United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1977
Campaign Financing Act -- Title I: Public Financing of Congressional General Election Campaigns - Entitles to payments under this Act Congressional candidates who agree to certain reporting and recordkeeping procedures and who certify that (1) he and his authorized committees will not incur campaign expenses in excess of certain limitations, (2) he has qualified to have his name placed on the election ballot in an election for Congressional office, and (3) he has received contributions in excess of a certain sum and no person has given more than $100 toward the amount so certified. Sets the amount of payments to an eligible candidate at the amount of contributions received up to a specified maximum. Stipulates that sums given by any one contributor totalling over $100 shall be disregarded for purposes of matching grants. Restricts use of funds forwarded under this Act to defraying campaign expenses either directly or through repayment of campaign loans. Specifies a limit on the amount of personal funds which a candidate may spend in connection with a Congressional campaign and remain eligible to matching grants. Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to specify spending limits for candidates receiving payments under this Act. Waives such limits for candidates whose opponents are not receiving matching payments and have spent sums in excess of the limit imposed for candidates receiving payments. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to establish a separate Congressional General Election Payment Account in the Presidential Election Campaign Fund and to deposit certain sums in such account in accordance with specified guidelines. Requires repayment of excess payments and unexpended payments. Penalizes use of funds for other than campaign purposes. Authorizes the Federal Election Commission to institute repayment actions in district courts. Specifies the administrative authority of the Commission in carrying out this Act. Title II: Public Financing of Presidential General Election Campaigns - Raises the general election spending limit for Presidential candidates who are eligible to receive public funds under either the Presidential Election Campaign Fund Act or the Presidential Primary Matching Payment Account Act. Sets limits on the amount which a State party committee may spend in connection with the general election campaign of its Presidential candidate. Provides an alternative method for determining the amount of money to which candidates are entitled under the Presidential Election Campaign Fund Act based upon amount of contributions received after the final primary. Specifies conditions for candidates electing such method. Permits Presidential candidates eligible to receive payment under the Presidential Election Campaign Fund Act to receive additional small contributions from individual contributors up to a specified limit. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to reduce the maximum amount which a multicandidate committee may contribute to any candidate or his committees. Specifies the effective date of the provisions of this Act and guidelines with respect to deposit in the Congressional General Election Campaign Fund during 1977.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1977
Amends the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 1977, to increase the authorization of appropriations to the Department of State for fiscal year 1977 for international organizations and conferences, and migration and refugee assistance. Authorizes appropriations for such year for assistance to citizens incarcerated abroad. Amends the Foreign Service Buildings Act, 1926, (1) to repeal the authorization of appropriations for fiscal year 1977 for purchase or construction of such buildings in Africa, the American Republics and East Asia; (2) to decrease such appropriations for buildings in Europe, facilities for the United States Information Agency, and facilities for agricultural and defense attache housing; (3) to increase the authorization for appropriations for buildings in the Near East and South Asia; and (4) to authorize appropriations for facilities of the United States Agency for International Development for fiscal year 1977. Requires that the Chair or Vice Chair of the House of Representatives delegation to the Canada-United States Interparliamentary Group, the Mexico-United States Interparliamentary Group, the North Atlantic Treaty Parliamentary Conference, and the Conference on Interparliamentary Union a Member of the International Relations Committee. Increases the size of the Congressional delegation to the annual NATO Parliamentary Conference. Requires that not less than four members of the delegation of the House of Representatives be from the Committee on International Relations. Repeals the restriction upon the number of delegates who are Members of the same political party. Requires that appropriations to the Bureau of the Interparliamentary Union be disbursed upon the approval of the Executive Secretary of the United States group and the Chair of the delegation of the House of Representatives or the Senate, rather than the approval of such Executive Secretary and the President. Increase the number of House of Representative delegates to the Conference on Interparliamentary Union. Requires that at least four such delegates be from the Committee on International Relations. Amends the Department of State Appropriation Act of 1959 to direct the Presiding Officer of the Senate to designate the Chair of the Senate delegation to the Conference on Interparliamentary Union. Amends the Third Deficiency Appropriation Act to make final and conclusive the audit of accounts of the House and Senate delegations to the American Group to the Interparliamentary Union upon certification by the Chair of the respective delegation and the Executive Secretary of the American Group to the Interparliamentary Union, rather than upon the certification of the president and the secretary to the American Group.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1977
Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to specifically encompass pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions within the prohibition against sex discrimination in employment, including discrimination with respect to fringe benefit plans.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1977
Authorizes the Secretary of Labor, under the Occupational Safety and Health Act, to make visits to the work place of any employer, upon the request of the employer, to consult with and advise the employer concerning the obligations of the employer under such Act. Directs the Secretary to give priority to small businesses and hazardous workplaces. Stipulates that no consultative visit made under this Act may serve as an inspection or investigation as otherwise provided for by the Occupational Safety and Health Act, except: (1) in the case of an employer who fails to eliminate a danger disclosed during such a visit; or (2) if conditions are found during such a visit which indicate the probability that death or serious harm could result to employees therefrom, the Secretary may notify the employer of such conditions and afford him a reasonable time to eliminate such conditions. Prohibits the transmission of information obtained during a consultative visit to representatives of the Secretary engaged in enforcement. Directs the Secretary to establish education programs to inform employers and employees of the hazards in particular industries. Authorizes the appropriation of funds through fiscal year 1979 for the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 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 · 10 March 1977
