United States · United States Congress · 11 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 · 11 January 1977
Grants a Federal charter to the United Service Organizations, Incorporated. Declares that the purpose of such organization is to serve the religious, social, educational and entertainment needs of the members of the armed forces.
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 1977
Redefines "surviving spouse" and "head of household" under the Internal Revenue Code to include otherwise qualified individuals who maintain households for dependent family members other than at their own homes. Extends the new definitions retroactively to taxable years beginning after 1968, with a provision for refunds or credits of resulting overpayments.
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 1977
Grants a Federal charter to the United States Submarine Veterans of World War II. Stipulates that the purposes of such organization shall be: (1) to perpetuate and establish memorials to the memory of those who gave their lives in submarine warfare during World War II; (2) to award college scholarships; and (3) to make the general public aware of life aboard submarines during World War II.
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 1977
Grants a Federal charter to the American Blood Commission. Declares that the purposes of such organization are: (1) to implement the national blood policy, as announced in the Federal Register by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, and (2) to carry out programs to develop an adequate, voluntary supply of blood and blood products to meet the health needs of the nation.
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 1977
Declares it the sense of the House of Representatives that the Government of the United States should maintain its rights and jurisdiction over the Panama Canal and the Panama Canal Zone.
United States · United States Congress · 11 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 · 10 January 1977
Coal Pipeline Act - Authorizes the exercise of the right of eminent domain by any carrier of coal by coal pipeline who holds a certificate of public convenience and necessity issued by the Department of the Interior. Stipulates that, before issuance of such certificate, environmental considerations and the need for energy domestically shall be weighed before the Secretary of the Interior makes a finding. Requires that no carrier granted the power of eminent domain under this Act shall transport any coal in which it has any ownership interest. Establishes procedures for making application for a certificate of public convenience and necessity, for antitrust review, and for enforcement under this Act. Imposes a maximum fine of $10,000, six months imprisonment, or both, for knowing violation of any provision of, or regulation issued pursuant to, this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 1977
Establishes the House of Representatives a Select Committee on Narcotics Abuse and Control to review problems of narcotics abuse including enforcement, international trafficking, organized crime, and the approach of the criminal law system to narcotics law violations. Requires the Committee to report its findings annually to the House of Representatives.
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to limit the application of the Tax Reform Act's elimination of the sick pay exclusion for persons who have not retired on total disability, to taxable years beginning after December 31, 1976.
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 · 6 January 1977
Establishes within the House of Representatives a Select Committee on Energy to study all aspects of the exploration, research and development, production, importation, distribution, and use of all energy-related resources, including national priorities and policies with regard to energy. Gives the Committee legislative jurisdiction over energy related matters.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Amends Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to permit the payment of old-age insurance benefits to a married couple on their combined earnings record where that method of computation produces a higher combined benefit.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the excise tax on cigarettes. Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish a National Cancer Research Fund in the Treasury to be partially funded from the additional excise taxes collected under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Requires all persons admitted to a competitive examination given by the Civil Service Commission or appointed in the competitive service to: (1) be citizens of the United States; or (2) owe permanent allegiance to the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Restricts payments of the United States to the United Nations to the ratio of the population of the United States to the total population of member nations.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Transfers all functions of the Secretary of Agriculture under the Food Stamp Act of 1964 to the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare. Requires such transfer to be implemented in accordance with such procedures and regulations as the Director of the Office of Management and Budget shall prescribe.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Amends Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act by removing the limitation upon the amount of outside income which an individual may earn while receiving benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income tax deduction for agency fees, court costs, attorneys' fees and other necessary costs and fees incurred in the adoption of a child. Limits this deduction to $1,250.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Hobbs Act Amendment - Amends the Hobbs Act to impose penalties for interfering with commerce by willfully causing damage to the extent of at least $2,000 to any property of an employer, owner, or other person at or near a factory, construction site, or other place where work or business of the employer or owner is carried on or where such employer or owner transports, stores, or maintains property. Stipulates that a violation of such provisions or of the provision prohibiting interference with commerce through robbery, acts of violence, or extortion shall not be nullified or mitigated by the fact that such acts are also in violation of State or local law or took place in the course of a legitimate labor dispute or in pursuit of legitimate union objectives.