United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1977
Prohibits rules promulgated by any Federal agency (except an emergency rule which must become immediately effective to prevent serious injury or the substantial frustration of legislative policies or intent) from becoming effective until such proposed rules have been submitted to Congress and a 60-day period has lapsed thereafter. Prevents such rules from becoming effective if disapproved by either House of Congress within such 60-day period. Permits disapproved of emergency rules. Prohibits the submission to Congress of any rule identical to one which has been disapproved unless submitted pursuant to new legislative authority which has been enacted affecting the agency's powers with respect to the subject matter of such rule. Renders agency rules dealing with emergency or routine matters or which will have an insignificant impact effective without publication of advance/notice of proposed rule making proceedings in the Federal Register as is currently required. Renders any rule granting an exemption to another rule or which is exempt from public notice and comment requirements effective immediately.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1977
Prohibits disclosure of information identifying or tending to identify a person as a present or former participant in United States foreign intelligence operations if (1) the information has been designated by statute or Executive Order as requiring some degree of protection or (2) the person disclosing the information knows or has reason to believe that such disclosure may prejudice the safety or well-being of the person identified.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the time for a small business corporation to elect subchapter S status from the first month to the fifteenth day of the third month of the taxable year, and to any time during the preceding taxable year.
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 1977
Amends the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 to prohibit any cost-of-living adjustments to the salaries of Senators and Representatives which take effect before October 1, 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 1977
Contract Disputes Reform Act - Authorizes an executive agency to settle any claim arising out of any express or implied contract of such agency. Requires an agency contracting officer to settle disputes which cannot be resolved by mutual agreement. Permits any contractor to request an informal administrative conference with the appropriate agency to review the decision of the contracting officer. Declares the decision of the contracting officer to be final unless the contractor sues or appeals as provided in this Act. Permits each agency to establish an agency Board of Contract Appeals if the volume of procurement of such agency justifies a Board of at least three full-time members. Requires appeals to be made to such Board within 90 days of receipt of the contracting officer's decision. Provides for an appeal to the Board of another agency in the event that the party agency does not have its own Board. Requires the rules of each board to provide for a simplified procedure for small claims of $25,000 or less which can be invoked at the option of the contractor. Permits suits in any U.S. district court or the Court of Claims in lieu of an appeal by the contractor to an agency Board. Permits the agency or the contractor to appeal any decision of an agency Board to such Courts. States that in the event the agency appeals a Board decision, that decision shall not be overturned unless arbitrary, capricious, or so clearly erroneous as to imply bad faith. (Amends 28 U.S.C. 2401; 2517)
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 1977
Creates a House select committee which shall conduct an investigation of all records, memorandums, papers, documents, books, and other information of any standing or select committee of the House or officer of the House respecting expenses incurred by or on behalf of any such committee or its members or employees.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 1977
Food Additive Safety Amendments - States that a food additive shall be deemed safe if the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare (1) makes a finding, based on recommendations of an advisory committee, that the public benefit from permitting the use of such additive would exceed the public risk which might result from such use; (2) gives notice in the Federal Register of such a finding and invites public comment thereon; and (3) issues a final order not earlier than 120 days of such publication in the Federal Register of such findings. Specifies factors the Secretary must take into consideration when evaluating a food additive. Deems saccharin a safe food additive unless the Secretary declares it unsafe under the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1977
Amends the Bail Reform Act of 1966 to require consideration of the safety of others and the community at large in setting conditions for pretrial release. Stipulates that conditions imposed to that end may not be financial. Permits the Government to appeal conditions of release in certain circumstances. Directs that a convicted person who has filed an appeal be detained unless it is shown by clear and convincing evidence that the appeal raises a substantial question of law or fact. Applies with specified exceptions, procedures for appealing conditions of release to appeals of detention orders. Sets forth sanctions for violating release conditions, threatening witnesses or jurors while on release, and committing serious offenses while on release.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1977
Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to deem a food additive unsafe to be marketed if it is found to induce cancer in man or animal when ingested in reasonable quantities, or found in appropriate tests to induce cancer in man or animal when ingested in reasonable quantities.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1977
Antitrust Law Labor Amendments - Removes statutory limitations upon the application of the Sherman Act to labor organizations and their activities. States that every contract or agreement between any labor organization and any employer whereby such employer undertakes to cease or to refrain from using, selling, handling, transporting, or otherwise dealing in any of the products of any producer, processor, or manufacturer which are distributed in trade or commerce among the several States, or with foreign nations, is declared illegal. Provides that every person who enters into, attempts to enter into, or conspires with any other person to enter into, any such contract or agreement shall be punished by a fine not exceeding $1,000,000 or by imprisonment not exceeding three years, or both.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1977
Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to public and nonprofit private entities which are engaged in the development of new schools of veterinary medicine to assist in such development. Requires applying schools to demonstrate that there is a reasonable indication that non-Federal financial resources for development will be available and that Federal assistance will accelerate the date on which the school will be able to begin its teaching program.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1977