Social Security Benefit Decoupling Act - Amends Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to revise the computation of OASDI benefits on the basis of the individual's ten or fewer years of highest earnings. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to recompute in accordance with the method set forth in this Act, the primary insurance amount of an individual who has wages or self-employment income for a year after 1978 for any part of which he is entitled to OASDI benefits. States that the primary insurance amount to be used after such recomputation shall be the larger of the two amounts.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1977
Prohibits the consideration of any cost of living increase of Old Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance benefits after May 1977 for purposes of determining the eligibility for or amount of assistance which any individual or family is provided under specified Federal housing programs.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1977
Excludes cost-of-living increases in Social Security benefits from consideration as household income for purposes of determining: (1) eligibility for participation in the food stamp program; (2) the charge for issuing a coupon allotment to a household; and (3) eligibility for any Federal program administered by the Department of Agriculture which provides for the donation or distribution of surplus agricultural commodities to low-income persons.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1977
Amends the program of Aid to Families with Dependent Children of Title IV and Title XVI (Supplemental Security Income for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled) of the Social Security Act to assure that recipient of aid and benefits under such Titles do not have the amount of such and or benefits reduced because of increases in the amount of benefits under Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1977
Amends Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to assure the individuals otherwise eligible for benefits under such Title do not lose such eligibility, or have the amount of such benefits reduced, because of increases in the amount of benefits under Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1977
Provides that recipients of veterans' pensions and compensation will not have the amount of such pension or compensation reduced because of increases in social security benefits. Applies to annual income determinations made for calendar years after 1976.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1977
Congressional Pay Raise Deferral Act - Amends the Federal Salary Act of 1967 and the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 to provide that any adjustment in the rate of pay for Members of Congress proposed during any Congress shall not take effect earlier than the beginning of the next Congress. States that any such pay adjustment proposed in an even-numbered year of any Congress after the congressional elections and before the beginning of the following Congress, shall be considered as occurring during the first session of the following Congress for the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1977
Adds Rule XLV to the Rules of the House of Representatives, allowing television and radio coverage of the proceedings in the House Chamber. Provides all television and radio broadcasting stations in the United States with access to all of the live coverage of the proceedings of the House. Restricts use of coverage to legitimate news or research purposes. Prohibits the commercial use or sponsorship of such coverage except in bona fide news or public affairs documentary programs. Prohibits the use in political campaigns of coverage provided under this resolution. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this Act. Directs that the coverage shall be carried out through the facilities and personnel of the television networks entered into by the Clerk with a television network pool.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1977
Nuclear Antiproliferation Act -- Sets forth United States policy with respect to nuclear proliferation. Title I: United States Initiatives for International Nuclear Cooperation - Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to require the United States to take actions to assure a reliable international supply of nuclear fuel services. Directs that the United States initiate negotiations to establish (1) international criteria for nuclear materials and technology, and (2) adequate physical security measures. Directs the renegotiation of certain United States agreements for nuclear cooperation. Authorizes appropriations for contributions to the International Atomic Energy Agency for nuclear materials safeguards. Directs the President to report to Congress on the establishment of international nuclear fuel services facilities. Directs the President to report to Congress on Government activities relating to nuclear nonproliferation. Directs the Administrator of Energy Research and Development to establish an international safeguards training program. Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to revise procedures for approval of proposed agreements for cooperation. Sets forth procedures under which the Administrator of Energy Research and Development may enter into "subsequent arrangements. Title II: Export Control - Grants the Nuclear Regulatory Commission authority to approve nuclear retransfers under agreements for cooperation. Continues the effectiveness of current regulations and licenses issued under such authority. Restricts the authority of ERDA to distribute special nuclear material without a license to small quantities for laboratory and emergency purposes. Makes it unlawful to produce special nuclear material or heavy water outside the United States except upon a determination by ERDA that such production is not inimical to common defense and security. Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to require that agreements for cooperation include (1) guarantees that any nuclear material transferred under such agreement shall not be used for a nuclear explosive device or for development of such device, and (2) guarantees that the cooperating party will consult with the United States to determine whether the agreement should be amended. Requires the Secretary of State to negotiate certain agreements for cooperation. Revises the procedure for submitting such agreements to the President. Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to prohibit issuance of nuclear export license by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission until the Secretary of State has determined that the issuance of such license is not inimical to the common defense and security. Imposes certain interim licensing criteria on nuclear exports intended for civilian use, including application of the International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards, prohibition against the use of such export for any nuclear explosive device, adequate physical security measures, and retransfer restrictions. Prohibits issuance of a nuclear export license by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission without a Commission determination that such criteria will be adhered to by the recipient country. Makes such restrictions applicable to the distribution of special nuclear material by the Administrator of Energy Research and Development. Establishes certain permanent licensing criteria for nuclear exports which include inspection and monitoring by the International Atomic Energy Agency. Permits the President to suspend all or some of the criteria for nuclear exports as applied to a recipient country, if the President determines that the application of such criteria would increase the capability of the recipient to produce a nuclear explosive device or would have a serious adverse impact on vital United States interests. Permits the Congress to disapprove suspension of such criteria by the President.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1977