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Prohibits the settlement of a debt owed to the United States by a foreign country in an amount less than the full value of the debt, unless approved by Congress by concurrent resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Amends the Work Hours Act of 1962 and the Walsh-Healey Act to permit specified government contractors to compute wages on the basis of either a four-day work week consisting of ten-hour workdays or a five-day work week consisting of eight-hour workdays.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide payment for hearing aids and dentures under the supplementary medical insurance program.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow taxpayers to credit against the income tax specified higher education expenses, including tuition, fees, books, and supplies, incurred by the taxpayer for himself or any dependent. Limits the credit to 100 percent of the first $200 for any individual, 25 percent of the next $300, and 5 percent of the next $1,000. Limits the credit to expenses incurred by full time students at institutions of vocational and higher education, minus scholarships and veterans' benefits. Limits the total credit allowed the taxpayer to his income tax liability minus the sum of all other credits applied thereto. Disallows any deduction of educational expenses used to determine the amount of the credit allowed by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a deduction for donations of blood to charitable organizations in an amount equal to $25 for each pint donated. Limits the aggregate amount of donations which shall be deductible to $125 in any taxable year.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to require Congress to review each Federal program at least every six years as though it were being proposed to be enacted for the first time. Requires such zero-base budgeting process to consider the costs and benefits, the necessity, and the effectiveness of such program. Prohibits the extension of budget authority for any such program beyond such six year period until the Congressional committees with jurisdiction over such programs conduct such reviews.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Authorizes the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to purchase from one or more life insurance companies a policy or policies of mortgage protection life insurance on a group basis for veterans (other than permanently and totally disabled veterans), who are unable to obtain commercial life insurance because of a service-connected disability. Sets forth the maximum amount of insurance under a policy provided under this Act at no more than $30,000. Authorizes the Administrator to deduct insurance premiums from any compensation or other cash benefits payable to veterans by the Veterans' Administration, and to pay such premiums to the insurers. Provides that the United States shall bear all costs of the insurance provided under this Act, except the amount of premium rates. States that any amount of insurance in force under this Act on the date of death of an insured veteran shall be paid only to the holder of the mortgage loan on the veteran's home as a credit toward loan indebtedness. Requires each policy purchased under this Act to provide for the following: (1) reinsurance with other insurers which meet the Administrator's criteria; (2) that the Administrator may discontinue a whole policy, or exclude from issuance to each insured veteran of a certificate setting forth the benefits to which he is entitled; (3) any other provisions necessary to carry out this Act; and (4) an annual accounting to the Administrator of the amount of premiums paid, the total of all mortality and other claim charges incurred, and the amount of the insurer's expenses and risk charges. States that insurance under this Act shall terminate upon whichever first occurs: (1) satisfaction of the veteran's indebtedness under the loan upon which the insurance is based; (2) the veteran's 70th birthday; (3) termination of the veteran's ownership of the property securing the loan; (4) discontinuance of payment of premiums by the veteran; or (5) discontinuance of the entire contract or agreement.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Directs the United States to pay reasonable litigation costs, including attorney fees, to prevailing defendants in civil actions in which the United States is a plaintiff.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Amends the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 to provide that any employer who successfully contests a citation or penalty under such Act shall be awarded a reasonable attorney's fee and other reasonable litigation costs.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Government Executive Analysis and Reform (GEAR) Commission Act - Establishes the Government Executive Analysis and Reform (GEAR) Commission consisting of 18 members appointed by the President. States that six members are to be appointed by and with the advice and consent of the Senate; four each by the Speaker of the House of Representatives; the President pro tempore of the Senate; and the Chief Justice of the United States. Directs the Commission to study all executive departments and independent agencies and other authorities of the Federal Government: (1) to determine whether regulatory activities have limited competition within segments of the economy and whether such regulators have contributed to current economic difficulties; and (2)to analyze the purposes, structure and jurisdiction, statutory framework, and procedures of such agencies. Directs the Commission to assess the costs and benefits of Federal programs and to make recommendations concerning the restructure of the Government to improve the efficiency