United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1977
Accredited Law Schools Constituted Depositories - Provides for the designation of any nationally accredited law school as a depository library upon request of such law school. (Amends 44 U.S.C. 1916)
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1977
Directs the President to appoint a specified number of additional judges to designated United States district courts and courts of appeals. Authorizes the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to place an additional eight positions in grades 16, 17, and 18 of the General Schedule.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1977
Amends the United Nations Participation Act of 1945 to permit enforcement of any executive order restricting the importation of Rhodesian chrome, pursuant to any United Nations Security Council resolution. Requires that steel mill products containing chromium not be imported while such executive order is in effect without the filing of a certificate of origin with the Secretary of the Treasury unless such shipment is released by the Secretary. Authorizes the Secretary to prescribe regulations to carry out this provision.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1977
Marihuana Control Act - Amends the Controlled Substances Act to provide that the possession of not more than one ounce of marihuana for private use, or the transfer of not more than one ounce of marihuana without profit for private use, shall not constitute a crime against the United States. Provides for a civil penalty of not more than $100 for such possession or transfer.
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
Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to exclude from admission into, and provides for the deportation from, the United States of any alien who engaged or assisted in, or incited or directed others to engage in, the persecution of others on the basis of religion, race, or national origin under the direction of the Nazi government of Germany between March 23, 1933, and May 8, 1945.
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.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1977
Provides that recipients of veterans' pensions and compensation will not have the amount of such pension or compensation reduced, or entitlement thereto discontinued, because of general or cost-of- living increases in social security benefits or in benefits under any other Federal retirement, annuity or endowment program.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1977
Directs the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to pay a pension to each veteran who served in the active military, naval, or air service at any time during World War I and who is not eligible for a non-service connected disability pension. Directs the Administrator to pay medical services costs required outside Veterans' Administration facilities if travel to such facilities would be a burden for the veteran. Provides for survivor pensions for the widows of such veterans.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1977
Adds Rule XLV to the Rules of the House of Representatives, allowing television and radio coverage of the proceedings in the House Chamber. Provides all television and radio broadcasting stations in the United States with access to all of the live coverage of the proceedings of the House. Restricts use of coverage to legitimate news or research purposes. Prohibits the commercial use or sponsorship of such coverage except in bona fide news or public affairs documentary programs. Prohibits the use in political campaigns of coverage provided under this resolution. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this Act. Directs that the coverage shall be carried out through the facilities and personnel of the television networks entered into by the Clerk with a television network pool.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1977
Save the Whales Act - Prohibits the importation of fish or fish products produced by any foreign nation which: (1) is engaged in the killing or capturing of whales, and (a) is not a member of the International Whaling Commission, or (b) violates certain Commission regulations; or (2) transfers equipment for the killing or capturing of whales to any other enterprise which engages in certain activities concerning the killing or capturing of whales within ten years of such transfer. Permits the killing or capturing of whales by any aboriginal group for subsistence. Directs the Secretary of Commerce: (1) to determine, with the assistance of any other Federal agency, if any enterprise is engaged in such prohibited activities; (2) to publish the name of such enterprise or otherwise inform the enterprise of such a finding; and (3) to hold hearings upon objections to such a finding. Sets forth procedures for the prohibition of fish imports under this Act and the termination of such prohibition. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to take actions necessary to administer such import prohibition. Directs the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Commerce to consider such import prohibitions in the administration of the Fishery Conservation and Management Act of 1976 with respect to the allocation to each foreign nation of the total allowable level of foreign fishing subject to exclusive fishery management authority of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1977
Social Security Reform Amendments - Repeals the earnings limitation under title II (Old Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act. Provides benefits under such title to husbands, widowers, and fathers on the same basis as wives, widows, and mothers who presently receive benefits. Eliminates the five- month waiting period for disability benefits. Continues the benefit entitlement under such title through the month of the beneficiary's death. Permits individuals 65 years of age or older to elect an exemption from Social Security coverage and payment of Social Security coverage and payment of Social Security taxes. Eliminates marriage or remarriage of a beneficiary as a factor in terminating or reducing the amount of benefits available. Authorizes direct payments to physicians and other providers at their option under the supplementary medical insurance program of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a limited tax credit in an amount of $250 for each individual who is at least 65 years of age before the beginning of the taxable year, whose principal place of abode during the taxable year is the principal residence of the taxpayer, and who is not a lodger with the taxpayer.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1977
