United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1977
Financial Disclosure Act - Requires the President, Vice President, Members of Congress and candidates for those offices, justices and judges of the United States, Presidential nominees, officers and employees of the United States compensated at a rate equal to or in excess of the rate prescribed for the grade of GS-15, and members of the uniformed services compensated at a rate equal to or in excess of the monthly rate prescribed for grade O-6 to file in each calendar year, with the Comptroller General and other specified executive or administrative officers, a financial statement for the preceding calendar year if such individual has occupied or been a candidate for the office or position for more than 90 days in such calendar year. Specifies the content of such financial statements. Makes mandatory the inclusion in such report of all items held not only by the individual, but by the spouse, and dependents of such person, and those acting on the individual's behalf. Permits the President to exempt any individual in the Central Intelligence Agency, the Defense Intelligence Agency, and the National Security Agency, or other person engaged exclusively in intelligence activities from the requirement to file a report with the Comptroller General if such disclosure would reveal the identity of an undercover Federal agent. Makes failure to file and falsifying reports punishable by a fine and/or imprisonment. Requires the head of each agency, the Clerk of the House of Representatives, the Secretary of the Senate, and the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to submit annually to the Comptroller General a complete list of individuals required to file such a report. Requires the Comptroller General to refer to the Attorney General the names of all individuals who the Comptroller General have reasonable cause to believe has failed to file or falsified such report, and that if such an individual is a Member of Congress, that the name be referred to the appropriate Congressional committees. Requires the Comptroller General to make such reports available to the public for all purposes not excluded under this Act. Makes the House of Representatives, the Senate, the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts, the Chairman of the Civil Service Commission and the head of each agency responsible for the review of such reports in accordance with any law or regulation regarding conflicts of interest or confidential financial information. Directs the Comptroller General to conduct audits of each specified group at varying intervals, and gives the Comptroller General subpena power for the purpose of conducting such audits. Requires the Civil Service Commission and the Department of Justice to recommend to Congress such legislation as may be necessary in the area of financial conflicts of interest among Federal employees and officers.
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 · 4 March 1977
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide payment for occupational therapy services under the supplementary medical insurance program.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1977
Displaced Homemakers Act - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish a minimum of 50 Multipurpose Service Centers for displaced homemakers. States that each Center shall provide specified services, including: (1) job counseling; (2) job training and job placement; (3) health education and counseling; (4) financial management; (5) legal counseling and referral; and (6) outreach information with respect to Federal assistance programs. Sets forth factors to be considered by the Secretary in selecting Center sites. Directs the Secretary to designate a public or nonprofit private organization to administer a Center once its site has been chosen. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants in accordance with specified guidelines to such organizations for the purpose of establishing and maintaining Centers. Directs the Secretary to prepare and furnish to Congress biennial evaluations which are to include a thorough assessment of each Center and recommendations concerning the administration and expansion of such Centers at the local, State, and Federal levels. Directs the Secretary to prepare and furnish to the Congress a study to determine the feasibility of, and appropriate procedures for, allowing displaced homemakers to participate in: (1) programs established under the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act of 1973; (2) work incentive programs under the Social Security Act; (3) related Federal employment, education, and health assistance programs; and (4) programs established, or benefits provided, under Federal and State unemployment compensation laws.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1977
Title I: Small Business Act Amendments - Empowers the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to make loans to assist any small business concern in financing plant construction and equipment acquisition for the production, installation, or maintenance of solar energy equipment or other energy conservation equipment. Permits the Administration to make grants to non-profit organizations for the establishment of training seminars that teach small business concerns methods for design, installation, and maintenance of solar energy equipment. Title II: Federal Nonnuclear Energy Research and Development Act of 1974 Amendments - Establishes within the Energy Research and Development Administration an Office of Invention and Innovation to evaluate proposals submitted by any individual or small business concern for the development of an energy-related invention and to provide grants for the development of such invention.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1977