Establishes a two-year, seven-member advisory committee to advise the Administrator of the Federal Grain Inspection Service with respect to the implementation of the United States Grain Standards Act of 1976. Amends such Act to repeal the requirement that the State and other official agencies designated to perform inspection or weighing functions pay fees to the Administrator to cover the costs of the direct supervision of personnel of such agencies by the field office personnel of the Federal Grain Inspection Service. Authorizes appropriations to cover such supervisory costs. Amends such Act relative to recordkeeping. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, within six months of the effective date of this Act, to review certain recordkeeping provisions of Federal law and the regulations of the Commodity Credit Corporation as they apply to grain elevators, warehouses or other grain storage and handling facilities. Directs the Secretary, on the basis of such review, to establish a single system for recordkeeping by such facilities that will meet the requirements of such regulations and the law.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1977
Excludes employers with less than 25 employees during any consecutive six-month period in the most recent fiscal year from coverage under the Occupational Safety and Health Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1977
Amends rule XVI of the Rules of the House of Representatives to apply the ten minutes of debate rules to a motion to recommit with instructions on the adoption of a simple resolution or conference report after the previous question has been ordered.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1977
Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to transfer to the Secretary of the Interior a specified part of Fort Story Military Reservation, Cape Henry, Virginia, for inclusion in the Colonial National Historical Park.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1977
Regulatory Agency Abolition Act - Abolishes each Federal regulatory agency three years after enactment of this Act unless prior to such date the President and Congress study the effectiveness of such agencies and Congress thereafter adopts a resolution disapproving such abolition. Provides that each regulatory agency established after the date of enactment of this Act shall be abolished three years from the date on which it was first empowered unless the President and Congress take the steps outlined above. Directs the President to submit to Congress a plan for the orderly transfer of duties essential to the public health, safety or welfare from an abolished agency to the President or to a successor agency. Provides that all orders, rules, certificates, judicial proceedings and licenses made effective by agencies abolished by this Act shall continue in effect until repealed or superceded by the President.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1977
Authorizes the President of the United States to designate the week beginning November 6, 1977, and ending November 12, 1977, as "National Volunteer Firemen Week."
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 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 · 9 February 1977
Health Care Expenditures Regulation Review Act - Requires any officer or agency in the executive branch of the Federal Government to submit all proposed health care regulations to each House of Congress. Sets forth the procedure by which a proposed health care regulation shall become effective. Directs the head of any Federal department or agency to give 60 days notice to the relevant committees of the House of Representatives and Congress, prior to initial publication of any regulation which relates to: (1) costs or expenditures of, or reimbursements to, individuals or providers of health care; or (2) the fixing of any rate or charge.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1977
Excludes from eligibility for food stamps under the Food Stamp Act of 1964 any household whose principal wage earner is on strike for the duration of such strike. Excepts a household from this exclusion if it was participating in the food stamp program immediately prior to the start of such strike, or if any of its members is subject to an employer's lockout.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 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 · 2 February 1977
Jobs Creation Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce the individual income tax rates. Allows a credit against the income tax up to $1,000, for ten percent of the increase in the total savings deposits and investments since the end of the previous year. Allows a limited income tax deduction by certain domestic corporations for dividends paid. Limits corporate deductions for dividends received from foreign corporations. Repeals corporate deductions for other dividends received. Allows the taxpayer to take a deduction for specified percentages of the acquisition costs of certain types of property, with a corresponding reduction in basis, in lieu of a depreciation deduction. Doubles the corporate surtax exemption to $100,000.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1977
Higher Education Funding Act - Authorizes an income deduction for contributions to a qualified higher education fund established by the taxpayer for the purposes of funding the higher education of his dependents. Limits the amount of the deduction to the lesser of: (1) $750 times the number of qualified beneficiaries; (2) 15 percent of the taxpayer's adjusted gross income; or (3) $7,500. Provides that a qualified education fund must be established by the taxpayer pursuant to a written plan; (1) solely for the purpose of defraying the cost of room, board, and tuition at an institution of higher education of one or more eligible beneficiaries: (2) which provides that no distribution shall be made by the Fund (except upon termination thereof) other than to, or on behalf of, eligible beneficiaries; (3) which provides that upon termination of the fund of all assets of the funds shall be distributed to the taxpayer or to his estate; (4) which prohibits contributions to the fund in excess of amounts deductible: and (5) under which the taxpayer consents to the income tax treatment upon termination of the fund. Defines "institution of higher education" as an educational institution: (1) which provides an educational program leading to a bachelor's or higher degree, or training students for gainful employment; (2) contributions to or for the use of which constitute charitable contributions; (3) which is legally authorized to provide and does provide a program of postsecondary education; and (4) which is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency or association listed by the United States Commissioner of Education.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1977
Constitutional Amendment - Prohibits a justice of the Supreme Court or a judge of any inferior court established by Congress from holding office for more than 10 years after (1) taking office, (2) the Senate last consented to his continuance in office, or (3) the ratification of this amendment, whichever last occurs, unless the President nominates and the Senate consents to a continuance in office.