Establishes within the House of Representatives a Select Committee on Welfare Reorganization to: (1) study any problems which exist in the interaction of present benefit programs; (2) formulate legislation to resolve such problems; (3) study the system used by the House to refer proposed welfare legislation to committees; and (4) study whether there is a need in the House for a standing committee to handle such legislation.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1977
Amends rule X of the Rules of the House of Representatives to create a 37-member Select Committee on Energy. Directs the Speaker to refer first to the select committee all bills, resolutions and other matters relating to: (1) energy resources, regulation, conservation, and allocation; (2) energy power administration. Gives to the select committee sole jurisdiction over certain bills transmitted to Congress in accordance with the Energy Policy and Conservation Act. Directs that any bill, resolution or other matter reported from the select committee be treated as if it had been reported from a standing committee of the House.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1977
Stipulates that a member of the armed forces may be given only one of the following discharges: (1) an Honorable Discharge; (2) a Discharge from Service as regulated under this Act; (3) a Bad Conduct Discharge issued in accordance with the sentence of a general court-martial; or (4) a Dishonorable Discharge issued in accordance with the sentence of a general court-martial. Requires that a narrative statement describing the service of a former member be issued to such member upon request at any time following separation from service. Limits the information which may be included in such a statement. Sets forth the composition of administrative discharge boards which shall consider whether a member should be separated with a Discharge from Service pursuant to this Act. Allows such boards to recommend a Discharge from Service only upon a finding, based upon a preponderance of the evidence, that: (1) the member has engaged in misconduct; (2) in the case of an officer, cadet, or midshipman, that such member has engaged in moral or professional dereliction; (3) the retention of such member would be contrary to the interests of national security; or (4) such member has been convicted previously in a civilian court or previous court-martial under specified circumstances and the retention of such member is not warranted. Authorizes the use of such a discharge by the President in time of war when the individual has been absent without authority for one year, or where the member has requested such discharge, after consultation with counsel, in lieu of board action under this Act or a court-martial. Sets forth the rights of the member concerned before the board and procedures regarding the board's actions. Directs each Judge Advocate General to establish a Court of Administrative Review to review recommendations for separation with a Discharge from Service. Requires the Court of Military Appeals to review the record upon which such a discharge was issued after final action by the Court of Administrative Review if the Judge Advocate General orders such review. Authorizes the Court to review the case upon petition by the member affected. Sets forth the conditions under which an administrative discharge board shall be precluded from determining whether a member should be issued a Discharge from Service.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1977
Requires Federal agencies to publicly report to Congress all expenditures made for or on the behalf of a Member of Congress or a congressional employee with respect to the travel of such person and requires the committee of Congress which approved such travel to reimburse such agency for such expenditures.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1977
Requires the Congressional Record for the House of Representatives to contain an accurate and verbatim account of remarks actually delivered on the floor of the House together with supporting data. Limits revisions of verbatim remarks in the Record to the correction of grammatical and typographical errors which do not change the meaning, content, or substance of those remarks. Entitles Members to insert in the Records remarks not actually delivered on the floor. Stipulates that such insertions always be clearly distinguishable from verbatim remarks.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1977
Amends rule XI of the Rules of the House of Representatives to prohibit the use of Committee funds for travel unless the official nature of the travel is established by a resolution approved in a public session by majority vote of the committee involved. Requires the resolution to set forth: (1)the proposed itinerary in detail; (2)the purpose of each destination; (3)the names of all persons who propose to take the trip at private or committee expense; (4)reimbursement provisions; (5)the anticipated benefit to the taxpayers; and (6)the estimated total expense. Requires a complete travel report to be filed with the respective committee within ten working days of the completion of travel.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1977
Amends the Fishery Conservation Zone Transition Act to approve, as governing international fishery agreements for purposes of the Fishery Conservation and Management Act of 1976, agreements concerning fisheries off the United States coast with (1) the European Economic Community, (2) Japan, (3) Korea, and (4) Spain.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 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.
