United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1978
States that the Congress of the United States calls upon the Rumanian Government to: (1) restore legal status and full religious freedom to the Byzantine Rite Catholic Church; (2) restore full religious freedom to the Latin Rite Catholic Church and all other religious communities; and (3) permit the Holy See to appoint bishops in both the Latin Rite and Byzantine Rite Catholic Churches.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 1978
Small Business Tax Relief Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow certain small businesses to compute taxable income under the cash method and without regard to inventories. Increases the corporate surtax exemption and reduces the corporate tax rates. Provides for limited recognition of the gain from the sale or exchange of a sole proprietorship prior to the age of 55, and non-recognition after age 55. Allows the amortization over a 36-month period of expenses of a business for property acquired to put the business in compliance with Federal law and which does not have any economic usefulness to the business. Increases the additional first year depreciation allowance for small businesses. Increases the investment tax credit for investments in certain small manufacturing facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 31 May 1978
Authorizes the President of the United States to designate the week beginning on the Sunday preceding the fourth Thursday in November of each year as "National Family Week".
United States · United States Congress · 31 May 1978
Requests the President to (1) instruct the Department of State to report to Congress on the violations of human rights in Cambodia, (2) instruct the International Communications Agency to disseminate such information, and (3) instruct the Ambassador to the United Nations to introduce a resolution in the General Assembly condemning these atrocities.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1978
Authorizes a certain nonprofit corporation to have medals struck in commemoration of the XIII Olympic Winter Games to be held in Lake Placid, New York in 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1978
Extends, from June 30, 1978, until June 30, 1981, the authority of the Secretary of the Treasury to make loans under the New York City Seasonal Financing Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1978
Solar Power Satellite Research, Development, and Demonstration Program Act - Directs the Secretary of Energy and the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to initiate a Solar Power Satellite Research, Development, and Demonstration Program to study technical problems regarding the viability of the solar power satellite concept. Requires the Secretary, after consultation with the Administrator, to submit to the Congress, by January 3, 1979, a comprehensive plan to implement the Program.
United States · United States Congress · 12 April 1978
Authorizes air carriers holding a certificate to engage in foreign air transportation to carry domestic traffic between points in the United States on flights operated in foreign air transportation. Stipulates that such authority shall be limited to one round trip flight per day in each city-pair market unless otherwise authorized by the Civil Aeronautics Board.
United States · United States Congress · 12 April 1978
Establishes an Office of Inspector General within each of the Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Housing and Urban Development, Interior, Labor, and Transportation, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Community Services, General Services, National Aeronautics and Space, Small Business, and Veterans' Administrations. Makes it the duty of such Offices to direct the auditing and investigation of the programs of the agency in which each such Office is established and to recommend policies to each respective agency to promote the efficiency and economy of and to prevent and detect fraud and abuse in the programs administered by each agency. Directs each such Office to coordinate the relationships between its agency and other Federal agencies, States, and local government agencies in carrying out its mission. Requires each such Office to keep Congress and the head of the respective agency fully informed concerning its activities and findings. Specifies the frequency and content of reports. Transfers to each Office the functions of specified existing audit and investigation offices within the appropriate agencies.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1978
Declares it the sense of the House of Representatives that the President should suspend the ban on importation of Rhodesian chrome and ferrochrome and that the length of such suspension should depend upon effective execution of the agreement for transition to majority rule and one man, one vote elections.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1978
Revises the list of places where the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York shall be held. Specifies provisions relative to the relocation period caused by changes of sites.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1978
Expresses the condemnation of the House of Representatives of the kidnapping of Aldo Moro. Declares it the sense of the House of Representatives that (1) Italy deserves the support of the United States, and (2) the President should instruct the Permanent Representative to the United Nations to press for consideration of solutions to the problem of terrorism in all appropriate forums.
