United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1978
Expresses the sense of the Congress that any right to, title to, or interest in the property of the United States Government agencies in the Panama Canal Zone or any real property and improvements thereon located in the zone should not be conveyed, relinquished, or otherwise disposed of to any foreign government without specific authorization of such conveyance, relinquishment, or other disposition by any Act of Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1978
World War I Pension Act - Requires the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to pay a monthly pension of $150 to each veteran of World War I who meets specified service requirements, to the surviving spouse (who meets specified requirements), or, when there is no surviving spouse, to the child or children (who meet specified requirements).
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1978
Prohibits commerce in contraband cigarettes. Defines "contraband cigarettes" as a quantity of more than 20,000 cigarettes, bearing no evidence of payment of applicable State cigarette taxes, which are in the possession of any person other than (1) a person licensed by the State where the cigarettes are found or by the Internal Revenue Service, (2) a common or contract carrier, or (3) a government agent in the performance of duties. Subjects dealers in cigarettes to such reporting requirements as the Secretary of the Treasury may prescribe.
United States · United States Congress · 11 November 1977
Regional Energy Development Act - Chapter I: Introductory - Declares that energy shortages and the high cost of energy have created economic hardships in the Northeastern States, which would especially benefit from regional cooperation with the United States through an entity capable of financing and otherwise promoting increased energy supply and energy conservation in the "Northeastern States" of Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts. Chapter II: Organization, Management, Powers - Authorizes the creation of a corporation for profit, which will not be an agency or establishment of the Federal government. Directs the President to appoint incorporators who reside in the Northeastern States to serve as the initial Board of Directors of the Corporation, and to take whatever actions are necessary to establish the Corporation. Stipulates that a Northeastern State shall become a member of the Corporation when such State shall subscribe for State stock, contribute initial capital in the amount of $1 per capita, and enact supporting legislation. Allows the Corporation to become operational if at least three States become members before December 31, 1978. Authorizes States that are contiguous to members to join the Corporation in the same manner. Authorizes the Corporation to participate in joint ventures with public or private groups and to operate through subsidiaries. Requires the Corporation to submit annual reports and audits to the President, Congress, Governors and legislatures of Member States. Directs the Governors, on a rotating basis, to designate independent persons to evaluate the performance of the Corporation every two years. Chapter III: Projects and Programs of the Corporation - Authorizes the Corporation to participate in financing any project related to solving the loans, guarantees or equity investments. Stipulates that before any financial assistance is provided, the Board of Directors of the Corporation must find that: (1) the project is expected to have a beneficial impact on the energy problems of the region; (2) the investment together with other Corporation activities will not materially impair the credit of the Corporation; (3) private capital is unavailable or insufficient; and (4) unless this limitation is specially waived, the Corporation will not operate the project on a continuing basis or invest more than 50 percent of the total cost. Authorizes rejection of each project by the Governor of the Member State in which it is located. Charges the Board with reviewing periodically the allocation of Corporation resources among the Member States to assure a measure of equity in the distribution of benefits. Limits the Corporation's investment in any one project to the greater of 10 percent of its borrowing authority or $200,000,000. Chapter IV: Financing - Stipulates that capital subscriptions from the States ($1 per capita initial contribution) and private investors shall determine the borrowing authority of the Corporation according to a formula of $15 borrowing backed by Federal guarantees for each $1 capital contribution. Authorizes the contribution of additional capital by the States after the the initial subscription. Authorizes the issuance of capital securities to States and private investors in a form determined by the Board. Permits the Corporation to issue its own obligations which shall be general obligations payable out of any revenues. Prohibits the Corporation from pledging credit of the United States or the credit of Member States. Chapter V: Guarantee of Obligations - Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to guarantee obligations of the Corporation. Permits the Secretary to agree with the Corporation that the United States will purchase the product of its projects, if necessary, in the event market conditions preclude private sale. Chapter VI: State Legislation - Requires Member States, upon joining the Corporation, to enact legislation: (1) assuring decisions within 90 days of application on request for permits required for Corporation projects; (2) exempting the property, income and operations of the Corporation from State and local taxation; and (3) specifying that insofar as the provisions of any State, general, special, or local law may be inconsistent with this Act, the provisions of this Act and the legislation enacted under this Chapter are controlling. Chapter VII: Miscellaneous - Specifies terms of construction and separability of the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 October 1977
Declares that there be no reduction of customs duties on textile, apparel, or fiber products and that such products be excluded from the current Tokyo Round of Multilateral Trade Negotiations in Geneva.
United States · United States Congress · 25 October 1977
Declares it the sense of the Congress that the President direct the United States delegation to the Belgrade Conference to place the issue of the arrest, trial, and conviction of Mykola Rudenko and Oleska Tykhy before the Conference.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 1977
Amends the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Act to prohibit the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation from issuing or applying rules or regulations which have the effect of excluding mortgagees approved by the Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development for participation in specified mortgage insurance programs from the servicing of mortgages sold to the Corporation.