United States · United States Congress · 26 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 · 26 January 1977
Truth in Government Accounting Act - Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to prepare and make public annual consolidated financial statements for all expenditures of the United States utilizing the accrual method of accounting.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1977
Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act - Provides, under the Internal Revenue Code, for automatic cost-of-living adjustments, based on the Consumer Price Index, in: (1) the income tax rates; (2) the amount of standard deductions; (3) the amount of personal exemptions; (4) the amount of depreciation deductions; and (5) the adjusted basis for property. Makes cost-of-living adjustments in specified United States savings bonds and certificates and on other obligations of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 26 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 · 24 January 1977
Stolen Property Amendments - Amends provisions of Federal law setting forth penalties for interstate or foreign commerce in stolen cattle to include stolen swine, sheep, fowl, insects, horses, mules, or carcasses thereof.
United States · United States Congress · 19 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 · 19 January 1977
Requires that whoever uses or carries a firearm during the commission of a Federal felony, or whoever is convicted by a State court of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year and used or carried a firearm transported in, or affecting, interstate or foreign commerce during the commission of such crime shall, in addition to the punishment provided for the commission of such crime, be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of not less than five nor more than ten years. Requires in the case of a second or subsequent conviction the imposition of a term of imprisonment of not less than ten years, or to life imprisonment. Stipulates that the execution or imposition of any term of imprisonment under this Act (1) may not be suspended, (2) may not run concurrently; and (3) may not include probation.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1977
Disapproves the recommendations of the President transmitted to Congress pursuant to the Federal Salary Act of 1967 recommending rates of pay for (1) Members of Congress and the Resident Commissioner from Puerto Rico, (2) certain positions in the legislative branch, (3) specified judicial personnel, and (4) certain positions under the Executive Schedule.
United States · United States Congress · 13 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 · 12 January 1977
Expresses the sense of the Congress that all inspections under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 cease until the Supreme Court of the United States has determined the constitutionality of such inspections.
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
Requires that whoever uses or carries a firearm during the commission of a Federal felony, or whoever is convicted by a State court of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year and used or carried a firearm transported in, or affecting, interstate or foreign commerce during the commission of such crime shall, in addition to the punishment provided for the commission of such crime, be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of not less than five nor more than ten years. Requires in the case of a second or subsequent conviction the imposition of a term of imprisonment of not less than ten years, or to life imprisonment. Stipulates that the execution or imposition of any term of imprisonment under this Act (1) may not be suspended, (2) may not run concurrently; and (3) may not include probation.
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 · 4 January 1977
Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to entertain the claims of a certain individual for replacement, by reason of nonreceipt, of certain Treasury checks.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Amends Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to reduce the five month waiting period which is presently a prerequisite of eligibility for disability insurance benefits to one month.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide a deduction for State and local taxes imposed on the furnishing or sale of electrical energy, water, sewage disposal services, gas, or telephone services.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Truth in Spending Act - Amends the Congressional Budget Act to require that all public bills and resolutions introduced in Congress or reported by a committee contain an estimate of the average cost of such measure to each taxpaying family.
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
Provides, under the Legislative Reorganization Act, that pay adjustments for Members of Congress may take effect no earlier than the beginning of the Congress next following the Congress in which they are approved.
![Official portrait of Rep. Robinson, J. Kenneth [R-VA-7]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/r000337_200.jpg)