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 1977
Provides that recipients of veterans' pension and compensation will not have the amount of such pension or compensation reduced, or entitlement thereto discontinued, because of increases in monthly social security benefits. Applies these amendments to annual income determinations made for calendar years after 1972. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 415(g), adds 38 U.S.C. 503(d))
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1977
Requires that any plan for reorganization of the Executive Branch submitted by the President to Congress specify the improvements in management, delivery of Federal services, and increases in efficiency in Government operations which are expected to result from such reorganization. Permits the President to amend any such plan at any time during the 30-day period during which such plan is in committee without affecting the time limits otherwise applicable to congressional consideration of such plan. Permits any such plan to deal with more than one logically consistent subject matter and permits submission of such plans under present law until four years after the enactment of this Act. (Amends 5 U.S.C. 903; 905)
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1977
Opportunities Industrialization Centers Skills Training and National Community Based Organizations Job Creation and Employment Act - Directs the Secretary of Labor to: (1) contact Opportunities Industrialization Centers, Incorporated, for the provision of skills training to certain types of unemployed persons through such centers; and (2) contact other national community based organizations, such as the Urban League and union-related organizations, for the provision of comprehensive employment services, including counseling, job creation and development, remedial education, and followup. Directs the head of each agency having administrative authority with respect to specified Federal grant and construction programs to take steps to assure that special consideration be given national community based organizations in providing employment services and job opportunities for unemployed persons pursuant to such authority.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1977
Voting Rights Act Repealer Amendments Act - Amends the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to repeal the prohibitions against voting qualifications, prerequisites, tests, or devices which abridge the right of a citizen to vote who is a member of a language minority. Repeals the requirement that States and other political subdivisions make available registration and voting materials, and voting assistance in languages other than English in areas where more than five percent of the citizens belong to a single language minority.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1977
Natural Game Fish Stream Preservation Act - Amends the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act to establish a program whereby any State agency responsible for the management of game fish may apply to the Secretary of the Interior for Federal assistance with respect to the preservation of natural game fish streams within such State. Authorizes the Secretary to grant such funds as may be necessary to enable such State to acquire title to or interest in such streams and abating lands. Requires such State agency to show that it is able to acquire such interests, and that it will maintain the streams and their environs in their natural state as preconditions to the granting of funds under this Act. Permits any State receiving such assistance to regulate the use of such streams. Requires Federal agencies to limit their operations on and over lands within the watershed of any such streams for which assistance is granted under this Act. Requires any State receiving such assistance to appoint a citizens' advisory committee which shall make an annual report to the Secretary with respect to the status, fees, rules, supervisory practices and use of such streams. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1977
Handgun Crime Control Act - Makes it unlawful for any person to import, manufacture, sell, buy, transfer, receive, or transport any handgun. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to exempt from such prohibition any licensed importers, manufacturers, or dealers and pistol clubs licensed under this Act. Exempts from the prohibitions of this Act: (1) handguns the Secretary determines are being imported or manufactured for, sold or transferred to, purchased, received, or transported by, or issued for the use of, the United States Government or any State or local governments; and (2) handguns which are unserviceable, not restorable to firing condition, and intended for use as a curio, museum piece, or collection item. Provides for the voluntary delivery of handguns to any law enforcement agency for disposition, and entitles the transferor to a payment of $25 or the fair market value of the handgun, whichever is greater. Authorizes the Secretary to license pistol clubs conforming to specified minimal standards. Provides for administrative and judicial review of a license denial or revocation. Imposes criminal penalties on persons who violate provisions of this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to prescribe such rules and regulations necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1977
Fishery Conservation Zone Transition Act - Approves Agreements Concerning Fisheries Off the Coasts of the United States with Bulgaria, Romania, the Republic of China, the German Democratic Republic, the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, and Poland as governing international fishery agreements. Amends the Fishery Conservation and Management Act of 1976 (1) to establish transition measures concerning foreign fishing permits and permit fees; and (2) to exempt 1977 permit applications by foreign nations pursuant to governing international fishery agreements from the requirement of written comments on such application from the appropriate Regional Fishery Management Council.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1977
Jobs Creation Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce the individual income tax rates. Allows a credit against the income tax up to $1,000, for ten percent of the increase in the total savings deposits and investments since the end of the previous year. Allows a limited income tax deduction by certain domestic corporations for dividends paid. Limits corporate deductions for dividends received from foreign corporations. Repeals corporate deductions for other dividends received. Allows the taxpayer to take a deduction for specified percentages of the acquisition costs of certain types of property, with a corresponding reduction in basis, in lieu of a depreciation deduction. Doubles the corporate surtax exemption to $100,000.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1977
