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United States · Official source
511 records where Rep. Steiger, William A. [R-WI-6] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1978
Expresses the appreciation of the House of Representatives to Bob Hope on the occasion of his 75th birthday, May 25, 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1978
Tax Consistency Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce corporate tax rates to 16 percent of the first $25,000 of taxable income and 18 percent of so much of the taxable income that exceeds $25,000. Reduces the surtax to 22 percent of the amount that exceeds the surtax exemption. Establishes a permanent $50,000 surtax exemption for all corporations except certain controlled corporations. Repeals the investment tax credit. Repeals the provision excluding from gross income interest on the obligations of a State, a territory, or a possession of the United States, or their political subdivisions, or of the District of Columbia. Eliminates the declining balance and sum-of-the years-digit methods of computing allowable depreciation expense. Limits deductions for such depreciation to amounts determined by a replacement cost straight line method, as formulated by this Act, or by any other consistent method which does not yield an amount which exceeds the total amount allowed under the replacement cost straight line method during the first two-thirds of the property's useful life. Repeals the allowance for deductions with respect to the amortization of any certified pollution control facility based on a period of 60 months. Repeals the allowance for deductions of intangible drilling and development costs for oil and gas wells. States that the last taxable year in which financial institutions may use the percentage method of computing additions to bad debt reserves shall be the taxable year beginning before 1979 instead of 1988 as is currently provided. Repeals the existing percentages allowed for depletion of mines, wells, and specified natural deposits, and the percentages allowed for oil and gas wells. Specifies those treatment processes for mineral deposits which are considered mining, and those which are not so considered, for the purposes of the percentage depletion allowance. Repeals special capital gains treatment of income from certain timber, coal, or iron ore operations. Repeals the allowance for special deductions for domestic corporations which do business in North, Central, or South America, or in the West Indies, and derive a certain percentage of their gross income from outside the United States. Repeals provisions allowing special tax treatment for Domestic International Sales Corporations (DISC). Repeals provisions of the Merchant Marine Act of 1936 which permit domestic shipping companies to exclude from gross income amounts deposited in the capital construction fund for the purpose of building new vessels. Establishes a tax credit for contributions to an employee stock ownership plan. Limits such credit to one half of one percent of the taxpayer's liability for the taxable year. Sets forth requirements for the establishment of such plans.
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1978
Telephone Privacy Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit unsolicited commercial telephone calls to a telephone subscriber who has notified the telephone company that he does not wish to receive such calls. Directs the Federal Communications Commission to prescribe regulations specifying the manner in which a telephone subscriber shall notify the telephone company that he does not wish to receive unsolicited calls. Prescribes criminal penalties for violations of this Act. Excludes from the definition of "unsolicited commercial telephone calls" calls made in response to an express request of the individual called or made in connection with an overdue debt or contractual obligation.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1978
Amends Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act and the Internal Revenue Code to establish standards for determining the status of a taxpayer as an independent contractor or self-employed person for purposes of the Federal Insurance Contributions Act, the Federal Unemployment Tax Act, income tax withholding, and the Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance Program of the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 1978
Investment Incentive Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to restore part of the pre-1969 tax treatment of capital gains by repealing the capital gains item of tax preference for the minimum tax; lowering the corporate alternative tax to 25 percent of net capital gain; and lowering the alternative individual tax to 25 percent of net capital gain.
United States · United States Congress · 12 April 1978
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that an individual's allowable charitable contributions shall be deducted when determining the individual's adjusted gross income, thereby allowing the deduction to individuals who do not itemize.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1978
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to adjust the social security tax rates established by the Social Security Amendments of 1977. Increases, through and past the year 2009, the rate of tax on wages received by employees and paid by employers. Decreases the rate of tax on self employment income for the purposes of Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act. Decreases such rates on employers', employees', and self-employment income for the purposes of the Hospital Insurance Program. Amends such Title II to increase allocations of employment income and decrease allocations of self- employment income from the Treasury to the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund. Extends allocation percentages through and past the year 2009. Repeals the yearly increases in the contribution and benefit base enacted by the Social Security Amendments of 1977 for purposes of the Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance program. Permits mutual borrowing by the Federal Old-Age, Survivors Trust Fund and the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund to insure prompt payment of benefits and the full operation of such Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1978
Title I: Improvements in Adjustment Assistance for Workers - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to direct the Secretary of Labor to reconsider denied petitions of groups of workers for trade adjustment assistance which were filed prior to November 1, 1977. Qualifies a previously ineligible employee for coverage under a certification of eligibility if: (1) the petition for certification was filed before November 1, 1977; and (2) the employee's last total or partial separation from the appropriate firm occurred between one year and 18 months of the filing of the petition. Permits any group of workers separated from employment after October 3, 1974, and before November 1, 1977, to file, or have filed on their behalf, a petition for certification if a previous petition for such group was not filed between April 2, 1975, and November 1, 1977. Makes eligible for assistance certain groups of workers in firms whose customer firms have been adversely affected by imports. Authorizes the Secretary to file a petition on behalf of a group of workers. Permits a group to be certified if the sales or production of its firm or subdivision threaten to decrease absolutely. Stipulates that no assistance shall be furnished in such an instance until sales or production have ceased. Permits an employee who worked for more than one firm or subdivision whose workers have been certified to take into account all such employment in determining eligibility for assistance allowances. Extends the duration of additional readjustment assistance for workers receiving approved training. Directs the Secretary to establish a program of experimental projects designed to improve methods meeting the employment and training problems of workers displaced by import competition. Increases, and revises application and eligibility guidelines for, job search and relocation allowances. Title II: Improvements in adjustment assistance to firms - Revises eligibility requirements for firm adjustment assistance including making eligible certain firms whose customer firms have been directly affected by imports. Requires, rather than authorizes, the Secretary of Commerce to provide technical assistance to a firm for an economic adjustment proposal if it cannot prepare one without assistance. Increases the requirement percentage for assistance provided through private entities. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce, with respect to loans to firms guaranteed under the Trade Act of 1974, to pay to or on behalf of the borrower annually for up to ten years an amount sufficient to reduce interest paid up to four percentage points. Increases maximum amount guaranteed loans and direct loans which may be furnished to any one firm. Title III: General Provisions - Establishes the Commerce Labor Adjustment Action Committee to facilitate coordination between the Department of Labor and Commerce in providing assistance to trade-impacted workers, firms and communities. Authorizes grants to labor organizations for research on issues relating to the design of an effective program of trade adjustment assistance. Authorizes grants for industry wide research programs on techniques to improve economic efficiency.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1978
Investment Incentive Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to restore the pre-1969 tax treatment of capital gains and losses. Repeals the 50 percent deduction for capital gains as an item of tax preference for the minimum tax. Lowers the alternative tax on corporate capital gains to 25 percent from 30 percent. Sets the alternative tax on individual capital gains at a maximum rate of 25 percent of net capital gain. Allows both short-term and long-term capital losses to be deducted dollar for dollar from ordinary income up to a maximum deduction of $1,000 for both.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1978
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude income tax deductible retirement savings payable as an annuity to an individual and his spouse from the gross estate of the individual. Exempts such savings from treatment as taxable transfers for purposes of the gift tax.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1978
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to expand the class of individuals taxed as "heads of households" to include persons maintaining separate households for their dependent children.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1978
Human Investment Tax Incentive Act - Allows a tax credit, under the Internal Revenue Code, in an amount equal to 20 percent of employee training expenses. Limits such credit to an amount not to exceed so much of the liability for tax as does not exceed $50,000 plus 50 percent of so much of the liability for tax as exceeds $50,000. Defines "employee training expenses" as the wages and salaries of employees enrolled in an apprenticeship program or a cooperative education program or the tuition and course fees paid by the taxpayer for improving the job-related skills of an employee.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1978
Directs the Secretary of the Interior to accept a donation from the National Council for the Encouragement of Patriotism of the property known as the Highway of Flags Servicemen's Memorial in Lake County, Indiana. Directs the Secretary to designate such property as the Highway of Flags National Servicemen's Memorial and to administer it as a national monument.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1978
Small Business Development Center Act - Authorizes the Small Business Administration to make grants to universities to assist them in developing centers to provide small businesses with a broad range of advice, information, and assistance. Limits the amount of such grant to no more than 75 percent of the cost of eligible activities in the operation or development of the center, except for grants to regional centers assisting State centers in research or other high cost activities. Establishes a Small Business Management and Technical Assistance Division within the Small Business Development Center program through a Deputy Associate Administrator. Establishes a Small Business Development Center Advisory Board composed of 14 members to advise and confer with the Deputy Associate Administrator for Management and Technical Assistance. Authorizes the Administration to make grants to universities, organizations, and business concerns to support research to solve problems which affect small business concerns.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1978