United States · United States Congress · 17 October 1977
Safe Banking Act - Title I: Supervisory Authority over Depository Institutions - Creates civil penalties for specified insider loans and loans to affiliates prohibited by the Federal Reserve Act; for violations of reserve requirements under such Act; and for violations of the National Bank Act relating to one borrower loan limits. Amends the Federal Reserve Act and the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to prohibit member banks and State nonmember banks from making loans to specified insiders where the amount of such loan, when aggregated with the amount of all other loans then outstanding by such bank to such insider, would exceed 50 percent of the limits on loans to a single borrower established by the Federal Reserve Act. Amends the National Housing Act to grant authority to the Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation to make loans to a savings and loan association in order that it may buy the assets of a failing savings and loan. Authorizes financial regulatory agencies, including the National Credit Union Administration and the Federal Home Loan Bank Board, to initiate cease and desist actions against officers, directors, stockholders, or any person participating in the affairs of a financial institution (as well as against the institution itself as is allowed current law) when there have been violations of laws and regulations or unsafe and unsound banking practices which are likely to seriously weaken the condition of the institution in question. Sets forth a procedure to be followed for removal of officers and directors for breach of judiciary duty, which is defined as personal dishonesty or continuing disregard for the safety of the institution. Creates a hearing process for removal of a bank officer or director based on an indictment for or conviction of a felony. Title II: Interlocking Directors - Depository Institution Management Interlocks Act - Prohibits interlocking management and director relations between any depository institutions located in the same metropolitan area, savings loan associations, insurance companies, title companies, companies which appraise real property, and companies which close real estate transactions. States that this prohibition applies without regard to geographical limits where such an institution has assets exceeding $1,000,000,000 and seeks an interlocking relationship with any institution with assets over $500,000,000. Permits any person who is operating as a management official and whose activity was not in violation of this Act at the beginning of such service, to continue to serve in that position for a period not to exceed 15 months. States that a violation of this Title constitutes a violation of the Clayton Act. Charges the Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice with investigations of possible violations. Delegates authority for the enforcement of this Act. Title III: Foreign Branching - Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to prohibit any State nonmember insured bank from operating any foreign branch without prior written consent of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). Permits such bank to acquire evidence of ownership in any foreign bank with such consent. States that when the liabilities of an insured bank for deposits are assumed by another insured bank the following shall occur: (1) the insured status of the bank whose liabilities are assumed shall terminate on the date of receipt by the FDIC of evidence of such assumption; (2) termination of separate insurance of all assumed deposits at the end of six months from the effective date; and (3) notification of such assumption by the assuming bank to each of the depositors of the assumed bank. Subjects performance of any bank services for a bank which is examined by a Federal supervisory agency to regulation by such agency. Requires such bank to notify such agency of the service relationship. Title IV: Conflicts of Interest - Depository Institutions Conflict of Interest Act - Amends the Federal Reserve Act to provide for the appointment by the President of the Senate, of a chairman and a vice chairman of the Federal Reserve Board. Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, the Federal Reserve Act and the Federal Home Loan Bank Act to prohibit specified Presidential-appointee bank regulatory agency heads and members of such agencies from being employed for a period of two years after they leave office by institutions under their regulatory jurisdiction or with a holding company of affiliate. States that the Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System shall be paid a salary at the Level I or Cabinet level and the remaining members shall be compensated at the Level III rate. Title V: Credit Union Restructuring - Amends the Federal Credit Union Act to place the National Credit Union Administration under the management of a National Credit Union Administration Board. Directs the Chairperson of such Board to be the spokesperson of the Board and to represent the Board and the National Credit Union Administration in its official relations with other branches of the Government. Requires each Federal credit union to pay the Administration an annual operating fee and to make annual financial reports to the Board. Title VI: Change in Bank Control Act - Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to authorize the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, with consultation with the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Comptroller of the Currency, to approve or deny in advance any change in control of any bank insured under this Act. Sets forth the procedure for such approvals or denials. Disallows approval if the change would create a monopoly, lessen competition, threaten the safety of the institution, or if the management capability of the applicant is not sound. Subjects the stock of all insured banks to the margin requirements established pursuant to the Securities Act of 1934. Requires insured banks to fully disclose bank stock loans to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Sets forth civil penalties for violations of this Title. Title VII: Change in Savings and Loan Control Act - Amends the National Housing Act to authorize the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation to approve or deny in advance any change in control of any savings and loan association. Sets forth the procedure for such approvals or denials. Subjects the stock of all insured institutions to the margin requirements established pursuant to the Securities Act of 1934. Requires insured