Amends the Trading With the Enemy Act to prohibit authorization of a trade embargo with Vietnam except with respect to war and other materials defined by the Mutual Defense Assistance Control Act of 1951 and regulations thereunder.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1977
Medicare-Medicaid Anti-Fraud and Abuse Amendments - Amends Titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require that Medicare and Medicaid payments be made directly to the physician or other person providing the service involved. Allows payment in accordance with an assignment from the person or institution providing care or service if such assignment is made to a governmental agency or entity or is established by the order of a court of competent jurisdiction or to an agent of such person or institution if the agent does so pursuant to an agency agreement under which the compensation to be paid to the agent for his services or in connection with the billing or collection of payments due such person or institution under the plan is unrelated to the amount of such payments or the billings thereof, and is not dependent upon the actual collection of any such payment. States that the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare shall by regulation (or by contract provision) provide that any entity (other than a public entity) which is a provider or supplier that furnishes, or arranges for the furnishing of items or services with respect to which is claimed under Title XVIII, Title V (Maternal and Child Welfare), or under Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act or a party to an agreement with the Secretary under such titles shall promptly comply with any request, specifically addressed to that entity by the Secretary or the Comptroller General of the United States, for information concerning ownership, control, or costs of such entities. Increases the maximum penalty for defrauding the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Makes review and certification requirements of the Social Security Act inapplicable to providers, suppliers, and practitioners being reviewed by any Professional Standards Review Organization designated by the Secretary to be competent to perform review responsibilities. Directs the Secretary to give priority to requests by Professional Standards Review Organizations for review responsibility with respect to services furnished in shared health facilities. States that where a Professional Standards Review Organization has been found competent by the Secretary to assume review responsibility with respect to specified types of health services, such reviews shall constitute the conclusive determination on those issues for purposes of payment under the Social Security Act. Requires professional Standards Review Organizations to provide data and information to assist Federal and State agencies having responsibility for identifying and investigating cases or patterns of fraud or abuse, and to assist the Secretary in carrying out appropriate health care planning and related activities. Requires the Secretary to make payment to qualified Professional Standards Review Organizations in an amount equal to the reasonable amount of the expenses incurred in connection with the defense of any suit, action, or proceeding brought against such organization, member, employee, or person related to the performance of any duty or function of such organization. Directs the Secretary to submit to the Congress an annual report on the administration, impact, and cost of the program during the preceding fiscal year. Authorizes the Comptroller General of the United States to sign and issue supoenas for the purpose of any audit, investigation, examination, analysis, review, evaluation, or other function authorized by law with respect to any program authorized under this Act. Requires the Secretary to suspend any physician or practitioner from participation in the Medicare or Medicaid programs whenever such individual is convicted of a criminal offense related to their involvement in such programs. Conditions participation in, or certification or recertification under, the programs established by titles XVIII, XIX, and XX (Grants to States for Services) upon disclosure of the name of any person who: (1) has a direct or indirect ownership or control interest of five percent or more in such provider, institution, organization, or agency, and (2) has been convicted of a criminal offense related to the involvement of such person in any of such programs. Prohibits expenditure under the Medicaid plan to the extent that any agency, organization, or other person (other than a member of the individual's family) would have been obligated by a State law or contract to provide such care or services but for a provision of the State law or contract which limits or excludes such obligation because the individual is eligible for or receives care or services under the plan.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1977
Civil Rights Amendments - Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to prohibit discrimination based on affectional or sexual preference in: (1) public accommodations; (2) public facilities; (3) public education; (4) federally assisted opportunities; (5) equal employment opportunities; (6) housing; and (7) educational programs receiving Federal assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1977
Declares the support of the House of Representatives for the President's intentions (1) to proceed with a comprehensive nuclear test ban treaty, (2) to seek ratification of the SALT II agreement, and (3) to seek an agreement with the Soviet Union for major reductions in atomic weapons.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1977
Amends the Rules of the House of Representatives to remove the 25-member limit to the number of sponsors of any House of Representatives bill. Permits the addition or deletion of any Member's name as the sponsor of any legislation by a request made by a Member to the Speaker on behalf of such Member.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1977