Rural Community Development Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to make grants to nonmetropolitan units of local government to help finance specified community development programs including: (1) the acquisition of real property which is blighted, deteriorating, undeveloped or inappropriately developed from the standpoint of sound community development or which is to be used for public works or other public purposes; (2) the acquisition, construction, reconstruction, or installation of public works or other improvements including neighborhood facilities, historic properties, and recreation facilities; and (3) special projects to remove material or architectural barriers which restrict the mobility of elderly and handicapped persons. Sets forth application and review requirements. Lists factors, including population growth or decline rates and unemployment rates, which the Secretary shall consider in allocating funds to States and units of general local government. Authorizes the Secretary to guarantee local government notes or other obligations where such entity is carrying out comprehensive community development programs, and public agency obligations for purposes of financing the acquisition of real property. Permits the Secretary to issue obligations to the Secretary of the Treasury in an amount outstanding at any one time sufficient to enable the Secretary of Agriculture to carry out his obligation under guarantees authorized by this Act. States that obligations guaranteed by this Act shall be subject to Federal taxation. Prohibits discrimination in the administration of this Act. Provides a procedure to be followed where the Secretary finds that a recipient of assistance under this Act has failed to substantially comply with any provision of this Act. Permits interstate agreements with respect to community development planning and programs. Directs the Secretaries of Agriculture and Housing and Urban Development to conduct a study of the feasibility and desirability of meeting the community development needs of units of general local government which are located within a metropolitan area having a population of 20,000 or less and are rural in character under the provisions of this Act rather than under the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974. Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to prohibit the making of any grant to a unit of local government which is located outside of a metropolitan area and has a population of 20,000 or less.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1978
Authorizes and directs the President to designate April 18, 1978, as "Education Day, U.S.A."
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1978
Botulism Prevention Act - Prohibits the Secretary of Agriculture, for a two-year period, from issuing any order or regulation: (1) restricting the use of nitrites or nitrates as preservatives in meat products beyond the degree recommended in the final report of the Department of Agriculture's Expert Panel on Nitrates, Nitrites, and Nitrosamines; or (2) requiring labeling on meat products concerning nitrites or nitrates in addition to the requirements in effect on January 1, 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1978
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that the zero bracket amount shall be subtracted from an individual's taxable income when using income averaging in order to tax the averaged income in the same manner, and to the same extent, it was taxed when the standard deduction was used in tax computations.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1978
Directs that orders of a State court or a court of the District of Columbia relative to the custody of children of divorced or separated parents be given full faith and credit by every other State and the District of Columbia until such issuing court no longer has under the law of the State in which it is located, or declines to exercise, jurisdiction over modifications of such orders. Permits a court to refuse to recognize a custody order obtained by a parent or other person who removed the child from a State in order to conceal the child from the other parent or from a person acting as a parent.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1978
Expresses the condemnation by the Congress of the March 11, 1978, attack on Israel by the Palestine Liberation Organization, and the expressed intention of the PLO to continue such attacks and to disrupt the peace efforts between Israel and Egypt. Requests the President to make the disapproval of the Congress known to governments approving the PLO attack. Expresses Congressional approval of the peace efforts between Israel and Egypt. Urges other Middle East countries to join such efforts. Declares negotiation to be the best way to bring peace to the Middle East.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1978
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from the gross income of an employee amounts paid or expenses incurred by the employer for educational assistance to the employee. Limits to 25 percent the amount of payments which may be made by such programs to shareholders or owners (or their spouses or dependents), each of whom owns more than five percent of the stock or of the capital or profits interest in the employer.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1978
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Federal Communications Commission should maximize local primary radio broadcast service in any proceeding respecting the provision of class I-A and I-B radio service. Prohibits the operation of a standard broadcast station with power in excess of 50,000 watts.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1978
Social Security Financing Amendments - Title I: Provisions to Improve the Financing of the Old Age-Survivors, and Disability Insurance Program - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the rate of tax established by the Social Security Financing Amendments of 1977 on wages received by the employees and paid by employers, and on the earnings of the self employed, for the purposes of Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act. Maintains at the level established by the Social Security Amendments of 1977 the rate of tax on employment and self employment income for purposes of Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act. Increases, to specified levels, the allocations of wages and self-employment income from the Treasury to the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund. Establishes measures to maintain balances in the Federal Old-Age and Survivor Insurance Trust Fund, and the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund sufficient to make the payments required of such funds by means of loans among such funds. Title II: Improvement of Long-Range Financing Through a Gradual Increase in Retirement Age - Increases, from 65 to 68 years, the retirement age at which an individual may receive old-age, wife's, husband's, widow's or widower's insurance benefits without a reduction because such individual became eligible for such benefits before reaching retirement age. Sets forth a schedule for such increase in steps to occur between December, 1999 and March, 2011. Title III: Working Spouse's Benefit and Elimination of Gender-Based Distinctions Under the Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance Program - Establishes a "working spouse's benefit" under Title II. Provides that any individual who receives both old-age benefits or a disability insurance benefit and wife's, husband's, widow's, widower's, or mother's insurance benefits shall be entitled to such working spouse benefit. States that such benefit shall be a percentage of the smaller of the two benefits to which the recipient was entitled. Limits the receipt of such benefits to one member of a married couple when both members are eligible. Amends Title II to eliminate gender-based distinctions in awarding benefits under such Title. Equalizes treatment of fathers, husbands, divorced husbands, surviving divorced husbands, and widowers with the treatment of their female counterparts under the Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance Program. Eliminates marriage or remarriage of a benefit recipient as a factor in terminating or reducing benefits. Title IV: Coverage of Federal Employees Under the Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance Program - Amends Title II of the Social Security Act and the Internal Revenue Code to include Federal employees within the coverage of the Social Security system. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare in consultation with the Civil Service Commission to carry out a detailed study of how best to coordinate the benefits of the civil service retirement system and the benefits of the old-age, survivors, and disability insurance system, with the objective of developing for Federal employees a combined program of retirement, disability, and related benefits which will assure that such employers are no worse off, comparing their benefits under the combined program with the benefits they would receive under the Federal staff retirement systems at the time of their coverage under the old-age, survivors, and disability insurance system pursuant to the amendments made by this Act. Directs the Secretary to carry out a study of how best to coordinate the Medicare program and the program established by the Federal Employees Health Benefits Act, with the objective of developing for Federal employees a combined program of health insurance benefits to accompany the retirement and disability program developed by this Act. Title V: Liberalization and Eventual Repeal of Earnings Limitation for Individuals Age 65 and Over - Increases the minimum amount which an individual may earn before suffering a loss or reduction of benefits under the Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance program to $625 for each month of the taxable year ending after 1980 and before 1982. Removes the earnings limitation for taxable years beginning after January 1, 1982.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1978
Expresses United States determination (1) to prevent the aggressive activities of the Soviet Union and Cuba in the Western Hemisphere, (2) to prevent the creation of externally supported Cuban military capability, and (3) to work with the Organization of American States for hemisphere security.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1978
Agricultural Land Retention Act - Title I: Objectives - Declares that it is in the public interest to retain, protect and improve agricultural land, to reduce its conversion to nonagricultural uses, and to limit the encroachment of industrial activities. Title II: Research Program - Establishes an Agricultural Land Review Commission to study: (1) agricultural land in the United States; (2) the effects of industrial development, climate and other factors on the productivity of such land; (3) the acquisition of such land by persons not engaged in agricultural activities; and (4) methods of protecting and improving such land, and of reducing the amount of it being converted to nonagricultural uses. Authorizes the Commission to make grants to public or private groups or organizations or individuals to do research pursuant to its study. Requires the Commission to report its findings, conclusions and recommendations to the President and to Congress. Title III: Demonstration Programs - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to pay up to 75 percent of the cost and to provide technical assistance to any State pilot project undertaken to demonstrate and test methods of reducing the amount of agricultural land being converted to nonagricultural uses. Requires all such projects to be completed within five years after enactment of this Act. Directs the Secretary to report his findings, conclusions and recommendations to the President and to Congress. Title IV: General Provisions - Authorizes for Title II programs the appropriation of $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1979 through 1982. Authorizes for Title III programs the appropriation of $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1979 through 1982.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1978
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow the amortization over a 12-month period of depreciable tangible property which is required to be used in a plant or other facility by the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 and which does not have any economic usefulness to the taxpayer.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1978
Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs Memorial Act - Authorizes the Commissioner of Education to provide financial assistance to assist in the development of the Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. Authorizes up to $5,000,000 to be appropriated for such purpose.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1978
Designates May 3, 1978, as "Sun Day."