institutions to fully disclose bank stock loans to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Sets forth civil penalties for violations of this Title. Title VIII: Correspondent Accounts - Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to direct each appropriate banking agency to study and report to Congress various aspects of interbank accounts. Title IX: Disclosure of Material Facts - Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to require banks to include the following (in addition to other items) in at least one report of condition filed annually: (1) a list of all stockholders of record owning five percent or more of the stock of the institution; (2) a list by name of each insider, his maximum amount of indebtedness during such period, his outstanding amount of indebtedness, the range of interest rates charged on such indebtedness and the terms and conditions of such indebtedness; and (3) a list of the dollar amount of loans classified substandard, doubtful, and loss at the last examination of the bank. Title X: Financial Institutions Examination Council - Federal Bank Examination Council Act - Establishes the Bank Examination Council which shall prescribe uniform principles and standards for the Federal examination of financial institutions. Directs the Council to make recommendations for uniformity in other supervisory matters, including classification of loans subject to risk and identification of financial institutions in need of special supervisory attention. Requires the Council to establish a liaison committee composed of five representatives of State supervisory agencies in order to encourage the application of uniform examination principles and standards by State and Federal supervisory agencies. Authorizes the Comptroller of the Currency, upon the request of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, to examine foreign operations of State member banks. Title XI: Right to Financial Privacy - Right to Financial Privacy Act - Prohibits any Federal Agency or employee, or any State of local government, from obtaining copies of, access to, or the information contained in, the financial records of any customer from a financial institution unless such records are described with particularity and: (1) such customer has authorized such disclosure in accordance with this Act; (2) such records are disclosed in response to an administrative subpena or summons; (3) such records are disclosed in response to a court order; or (4) such records are disclosed in response to a judicial subpena. States that no depository institution may provide to a Federal agency or employee, or to any State or local government, copies of or the information contained in the financial records of any customer except in accordance with the requirements of this Act. Requires that any depository institution which operates a customer bank communications terminal establish precautions which prevent unauthorized access to, or use of, the terminal and disclosure to unauthorized parties. Sets forth provisions governing customer authorization, administrative subpenas and summons, judicial subpenas, and search warrants. Prescribes civil and criminal penalties for violation of the provisions of this Title. Title XII: Charters for Thrift Institutions - Amends the Home Owners' Loan Act to authorize the Home Loan Bank Board to provide for the organization, chartering operation, and regulation of associations to be known as Federal Savings and Loan Associations or Federal mutual savings banks. Subjects converting mutual savings banks to: (1) the requirements of existing State law pertaining to discrimination in the extension of home mortgage loans if the State requirements are more stringent than Federal laws and regulations; (2) a residential housing investment quota; and (3) such conditions of the Federal Home Loan Bank Board may prescribe. Establishes a five year shared risk program in the event that a converting institution fails. Title XIII: Holding Companies - Grants cease and desist and removal authority to the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System with respect to bank holding companies and to the Federal Home Loan Bank Board with respect to savings and loan holding companies. Sets forth civil penalties for violations of the Bank Holding Company Act. Eliminates the exemption for agricultural, labor, and horticultural organizations under the Bank Holding Company Act. Permits the waiver of the 30 day notice requirement for acquisitions of banks by bank holding companies when the action would facilitate the acquisition of a failing bank. Prohibits bank mergers or acquisitions by bank holding companies if such transactions would result in a monopoly, furtherance of a combination or conspiracy to monopolize, or substantially lessen competition in any section of the country unless such anticompetitive effects are clearly outweighed in the public interest by the probable effect of the transaction in meeting the convenience and needs of the community to be served. Prohibits such transactions if the appropriate regulatory agency finds that as a result of such transaction any one bank or holding company will control more than 20 percent of the banking assets held by banks in the States in which such bank of holding company is located. Excepts from such 20 percent prohibition a transaction which the appropriate agency finds to be immediately necessary to prevent the probable failure of a bank and where such agency finds that a less anticompetitive alternative is not available. Gives the appropriate agency discretion to prohibit such a transaction even if it is not disallowed by any other part of this Act if it is found to have probable adverse effects on competition or market concentration which are not clearly outweighed by the public interest. Gives the Department of Justice an independent right to seek a court injunction for any violation of this Act. Gives the district courts of the United States jurisdiction to prevent and restrain violations of this Act. Restricts standards for the entry of bank holding companies into bank related activities by requiring that such companies may not enter into such activities unless they are so closely and directly related to banking or managing or controlling banks that they are considered a proper and necessary incident thereto. Requires that such activity be likely to produce substantial benefits to the public which clearly and significantly outweigh possible adverse affects. Allows a bank holding company to continue specified activities so long as it has continuously engaged in those activities. Prohibits any national bank from engaging in any activity which the Board finds to be an improper activity for bank holding companies in general, or the holding company owning the bank in question, in particular. Requires bank holding companies and their subsidiaries to be capitalized in a safe and sound manner and to refrain from discriminating in making loans in favor of their parent holding company or their affiliated subsidiaries. Requires regular reports to the Board dealing with all intercompany loans. Sets forth procedures for administration of this Act and for judicial review. Gives to any interested person the right to petition the Board to commence a proceeding to consider the issuance, amendment, or revocation of a regulation promulgated here under. Title XIV: Effective Date - States that this Act shall take effect 120 days after enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 12 October 1977