Establishes a 12-Member select committee in the House of Representatives to conduct an investigation of all acts of any agency, official, employee, or agent of the Government of the Republic of Korea on any representative of a business interest carried on in such Republic to influence any present or former Member of the House in his or her official capacity through bribery, campaign contributions, gift giving or otherwise. Requires the select committee to report to the House as soon as practicable during the present Congress the results of any investigation, together with such recommendations it deems advisable.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1977
Bill of Rights Procedures Act - Title I: Confidentiality of Financial, Toll, and Credit Records - Prohibits any United States entity or representative from obtaining copies of, or access to, information contained in the financial records, toll records, or credit records of any customer of a financial institution, communication common carrier, credit card issuer, or consumer reporting agency. Lifts such prohibition if: (1) the records are described with sufficient particularity; and (2) the customer has authorized disclosure, the disclosure is obtained in response to an administrative subpoena, search warrant, or judicial subpoena, or disclosure is in compliance with specified provisions of the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Sets forth procedures for obtaining customer authorization, administrative subpoenas and summons, search warrants, and judicial subpoenas. Requires financial institutions, communication common carriers, credit card issuers, and consumer reporting agencies to keep records of all examinations of customer records, including the identity of the person examining such records, the governmental agency or department such person represents, and a copy of the authorization. Directs that copies of, or the information contained in, financial, toll, or credit records obtained pursuant to this Act not be used for other than the specific statutory purpose for which the information was originally obtained and that such information or records not be provided to any other Government department or agency or other person except where the transfer of such information is specifically authorized by statute. Stipulates that any action under this title may be brought in any appropriate U.S. district court without regard to the amount in controversy, or in any other court of competent jurisdiction, within three years from the date on which the violation occurs or the date of discovery of such violation, whichever is later. Imposes liability on any person or entity who knowingly obtains or discloses information in violation of this title, making such person or entity liable to the customer to whom the disclosed information relates for actual damages, such punitive damages as the court may allow if the violation was willful, and the costs of litigation. Makes injunctive relief available to any person aggrieved by a violation or threatened violation of this Act. Title II: Mail Covers - Defines "mail cover" as the procedures by which a systematic record or inspection is made of any data appearing on the outside cover of any mail matter. Prohibits the initiation of any mail cover without the written authorization of specified postal officials and good cause to believe, on the basis of an affidavit setting forth the specific reasons for the proposed mail cover, that such procedure is necessary to the investigation of the commission or the attempted commission of a felony or is necessary to aid in locating a fugitive. Permits a mail cover to be conducted for 30 days, with extensions to be granted as specified. Requires any mail cover conducted for more than one year to be judicially authorized. Allows the chief postal inspector or a regional chief postal inspector to issue an emergency authorization for a mail cover on the basis of an oral request from specified law enforcement officials, if such request is supported by an affidavit within 45 days and on condition that no data from such mail cover be made available to the requesting authority until authorization according to regular procedures has been granted. Stipulates that the subjects of mail covers shall be given notice of such cover within 90 days of its termination, unless notice is judicially waived due to possible jeopardizing of continuing investigations. Requires that the chief postal inspector submit to Congress an annual report including the number of requests for mail covers, the identity of the law enforcement agencies making such requests, and a list of the offenses for which mail cover requests were received. Specifies civil remedies for violation of this title. Title III: Amendments to Chapter 119, Title 18, United States Code - Sets forth procedures and restrictions governing the interception of wire or oral communications for purposes of supervisory observing or service by communication common carriers and others. Requires each communication common carrier to submit an annual report to the Federal Communications Commission detailing the interceptions made by it for the protection of its service against theft of service, the nature and frequency of communications intercepted, the number of persons whose communications were intercepted, the length of such interceptions, and the number of hours of recording of intercepted communications. Prohibits the manufacture, distribution, possession, and advertising of devices for theft of communication common carrier services. Stipulates that any such device may be seized and forfeited to the United States. Title IV: Penalties - Subjects officers, agents, or employees of the United States who violate any provision of title I or title II of this Act to a fine of not more than $1,000, imprisonment for not more than one year, or both. Title V: Congressional Subpoenas - Stipulates that nothing in this Act shall apply to Congressional subpoenas.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide identical income tax rates for single persons and married couples filing joint returns. Limits the earned income that must be reported by a married individual filing a separate return to the amount actually earned by that individual.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1977
Amends Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) to remove the limitation on the amount of outside income which an individual may earn while receiving benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 17 January 1977
Directs the Joint Committee on the Library to procure a bronze bust or statue of Martin Luther King, Jr. and to place it in a suitable location in the Capitol.