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1978
Estate and Gift Tax Amendments Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the minimum value for carryover basis property from $60,000 to $175,000. Specifies formulae for determining adjustments to basis for December 31, 1976, fair market value for marketable bonds and securities and other property, and minimum basis for non-business tangible personal property and personal residence. Decreases from $100 to $50 per failure the penalty an executor must pay for failing to furnish beneficiaries specified information with respect to carryover basis property. Amends the formula for computing the income tax deduction for estate taxes paid on income in respect of a decedent. Specifies a new formula for the increase in the basis of gifts because of the Federal gift tax paid attributable to appreciation, and allows an increase in basis for the amount of a State gift tax by the amount of such tax attributable to appreciation in value of the gift. Deems an agricultural or horticultural commodity sold or exchanged by an estate property used in a trade or business, if such sale or exchange occurs during the year following the decedent's death, even though the estate did not engage in farming. Expands the material participation criteria for the special use valuation of certain farm and other real property to provide for the satisfaction of the requirement where the decedent or his spouse has so participated for any 15 years before the decedent's death. Revises the material participation requirement for heirs to allow satisfaction of the requirement by an heir's agents or fiduciaries under specified conditions. Requires the uniform definition of interests in closely held businesses for purposes of qualifying for the alternative time extensions for paying estate taxes on estates consisting mostly of such businesses. Extends the capital gains treatment for redemptions of stock of a closely held business to pay estate taxes to the amount necessary to pay the income taxes generated by the redemption.
United States · United States Congress · 15 December 1977
Amends the Woodrow Wilson Memorial Act of 1968 to establish a Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship in Social and Political Thought at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars at the Smithsonian Institution. Establishes the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Trust Fund in the Treasury.
United States · United States Congress · 7 December 1977
Directs the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs in regard to the eligibility for educational benefits of a veteran or other person enrolled in a farm cooperative program, to prescribe for the agricultural employment requirement standards of relevance to the courses taken which allow such veteran or person to work: (1) in establishments engaged in the processing, distribution, or sale of agricultural products; (2) less than full-time; and (3) regardless of whether such employment is expected to be the principal source of income of the veteran or person so employed.
United States · United States Congress · 29 November 1977
Tax Reduction Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to lower individual and corporate income tax rates.
United States · United States Congress · 27 October 1977
Stipulates that the $5,000 increase in the official expenses allowance for Members of the House of Representatives shall not take effect until the House of Representatives adopts a resolution determining specific guidelines for what constitutes an official expense.
United States · United States Congress · 18 October 1977
Designates November 15, 1977, as a "Day of National Observance of the Two Hundredth Anniversary of the Adoption of the Articles of Confederation."
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1977
Comprehensive Employment Services Act - Details provisions for the transition from the programs conducted under the Comprehensive Employment and Training and the Wagner-Peyser Acts, which are repealed by this Act, to the consolidated employment and training services program established in titles I and II of this Act. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the Comprehensive Employment and Training and the Wagner-Peyser Acts for fiscal years 1979-81. Title I: Comprehensive Employment Services - States the purpose of this title to be the establishment of a comprehensive nationwide employment program to replace the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act and the Wagner-Peyser Act. Directs that such program include both a basic level of services for all persons seeking employment or employees and supplemental activities designed to result in the employment of those persons in need of assistance. Details employment and training services which may be included under the various aspects of the program. Provides financial assistance to States which, among other things, have submitted approved annual plans. Lists the information to be contained in such plans, including approved local plans, a description of the services to be provided and the delivery of such services, and certain statistical reports and assurances regarding program administration. Requires each State to submit five-year State employment plans and annual employment review statements. Directs each local government or combination of local governments which seeks assistance under this title to submit to the appropriate Governor for approval a Local Prime Sponsor Agreement and an Annual Plan containing information similar to that required to be included in State plans. Requires participant States and local governments to establish advisory councils to facilitate the carrying out of employment and training services under this title. Sets forth procedures and guidelines for the review of plans submitted and programs implemented under this title. Provides, and specifies guidelines for, basic weekly allowances for individuals receiving training under this title. Title II: Special Federal Responsibilities - Directs the Secretary of Labor to carry out an employment services program for native Americans and seasonal and migrant workers, such program to include activities authorized under title I. Continues the summer youth program for economically disadvantaged rural and urban youth. Directs the Secretary to (1) implement an assistance program for unemployed persons who move to another State to obtain employment and (2) establish a comprehensive program of employment and training research and demonstration. Requires the Secretary to make recommendations to Congress regarding the disposition of the enforcement and compliance functions of the United States Employment Service, which is abolished under title III of this Act. Directs Congressional committees and the President to review laws, rules, regulations, and orders which affect employment policies and activities to insure that they are coordinated and uniformly directed at achieving national employment goals. Requires that every reported public bill and resolution be accompanied by an explanation of how it will affect programs established under this Act and national employment goals. Title III: General Provisions - Specifies conditions and limitations applicable to all programs conducted under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to prescribe such rules and regulations as are necessary to carry out his functions under this Act. Repeals, effective fiscal year 1982 the Wagner-Peyser Act, which establishes the United States Employment Service and the State employment agency system, and the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 1977
Requires the Congressional Record for the House of Representatives to contain an accurate and verbatim account of remarks actually delivered on the floor of the House together with supporting data. Limits revisions of verbatim remarks in the Record to the correction of grammatical and typographical errors which do not change the meaning, content, or substance of those remarks. Entitles Members to insert in the Records remarks not actually delivered on the floor. Stipulates that such insertions always be clearly distinguishable from verbatim remarks.