Amends the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Act to prohibit the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation from issuing or applying rules or regulations which have the effect of excluding mortgagees approved by the Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development for participation in specified mortgage insurance programs from the servicing of mortgages sold to the Corporation.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 1977
Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act - Title I: National Park System - Designates specified public lands in the state of Alaska to be included as units of the National Park System. Title II: National Wildlife Refuge System - Establishes specified areas in Alaska as units of the National Wildlife Refuge System. Title III: National Wild and Scenic Rivers System - Lists rivers in Alaska which shall be wild rivers for purposes of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. Title IV: National Forest System - Authorizes the President to add specified lands to the Tongass and Chugach National Forest in Alaska. Title V: National Petroleum Reserve In Alaska - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to manage the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska in such a manner as to preserve subsistence lands for natives and to promote specified conservation objectives. Title VI: Designation of Wilderness Areas - Designates specified Alaskan lands to be included in the National Wilderness Preservation System. Title VII: General Administrative Provisions - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to designate subsistence management zones and to establish regulatory subsistence boards to further the preservation of subsistence lands for natives. Makes additional administrative provisions. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 1977
Declares that the President should establish a Commission on Domestic and International Hunger and Malnutrition which should: (1) collect and generate information and resources on food, hunger, malnutrition and related concerns; (2) assess current programs affecting domestic and international hunger and malnutrition; (3) analyze and report its findings and recommendations to the President, the Congress, and the public; and (4) assist the President and the Congress in implementing its recommendations.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 1977
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the sites of service of General Thaddeus Kosciuszko should be recognized by the Federal, State, and local governments as the Kosciuszko Military Engineering Sites and marked by suitable markers. Encourages the Secretary of the Interior to accept the donations of such suitable markers for placement within the National Park System.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1977
Unemployment Compensation Reform Act - Title I: Unemployment Compensation Cost Equalization Program - Unemployment Compensation Cost Equalization Act - Entitles, under the Social Security Act, States whose rates of insured unemployment is at least six percent to partial reimbursement on an ascending sliding scale of unemployment compensation costs incurred above a certain amount. Title II: Federal-State Extended Unemployment Compensation Act - Federal-State Extended Unemployment Compensation Act - Replaces the Federal-State Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 1970 with an extended unemployment benefit program which includes both regular extended benefits of up to 13 weeks and supplemental extended benefits of up to 13 additional weeks. Directs that benefits be made available when unemployment exceeds specified trigger levels which are similar to those used under present law. Revises the method for determining unemployment rates for the purpose of such triggers. Provides for 50 percent Federal funding of regular extended benefits and for full Federal funding of supplemental benefits. Title III: Financing Amendments for Unemployment Compensation Programs - Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to extend the payback period of a State having an outstanding balance of loans and to permit a State to pay as little as 20 percent of the outstanding balance in a year upon determining that the State is taking sufficient steps to restore the fiscal soundness of its trust fund. Waives any repayment requirement for States in which the insured unemployment rate exceeds a specified level. Restricts the penalty tax in a State which defaults to only insured employers and provides that the rate of such tax shall remain constant even if the outstanding balance owed is not entirely repaid.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1977
Requires that contracts for Army Corps of Engineers public works projects in high unemployment areas include a provision that at least 40 percent of persons employed thereunder be local workers.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1977