United States · United States Congress · 12 January 1977
Sequoria National Park Enlargement Act - Enlarges boundaries of Sequoia National Park, California, by including Mineral King Valley. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to develop a management plan for the area acquired pursuant to this Act. States that such plan shall consider the need for additional recreational areas.
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 1977
Packaging Conservation Act - Amends the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act to authorize regulations designated to reduce oversized and excessive packaging of consumer commodities.
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1977
World War I Pension Act - Requires the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to pay (in addition to any already paid) a monthly pension of $150 to each veteran of World War I who meets specified service requirements, or to the surviving spouse of each such veteran, or when there is no surviving spouse, to the child or children of each such veteran.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Automotive Transport Research and Development Act - Directs the Administrator of the Energy Research and Development Administration to establish a program to develop advanced automobile propulsion systems within five years of the date of enactment of this Act. Directs the Administrator to make grants for research projects designed to assist the furtherance of such program. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to evaluate and report the extent to which the automobile industry utilizes advanced automotive technology. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to test vehicles developed pursuant to the program established by this Act, in order to determine compliance with applicable standards under the Clean Air Act and the Noise Control Act of 1972. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to test such vehicles in order to determine compliance with applicable standards under the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966, the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act, and the Automobile Information Disclosure Act. Establishes contracting procedures consistent with applicable provisions of the Federal Nonnuclear Energy Research and Development Act of 1974 and the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974. Directs the Administrator of the Energy Research and Development Administration to submit annual reports to Congress of activities pursuant to this Act, including results of economic surveys designed to evaluate the extent to which Federal guarantees of financial obligations may aid in developing commercial markets for advanced automobile technology. Amends the National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958 to require that efforts of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration be directed towards the development of advanced automobile propulsion systems. Authorizes the appropriation of $25,000,000 for fiscal year 1977 and $75,000,000 for fiscal year 1978 to carry out the purposes of this Act. Stipulates that no more than 60 percent of such appropriations shall be directly expended in Federal laboratories.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Civil Rights Amendments - Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to prohibit discrimination based on affectional or sexual preference in: (1) public accommodations; (2) public facilities; (3) public education; (4) federally assisted opportunities; (5) equal employment opportunities; (6) housing; and (7) educational programs receiving Federal assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Creates a Select House Committee on Population to conduct an investigation and study of: (1) the major adverse effects of current population growth throughout the world; (2) approaches which have been shown to be effective in coping with excessive population growth; and (3) means to encourage countries with excessive population growth rates to adopt methods proven to be successful in reducing population growth rates.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Expresses the endorsement of Congress for the President-elect's pardon program for persons who, during the Vietnam era, failed to report for induction into, or refused induction into, the armed forces and have not been prosecuted for such violation. Requests the President-elect to extend his reconciliation program by: (1) granting amnesty to all persons convicted under the Military Selective Service Act of offenses committed during the Vietnam era; (2) upgrading all the general and undesirable discharges issued to those who served during that era to honorable discharges; (3) reviewing on a case-by-case basis each bad conduct and dishonorable discharge issued during that period; and (4) granting amnesty to all those who were convicted or charged with desertion and to those convicted of absence without leave.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1976
Voting Rights Act Repealer Amendments Act - Amends the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to repeal the prohibitions against voting qualifications, prerequisites, tests, or devices which abridge the right of a citizen to vote who is a member of a language minority. Repeals the requirement that States and other political subdivisions make available registration and voting materials, and voting assistance in languages other than English in areas where (1) more than five percent of the citizens belong to a single language minority, and (2) the illiteracy rate of such minority exceeds the national rate.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1976
Amends Rule XI of the Rules of the House of Representatives to provide that committee funds shall not be used for travel unless its official nature is established by resolution approved by majority vote of the committee involved. Requires that the official travel resolution set forth specific items including the purpose of each destination, the names of all persons who propose to take the trip, the anticipated benefit to the taxpayers, and the estimated total expense.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 1976
Establishes a Commission to Study the Quality of Instruction at the Service Academies to: (1) study the quality of instruction and training at the service academies; (2) study the feasibility of including more civilian professors and instructors; and (3) study the rules of the academies concerning the conduct of cadets. Directs the Commission to transmit a report to the President and to each House of Congress not later than one year after the enactment of this Act containing a statement of findings and conclusions of the Commission. Terminates the Commission 90 days after the submission of its report.