United States · United States Congress · 14 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 · 14 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 · 8 March 1978
National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act - Authorizes appropriations to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration for research and development programs, construction of facilities, and research and program management.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1978
Extends, from June 30, 1978, until June 30, 1981, the authority of the Secretary of the Treasury to make loans under the New York City Seasonal Financing Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1978
Revises the list of places where the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York shall be held. Specifies provisions relative to the relocation period caused by changes of sites.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1978
Expresses the sense of the Congress that any right to, title to, or interest in the property of the United States Government agencies in the Panama Canal Zone or any real property and improvements thereon located in the zone should not be conveyed, relinquished, or otherwise disposed of to any foreign government without specific authorization of such conveyance, relinquishment, or other disposition by any Act of Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1978
Federal Acquisition Act - Title I: Acquisition Methods and Regulatory Guidance - Requires Federal agencies to procure goods and services utilizing methods prescribed in this Act as directed by rules promulgated by the Office of Federal Procurement Policy (Office). Title II: Acquisition by Competitive Sealed Bids - Sets criteria for use of the competitive sealed bid method of acquisition. Requires the invitation for bids to describe purchases, to the extent practicable, in functional terms in order to permit a variety of distinct products or services to qualify. Requires agency head approval in the event that specific product or service descriptions are to be included in such bids. Provides for instances where the use of functional or performance specifications make it impractical to make an award primarily on the basis of price. Title III: Acquisition by Competitive Negotiation - Permits the use of the competitive negotiation method of procurement when the competitive sealed bid method is inappropriate under this Act or rules promulgated by the Office. Requires solicitations for offers to be made to a sufficient number of qualified sources so as to obtain effective competition and, to the extent practicable, to describe the public need in functional terms so as to permit the application of a variety of technological approaches. Permits procurement through negotiation with a single source if there is only one prospective source, or when an emergency situation exists and intent to award such a contract is published in advance of such award. Requires contractors to submit price data for analysis prior to any negotiated award, change, or modification of any contract valued at over $500,000 in order to facilitate determination of the reasonableness of its offers. Requires contractors party to a single-source award or negotiated contract to submit cost information bearing on the reasonableness of the offered price. Gives agencies the power to inspect plants and records of a contractor up to three years after final payment has been made under a contract to ascertain the accuracy of price and cost data submitted under this Act. Title IV: Acquisition by Competitive Small Purchase Procedures Method - Permits the use of the competitive small purchase procedures method of procurement when contracts valued at not more than $10,000 are involved and if such procedure would be advantageous to the Government. Title V: General Provisions - Prohibits the use of cost-plus-a-percentage-of-cost contracting under this Act. Prohibits the employment of any agent on a contingent fee basis to solicit or secure a contract made with the Government. Disallows the making of any contract for a period of more than five years unless an exception has been made by the Office under this Act. Sets forth limitations for the making of advance payments. Requires adequate security for partial and progress payments made pursuant to a Government contract. Title VI: Delegation of Authority - Permits agency heads to delegate specified authority conferred under this Act. Permits one agency to delegate acquisition functions to another agency to facilitate joint acquisitions. Title VII: Protests - Authorizes the Comptroller General to decide protests of awards under this Act. Permits the Comptroller General to declare a protested award or proposed award illegal. Requires protest proceedings to be as informal as possible. Title VIII: Amendments and Repeals - Makes technical and conforming amendments.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1978
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals an income tax deduction of up to $2,500 annually and $10,000 in a lifetime for contributions to an individual housing account. Makes such accounts tax exempt and allows distributions from such an account to be tax free if such distributions are used exclusively for the purchase of a principal residence for the distributee.
United States · United States Congress · 1 November 1977
Declares that there be no reduction of customs duties on textile, apparel, or fiber products and that such products be excluded from the current Tokyo Round of Multilateral Trade Negotiations in Geneva.