Consumer Credit Protection Act Amendments - Title I: Electronic Funds Transfers - Electronic Funds Transfer Act - Amends the Consumer Credit Protection Act to prohibit the execution of purchase or transfer transactions by electronic means other than under an electronic funds transfer agreement entered into between an institution and a consumer. Defines the term "electronic funds transfer agreement" as an agreement between an institution and a consumer under which the institution provides the consumer with the capacity to engage in electronic transfer or purchase transactions. Requires an institution, before entering into an electronic funds transfer agreement, to disclose clearly in writing to a consumer: (1) the conditions under which any charges may be imposed on any consumer account; (2) the terms and conditions of the electronic funds transfer agreement; (3) the circumstances under which the institution may cancel or restrict the electronic funds transfer agreement; (4) the consumer's right to receive a record of transactions; (5) the consumer's right to permanently stop a transfer of funds; (6) the manner in which the consumer should report a theft, loss, or unauthorized use of a funds transfer card; (7) the consumer's right to initiate an error correction and to receive a written response from the institution; and (8) the fact that Federal law makes the institution responsible to the consumer for all losses to any account of the consumer in excess of $50 resulting from an unauthorized transfer of funds. Requires an institution to mail or deliver to each consumer an itemized monthly statement which includes the date, amount, and number of the consumer's account into or out of which funds were transferred and a brief description of each transfer transaction. Prohibits any institution from amending any electronic funds transfer agreement without giving prior notice to the consumer. Allows a consumer to order an institution to permanently stop the transfer of funds for a transaction by notification to the institution. Prohibits an institution from disclosing to a seller any information about any account of a consumer in connection with a purchase transaction other than whether the purchase transaction is authorized. Makes an institution responsible for and liable to the consumer for all losses to the consumer that result from the failure of the institution to carry out a transfer transaction. Allows consumers to initiate an error correction of an account by notifying the involved institution of the alleged error. Requires the institution to correct the error or to explain the absence of error. Establishes restrictions on preauthorized payments from or deposits to an account of a consumer, or on transfers of funds between accounts of a consumer, made by electronic means. Prohibits an institution from providing a consumer with purchase or transfer capacity, except in response to a request or application for an electronic funds transfer agreement that is in writing and signed by the consumer. Requires institutions to inform consumers of their rights. Places liability for all losses to any account of a consumer resulting from an unauthorized transfer of funds on the financial institution unless specified conditions are met. Prohibits any seller from charging a consumer more for any goods, property, or services purchased by the consumer and paid for by check than the seller would charge the consumer if the goods, property, or services were paid for through a purchase transaction. Sets forth the formula for the determination of civil liability. States that any person who willfully and knowingly gives false or inaccurate information, fails to provide information which is required to be disclosed, or otherwise fails to comply with any provision of this title shall be fined not more than $5,000 or imprisoned not more than a year, or both. Places the enforcement of this title in the case of national banks, Federal Reserve member banks, insured banks, Federal savings and loan associations, and Federal credit unions with their respective regulatory agencies. Directs the Federal Trade Commission to enforce the requirements of this title in all other cases. Permits the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to exempt classes of practices involving electronic fund transfer with any State from the requirements of this title if the Board determines that the State's regulations are similar to those of this title. Directs the Board and the Attorney General to make reports to Congress concerning the administration of their functions under this title. Title II: Credit Card Amendments to the Truth in Lending Act - Amends the Truth in Lending Act to expand the required disclosures by creditors before credit is extended under an open end consumer credit plan. Prohibits the issuance of unsolicited credit cards. Requires credit card issuers to be prompt in the billing of charges. Requires credit card issuers to disclose the following information to prospective cardholders: (1) the circumstances under which the plan may be restricted or closed; (2) the circumstances under which any line of credit under the plan may be temporarily or permanently unavailable or reduced and the extent to which the line of credit may be reduced; and (3) the consequences to a cardholder of exceeding a line of credit permitted under the plan. Prohibits any card issuer from amending any credit card plan by modifying or adding services without giving proper notification to the cardholder. Disallows the imposition of service charges by the card issuer in specified instances. States that no finance charge may be imposed on purchases of goods or services which are paid within 25 days after the closing date of the billing cycle in which the purchase was posted to the account. Sets forth the formula for determining the balance upon which a finance charge may be imposed under a credit card plan. Prohibits the billing of a cardholder for any annual or periodic fees where the card issuer has permitted a cardholder to elect to defer payment of all or any portion of the outstanding balance at the end of a billing cycle and to incur a finance charge thereon.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1977
Honors General Thaddeus Kosciuszko by presenting the memorial plaque to be erected in his memory in the Wawel Cathedral in Krakow, Poland, on October 17, 1977, as a gift of the American people to the people of Poland.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 1977
Unemployment Compensation Cost Equalization Act - Entitles, under the Social Security Act, states whose rates of insured unemployment is at least six percent to partial reimbursement on an ascending sliding scale of unemployment compensation costs incurred above a certain amount.
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 1977
Declares that it is the sense of the Congress that the United States Postal Services should not reduce the frequency of mail delivery service for any user of the mails below the frequency of such service which was in effect for such user of June 1, 1977.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 1977
Declares it the sense of the House that no ban on saccharin should take effect unless and until the Food and Drug Administration has conducted hearings as to whether an exemption from such ban should be granted for special dietary uses.