Provides that recipients of veterans' pension and compensation will not have the amount of such pension or compensation reduced, or entitlement thereto discontinued, because of increases in monthly social security benefits. Applies these amendments to annual income determinations made for calendar years after 1972. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 415(g), adds 38 U.S.C. 503(d))
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1977
Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act - Title I: Statement of Findings and Policy - Declares that most of the nation's coal reserve can only be mined by underground methods. Lists the purposes of this Act, including the establishment of a nationwide program to prevent adverse effects to society and the environment from surface coal mining. Title II: Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement - Establishes in the Interior Department the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement with a Director appointed by the President. States that such Office shall administer the programs required by this Act and assist the States in development of State programs for surface coal mining and reclamation. States that the Office shall be considered an independent Federal regulatory body. Title III: State Mining and Mineral Resources Research Institute - Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary of the Interior of sums adequate to provide for each participating State $200,000 for fiscal year 1978, $300,000 for fiscal year 1979, and $400,000 for each fiscal year thereafter for five years, to assist the States in carrying on the work of a competent and qualified mining and mineral resources research institute or center at the school of mines of one public college or university of the State. Requires such monies to be matched dollar-for-dollar by the States. Authorizes appropriations of $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1978, such sum to be increased by $2,000,000 each fiscal year for six years thereafter, for specific projects in mining and mineral research in institutes. Directs the Secretary to establish a center for cataloging current and projected scientific research in mining and mineral resources. Requires the Secretary to appoint an Advisory Committee on Mining and Mineral Research for advice on all matters concerning mining and mineral resources research. Title IV: Abandoned Mine Reclamation - Creates the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund in the Treasury. Requires operators of coal mines to pay into the fund quarterly fees of $.35 per ton of coal produced by surface mining and $.15 per ton of coal produced by underground mining, or ten percent of the value of the coal in the mine, whichever is less. Authorizes use of money in the Fund for acquisition and reclamation of abandoned and unreclaimed mine lands and for acquisitions and fillings of voids and sealing of tunnels and entryways in abandoned mines. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to enter into agreements with landowners of water rights under which such landowners shall furnish a conservation and development plan and shall effect such plan in return for financial assistance from the Secretary of Agriculture of up to 80 percent of the cost of such a reclamation effort. Encourages States to acquire abandoned and unreclaimed land, and to transfer it to the Secretary for reclamation, and authorizes matching grants for such purpose, up to 90 percent of the land price. Allows resale of reclaimed land by public bidding, and allows local public participation in determining the use of reclaimed land. Title V: Control of the Environmental Impacts of Surface Coal Mining - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to publish, within 180 days of the enactment of this Act, regulations which establish a permanent regulatory procedure and performance standards for surface coal mining and reclamation standards. Requires the Secretary to obtain the concurrence of the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency with respect to regulations concerned with air or water quality standards. Establishes a permit program to require mining operators to comply with environmental protection standards. Allows State control over surface mining permits if certain requirements are met. Authorizes the implementation of a Federal program if States fail to act. Permits State laws and regulations that are more stringent than those set forth pursuant to this Act. Requires permit applications to describe the method of mining and equipment proposed to be used, to describe by maps the land to be affected, and to contain a statement of results of test borings or core samplings of the affected land. Stipulates that permits must be accompanied by a mining and reclamation plan which shall include a description of present uses of the land, steps to be taken to prevent environmental damage and a description of the reclamation activities. Requires the posting of performance bonds and possession of liability insurance by applicants for permits. Requires the establishment of coal exploration regulations by appropriate State and Federal authorities. Requires that such regulations include provisions for reclamation of lands disturbed in exploration activities. Imposes the following general environmental performance standards on surface mining operations as a condition of the issuance of a permit under this Act: (1) restoration of the land affected to a prior use, consistent with public health and safety; (2) restoration to the original contour of the land and backfilling, grading, and compacting the excess overburden and other waste materials to attain the lowest grade; (3) removal and segregation of topsoil in a separate layer where it is able to support vegetation; (4) minimization of disturbances to the hydrologic balance at the mine site and surrounding areas by eliminating or reducing toxic drainage, siltation, and contamination problems; (5) conformity with standards for the design and location of coal mine waste piles; and (6) establishment of a diverse, effective, and permanent vegetation on regraded areas. Stipulates that the regulatory authority shall make test borings of core samplings for mining operators with an estimated annual production of less than 250,000 tons of coal. Establishes additional requirements for steep-slope surface mining operations. Defines the term "steep-slope" to include any slope above 20 degrees or lesser slopes as may be