Directs the Federal Energy Administrator to establish methods of determining the life cycle cost effectiveness for buildings, considering the life cycle fuel and energy requirements for such buildings. Requires that all Federal buildings be life cycle cost effective and that such determination serve as a basis for the awarding of contracts in the procurement and leasing of new Federal buildings. Directs the Administrator to promote the use of life cycle cost effective methods in all buildings. Directs the Administrator to establish energy performance targets for existing buildings which are compatible with new building performance standards developed by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. Requires all Federal agencies to conduct an energy audit of existing buildings within their jurisdiction. Requires that a specified percentage of the gross square footage of building space be selected by each agency for retrofitting with appropriate energy conservation measures.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1977
Agricultural Solar Energy Research, Development, and Demonstration Act - Title I: Existing Programs - Amends the Bankhead-Jones Act of 1035 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct and to stimulate research and development relating to uses of solar energy with respect to farm buildings, farm homes and farm machinery. Authorizes the appropriation of $25,000,000 each fiscal year to carry out such research and development. Includes the agricultural uses of solar energy in the agricultural extension programs. Directs that loans, under the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act, be made for the purchase of farm equipment which utilizes solar energy and for the acquisition and installation of any qualified solar energy thermal conversion system in any residential structure located on a family farm. Title II: Solar Demonstration Farms - Establishes within the Department of Agriculture the Research and Demonstration Planning Committee which shall be responsible for compiling a list of solar energy research projects and for meeting with regional representatives of the State departments of agriculture to determine which projects will be useful and beneficial to the several States. Requires each State department of agriculture to establish one large model farm and within one year to establish not less than ten demonstrations of solar energy research projects using the most efficient or practicable research projects demonstrated on such model farm. Stipulates the terms of any agreement entered into between selected farmowners and the State departments of agriculture for the establishment of such demonstration projects. Authorizes the appropriation of $20,000,000 for the purposes of this title, of which 80 percent is to be used by State departments of agriculture for the model farm and demonstration projects.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1977
Solar Energy Government Building Act - Title I: Solar Hot Water and Space Heating Program for Federal Buildings - Directs the Administrator of General Services to establish a solar hot water and space heating program designed to place solar hot water and space heating devices in 15,000 federally owned buildings within six fiscal years following the date of enactment of this Act. Directs the Administrator to annually survey Federal buildings to determine those most suitable for the installation of solar hot water and space heating devices considering geographic distribution and life-cycle cost evaluations in making such determination. Directs the Administrator to report annually to Congress on the status of the Program, including recommendations for future funding levels necessary to fully implement the six-year target set forth in this Act. Establishes an advisory Committee on the Solar Energy Government Building Program of specified Government executives to assist the Administrator in the establishment and conduct of the Program. Authorizes the appropriation of $100,000 for each of fiscal years 1978 through 1983 for the purpose of this title. Title II: Federal Photovoltaic Utilization Program - Establishes a Federal Photovoltaic Utilization Program for the annual acquisition and use of photovoltaic solar electric systems, primarily for use by the Department of Defense. Directs the Administrator of General Services to administer the program, with the assistance of the Secretary of Defense. Directs the Administrator of the Energy Research and Development Administration of establish a photovoltaic system evaluation and purchase program to insure that such systems reflect the most advanced, low-cost technology. Authorizes the appropriation of $25,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1978 through 1982 for design and engineering aspects of the program. Authorizes the appropriation of $100,000,000 for photovoltaic system acquisition in fiscal year 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1977
Directs the Architect of the Capitol to conduct a feasibility study of using solar energy in certain House Office Buildings. Authorizes the appropriation of funds to conduct such study.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1977
Extends the provisions of the Rice Production Act of 1975 through the 1978 crop. Sets the established price for 1978 as the established price for the 1977 crop adjusted to reflect any changes in the index of prices paid to farmers for specified items during the twelve-month period immediately preceding July 31, 1978. Sets the loan and purchase rate for 1978 at such rate as bears the same ratio to the loan rate for the 1977 crop as the established price for the 1978 crop bears to the established price for the 1977 crop.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 1977