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 1977
National Weatherization Act - Title I: Utility Program - Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to promote the voluntary submission by a State to the Administrator of the Federal Energy Administration of a residential energy conservation plan for utilities in such State. Requires such plan to direct utilities to implement a program informing residential customers of suggested measures for saving home heating and cooling costs. Permits the Administrator to require a regulated or unregulated utility in a State to offer such program upon the Administrator's determination that such State has not offered such plan for approval or implemented such plan. Title II: Weatherization Grants for the Benefit of Low-Income Families - Amends the Energy Conservation in Existing Buildings Act of 1976 to permit a raise in the eligible income level for weatherization grants to low-income families. Expands the definition of the term "weatherization materials" in such Act to include additional devices and technologies. Limits the amount of financial assistance available under such Act that may be spent on weatherization materials and specified accompanying costs. Amends the Housing Act of 1949 to require the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct a weatherization program financing the installation of weatherization materials in farm residences occupied by low-income people. Title III: Secondary Financing and Loan Insurance for Energy Conserving Improvements - Amends the Federal National Mortgage Association Charter Act to direct the Federal National Mortgage Association to purchase loans insured under the National Housing Act and made to low- and moderate-income families for the installation of energy conserving improvements in residences owned by such families. Permits the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to insure a loan for the installation of energy conserving improvements. Specifies the eligibility conditions of such loan. Allows the Government National Mortgage Association to have standby authority to purchase loans for energy-conserving improvements. Title IV: Miscellaneous - Permits the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to enter into annual contributions contracts for low-income projects to finance the installation of energy- conserving improvements. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to promote the use of energy saving techniques through minimum property standards established for new rural residential housing assisted under the Housing Act of 1949. Amends the National Housing Act to permit specified increased amounts of assistance if such increase results from increased cost of a residence or project due to the installation of a solar energy system. Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to conduct a study for determining the necessity of a mandatory Federal requirement that all residential dwelling units meet energy efficient standards.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1977
Declares it the sense of the Congress that the United States Delegation to the Belgrade Conference concerning the Final Act of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe should (1) reiterate the American commitment to human rights, (2) insist on a full conference agenda including discussion of all violations of the Final Act, and (3) include at least seven permanent seats for members of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1977
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to designate the sites of service of General Thaddeus Kosciuszko during the American Revolution as the "Kosciuszko Historic Route."
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 1977
Amends the Internal REevenue Code to increase the amount of the excise tax refunds on gasoline and other motor fuels to local transit systems, and to revise the definition of tax-exempt commuter revenue. Extends the refund of the excise tax for lubricating oil to local transit systems.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1977
International Banking Act - Amends the Federal Reserve Act to permit foreign banks to establish and operate Federal branches in any State in which it is not prohibited for a foreign bank to establish such a branch upon receipt of approval from the Comptroller of the Currency. Sets forth considerations which the Comptroller must take into account in determining whether to permit foreign banks to operate under this Act. Permits the Comptroller, in his discretion to waive specified citizenship requirements with respect to directors of associations which are subsidiaries or affiliates of foreign banks. Permits a foreign bank, with the approval of the Comptroller, to convert any branch operated pursuant to State law into a Federal branch or agency. Terminates the authority to operate a Federal Federal branch when (1) the parent bank voluntarily relinquishes it; (2) the parent bank is dissolved; (3) the Comptroller has reasonable cause to believe that a foreign bank has not complied with the provisions of this Act and revokes the authority to operate a Federal branch; or (4) when a conservator is appointed for such foreign bank. Prohibits any branch from accepting deposits of United States citizens, residents, or businesses whose principal place of business is in the United States unless the branch maintains a surety bond or pledge of assets with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Sets forth the assets which foreign banks are required to keep or deposit before the Federal branch may accept deposits of United States residents or businesses. Prohibits foreign banks from retaining interests in non-banking companies or from participating in non-banking activities with specified exceptions. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury (1) to issue guidelines with respect to the entry of foreign banking organizations into banking in the United States; and (2) to assist Federal and State banking agencies in acting on applications for the establishment of branches by foreign banks. Requires each foreign bank that maintains an office other than a branch in an State to register with the Secretary of the Treasury; the Secretary of State, and the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. Makes provisions for the enforcement of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1977
Authorizes and requests the President to designate 1979 as "Thomas A. Edison Centennial Year. Establishes the Thomas A. Edison Centennial Commission. Stipulates that such Commission shall terminate on September 30, 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1977
Amends the Wool Products Labeling Act of 1939 to delete the terms "reprocessed wool" and "reused wool" and add the term "recycled wool" which includes the definition of the deleted terms. Defines recycled wool as the fiber which results when a wool product which, has or has not been used by the ultimate consumer, has been made into a fibrous state.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1977
Requires that the sites of service of General Thaddeus Kosciuszko during the American Revolutionary War be marked and that such tracing be officially known as the Kosciuszko Trail.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1977
Authorizes the President of the United States to designate the week beginning on the Sunday preceding the fourth Thursday in November of each year as "National Family Week".