defined by the regulatory authority. Directs the Secretary to promulgate rules and regulations directed at the surface effects of underground mining. Directs and authorizes inspection of surface coal mining and reclamation to determine compliance with this Act and regulations. Provides requirements for recordkeeping and submittal and monitoring by mine operators. Imposes civil penalties for violation of this Act or regulations under it. Establishes procedures for citizen suits and judicial review of actions under this Act. Establishes conditions under which mine operators may request a release of all or part of the performance bond. Requires public notice and hearings upon applications for such releases. Requires States to establish, as a condition of assuming primary regulatory control, a planning process designed to identify lands unsuitable for surface coal mining. Requires designation of lands as unsuitable if it can be shown that reclamation pursuant to the requirements of the Act is not feasible. Authorizes designation of lands as unsuitable where operations mining will: (1) be incompatible with land use plans or programs; (2) affect fragile or historic lands of significant historic, scientific or esthetic value; (3) affect renewable land resources with an impact on long-range food and water supply; and (4) increase a significant hazard to life and property, including the possibility of flood and earthquake damage. Prohibits surface coal mining operations on certain Federal lands, or within 100 feet of a public road or within 300 feet of a building or dwelling, unless the consent of the affected public or private interest is obtained. Requires implementation of a Federal lands program applicable to all surface coal mining and reclamation activities pursuant to Federal laws or taking place on Federal lands. Requires that coal exploration operations which substantially disturb the natural land surface on such lands be subject to a permit program established by the Secretary of the Interior. Requires separate regulations for programs for special bituminous coal surface mines that meet specified criteria, and for anthracite coal surface mines which are regulated by environmental protection standards of the States. Title VI: Designation of Lands Unsuitable for Noncoal Mining - Allows the Secretary to designate Federal lands unsuitable for mining materials other than coal, if they are predominantly urban or suburban in character or if such mining operations would have an adverse impact on lands used primarily for residential and related purposes. Title VII: Administrative and Miscellaneous Provisions - Defines the terms used in this Act. Prohibits discrimination against employees for filing suit under this Act and for testifying in a proceeding under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to make annual grants to the States to assist the States in developing, administering, and enforcing State programs under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to provide technical assistance and training, and assistance in preparing and maintaining a continuing inventory of information on surface coal mining and reclamation projects. Requires the Secretary to submit an annual report to the President and the Congress. Directs the Secretary to contract with the National Academy of Sciences-National Academy of Engineering for a study of surface coal mining conditions in Alaska in order to determine which, if any, of the provisions of this Act should be modified with respect to such operations in Alaska. Directs the Chairman of the Council on Environmental Quality to contract with the National Academy of Sciences-National Academy of Engineering and other groups for a study of the technology for surface and open-pit mining and reclamation for minerals other than coal designed to assist in the development of regulation for such operations. Directs the Secretary to consult with Indian tribes in studying the regulation of surface mining on Indian lands. Requires all surface coal mining operations on Indian lands to comply with requirements at least as stringent as specified provisions in this Act within 30 months from the enactment of this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of the following sums to carry out this Act: (1) for various contract authority, $10,000,000 per fiscal year for fiscal years 1978, 1979, and 1980; (2) for the performance of test borings by the regulatory authority, an amount reserved for such purpose from the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund not to exceed $40,000 per fiscal year; (3) for administrative and other purposes, $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1978, $20,000,000 for fiscal years 1979 and 1980, and $30,000,000 for fiscal years thereafter; and (4) for research and demonstration projects of alternative coal mining technologies, $35,000,000 for fiscal year 1978, and for the next four years. Stipulates that no new budget authority for fiscal year 1977 is authorized by the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1977
Amends the program of Aid to Families with Dependent Children of Title IV and Title XVI (Supplemental Security Income for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled) of the Social Security Act to assure that recipient of aid and benefits under such Titles do not have the amount of such and or benefits reduced because of increases in the amount of benefits under Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1977
Provides that recipients of veterans' pensions and compensation will not have the amount of such pension or compensation reduced because of increases in social security benefits. Applies to annual income determinations made for calendar years after 1976.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1977
Amends Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to assure the individuals otherwise eligible for benefits under such Title do not lose such eligibility, or have the amount of such benefits reduced, because of increases in the amount of benefits under Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1977
Excludes cost-of-living increases in Social Security benefits from consideration as household income for purposes of determining: (1) eligibility for participation in the food stamp program; (2) the charge for issuing a coupon allotment to a household; and (3) eligibility for any Federal program administered by the Department of Agriculture which provides for the donation or distribution of surplus agricultural commodities to low-income persons.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1977
Amends the program of Aid to Families with Dependent Children of Title IV and Title XVI (Supplemental Security Income for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled) of the Social Security Act to assure that recipient of aid and benefits under such Titles do not have the amount of such and or benefits reduced because of increases in the amount of benefits under Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1977
Congressional Pay Raise Deferral Act - Amends the Federal Salary Act of 1967 and the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 to provide that any adjustment in the rate of pay for Members of Congress proposed during any Congress shall not take effect earlier than the beginning of the next Congress. States that any such pay adjustment proposed in an even-numbered year of any Congress after the congressional elections and before the beginning of the following Congress, shall be considered as occurring during the first session of the following Congress for the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1977