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 1977
Amends the Indochina Migration and Refugee Assistance Act of 1975 to extend through 1980 assistance: (1) to refugees from Cambodia, Vietnam, and Laos; (2) to State and local public agencies providing assistance for such aliens; (3) for transportation to, and resettlement in, other areas of the United States; and (4) for employment assistance rendered to such aliens. Directs that funds appropriated under this Act be made available to State or local public agencies to reimburse them for the non-Federal share of costs under Titles IV (Grants to States for Aid and Services to Needy Families with Children and for Child Welfare Services) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act. Limits the amount of assistance to be provided to a State or local public agency in fiscal years 1979 and 1980 for providing cash or medical assistance to aliens who entered the United States prior to August 11, 1977. Requires the President to submit a report to specified committees of Congress on the status of such refugees at regular intervals until December 31, 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a deduction to any taxpayer engaged in the manufacture, importation, distribution, lease, or sale of any product for contributions to his product liability loss reserve account.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a limited deduction for amounts paid by or on behalf of an individual for an individual retirement account, an individual retirement annuity, an individual retirement bond, an employees' trust, or an annuity contract.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1977
National Historic Preservation Act - Title I: Assistance for the Preservation of Historic Structures under Certain Housing Laws - Amends the National Housing Act to authorize the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to insure financial institutions against losses resulting from loans for the purpose of preserving historic structures regardless of whether they are residential. Redefines the term "historic structures" to include buildings which are listed in a State inventory of historic places or so designated under a statute of a State or unit of local government. Increases the limit on the size of a loan financing a historic structure preservation which may be insured under this Act. Amends the Housing Act of 1964 to authorize the Secretary to make loans to finance the rehabilitation of historic structures. Redefines the term "historic structures" to include buildings which are listed in a State inventory of historic places or so designated under a statute of a State or unit of local government. Permits increases, up to 20 percent in the amount of a loan allowed under this Act, if such increase in necessary for architectural rehabilitation of historic structures. Title II: Authorization of Matching Assistance for the Preservation of Historic Structures under Certain Housing Laws and the Act of October 15, 1966 - Permits the making of matching grants to States for historic preservation projects regardless of whether such projects receive federally-insured or guaranteed loans or direct loans. Title III: Short Title - States that this Act may be cited as the National Historic Preservation Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 1977
National Energy Supply and Conservation Act - Establishes the following national energy goals for 1985: (1) reduction of annual growth rate to 2.5 percent, with eventual reduction to two percent by 1995; (2) reduction of oil imports to less than five million barrels per day through increases in domestic production of oil, natural gas, and synthetic fuels by 2.0, 0.75, and 1.0 million barrels per day, respectively; (3) reduction of gasoline consumption of ten percent from 1977 levels; (4) increased energy efficiency in heating and cooling systems in 90 percent of homes, schools, and hospitals; (5) increased coal production of at least 400 million tons over 1976 levels; and (6) use of solar energy in more than 2.5 million homes. Title I: Pricing, Regulatory, and Other Nontax Provisions - Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to direct the Federal Energy Administrator to establish procedures for the submission, approval, and implementation of residential energy conservation plans by State utility regulatory authorities. Establishes criteria governing programs to be carried out by public utilities as part of such energy conservation plans. Authorizes the Administrator to implement and enforce a Federal plan in the event of inadequate State action. Amends the Energy Conservation in Existing Buildings Act of 1976 to authorize assistance under the Federal Energy Administration weatherization grant program to families with incomes of up to 125 percent of the poverty level. Directs the Administrator to develop regulations designed to include use of optimum cost-effective energy conservation measures in such program. Increases the appropriations authorized for such program to $130,000,000 for fiscal year 1978 and $200,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1979 and 1980. Amends the Housing Act of 1949 to direct the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to establish a weatherization grant program designed to achieve energy conservation objectives. Amends the Federal National Mortgage Association Charter Act to direct the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to order the Federal National Mortgage Association to provide financial assistance for the purchase of energy conserving improvements for low and moderate income dwellings. Amends the National Housing Act to authorize the Secretary to insure loans for such energy conservation improvements. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to direct the Federal Energy Administrator to establish a program of grants and technical assistance to States and localities for energy-conserving measures in buildings of local governmental units. Authorizes the appropriation of $7,500,000 for each of fiscal year 1978 and 1979 for preliminary energy audits for such purposes and $25,000,000 for each of such fiscal years for technical assistance. Amends the National Housing Act and the Housing Act of 1949 to require promotion of the use of energy saving techniques through minimum property standards for newly constructed residential housing. Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to study the feasibility of requiring all residential dwelling units to meet energy efficiency standards. Amends the Energy Conservation Standards for New Buildings Act of 1976 to authorize the appropriation of an additional $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1978 and 1979 for grants to States and localities under such Act. Directs the Federal Energy Administrator, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, the Secretary of Agriculture, and the Administrator of the Community Services Administration to conduct a joint study of the weatherization activities undertaken after the enactment of this Act. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to direct the Federal Energy Administrator to establish energy efficiency standards for specified household appliances. Stipulates that such standards shall reflect the maximum improvement in energy efficiency which is technologically and economically feasible. Authorizes additional appropriations to the Administrator for fiscal year 1977 to carry out such functions. Amends the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act to require disclosure of additional information relating to tax liability based on automobile fuel economy. Authorizes the Federal Trade Commission to prescribe rules requiring disclosure of such tax information in television advertisements. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to direct the Federal Energy Administrator to establish targets for specified industries for increased use of energy-saving recovered materials by 1987. Requires major corporations in the affected industries to file reports on progress toward achieving such targets. Authorizes the Federal Energy Administrator to make grants to States for projects to assist schools and health care facilities under approved energy conservation plans. Establishes guidelines and criteria governing the submission of such plans by State Governors to the Administrator for approval. Establishes criteria governing the allotment of Federal funds to States for such purposes. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1978, 1979, and 1980 for such grants. 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 offshore Federal lands. Stipulates that prices paid for natural gas in transactions between a natural gas company and its affiliates shall not exceed prices paid in comparable sales by persons not affiliated with any natural gas company. Amends the Emergency Natural Gas Act of 1977 to extend various emergency authorities under such Act through 1979. Establishes procedures for the establishment of ceiling prices for new natural gas produced from offshore Federal lands through April 20, 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. Establishes procedures governing the allocation of increased costs of natural gas to pipeline companies amongst various user classes. Stipulates that such amendments to the Natural Gas Act shall not take effect until April 30, 1978. Prescribes national minimum standards for State-regulated electric utilities with respect to rates and pollution control costs. Requires that utility rate schedules reflect actual costs of service. Prohibits increases in rates by utilities without prior approval following evidentiary hearings. Requires utilities to offer alternative load management techniques to reduce maximum kilowatt demand. Directs the Federal Power Commission to consider imposing restrictions on the use of bulk or master meters in buildings. Requires disclosure of proposed and existing rate schedules by utilities to consumers. Authorizes consumer intervention in utility rate proceedings. Establishes enforcement and judicial review procedures for utility regulatory provisions of this Act. Amends the Federal Power Act to authorize the Federal Power Commission to provide pooling, wheeling, and other additional services in connection with the transmission of power. Directs the Commission to require utilities to report anticipated shortages and to prescribe rules prohibiting discrimination against cogenerators in the sale and purchase of electric energy. Prescribes procedures for consideration of proposed changes in electric utility rate schedules by the Commission. Amends the Energy Conservation and Production Act to authorize the Federal Energy Administrator to make grants to State utility regulatory commissions for the following purposes: (1) to increase the quantity and quality of State regulatory staff; (2) to establish programs to meet Federal consumer representation requirements; and (3) to demonstrate innovative rate structures. Authorizes the appropriation of $40,000,000 in any fiscal year for grants to improve staffing. Authorizes the appropriations of $5,000,000 for grants for consumer representation, and $5,000,000 for grants for rate structure innovation. Amends the Federal Power Act to establish an Office of Public Counsel in the Federal Power Commission for the purpose of adequate representation of consumer interests before the Commission. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1978 through 1981 for such Office. Authorizes the Office to pay reasonable fees to certain participants in evidentiary hearings, not to exceed $2,000,000 for all such persons in any fiscal year. Prohibits new electric powerplants and other major fuel-burning installations from using natural gas or petroleum as a primary energy source. Authorizes the Federal Energy Administrator to prohibit existing facilities from using such products in accordance with prescribed criteria. Directs the Administrator to grant exemptions from such requirements for specified reasons. Authorizes the appropriation of $11,500,000 to the Administrator for fiscal year 1978 to carry out such coal conversion authority. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to monitor the emission of powerplants and major fuel-burning installations required to convert to coal and other fuels under this Act. Authorizes $2,000,000 for fiscal year 1978 for such study. Directs the Federal Energy Administrator to study the socioeconomic impacts of expanded coal production resulting from this Act. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to authorize additional appropriations to the President to carry out Federal energy conservation programs established under the Act. Directs the Federal Energy Administrator to establish a program to demonstrate solar heating and cooling technology in Federal buildings. Establishes criteria governing the submission of proposals by the Administrator. Authorizes the appropriation of $100,000,000 through fiscal year 1980 for such program. Directs the Administrator to establish procedures governing the use of life cycle cost methods for evaluating energy requirements and alternatives for Federal buildings. Directs the Administrator to establish energy performance targets for existing buildings. Requires energy audits and retrofitting of existing Federal buildings to achieve compliance with such guidelines. Amends the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act of 1973 to direct the President to establish ceiling prices for first sales of domestically-produced new crude oil based on weighted averages of prior sales prices for foreign-produced crude oil. Directs the President to establish price ceilings for sales of domestically-produced old crude oil at stipulated levels. Stipulates that such Presidential authority to regulate crude oil prices shall become discretionary 20 months after the enactment of this amendment, without regard to other restrictions contained in such Act. Stipulates that authority to establish ceiling prices for new crude oil shall extend beyond the September 30, 1981 termination date of the Act. Directs the President to submit annual reports to the Congress on the savings in energy use achieved under each of the programs contained in this Title. Title II: Tax Provisions - Energy Tax Act - Allows a nonrefundable income tax credit for a portion of the expenses incurred by an individual for the installation of solar energy and wind equipment, insulation, and other energy savings components during taxable years 1977 through 1985, in a pre- existing dwelling unit. Limits the credits taken by an individual for each dwelling by specific amounts for different types of expenditures. Imposes an additional excise tax on automobiles to penalize vehicles with poor fuel efficiency. Establishes an initial tax scale for the 1979 model year, ranging from $553 on automobiles with less than 13 miles per gallon (mpg) fuel economy to no tax on automobiles with 15 mpg or better. Increases this tax over six years to a final scale for 1985 and later model years ranging from $3,856 on cars with less than 12.5 mpg fuel economy, to no tax on cars achieving 23.5 mpg or better. Provides that transfers received under this "Gas Guzzler Tax" are to be paid into a new Treasury trust fund (the Public Debt Retirement Trust Fund) and applied towards the retirement of the public debt. Postpones the scheduled rate reductions for the excise taxes on gasoline and other motor fuels from 1979 to 1985. Increases the motorboat fuel tax by two cents a gallon. Provides that such taxes will no longer be paid into the Land and Water Trust Fund after 1978, replacing the former 1980 cutoff date. Repeals the excise tax on motor bus bodies and chassis. Refunds excise taxes paid by producers, manufacturers, and importers on buses sold to intermediate dealers, but not yet sold to the ultimate purchaser, where corresponding refunds are made to the dealers and on buses sold to ultimate purchasers after April 20, 1977 and before the first date after this enactment. Repeals the excise tax on bus parts and accessories. Repeals the excise tax on tires, tubes and tread rubber used on buses used predominantly in transporting students and school employees, or on scheduled, common carrier, local, or intercity routes. Refunds the excise taxes paid on gasoline, other motor fuels, and lubricating oil used in such buses. Allows individuals an income tax credit for the first $300 in expenses incurred for the acquisition of any new electric motor vehicle, designed for non-rail transportation on public streets, after April 20, 1977 and before 1983. Imposes a crude oil equalization tax on domestically produced crude oil and liquid natural gas on the initial vendor for an amount gradually equalling the cost of imported oil. Terminates this tax September 30, 1981. Allows the President, subject to the disapproval of either House of Congress, to suspend increases in such tax for up to one year where the President determines it would have a serious effect on the United States economy when combined with new price increases for imported oil. Refunds up to 50 percent of the taxes paid by first sellers of crude oil for investments in new energy production. Directs the Secretary of Energy to report to Congress within 90 days of this enactment on the competitive viability of small and independent refiners, the effects of this tax on them, and remedial legislation the Secretary deems appropriate. Excludes refunds and taxes received from the initial purchaser from the vendor's gross income for income tax purposes. Rebates receipts on this tax attributable to domestically refined distillate fuel oil, as determined by the Secretary of Energy, to retailers where they have sold and delivered the oil into the tank of a school, hospital, church or residential structure, and reduces the purchaser's price by an equivalent amount. Provides an increase in the earned income credit and a rate decrease in the lower individual income tax brackets for tax years beginning in 1978. Provides for the payment of crude oil tax payments into a Crude Oil Equalization Taxes Trust Fund to be managed by the Secretary of the Treasury and to be disbursed or invested in United States obligations, and to States for the development of mass transit systems. Establishes an excise tax on the business use of oil and gas. Provides different tax rates for uses of oil (including all petroleum and petroleum fuel products except natural gas and gasoline) according to three "tiers" of usage, the highest tier tax rate being provided electric energy producers with the lowest rate applied against uses in internal combustion engines. Exempts a large number of uses from the tax (generally applying to residential, transportation, petrochemical, retail, and non-manufacturing activities, as well as uses where substitute fuels are not feasible or are precluded by Federal or State pollution regulations). Allows each taxpayer an exempt amount of 50,000 barrels of oil (or its BTU equivalent) for application in taxable business uses. Provides for the reclassification of uses by the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the appropriate Federal agencies, where a lower tax classification is consistent with the policy to encourage conversion from, or conservation of, oil and gas, or where a specific facility is otherwise granted an exemption under this Act on its use of petroleum fuels. Applies different tax rates for two tiers of natural gas usages, (internal combustion and utility uses) the rates for non-utility/energy producers uses gradually filling the "price gap" in the user's geographic area between natural gas and more expensive petroleum, but not exceeding the price for BTU equivalent residual fuel oil. Provides a ten percent reduction in the taxes due on natural gas acquired under interruptible contracts. Defines the tiers of natural gas uses and exempt uses of natural gas in the same manner as for business uses of oil, lumping natural gas and oil together for purposes of computing the user's exempt amount. Allows the President to suspend this tax, subject to the disapproval of either House of Congress, for up to one year. Allows taxpayers to elect a nonrefundable credit against the tax on business use of oil and gas for new depreciable property, acquired before 1991, which uses alternative fuels, or is used for transporting