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1977
Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to remove from the class of aliens whose status may be adjusted by the Attorney General in his discretion to that of aliens lawfully admitted for permanent residence: (1) alien crewmen; (2) aliens who hereafter continue in or accept unauthorized employment (excepting specified relatives); and (3) specified aliens admitted in transit without a visa. Prohibits the employment or referral for employment of aliens who have not been lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence unless such employment is authorized by the Attorney General. States that a person will not be deemed to have violated this Act who has made a bona fide inquiry whether a person employed or referred is a citizen or alien. States that a signed statement from such person that he is a citizen or authorized alien constitutes a bona fide inquiry provided that the writing conforms with regulations prescribed by the Attorney General. Directs the Attorney General to serve a citation upon first-time violators of this Act. Establishes a civil penalty of not more than $500 for each alien if a violation occurs within two years after the service of a citation. Permits a civil penalty to be imposed only after an opportunity for hearing and after the Attorney General has determined that a violation did occur. Provides that one who is assessed a civil penalty and thereafter violates this Act shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction punished by a fine not exceeding $1,000 or by one year imprisonment, or both, for each alien in respect to whom any violation of this Act occurs. Directs any officer or employee of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare to disclose the name and most recent address of any illegal alien whom the employee knows to be receiving assistance under any State plan under specified titles of the Social Security Act. Adds border crossing cards, alien registration receipt cards, and other documents prescribed by regulation for entry into the United States to the list of documents the false making of which shall be punished by a fine or imprisonment or both.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1977
Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to condition certain assistance to States, local governments, and agencies thereunder on the adoption of a law enforcement officers' bill of rights to include as a minimum the following: (1) allowing off-duty officers' to engage in political activities; (2) granting officers specified procedural rights in connection with investigations of their conduct on duty which may lead to a personnel action; (3) requiring officer representation on any police complaint review board established in the jurisdiction; (4) prohibiting mandatory disclosure of officers' finances; and (5) establishing a law enforcement officers' grievance commission in the jurisdiction to determine officer grievances.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1977
New Jersey Pine Barrens National Ecological Reserve Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to provide grants to the State of New Jersey for the development of a plan for the conservation of natural resources in the Pine Barrens area in New Jersey. Sets requirements for such grants, including the establishment of a management commission. Requires the Secretary to publish specified guidelines for the contents of such plan. Authorizes the Secretary, upon approval of the New Jersey plan, to establish the Pine Barrens National Ecological Reserve, to acquire lands within the reserve and to transfer such lands and other Federal lands to the State, and to make grants to the management commission for the acquisition of land in the reserve, compensation to landowners, and payments in lieu of taxes to local governments. Allows the Secretary to retain a reversionary right in such transferred lands and authorizes him to establish a federally-managed National Ecological Reserve upon the failure or nonsubmission of the plan. Requires the establishment of a Pinelands Citizens Advisory Committee, prior to approval of the State plan, to consult with the management commission established under such plan.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1977
Renegotiation Reform Act - Excludes from the definition of the terms "contract" and "subcontract" under the Renegotiation Act of 1951 any lease financing transaction by a bank or a subsidiary of a bank holding company when such transaction is the functional equivalent of an extension of credit by the lessor. Amends such Act to limit the terms of office of members of the Renegotiation Board to five years. Sets the rate of compensation for the chairman of the Board at the rate of pay for level IV of the Executive Schedule and for the other members of the Board at the rate for level V of the Executive Schedules. Prohibits the use of the percentage-of-completion method of accounting for renegotiation contracts from which the Board finds excessive profits. Specifies other criteria to be used in such renegotiation. Eliminates the exemptions from the provisions of the Act currently afforded products of gas and oil wells and standard commercial services. Repeals provisions of the Act allowing any contractor or subcontractor subject to this Act to waive exemptions from the Act for standard commercial articles. Requires all such contractors and subcontractors to furnish complete cost and pricing data on all articles subject to exemption under the Act. Requires the Board to conduct a study of such cost and pricing data and report to Congress on the profitability of such exempted items. Raises the minimum amount of contracts subject to renegotiation under the Act from $1,000,000 to $4,000,000 and of subcontracts subject to renegotiation from $25,000 to $50,000. Changes from criminal to civil fines imposed under the Act for failure to file or for filing misleading information required to be filed under the Act. Declares the Chairman of the Board to be the Board's chief executive officer and confers upon him direction of all executive functions of the Board. Grants the Board the power to issue subpoenas. Requires the Board to audit all financial statements submitted to it pursuant to the Act. Directs the Board to report annually to the Secretary of each Department with respect to the contractors or subcontractors who have received or accrued during the past fiscal year amounts under contracts with such Department or subcontracts under contracts with such Department. Requires the General Accounting Office to review the activities of the Board annually and to submit a report of its findings to Congress. Makes provisions for refunds owed to contractors and subcontractors.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1977