Prohibits the consideration of any cost of living increase of Old Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance benefits after May 1977 for purposes of determining the eligibility for or amount of assistance which any individual or family is provided under specified Federal housing programs.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1977
Amends the program of Aid to Families with Dependent Children of Title IV and Title XVI (Supplemental Security Income for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled) of the Social Security Act to assure that recipient of aid and benefits under such Titles do not have the amount of such and or benefits reduced because of increases in the amount of benefits under Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1977
Excludes cost-of-living increases in Social Security benefits from consideration as household income for purposes of determining: (1) eligibility for participation in the food stamp program; (2) the charge for issuing a coupon allotment to a household; and (3) eligibility for any Federal program administered by the Department of Agriculture which provides for the donation or distribution of surplus agricultural commodities to low-income persons.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1977
Provides that recipients of veterans' pensions and compensation will not have the amount of such pension or compensation reduced because of increases in social security benefits. Applies to annual income determinations made for calendar years after 1976.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1977
Amends Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to assure the individuals otherwise eligible for benefits under such Title do not lose such eligibility, or have the amount of such benefits reduced, because of increases in the amount of benefits under Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1977
Prohibits the consideration of any cost of living increase of Old Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance benefits after May 1977 for purposes of determining the eligibility for or amount of assistance which any individual or family is provided under specified Federal housing programs.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1977
Provides that recipients of veterans' pensions and compensation will not have the amount of such pension or compensation reduced because of increases in social security benefits. Applies to annual income determinations made for calendar years after 1976.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1977
Amends Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to assure the individuals otherwise eligible for benefits under such Title do not lose such eligibility, or have the amount of such benefits reduced, because of increases in the amount of benefits under Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1977
Prohibits the consideration of any cost of living increase of Old Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance benefits after May 1977 for purposes of determining the eligibility for or amount of assistance which any individual or family is provided under specified Federal housing programs.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1977
Excludes cost-of-living increases in Social Security benefits from consideration as household income for purposes of determining: (1) eligibility for participation in the food stamp program; (2) the charge for issuing a coupon allotment to a household; and (3) eligibility for any Federal program administered by the Department of Agriculture which provides for the donation or distribution of surplus agricultural commodities to low-income persons.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1977
Amends the United Nations Participation Act of 1945 to permit enforcement of any executive order restricting the importation of Rhodesian chrome, pursuant to any United Nations Security Council resolution. Requires that steel mill products containing chromium not be imported while such executive order is in effect without the filing of a certificate of origin with the Secretary of the Treasury unless such shipment is released by the Secretary. Authorizes the Secretary to prescribe regulations to carry out this provision.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1977
Reaffirms competition as the best means of serving the American consumers' telecommunications needs, except where there is clear and convincing evidence that such competition would produce unreasonably higher costs or poorer service for the American consuming public.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1977
Congressional Pay Raise Deferral Act - Amends the Federal Salary Act of 1967 and the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 to provide that any adjustment in the rate of pay for Members of Congress proposed during any Congress shall not take effect earlier than the beginning of the next Congress. States that any such pay adjustment proposed in an even-numbered year of any Congress after the congressional elections and before the beginning of the following Congress, shall be considered as occurring during the first session of the following Congress for the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 1977
Congressional Pay Raise Deferral Act - Amends the Federal Salary Act of 1967 and the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 to provide that any adjustment in the rate of pay for Members of Congress proposed during any Congress shall not take effect earlier than the beginning of the next Congress. States that any such pay adjustment proposed in an even-numbered year of any Congress after the congressional elections and before the beginning of the following Congress, shall be considered as occurring during the first session of the following Congress for the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 16 February 1977
Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to require the Overseas Private Investment Corporation to terminate insurance or reinsurance issued to any investor, upon a Corporation determination that such investor has offered or paid, directly or indirectly, any significant amount of money (or anything of significant value) to a foreign official to influence any decision of a foreign government.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1977
Congressional Pay Raise Deferral Act - Amends the Federal Salary Act of 1967 and the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 to provide that any adjustment in the rate of pay for Members of Congress proposed during any Congress shall not take effect earlier than the beginning of the next Congress. States that any such pay adjustment proposed in an even-numbered year of any Congress after the congressional elections and before the beginning of the following Congress, shall be considered as occurring during the first session of the following Congress for the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1977
