress that such agency or agencies should not be abolished; (2) the relevant committee or committees of the House and Senate conduct an inquiry into the performance and effectiveness of the agency or agencies and make public a report on such findings, conclusions, and recommendations; and (3) the Congress adopts a concurrent resolution disapproving the abolition of the agency or agencies. Defines "Federal regulatory agency" to mean any of the following: (1) the Civil Aeronautics Board; (2) the Federal Communications Commission; (3) the Federal Maritime Commission; (4) the Federal Power Commission; (5) the Federal Trade Commission; (6) the Interstate Commerce Commission; (7) the Securities and Exchange Commission; (8) the Consumer Product Safety Commission; (9) the Nuclear Regulatory Commission; and (10) the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. Declares that each Federal regulatory agency not abolished by the above Procedure, or any successor agency established pursuant to this Act, shall be abolished on September 30, 1984 except that those agencies which have been in existence for 25 years or less shall be abolished on September 30, 1990 unless the President and the Congress take action as described above to disapprove such abolition. States that such abolition procedure shall be repeated every seven years. States that each regulatory agency established by the Congress on or after September 1, 1975, shall be abolished every 15 years from the date on which it is first empowered to exercise its functions and duties according to the Act creating such agency until the agency has been in existence for 25 years after which it shall be abolished every 7 years unless the President and the Congress take action as described above to disapprove such abolition. Requires that before March 30, 1977, and on or before a date six months prior to each date of abolition of an agency as specified in this Act, the President shall prepare and submit to the Congress a plan for the orderly transfer of such functions, powers, and duties, if any, as are determined by the President to be essential to the public health, safety, or welfare, from an agency, which is subject to the termination provisions of this Act, to the President or to a successor agency designated by the President. Provides that all orders, determinations, rules, regulations, permits, certificates, licenses, contracts, rates, and privileges which have been issued, made, granted, or allowed to become effective by a Federal regulatory agency abolished by this Act or by any court of competent jurisdiction, under any provisions of law affected by this Act, and which are in effect at the time these provisions take effect, shall continue in effect according to their terms until modified, terminated, superseded, set aside, or repealed by the President, the head of a designated successor agency or by any court of competent jurisdiction, or by operation of law.
![Official portrait of Rep. Mazzoli, Romano L. [D-KY-3]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/m000291_200.jpg)