or producing alternative fuels, or is supplementary pollution control property otherwise required by law. Allows a carryover of the tax credit to the extent it exceeds current liability. Allows a carryover to 1981 of tax liability for 1978 and 1980. Requires that the election for such credit be made before or on the taxpayer's filing deadline for the first taxable year ending after 1978, or 1982 in the case of a regulated public utility. Prescribes special administrative provisions and definitions for property eligible for this credit. Allows a taxpayer to elect a regular investment tax credit for this credit. Allows a taxpayer to elect a regular investment tax credit for this property to the extent that it qualifies for the same, and to the extent that the taxpayer's current liability for the business use tax (minus carryovers) is exceeded by the allowable business use tax credit. Provides an additional business investment tax credit of ten percent for the period April 20, 1977 through 1982 for property which is not qualified for the regular investment credit but which is alternative energy equipment, recycling equipment, or is otherwise qualified under the definitions of this Act, or under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of Energy, to cover energy efficient property. Denies the investment tax credit for air conditioning and heating units, and boilers and combustors fueled by petroleum or petroleum products (including natural gas) where coal is not prohibited by Federal or State pollution regulations. Limits the depreciation deduction of petroleum, petroleum product, or natural gas fueled boilers placed in service after June 30, 1977, to the straight line method. Allows the straight line depreciation deduction for boilers in use before April 21, 1977, to be taken against a line "drawn" to any early retirement dates established by the taxpayer for the boilers to the satisfaction of the Secretary of the Treasury. Makes the Tax Reduction and Simplification Act's temporary reduction in the minimum tax preference for intangible drilling costs a permanent reduction. Allows the deduction of intangible drilling expenses for geothermal wells to the same extent and manner as drilling expenses for gas and oil wells. Allows a ten percent depletion deduction for geothermal deposits, provided that it does not exceed the property's adjusted basis. Extends the excise tax exemption for lubricating oil to cover oils used in producing rerefined lubricating oil. Directs the President to make annual reports to Congress on the tax, energy and other relevant effects of this Title's provisions. Establishes congressional procedures for disapproval, by either House, of Presidential suspensions of the energy excise taxes. Provides administrative provisions for the collection, determination and disbursement of the taxes, rebates, credits, and deductions established under this Title.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 1977
National Energy Supply and Conservation Act - Establishes the following national energy goals for 1985: (1) reduction of annual growth rate to 2.5 percent, with eventual reduction to two percent by 1995; (2) reduction of oil imports to less than five million barrels per day through increases in domestic production of oil, natural gas, and synthetic fuels by 2.0, 0.75, and 1.0 million barrels per day, respectively; (3) reduction of gasoline consumption of ten percent from 1977 levels; (4) increased energy efficiency in heating and cooling systems in 90 percent of homes, schools, and hospitals; (5) increased coal production of at least 400 million tons over 1976 levels; and (6) use of solar energy in more than 2.5 million homes. Title I: Pricing, Regulatory, and Other Nontax Provisions - Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to direct the Federal Energy Administrator to establish procedures for the submission, approval, and implementation of residential energy conservation plans by State utility regulatory authorities. Establishes criteria governing programs to be carried out by public utilities as part of such energy conservation plans. Authorizes the Administrator to implement and enforce a Federal plan in the event of inadequate State action. Amends the Energy Conservation in Existing Buildings Act of 1976 to authorize assistance under the Federal Energy Administration weatherization grant program to families with incomes of up to 125 percent of the poverty level. Directs the Administrator to develop regulations designed to include use of optimum cost-effective energy conservation measures in such program. Increases the appropriations authorized for such program to $130,000,000 for fiscal year 1978 and $200,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1979 and 1980. Amends the Housing Act of 1949 to direct the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to establish a weatherization grant program designed to achieve energy conservation objectives. Amends the Federal National Mortgage Association Charter Act to direct the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to order the Federal National Mortgage Association to provide financial assistance for the purchase of energy conserving improvements for low and moderate income dwellings. Amends the National Housing Act to authorize the Secretary to insure loans for such energy conservation improvements. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to direct the Federal Energy Administrator to establish a program of grants and technical assistance to States and localities for energy-conserving measures in buildings of local governmental units. Authorizes the appropriations of $7,500,000 for each of fiscal years 1978 and 1979 for preliminary energy audits for such purposes and $25,000,000 for each of such fiscal years for technical assistance. Amends the National Housing Act and the Housing Act of 1949 to require promotion of the use of energy saving techniques through minimum property standards for newly constructed residential housing. Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to study the feasibility of requiring all residential dwelling units to meet energy efficiency standards. Amends the Energy Conservation Standards for New Buildings Act of 1976 to authorize the appropriation of an additional $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1978 and 1979 for grants to States and localities under such Act. Directs the Federal Energy Administrator, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, the Secretary of Agriculture, and the Administrator of the Community Services Administration to conduct a joint study of the weatherization activities undertaken after the enactment of this Act. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to direct the Federal Energy Administrator to establish energy efficiency standards for specified household appliances. Stipulates that such standards shall reflect the maximum improvement in energy efficiency which is technologically and economically feasible. Authorizes additional appropriations to the Administrator for fiscal year 1977 to carry out such functions. Amends the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act to require disclosure of additional information relating to tax liability based on automobile fuel economy. Authorizes the Federal Trade Commission to prescribe rules requiring disclosure of such tax information in television advertisements. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to direct the Federal Energy Administrator to establish targets for specified industries for increased use of energy-saving recovered materials by 1987. Requires major corporations in the affected industries to file reports on progress toward achieving such targets. Authorizes the Federal Energy Administrator to make grants to States for projects to assist schools and health care facilities under approved energy conservation plans. Establishes guidelines and criteria governing the submission of such plans by State Governors to the Administrator for approval. Establishes criteria governing the allotment of Federal funds to States for such purposes. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1978, 1979, and 1980 for such grants. 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 offshore Federal lands. Stipulates that prices paid for natural gas in transactions between a natural gas company and its affiliates shall not exceed prices paid in comparable sales by persons not affiliated with any natural gas company. Amends the Emergency Natural Gas Act of 1977 to extend various emergency authorities under such Act through 1979. Establishes procedures for the establishment of ceiling prices for new natural gas produced from offshore Federal lands through April 20, 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. Establishes procedures governing the allocation of increased costs of natural gas to pipeline companies amongst various user classes. Stipulates that such amendments to the Natural Gas Act shall not take effect until April 30, 1978. Prescribes national minimum standards for State-regulated electric utilities with respect to rates and pollution control costs. Requires that utility rate schedules reflect actual costs of service. Prohibits increases in rates by utilities without prior approval following evidentiary hearings. Requires utilities to offer alternative load management techniques to reduce maximum kilowatt demand. Directs the Federal Power Commission to consider imposing restrictions on the use of bulk or master meters in buildings. Requires disclosure of proposed and existing rate schedules by utilities to consumers. Authorizes consumer intervention in utility rate proceedings. Establishes enforcement and judicial review procedures for utility regulatory provisions of this Act. Amends the Federal Power Act to authorize the Federal Power Commission to provide pooling, wheeling, and other additional services in connection with the transmission of power. Directs the Commission to require utilities to report anticipated shortages and to prescribe rules prohibiting discrimination against cogenerators in the sale and purchase of electric energy. Prescribes procedures for consideration of proposed changes in electric utility rate schedules by the Commission. Amends the Energy Conservation and Production Act to authorize the Federal Energy Administrator to make grants to State utility regulatory commissions for the following purposes: (1) to increase the quantity and quality of State regulatory staff; (2) to establish programs to meet Federal consumer representation requirements; and (3) to demonstrate innovative rate structures. Authorizes the appropriation of $40,000,000 in any fiscal year for grants to improve staffing. Authorizes the appropriations of $5,000,000 for grants for consumer representation, and $5,000,000 for grants for rate structure innovation. Amends the Federal Power Act to establish an Office of Public Counsel in the Federal Power Commission for the purpose of adequate representation of consumer interests before the Commission. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1978 through 1981 for such Office. Authorizes the Office to pay reasonable fees to certain participants in evidentiary hearings, not to exceed $2,000,000 for all such persons in any fiscal year. Prohibits new electric powerplants and other major fuel-burning installations from using natural gas or petroleum as a primary energy source. Authorizes the Federal Energy Administrator to prohibit existing facilities from using such products in accordance with prescribed criteria. Directs the Administrator to grant exemptions from such requirements for specified reasons. Authorizes the appropriation of $11,500,000 to the Administrator for fiscal year 1978 to carry out such coal conversion authority. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to monitor the emission of powerplants and major fuel-burning installations required to convert to coal and other fuels under this Act. Authorizes $2,000,000 for fiscal year 1978 for such study. Directs the Federal Energy Administrator to study the socioeconomic impacts of expanded coal production resulting from this Act. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to authorize additional appropriations to the President to carry out Federal energy conservation programs established under the Act. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to establish a van pooling program for officers and employees of the Federal Government. Directs the Federal Energy Administrator to establish a program to demonstrate solar heating and cooling technology in Federal buildings. Establishes criteria governing the submission of proposals by the Administrator. Authorizes the appropriation of $100,000,000 through fiscal year 1980 for such program. Directs the Administrator to establish procedures governing the use of life cycle cost methods for evaluating energy requirements and alternatives for Federal buildings. Directs the Administrator to establish energy performance targets for existing buildings. Requires energy audits and retrofitting of existing Federal buildings to achieve compliance with such guidelines. Amends the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act of 1973 to direct the President to establish ceiling prices for first sales of domestically-produced new crude oil based on weighted averages of prior sales for domestically-produced crude oil which is exempt from regulation. Federal Photovoltaic Utilization Act - Establishes a photovaltaic energy commercialization program for the accelerated procurement of photovoltaic solar electric systems in new and existing Federal facilities, primarily for use by the Department of Defense. Authorizes the Federal Energy Administrator to make contracts for the acquisition of such photovoltaic systems. Directs the Administrator, together with the Administrator of the Energy Research and Development Administration, to jointly establish a photovoltaic systems evaluation and purchase program designed to insure that such systems reflect the most advanced technology. Establishes an advisory committee to assist in the establishment and conduct of the program. Authorizes the appropriation of $39,000,000 for photovoltaic system acquisition for fiscal years 1978 through 1981. Directs the President to submit annual reports to the Congress on the savings in energy use achieved under each of the programs contained in this Title. Title II: Tax Provisions - Energy Tax Act - Allows a nonrefundable income tax credit for a portion of the expenses incurred by an individual for the installation of solar energy and wind equipment, insulation, and other energy savings components during taxable years 1977 through 1985, in a pre-existing dwelling unit. Limits the credits taken by an individual for each dwelling by specific amounts for different types of expenditures. Imposes an additional excise tax on automobiles to penalize vehicles with poorer fuel efficiency. Establishes an initial tax scale for the 1979 model year, ranging from $553 on automobiles with less than 13 miles per gallon (mpg) fuel economy to no tax on automobiles with 15 mpg or better. Increases this tax over six years to a final scale for 1985 and later model years ranging from $3,856 on cars with less than 12.5 mpg fuel economy, to no tax on cars achieving 23.5 mpg or better. Provides that transfers received under this "Gas Guzzler Tax" are to be paid into a new Treasury trust fund (the Public Debt Retirement Trust Fund) and applied towards the retirement of the public debt. Postpones the scheduled rate reductions for the excise taxes on gasoline and other motor fuels from 1979 to 1985. Increases the motorboat fuel tax by two cents a gallon. Provides that such taxes will no longer be paid into the Land and Water Trust Fund after 1978, replacing the former 1980 cutoff date. Repeals the excise tax on motor bus bodies and chassis. Refunds excise taxes paid by producers, manufacturers, and importers on buses sold to intermediate dealers, but not yet sold to the ultimate purchaser, where corresponding refunds are made to the dealers and on buses sold to ultimate purchasers after April 20, 1977 and before the first date after this enactment. Repeals the excise tax on bus parts and accessories. Repeals the excise tax on tires, tubes and tread rubber used on buses used predominantly in transporting students and school employees, or on scheduled, common carrier, local, or intercity routes. Refunds the excise taxes paid on gasoline, other motor fuels, and lubricating oil used in such buses. Allows individuals an income tax credit for the first $300 in expenses incurred for the acquisition of any new electric motor vehicle, designed for non-rail transportation on public streets, after April 20, 1977 and before 1983. Imposes a crude oil equalization tax on domestically produced crude oil and liquid natural gas on the initial vendor for an amount gradually equalling the cost of imported oil. Terminates this tax September 30, 1981. Allows the President, subject to the disapproval of either House of Congress, to suspend increases in such tax for up to one year where the President determines it would have a serious effect on the United States economy when combined with new price increases for imported oil. Refunds up to 50 percent of the taxes paid by first sellers of crude oil for investments in new energy production. Directs the Secretary of Energy to report to Congress within 90 days of this enactment on the competitive viability of small and independent refiners, the effects of this tax on them, and remedial legislation the Secretary deems appropriate. Excludes refunds and taxes received from the initial purchaser from the vendor's gross income for income tax purposes. Rebates receipts on this tax attributable to domestically refined distillate fuel oil, as determined by the Secretary of Energy, to retailers where they have sold and delivered the oil into the tank of a school, hospital, church or residential structure, and reduces the purchaser's price by an equivalent amount. Provides an increase in the earned income credit and a rate decrease in the lower individual income tax brackets for tax years beginning in 1978. Provides for the payment of crude oil tax payments into a Crude Oil Equalization Taxes Trust Fund to be managed by the Secretary of the Treasury and to be disbursed or invested in United States obligations, and to States for the development of mass transit systems. Establishes an excise tax on the business use of oil and gas. Provides different tax rates for uses of oil (including all petroleum and petroleum fuel products except natural gas and gasoline) according to three "tiers" of usage, the highest tier tax rate being provided electric energy producers with the lowest rate applied against uses in internal combustion engines. Exempts a large number of uses from the tax (generally applying to residential, transportation, petrochemical, retail, and non-manufacturing activities, as well as uses where substitute fuels are not feasible or are precluded by Federal or State pollution regulations). Allows each taxpayer an exempt amount of 50,000 barrels of oil (or its BTU equivalent) for application in taxable business uses. Provides for the reclassification of uses by the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the appropriate Federal agencies, where a lower tax classification is consistent with the policy to encourage conversion from, or conservation of, oil and gas, or where a specific facility is otherwise granted an exemption under this Act on its use of petroleum fuels. Applies different tax rates for two tiers of natural gas usages, (internal combustion and utility uses) the rates for non-utility/energy producers uses gradually filling the "price gap" in the user's geographic area between natural gas and more expensive petroleum, but not exceeding the price for BTU equivalent residual fuel oil. Provides a ten percent reduction in the taxes due on natural gas acquired under interruptible contracts. Defines the tiers of natural gas uses and exempt uses of natural gas in the same manner as for business uses of oil, lumping natural gas and oil together for purposes of computing the user's exempt amount. Allows the President to suspend this tax, subject to the disapproval of either House of Congress, for up to one year. Allows taxpayers to elect a