Congressional Pay Raise Deferral Act - Amends the Federal Salary Act of 1967 and the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 to provide that any adjustment in the rate of pay for Members of Congress proposed during any Congress shall not take effect earlier than the beginning of the next Congress. States that any such pay adjustment proposed in an even-numbered year of any Congress after the congressional elections and before the beginning of the following Congress, shall be considered as occurring during the first session of the following Congress for the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1977
Constitutional Amendment - Provides that the people of the several States, and the District of Columbia, shall elect the President and Vice President. Requires each elector to cast a single vote for two persons who shall have consented to the joining of their names as candidates for the offices of President and Vice President. Requires the electors of President and Vice President in each State to have the qualifications requisite for electors of Members of Congress from that State, except that for electors of President and Vice President, the legislature of any State may prescribe less restrictive residence qualifications and for electors of President and Vice President, the Congress may establish uniform residence and age requirements. Provides that the pair of persons having the greatest number of votes for President and Vice President shall be elected, if such number be at least 40 percent of the whole number of votes cast for such offices. Provides that if no pair of persons has such number, a runoff election shall be held in which the choice of President and Vice President shall be made from the two pairs of persons who received the highest numbers of votes. Requires the days for such elections to be determined by Congress and to be uniform throughout the United States. Requires Congress to prescribe by law the time, place, and manner in which the results of such elections shall be ascertained and declared. Grants to each State the authority as to the time and place and manner of holding such elections and entitlement to inclusion or the ballot. Specifies that if, at the time fixed for declaring the results of such elections, the presidential candidate who would have been entitled to election as President has died, the Vice Presidential candidate entitled to election as Vice President shall be declared elected President. Allows Congress to provide for the case of the death, inability, or withdrawal of any candidate for President or Vice President before a President and Vice president have been elected, and for the case of the death of both the President and Vice President elect.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1977
Temporary Natural Gas Emergency Supply Act - Authorizes the President to determine that a natural gas supply emergency exists within interstate pipeline service areas. Directs the Federal Power Commission to order transfers of natural gas supplies to pipeline systems which are experiencing emergencies from other pipelines. Stipulates that the emergency authority granted by this Act shall expire on May 1, 1977.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1977
Comprehensive Youth Employment Act - Title I: Youth Employment and Community Service Programs - Amends the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act of 1973 to establish a Youth Community Service Program whereby prime sponsors under such Act are to provide financial assistance to eligible applicants for the purpose of providing Youth Community Service employment to youths in jobs required to carry out approved community service projects. Directs each prime sponsor to provide financial assistance to eligible applicants for the establishment of youth opportunity in private enterprise and youth occupational information and career guidance programs. Directs the Secretary of Labor to make payments to prime sponsors in order to make financial assistance available to local education agencies for the purpose of providing youths in secondary schools with job experience. Authorizes the Secretary to establish a National Occupational Information and Career Guidance Service in the Department of Labor to undertake estimates of present and future occupational needs, to compile data on the numbers of people engaged in education and training, to assist States in the preparation of individual State and area projections of occupational outlook, and to serve as the informational and statistical base required for matching career preparation with future career prospects. Authorizes the Secretary to (1) make grants to public agencies, colleges, and nonprofit organizations for the purpose of training and retraining job counseling and placement personnel and (2) carry out a program of demonstration and evaluation projects relative to job counseling, information, and placement programs for youths. Requires each prime sponsor to establish an Education-Work Committee of its planning council. States the duty of such committees to be to make recommendations with respect to the programs established under this title and to institute local career development plans. Title II: National Conservation Corps - National Conservation Corps Act - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior to jointly establish a National Conservation Corps for the purpose of providing employment and training for youths in projects which reduce the inventory of conservation work or provide public benefits in connection with the conservation, protection, reforestation, regeneration, improvement, development, utilization, maintenance, or enjoyment of the natural resources of lands and waters under the ownership or control of the United States, any agency thereof, or of any State or any subdivision thereof. Authorizes the Secretaries to make grants to States and local governments to assist them in employing youths to carry out conservation projects on non-Federal public lands and waters. Title III: Job Corps - Amends the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act of 1973 to increase the amount authorized to be appropriated annually to the Job Corps.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1977
Congressional Pay Raise Deferral Act - Amends the Federal Salary Act of 1967 and the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 to provide that any adjustment in the rate of pay for Members of Congress proposed during any Congress shall not take effect earlier than the beginning of the next Congress. States that any such pay adjustment proposed in an even-numbered year of any Congress after the congressional elections and before the beginning of the following Congress, shall be considered as occurring during the first session of the following Congress for the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1977
Declares the support of the House of Representatives for the President's intentions (1) to proceed with a comprehensive nuclear test ban treaty, (2) to seek ratification of the SALT II agreement, and (3) to seek an agreement with the Soviet Union for major reductions in atomic weapons.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1977
Declares the support of the House of Representatives for the President's intentions (1) to proceed with a comprehensive nuclear test ban treaty, (2) to seek ratification of the SALT II agreement, and (3) to seek an agreement with the Soviet Union for major reductions in atomic weapons.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1977