Accelerated Depreciation Allowance Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow taxpayers to elect accelerated amortization (twice the allowable depreciation deduction) for manufacturing property placed in service in States having an unemployment rate which is greater than six percent between October 1, 1976 and October 1, 1981.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1977
Amends Title II (Old-Age, Survivors', and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to allow the State of New Jersey to establish a divided retirement system for purposes of providing social security coverage of State and local employees under Federal-State agreements.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1977
Debt Collection Practices Act - Prohibits debt collectors from harassing or intimidating consumers in connection with the collection or attempted collection of any alleged debt arising from a consumer credit transaction. Sets forth conduct violating this Act, including the use of violence by a debt collector, or publication of a list of consumers who allegedly refuse to pay debts. Prohibits communication with any person other than the consumer owing the debt or the spouse without prior consent of the consumer. Prohibits false or misleading representation or impersonation in connection with the collection of an alleged debt. States that not debt collector may engage in unfair practices, such as soliciting a post-dated check for purposes of threatening criminal action. Prohibits debt collectors from taking specified legal actions, such as causing unauthorized service of process. Provides that each debt collector must disclose, clearly and accurately, to each consumer a list of information which includes the date the alleged debt was incurred and the original creditor. Sets forth civil and criminal penalties for violation of the provisions of this Act. Requires the Federal Trade Commission and the Attorney General to report periodically to Congress concerning their administration of functions delegated to them under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1977
Requires that the sites of service of General Thaddeus Kosciuszko during the American Revolutionary War be marked and that such tracing be officially known as the Kosciuszko Trail.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1977
Requests that the concerns of the United States be conveyed to the Soviet government regarding adherence to the Helsinki Declaration with respect to freedom to emigrate.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1977
Consumer Communications Reform Act - Expresses the sense of Congress that the authorization of lines, facilities, or services of specialized carriers which duplicate the lines, facilities, or services of other telecommunications common carriers is contrary to the public interest. Reaffirms the intent of Congress that the complete authority to regulate terminal and station equipment used for telephone exchange service shall rest with the States even though such terminal and station equipment also may be used in connection with interstate services. Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to provide that no compensatory charges for or in connection with such communication service may be found to be unjust or unreasonable on the ground that it is too low. Prohibits the Federal Communications Commission from holding the charge of a carrier up to a particular level to protect the traffic or revenues from a communication service offered or provided by another carrier if such charge proposed by the carrier is compensatory. Provides that the Commission shall not grant or authorize any construction permit, license, or certificate for the construction, acquisition, or operation of any communication or transmission line or facility, or extension thereof, or any modification or renewal thereof, unless the Commission shall find, after full opportunity for evidentiary hearing on the record, that such permit, license, or certificate, will not result in increased charges or unnecessary duplication of communication lines.
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 · 3 March 1977
Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 1978 for the relief of victims of the May 6, 1976, earthquake in Italy.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1977
Amends the Rules of the House of Representatives to add rule XLV prohibiting any Member from maintaining or having maintained for such Member's use, an unofficial office account.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1977
Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 1978 for the relief of victims of the May 6, 1976, earthquake in Italy.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1977
Renegotiation Reform Act - Amends the Renegotiation Act of 1951 to limit the terms of office of members of the Renegotiation Board to five years. Sets the rate of compensation for the chairman of the Board at the rate of pay for level IV of the Executive Schedule and for the other members of the Board at the rate for level V of the Executive Schedules. Prohibits the use of the percentage-of-completion method of accounting for renegotiating contracts under which the Board finds excessive profits. Specifies other criteria to be used in such renegotiation. Eliminates the exemptions from the provisions of the Act currently afforded products of gas and oil wells and standard commercial services. Repeals provisions of the Act allowing any contractor or subcontractor subject to this Act to waive exemptions from the Act for standard commercial articles. Requires all such contractors and subcontractors to furnish complete cost and pricing data on all articles subject to exemption under the Act. Requires the Board to conduct a study of such cost and pricing data and report to Congress on the profitability of such exempted items. Raises the minimum amount of contracts subject to renegotiation under the Act from $1,000,000 to $2,000,000 and of subcontracts subject to renegotiation form $25,000 to $50,000. Changes from criminal to civil fines imposed under the Act for failure to file information required by the Act. Increases the criminal penalties for filing misleading information under the Act. Declares the Chairman of the Board to be the Board's chief executive officer and confers in him direction of all executive functions of the Board. Grants the Board the power to issue subpoenas. Requires the Board to audit all financial statements submitted to it pursuant to the Act. Directs the Board to report annually to the Secretary of each Department with respect to the contractors or subcontractors who have received or accrued during the past fiscal year amounts under contracts with such Department or subcontracts under contracts with such Department. Requires the General Accounting Office to review the activities of the Board annually and to submit a report of its findings to Congress. Makes provisions for refunds owed to contractors and subcontractors.
![Official portrait of Rep. Minish, Joseph G. [D-NJ-11]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/m000796_200.jpg)