Makes States and their political subdivisions subject to the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967. Prohibits discrimination on the basis of age among employees in or applicants for positions in the Executive branch of the Federal Government or the Library of Congress. Makes the Civil Service Commission responsible for review and evaluation of programs designed to carry out the provisions of this Act in the Executive Branch. States that no civil suit may be brought for a violation of this Act unless the Commission has been notified 30 days before the filing of such suit. States that with respect to employment in the Library of Congress, authorities granted to the Commission pursuant to this Act shall be exercised by the Librarian of Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 1977
Amends the Federal Salary Act of 1967 to exempt from review by the Commission on Executive, Legislative, and Judicial Salaries the rate of pay for Members of Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 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 · 1 February 1977
Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to direct the Civil Aeronautics Board, in determining the compensation for any local service air carrier for mail for 1966, to apply a specified rate schedule and to disregard any decrease in the Federal income tax liability resulting from any net operating loss carryback. Requires the Board to recompute such compensation if such a decrease was previously taken into account.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt aircraft used primarily for agricultural operation from the excise tax imposed on the use of civil aircraft. Provides for the refund of the tax on gasoline and aircraft to the aerial applicator who is the ultimate purchaser thereof.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 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 · 1 February 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 · 26 January 1977
Big Thicket National Preserve Act - Grants the United States Government the right to immediate possession of specified real property within the units of the Big Thicket National Preserve. Makes provisions for the rendering of just compensation for such lands. Permits the Secretary of the Interior, in his discretion, to initiate eminent domain proceedings against improved property if such lands are subject to uses which are detrimental to the stated purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1977
Natural Gas Act Amendments - Amends the Natural Gas Act to terminate Federal Power Commission authority to regulate sales of new natural gas in interstate commerce. Stipulates that prices for offshore sales of new natural gas shall not exceed the ceiling price for sales of new natural gas produced from onshore Federal lands. Stipulates that emergency sales of natural gas to curtailed customers who qualify as essential users shall not affect such exempt status. Authorizes the Commission to terminate such exemptions on or after April 15, 1978, if they are no longer deemed necessary to protect high priority consumers of natural gas. Directs the Federal Power Commission to conduct studies and make reports regarding the nature and availability of natural gas reserves. Requires that the Commission keep current information available relating to the estimated natural gas reserves for individual fields. Establishes procedures for the establishment of ceiling prices for new natural gas produced from offshore Federal lands through December 31, 1982. Authorizes the Commission to grant exemptions to price ceilings within high-cost production areas. Establishes procedures for adjustments to price ceilings established pursuant to this Act. Directs the Commission to prohibit the curtailment of adequate supplies of natural gas for essential agricultural purposes. Directs the Commission to prohibit the use of natural gas as boiler fuel where adequate alternatives are available. Authorizes exemptions from such prohibition where necessary to comply with pollution control or environmental protection and safety standards.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Cargo Security Act - Declares that the purpose of this Act is to establish a program of coordinated Federal regulation designed to assure maximum security and safety of property moving in interstate and foreign commerce. Title I: Cargo Security for Property Being Transported in Interstate and Foreign Commerce - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish such regulations as necessary to assure the security and safety of property under the control of any carrier while being transported in interstate or foreign commerce. Sets forth a maximum civil penalty of $10,000 for violations of this title. Directs that any order of the Secretary assessing a civil penalty shall be subject to review by the United States Courts of Appeals in the circuit in which the violation occurred. Stipulates that the United States district courts shall have jurisdiction to restrain violations of, or to enforce regulations established under this Act. Requires the Secretary to annually submit to Congress reports relating to the administration of this Act and recommendations for legislation as the Secretary deems necessary to carry out the purposes of this title. Title II: Customs Port Security - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue by regulation such security and safety measures as may be necessary to protect and safeguard cargo at specified terminals. Establishes a maximum civil penalty of $10,000 for violations of this title. Requires the Secretary to submit an annual report to Congress recommending legislation the Secretary deems necessary to carry out this title. Reduces the criminal penalty for affixing or defacing a customs seal and for maliciously entering a bonded warehouse from a fine of no more than $5,000 and/or imprisonment for no more than two years to a fine of no more than $1,000 and/or imprisonment for no more than one year. Title III: Office of Cargo Security - Establishes within the Department of Transportation the Office of Cargo Security. Transfers to the Director of the Office the powers and duties of the Office of Transportation Security. Specifies other responsibilities delegated to the Director. Title IV: Interagency Council on Cargo Security - Establishes an Interagency Council on Cargo Security which shall identify and coordinate Federal department and agency actions relating to this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt corporations organized solely to provide reserves and deposit insurance for credit unions from the income tax.