Congressional Pay Raise Deferral Act - Amends the Federal Salary Act of 1967 and the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 to provide that any adjustment in the rate of pay for Members of Congress proposed during any Congress shall not take effect earlier than the beginning of the next Congress. States that any such pay adjustment proposed in an even-numbered year of any Congress after the congressional elections and before the beginning of the following Congress, shall be considered as occurring during the first session of the following Congress for the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1977
Bill of Rights Procedures Act - Title I: Confidentiality of Financial, Toll, and Credit Records - Prohibits any United States entity or representative from obtaining copies of, or access to, information contained in the financial records, toll records, or credit records of any customer of a financial institution, communication common carrier, credit card issuer, or consumer reporting agency. Lifts such prohibition if: (1) the records are described with sufficient particularity; and (2) the customer has authorized disclosure, the disclosure is obtained in response to an administrative subpoena, search warrant, or judicial subpoena, or disclosure is in compliance with specified provisions of the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Sets forth procedures for obtaining customer authorization, administrative subpoenas and summons, search warrants, and judicial subpoenas. Requires financial institutions, communication common carriers, credit card issuers, and consumer reporting agencies to keep records of all examinations of customer records, including the identity of the person examining such records, the governmental agency or department such person represents, and a copy of the authorization. Directs that copies of, or the information contained in, financial, toll, or credit records obtained pursuant to this Act not be used for other than the specific statutory purpose for which the information was originally obtained and that such information or records not be provided to any other Government department or agency or other person except where the transfer of such information is specifically authorized by statute. Stipulates that any action under this title may be brought in any appropriate U.S. district court without regard to the amount in controversy, or in any other court of competent jurisdiction, within three years from the date on which the violation occurs or the date of discovery of such violation, whichever is later. Imposes liability on any person or entity who knowingly obtains or discloses information in violation of this title, making such person or entity liable to the customer to whom the disclosed information relates for actual damages, such punitive damages as the court may allow if the violation was willful, and the costs of litigation. Makes injunctive relief available to any person aggrieved by a violation or threatened violation of this Act. Title II: Mail Covers - Defines "mail cover" as the procedures by which a systematic record or inspection is made of any data appearing on the outside cover of any mail matter. Prohibits the initiation of any mail cover without the written authorization of specified postal officials and good cause to believe, on the basis of an affidavit setting forth the specific reasons for the proposed mail cover, that such procedure is necessary to the investigation of the commission or the attempted commission of a felony or is necessary to aid in locating a fugitive. Permits a mail cover to be conducted for 30 days, with extensions to be granted as specified. Requires any mail cover conducted for more than one year to be judicially authorized. Allows the chief postal inspector or a regional chief postal inspector to issue an emergency authorization for a mail cover on the basis of an oral request from specified law enforcement officials, if such request is supported by an affidavit within 45 days and on condition that no data from such mail cover be made available to the requesting authority until authorization according to regular procedures has been granted. Stipulates that the subjects of mail covers shall be given notice of such cover within 90 days of its termination, unless notice is judicially waived due to possible jeopardizing of continuing investigations. Requires that the chief postal inspector submit to Congress an annual report including the number of requests for mail covers, the identity of the law enforcement agencies making such requests, and a list of the offenses for which mail cover requests were received. Specifies civil remedies for violation of this title. Title III: Amendments to Chapter 119, Title 18, United States Code - Sets forth procedures and restrictions governing the interception of wire or oral communications for purposes of supervisory observing or service by communication common carriers and others. Requires each communication common carrier to submit an annual report to the Federal Communications Commission detailing the interceptions made by it for the protection of its service against theft of service, the nature and frequency of communications intercepted, the number of persons whose communications were intercepted, the length of such interceptions, and the number of hours of recording of intercepted communications. Prohibits the manufacture, distribution, possession, and advertising of devices for theft of communication common carrier services. Stipulates that any such device may be seized and forfeited to the United States. Title IV: Penalties - Subjects officers, agents, or employees of the United States who violate any provision of title I or title II of this Act to a fine of not more than $1,000, imprisonment for not more than one year, or both. Title V: Congressional Subpoenas - Stipulates that nothing in this Act shall apply to Congressional subpoenas.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1977
District of Columbia Retirement Reform Act - Title I: Financing of Retirement Benefits - Establishes the District of Columbia Retirement Board to exercise exclusive authority to manage and control the funds established by this title. Details provisions relating to the Board's composition, the election and terms of office of Board members, the procedures to be followed by the Board, and the financing of the Board's operations. Establishes the District of Columbia Policemen and Firemen's Retirement Fund into which shall be deposited: (1) amounts withheld from the salaries of, and deposited by, members of the Metropolitan Police and the Fire Departments of the District of Columbia, pursuant to the Policemen and Firemen's Retirement and Disability Act, (2) amounts appropriated to the Fund pursuant to this Act, and (3) amounts made as return on investment of the assets of the Fund. Establishes the District of Columbia Teachers' Retirement Fund into which shall be deposited: (1) amounts withheld from the salaries of, and amount deposited by, each teacher in the public schools of the District of Columbia for such teachers' retirement account, (2) amounts appropriated to the Fund pursuant to this Act, and (3) amounts made as return on investment of the assets of the Fund. Establishes the District of Columbia Judges' Retirement Fund into which shall be deposited: (1) amounts with-held from the salaries of, and amounts deposited by, judges of the District of Columbia Court of Appeals and the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, (2) amounts appropriated