nonrefundable credit against the tax on business use of oil and gas for new depreciable property, acquired before 1991, which uses alternative fuels, or is used for transporting or producing alternative fuels, or is supplementary pollution control property otherwise required by law. Allows a carryover of the tax credit to the extent it exceeds current liability. Allows a carryover to 1981 of tax liability for 1978 and 1980. Requires that the election for such credit be made before or on the taxpayer's filing deadline for the first taxable year ending after 1978, or 1982 in the case of a regulated public utility. Prescribes special administrative provisions and definitions for property eligible for this credit. Allows a taxpayer to elect a regular investment tax credit for this property to the extent that it qualifies for the same, and to the extent that the taxpayer's current liability for the business use tax (minus carryovers) is exceeded by the allowable business use tax credit. Provides an additional business investment tax credit of ten percent for the period April 20, 1977 through 1982 for property which is not qualified for the regular investment credit but which is alternative energy equipment, recycling equipment, or is otherwise qualified under the definitions of this Act, or under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of Energy, to cover energy efficient property. Denies the investment tax credit for air conditioning and heating units, and boilers and combustors fueled by petroleum or petroleum products (including natural gas) where coal is not prohibited by Federal or State pollution regulations. Limits the depreciation deduction of petroleum, petroleum product, or natural gas fueled boilers placed in service after June 30, 1977, to the straight line method. Allows the straight line depreciation deduction for boilers in use before April 21, 1977, to be taken against a line "drawn" to any early retirement dates established by the taxpayer for the boilers to the satisfaction of the Secretary of the Treasury. Makes the Tax Reduction and Simplification Act's temporary reduction in the minimum tax preference for intangible drilling costs a permanent reduction. Allows the deduction of intangible drilling expenses for geothermal wells to the same extent and manner as drilling expenses for gas and oil wells. Allows a ten percent depletion deduction for geothermal deposits, provided that it does not exceed the property's adjusted basis. Extends the excise tax exemption for lubricating oil to cover oils used in producing rerefined lubricating oil. Directs the President to make annual reports to Congress on the tax, energy and other relevant effects of this Title's provisions. Establishes congressional procedures for disapproval, by either House, of Presidential suspensions of the energy excise taxes. Provides administrative provisions for the collection, determination and disbursement of the taxes, rebates, credits, and deductions established under this Title.
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 1977
Refuge Revenue Sharing Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to make additional refuge revenue sharing payments, on a fiscal year basis, to each local government unit in which entitlement lands are located. Sets forth the method for computing such payments based on the acreage of the National Wildlife Refuge System within such unit. Directs the Secretary to make additional payments to counties wherein certain lands acquired by the United States for the National Wildlife Refuge System, which were subject to local real property taxes, are located. Requires such counties to distribute such payments to local government units which have incurred losses of such taxes due to the acquisition.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce the excise tax on private foundations' investment income.
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 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 · 28 June 1977
Directs the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a one year review of toxic and carcinogenic substances including: (1) current capabilities to predict the effect on humans of substances found to induce cancer in animals; (2) the benefits and risks to the public of such substances; (3) the validity of benefit-risk analysis of such substances; and (4) the relationship of Federal regulatory policies concerning the use of such substances for food and for non-food purposes. Directs the Institute to report its findings and legislative and administrative recommendations to the Congress and the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare within one year. Authorizes the continued use of saccharin for eighteen months. Prohibits the Secretary from taking any action under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to prohibit or restrict the sale or distribution (other than requiring labeling) of saccharin.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1977
Investment Policy Act - Title I: Findings and Definitions - States that the lack of a national policy on investment can adversely affect the economic health and well-being of the Nation. Title II: Declaration of National Policy - Declares that it is the policy and responsibility of the Federal Government to provide incentives to assure maximum investment in private enterprise. Title III: Federal Agency Coordination and Cooperation - Requires the Council on Wage and Price Stability shall submit an Investment Policy Report to Congress which shall include information on levels of capital investment available, trends in such levels, and reviews of economic programs affecting capital investment. Requires the President to transmit to Congress as a part of the economic report such other recommendations as desirable or necessary to achieve the policy declared in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 1977
Prohibits the Postal Service from decreasing the frequency of mail delivery service below the frequency in effect for the calendar week beginning May 1, 1977.
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 1977
Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to increase from 50 to 90 the percentage of the cost of a water or waste project which the Department of Agriculture may fund by a grant to a local association. Requires that such a grant be in an amount that will leave the average domestic user payment rate in the area served by the project at no more than: (1) one percent of the median family income of the area if such income fails in the lowest 25 percentile of the national median income; (2) one-and-one-half percent, if the median income falls in the 26 to 49 percentile; (3) two percent, if the median income falls in the 50 to 74 percentile; or (4) two-and- one-half percent, if the median income is above the 75 percentile of the national median income. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to seek State and Federal assistance if the maximum amount of a grant will be insufficient to result in the applicable user cost limitation prescribed. Specifies conditions under which the Secretary may increase the amount of a grant. Revises the priorities for recipients of such grants to accord the highest priority to specified municipalities or public agencies which have a hazardous public health situation (currently, such priority is accorded to municipalities or public agencies which already have community water supply or waste disposal systems, when due to unanticipated occurrences such systems are suddenly inadequate to serve the community needs).
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1977
Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to make real estate and operating loans available to private domestic corporations and partnerships controlled by farmers and ranchers engaged primarily in farming or ranching who, individually or as to their principal stockholders and partners, are United States citizens. Excepts ability to obtain credit for guaranteed loans from the eligibility requirement that applicants for real estate or operating loans must be unable to obtain sufficient credit elsewhere to finance their actual needs at reasonable rates and terms. Increases the maximum allowable total principal indebtedness for real estate loans which may be outstanding by any one borrower to $200,000 or $300,000 in the case of a guaranteed loan. States that special consideration for: (1) water and waste facilities loans may be given rural areas having a population of more than 5,500; and (2) soil and water conservation, pollution control and private business enterprise loans may be given to rural areas having a population of more than 25,000. Revises the maximum interest rate on real estate loans other than guaranteed loans under such Act from five percent to a rate determined by the Secretary not to exceed the current average market yield on outstanding marketable obligations of the United States. Removes the $500,000 ceiling from the aggregate principal of loans made using the Agricultural Credit Insurance Fund. Increases the amount of indebtedness which may be outstanding for operating loans under such Act for an individual from $50,000 to $100,000 or in the case of a guaranteed loan, $200,000. States that the interest rates on such loans which are guaranteed shall be the rate agreed upon by the borrower and lender. Authorizes the Secretary to purchase the guaranteed portion of any rural development loan using funds from the Rural Development Insurance Fund and the guaranteed portion of all other loans with funds from the Agricultural Credit Insurance Fund. Authorizes the Secretary to make loans and grants, and approve transfers and assumptions under such Act in connection with property securing a loan made, insured, or held by the Secretary notwithstanding the fact an area ceases to be eligible for assistance under such Act. Authorizes the Secretary to provide a procedure for appeal and review of determinations by a county committee that a loan applicant is not unable to obtain sufficient credit elsewhere to finance his actual needs at reasonable rates and terms. Provides for congressional authorization of program levels under such Act.