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Amends Title XI (General Provisions) of the Social Security Act to require the appointment of an optometrist to the National Professional Standards Review Council and the participation by optometrists in the activities of local professional standards review organizations pursuant to the requirements of such Title.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Amends the policy of Congress to restrict to 750,000,000 pounds the annual aggregate importation of fresh, chilled, or frozen beef, goat, or sheep meat after December 31, 1974. Prescribes a formula for adjustment of such quota. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to allocate such quota among supplying countries according to certain criteria.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Prohibits, under the Federal Trade Commission Act, the application of a per se rule of illegality under the antitrust laws, in the case of territorial market allocation agreements made as part of a licensing agreement (1) for the manufacture, distribution and sale of a trademarked soft drink product; or (2) for the distribution or sale of a trademarked private label food product. Allows the Commission, or any court, in any action alleging that any of the above provisions violates this Act or any of the antitrust Acts, to apply such Acts on any basis other than a per se basis. Stipulates that nothing in this Act shall be construed to prohibit the Commission or any court from applying any antitrust Act on a per se basis to any violations other than those described above. Directs the Commission to submit a report on the effects of such exclusive territorial and customer arrangements. Defines the term "trademarked private label food product" for purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Amends the Local Public Works Capital Development and Investment Act of 1976 to increase the amount authorized to be appropriated under such Act to $6,000,000,000.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Directs the Architect of the Capitol to conduct a feasibility study of the possible use of solar energy in connection with the operation of the House Office Buildings. Stipulates that the expenses of the Architect under the resolution, not to exceed $50,000, shall be paid from the contingent fund of the House.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1976
Privacy Protection for Rape Victims Act - Amends the Federal Rules of Evidence to prohibit, in cases of alleged rape or assault with intent to commit rape, the introduction of evidence of the victim's prior sexual behavior. Makes such prohibition inapplicable: (1) to evidence of the victim's prior sexual conduct with the alleged assailant; and (2) to evidence of the victim's sexual behavior with others if it is offered by the accused on the issue of whether the accused was the source of the victim's pregnacy, disease, semen, or injury. Requires the accused to make a written motion to offer such evidence accompanied by a written offer of proof. Requires the court to hold a hearing to determine the admissability of such evidence, declaring it admissable only if the court finds that the evidence is relevant and that its probative value outweighs the danger of unfair prejudice. Makes inadmissible reputation or opinion evidence with respect to the victim's past sexual behavior.
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 1976
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend until January 2, 1979, specified tax provisions for veterans wounded in the Vietnam conflict and spouses of persons missing in action in the Vietnam combat zone. Provides that after such date: (1) persons classified as missing in action in the Vietnam conflict will be considered dead for purposes of computing the terms of surviving spouses; (2) pay earned while hospitalized for wounds received in the Vietnam combat zone will be included in gross income; (3) income tax will be assessed for the taxable years in which veterans die as a result of service in the Vietnam conflict; (4) spouses of persons classified as missing in action may not elect to file joint tax returns; and (5) time requirements concerning filing, paying, claiming, assessing, collecting and commencing actions regarding tax liability will resume running against spouses of persons missing in the Vietnam combat zone.
United States · United States Congress · 30 August 1976
Authorizes and requests the President to issue a proclamation designating the week beginning October 3, 1976, and ending October 9, 1976, as "National Gifted Children Week."
United States · United States Congress · 26 August 1976
Authorizes the President to issue a proclamation designating the week beginning October 3, 1976, and ending October 9, 1976, as "National Volunteer Firemen Week."
United States · United States Congress · 24 August 1976
Directs the House Committee on Armed Services to make a study of the murder by members of the North Korean Armed Forces serving as guards at Panmunjom of two American Army officers attached to the United Nations Command, and other recent North Korean violations of the armistice agreement. Requires the committee to transmit a report to the House containing a statement of the findings of the committee no later than January 3, 1977.
United States · United States Congress · 24 August 1976
Condemns North Korea for its continued acts of treachery culminating in the axe murders of two American officers and the wounding of five others. Directs the Speaker of the House to make known the regrets of the House to the wives and children and other survivors of Major Bonifas and Lieutenant Barrett.