to the Fund pursuant to this Act, and (3) amounts made as return on investment of the assets of the Fund. Requires that the assets of each Fund establihed by this Act be kept separate from other moneys, but not necessarily kept separate from one another if the Board determines that commingling of such assets is advisable for investment purposes. Requires the Board to maintain a cash reserve for the Funds sufficient to meet currently annuity and disability benefits outlays. Prohibits the investment of assets of the funds in obligations issued or guaranteed in whole or in part by the government of the District of Columbia or in obligations secured by real property in the District of Columbia. Directs the Board to engage an enrolled actuary to periodically determine: (1) the amount required to be deposited in each Fund annually in perpetuity in order to meet the cost of annuities and other retirement and disability benefits payable in perpetuity from the Fund less the amount of employee contributions to the Fund, and (2) the amount received to meet the obligations of each Fund for the next fiscal year less employee contributions for such period. Sets forth formulae to determine annual Federal amortization payments and annual District of Columbia payments to each Fund. Authorizes the appropriation of specified sums from the revenues of the United States and from amounts in the United States Treasury credited to the District of Columbia for Federal and District of Columbia contributions to each Fund, respectively. Requires each member of the Board to submit annual personal financial disclosure statements to Congress and the D.C. government. Directs the Board to publish annual reports with respect to each retirement program and corresponding Fund to which this Act applies. Requires that each such report include: (1) a financial statement containing a statement of Fund assets and liabilities, a statement of changes in net assets available for benefits under the retirement program, and other specified information; (2) an opinion by an independent public accountant as to whether such financial statement is presented in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles; (3) an actuarial statement containing specified information relating to the Fund and retirement program; (4) information relating to the number of employees covered by the retirement program, persons receiving compensation from the Fund, and specified changes to the Funds operation; and (5) a report from each insurance company or similar organization from which program benefits are purchased or which guarantees such benefits. Directs the Board to prepare summary retirement programs descriptions to be supplied to each participant in, and beneficiary under, each retirement program to which this Act applies. Requires that annual reports and copies of summary retirement program descriptions, including periodic updates containing material modification, be filed with the Mayor of the District of Columbia, the District of Columbia Council, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the President pro tempore of the Senate. Empowers the Mayor, the Council, or either House of Congress to reject any filing upon making specified findings. Suspends Federal contributions to any Fund with respect to which a filing is rejected or no timely filing has been made pending an acceptable filing. Requires that copies of such reports and descriptions be made available for public inspection. Authorizes the Board to designate one or more persons to exercise fiduciary responsibilities with respect to Funds established by this Act but places with the Board fiduciary responsibility for the oversight of any person so designated. Lists standards and guidelines to be followed by fiduciaries in the discharge of their duties. Specifies circumstances under which a fiduciary shall be liable for a breach of fiduciary duty by another fiduciary. Prohibits a fiduciary from causing the Fund to engage in specified transactions with interested parties or with itself. Deems void any provision in an agreement instrument which purports to relieve a fiduciary responsibility or liability. Permits the Board, fiduciaries, and groups of retirement program participants to purchase insurance to cover liability or losses arising from a breach of fiduciary duty. Prohibits any person convicted of specified crimes from serving as an administrator, fiduciary, counsel, or employee of, or as a consultant to, any Fund established by this Act within five years of any such conviction or release from imprisonment, unless the Board of Parole of the United States determines that such person's service with the Fund would not be contrary to the purposes of this Act. Requires every fiduciary of a Fund established by this title and every person who handles its funds to be bonded. Sets forth criminal penalties for violation of fiduciary obligations. Creates civil causes of action for the benefit of specified plaintiffs to enforce the provisions of this Act. Specifies time limits within which civil actions grounded on breach of fiduciary duty must be brought. Title II: Changes in Retirement Benefits - Revises the method for determining the salary base period for computation of annuities of participants in the District of Columbia Policemen and Firemen's Retirement Fund. Sets forth separate procedures and standards for members of the Metropolitan Police and the Fire Department with respect to: (1) eligibility for voluntary retirement; (2) eligibility for disability retirement; (3) amount of disability annuities; (4) suspension of disability annuities; (5) physical examination of disability annuitants; and (6) amount of survivors annuities. Entitles any such member who completes five years of service and who is thereafter separated from service other than through disability retirement or voluntary optional retirement to elect to either (1) receive at the time of separation the amount of deductions from such individual's salary deposited in the Fund, or (2) receive an annuity beginning on the first day of the month during which such individual attains age 55 or on the first day of the month after such individual's separation from service, whichever occurs later. Authorizes cost-of-living adjustments in annuities payable from the District of Columbia Policemen and Firemen's Retirement Fund. Eliminates the one percent increase added on to cost-of-living increases in the annuities of District of Columbia Public school teachers and judges. Revises the means for determining eligibility for each such adjustment.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide identical income tax rates for single persons and married couples filing joint returns. Limits the earned income that must be reported by a married individual filing a separate return to the amount actually earned by that individual.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1977
Temporary Natural Gas Emergency Supply Act - Authorizes the President to determine that a natural gas supply emergency exists within interstate pipeline service areas. Directs the Federal Power Commission to order transfers of natural gas supplies to pipeline systems which are experiencing emergencies from other pipelines. Stipulates that the emergency authority granted by this Act shall expire on May 1, 1977.
![Official portrait of Rep. Whalen, Charles W., Jr. [R-OH-3]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/w000317_200.jpg)