United States · United States Congress · 25 October 1977
Declares it the sense of the Congress that the President direct the United States delegation to the Belgrade Conference to place the issue of the arrest, trial, and conviction of Mykola Rudenko and Oleska Tykhy before the Conference.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 1977
Declares it the sense of the Congress that the Secretary of State should seek the good offices of the Secretary General of the United Nations for the purpose of establishing a special investigatory commission charged with the responsibility of securing a full accounting of Americans listed as missing in Southeast Asia.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 1977
Prohibits any agency or agent of the United States from issuing, implementing, or enforcing any rule or regulation with respect to quotas related to race, creed, color, national origin, or sex which requires any individual or entity to take any action with respect to hiring, promotion, or admissions policies or practices.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1977
Ocean Pollution Environmental Research and Development Act - Directs the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to prepare a comprehensive annual plan for ocean pollution environmental research and development to be submitted to Congress and the President. Establishes procedures for interagency coordination of existing ocean-related programs. Authorizes the Administrator to provide financial assistance in the form of grants and contracts for additional ocean pollution research and development activities. Directs the Administrator to establish an oil spill research and development program. Directs the Administrator and the Commandant of the Coast Guard to conduct a study of the practicality of utilizing oil spill removal technologies developed under such Act by Federal agencies. Directs the Administrator to submit an annual report of activities under this Act to Congress and the President. Authorizes the appropriation of $5,000,000 to the Administrator for fiscal year 1979 to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 1977
Establishes an Office of Inspector General within each of the Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Housing and Urban Development, Interior, Labor, and Transportation, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Community Services, Energy Research and Development, Federal Energy, General Services, National Aeronautics and Space, Small Business, and Veterans' Administrations. Makes it the duty of such Offices to direct the auditing and investigation of the programs of the agency in which each such Office is established and to recommend policies to each respective agency to promote the efficiency and economy of and to prevent and detect fraud and abuse in the programs administered by each agency. Directs each such Office to coordinate the relationships between its agency and other Federal agencies, States, and local government agencies in carrying out its mission. Requires each such Office to keep Congress and the head of the respective agency fully informed concerning its activities and findings. Specifies the frequency and content of reports. Transfers to each Office the functions of specified existing audit and investigation offices within the appropriate agencies. (Amends 5 U.S.C. 5315; 5316)
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 · 21 July 1977
Declares the sense of the Congress that the President and the Secretary of State should take all necessary steps to bring the Baltic States question before the United Nations and to urge the United Nations to request the Soviet Union to withdraw all non-native troops, agents, colonists, and controls from the Republics of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, and to return all Baltic exiles from Siberia and from prisons and labor camps in the Soviet Union. Requires the Secretary of State to do his utmost to bring the matter of the Baltic States to the attention of all nations by means of special radio programs and publications. Declares that the United States should not agree to the recognition of the Soviet Union's annexation of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia. Directs the President to take steps to provide that all maps of Europe show the Republics of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia as independent states. Calls for a return of self-determination to the peoples of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia through free elections conducted under the auspices of the United Nations.
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 1977
Amends Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to provide that the automatic cost-of-living increases in benefits be made on a semiannual basis (rather than on an annual basis as at present).
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 1977
Authorizes and directs the Secretary of Labor, through the Bureau of Labor Statistics, to prepare, as part of the Consumer Price Index published monthly by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a consumer price index (to be known as the Consumer Price Index for the Aged and Other Social Security Beneficiaries) designed to reflect the relevant price information for individuals, as a group, who are 65 years of age or older or are otherwise entitled to monthly benefits under Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 1977
Amends Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to qualify an individual who, although employable, is unable to care for his or her personal needs without assistance as a disabled person eligible for the services of a home health aide.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 1977
Product Liability Insurance Tax Equity Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to qualify trusts established for the payment of product liability claims as tax exempt organizations. Allows taxpayers a business income tax deduction for contributions to such trusts only to the extent they exceed the reasonable costs of product liability insurance for the deducting taxpayer.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1977
Authorizes each Member of the House of Representatives, including the Resident Commissioner from Puerto Rico and the Delegates from Guam, the Virgin Islands, and the District of Columbia, to hire for two week of each year two senior citizen interns to serve within the District of Columbia. Makes available to each Member for the purpose of hiring such interns an annual gross allowance of $600.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 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 · 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 · 10 June 1977
Amends the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to authorize Federal assistance to private, profitmaking agencies and organizations for purposes of conducting research, training, and other activities relating to the rehabilitation of handicapped individuals.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1977
Directs the Secretary of Defense to place a plaque and a permanent display of medals, ribbons, and tributes of the Vietnam era on the crypt at the National Cemetery at Arlington, Virginia, reserved for an unknown American serviceman who lost his life in Southeast Asia. Directs the Secretary to perform the duties required by this Act even though the remains of such serviceman have not yet been placed in the crypt.
![Official portrait of Rep. Wydler, John W. [R-NY-5]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/w000780_200.jpg)