United States · United States Congress · 24 August 1976
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should take such steps as may be necessary to place the threat to the peace created by the murder of two American Army officers attached to the United Nations Command by members of the North Korean Armed Forces serving as guards at Panmunjom, and other recent North Korean violations of the armistice agreement, on the agenda of the United Nations.
United States · United States Congress · 23 August 1976
Includes within the meaning of the term "hospital" in Titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act, rural health facilities of 50 beds or less.
United States · United States Congress · 9 August 1976
National Diabetes Advisory Board Act - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish a National Diabetes Advisory Board to insure the implementation of the long-range plan formulated by the National Commission on Diabetes to combat diabetes. Specifies seven Federal health officers as members of the Board, in addition to seven health professionals and five members of the general public to be appointed by the Secretary. Makes provision for staffing and compensation. Authorizes the Board to enter into contracts or other arrangements, or to take such other action as may be necessary to carry out its functions. Authorizes the Board to engage in and sponsor activities, collect data, and provide technical assistance as it deems necessary and advisable in the performance of its functions. Requires the Board to submit simultaneously to the President and Congress an Annual Diabetes Report describing Board activities in the prior year and progress made in diabetes research, treatment, and education with specific reference to the long-range plan to combat diabetes mellitus and suggesting recommended future expenditures and legislation. Authorizes the appropriation of $500,000 for fiscal year 1976 and such sums as are necessary for each of the four fiscal years thereafter. Authorizes the Secretary to make distinguished scientist awards to individual scientists who have shown continuous and outstanding productivity in diabetes research for the purpose of continuing such research. Limits the amount of each grant to no more than $35,000 per year. Authorizes the appropriation of specified amounts for the purpose of making such grants in fiscal years 1976-1980. Authorizes, under the Public Health Service Act, the appropriation of specified sums in fiscal years 1977-1981 for the purpose of making grants to centers for research and training in diabetes mellitus and related endocrine and metabolic disorders.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1976
Requires the appointment of an optometrist to the National Professional Standards Review Council and the participation by optometrists in the activities of local professional standards review organizations pursuant to the requirements of Title XI of the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 1976
Amends Rule XXII of the Rules of the House of Representatives to remove the limitation on the number of Members who may introduce jointly any bill, memorial, or resolution. Provides that the name of any Member may be added or deleted as a sponsor of a bill, memorial, or resolution which has been introduced if a request on behalf of such Member is made by a Member to the Speaker prior to the enactment or adoption of such bill, memorial, or resolution by the House.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1976
Establishes in the House of Representatives a select committee to be known as the Select Committee on Narcotics Abuse and Control. Provides that the select committee shall conduct a continuing comprehensive study and review of the problems of narcotics abuse and control and shall review any recommendations made by the President, or by any department or agency of the executive branch of the Federal Government, relating to programs or policies affecting narcotics abuse or control. Authorizes the select committee to conduct field investigations or inspections. Requires the select committee to submit an annual report to the House which shall include a summary of the activities of the select committee during the calendar year to which such report applies.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 1976
Requires the appointment of an optometrist to the National Professional Standards Review Council and the participation by optometrists in the activities of local professional standards review organizations pursuant to the requirements of Title XI of the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1976
Requires the appointment of an optometrist to the National Professional Standards Review Council and the participation by optometrists in the activities of local professional standards review organizations pursuant to the requirements of Title XI of the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1976
Authorizes the Architect of the Capitol to perform such work as may be necessary to prevent further deterioration of historically significant sections of the Congressional Cemetery. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study of the purpose of formulating proposals for the renovation and maintenance of such areas by the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1976
Urges all American citizens to fly the flag daily during the period between Flag Day and Independence Day to honor America and to commemorate the Bicentennial.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1976
Provides that a cooperative housing association shall be taxable in the same manner as a corporation under the Internal Revenue Code, except that income received from the following sources shall be tax-exempt: (1) tenant-shareholder in the case of a cooperative housing association; (2) owners of condominium housing units in the case of a condominium management association; or (3) owners of real property in the case of a residential real estate management association.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1976
Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to prohibit the issuance of solid waste management regulations with respect to the sale or distribution of beverage containers at Federal facilities.
![Official portrait of Rep. Pickle, J. J. [D-TX-10]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/p000328_200.jpg)