of Federal programs. Requires the Commission to submit its recommendations to the President and Congress within 33 months after it first meets. Requires the President to submit to Congress his findings and specific proposals for legislation within 90 days of receipt of the Commission's report. Establishes the Task Force on American Federalism composed of 20 members appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Directs the Task Force to study the appropriate levels of responsibility shared among units of local, State and Federal Governments, the means for each level to finance such responsibilities, and the extent of intergovernmental assistance required to achieve the proper balance and division of respective Federal, State and local roles and authorities. Directs the Task Force to submit its final report to Congress within 15 months after it first meets stating its findings and proposals for constitutional amendments, legislation, or administrative action necessary to carry out its recommendations. Terminates the Task Force and the Commission 90 days after submission of their final reports. Authorizes to be appropriated $12,000,000 to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income tax deduction for agency fees, court costs, attorneys' fees and other necessary costs and fees incurred in the adoption of a child. Limits this deduction to $1,250.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Federal Employee Freedom of Choice Act - Declares that all Federal employees have the right to form, join, and assist a labor organization or to refrain from any such activity without fear of penalty or reprisal. Excludes from the definition of "labor organization," as used in this Act, any organization which: (1) asserts the right to strike against the Federal Government; (2) advocates the overthrow of the constitutional government; or (3) discriminates with regard to race, color, creed, national origin, or sex.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Small Savers' Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income interest paid or accrued by the taxpayer on savings deposits. Limits such exclusion to $1,000 per individual.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Makes it unlawful for any individual or entity to solicit to enroll or enroll any member of the armed forces in any labor organization, or for any member of the armed forces to join, or encourage other members to join, any labor union. Prescribes a penalty of not more than five years imprisonment for any individual violating this Act, and a fine of not less than $25,000 nor more than $50,000 for any labor organization in violation of this Act. (Adds 10 U.S.C. 975)
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Makes American Business Day a legal holiday to be observed on the last Monday in April. Changes the date of Veterans' Day from November 11 to the fourth Monday in October.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 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. Excludes all corporate dividends received by individuals from gross income. Reduces the corporate normal tax rate to 20 percent. 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 · 4 January 1977
Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to require Congress to review each Federal program at least every six years as though it were being proposed to be enacted for the first time. Requires such zero-base budgeting process to consider the costs and benefits, the necessity, and the effectiveness of such program. Prohibits the extension of budget authority for any such program beyond such six-year period until the Congressional committees with jurisdiction over such programs conduct such reviews.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Excludes all compensation received for property damaged as a result of the Teton Dam failure in Idaho from gross income. Adjusts the basis of all property damaged as a result of such failure by subtracting compensation received. Provides for nonrecognition of gain on sales of property which lost at least 50 percent of its market value as a result of the disaster when sold within two years by persons who owned the property at the time of the failure. Prohibits any recapture of investment credits previously taken on property whose accelerated disposition or retirement was caused by the Teton Dam failure. Extends these provisions to all capital assets and property used in a trade or business without regard to any holding period requirement.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Constitutional Amendment - States that Congress shall make no appropriations for any fiscal year which exceed the total revenues of the United States for such year. Prohibits spending by, or on behalf of, the United States which exceeds the total revenue for that year. Suspends such requirements when Congress declares war or national emergency.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Constitutional Amendment - Provides that total appropriations shall not exceed estimated revenues. Authorizes the suspension of such prohibition in time of war or national emergency. Prohibits any increase in the national debt as it exists on the date this article is ratified. Sets forth a schedule for repayment of the national debt.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Constitutional Amendment - Provides that total appropriations shall not exceed estimated revenues. Authorizes the suspension of such prohibition in time of war or national emergency. Prohibits any increase in the national debt as it exists on the date this article is ratified. Sets forth a schedule for repayment of the national debt.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Establishes the permanent Select Committee on Energy. States that such Committee shall not have legislative jurisdiction. Grants to such Committee the jurisdiction to study all forms of energy and power to establish and maintain a coordinated program for the development, use, and control of such energy and power in the United States.
![Official portrait of Rep. Moorhead, Carlos J. [R-CA-22]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/m000926_200.jpg)