United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1977
Entitles members of the armed forces reserves who were on active duty after August 13, 1961, and before May 31, 1963, or after August 4, 1964, and before March 28, 1973, or who completed at least 20 years of service after August 15, 1945, to retired pay.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1977
Amends the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969 to extend black lung benefits under such Act to miners incurring silicosis through employment in coal or iron mines.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1977
National Aquaculture Organic Act - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish a National Aquaculture Development Plan. Requires that such plan (1) identify each aquatic species which can be cultured on a commercial basis (priority aquatic species), and (2) contain a program of aquaculture development for such priority aquatic species. Directs the Secretary to review annually each aquatic species not identified as a priority species and the program established for each priority species. Directs the Secretary to (1) establish and maintain an aquaculture information center, (2) maintain an inventory of public and private aquaculture being carried out in the United States, (3) arrange for the mutual exchange of information relating to aquaculture with foreign nations, (4) submit an annual report to Congress on the implementation of the provisions of this Act, (5) coordinate with the Environmental Protection Agency to investigate the use of aquacultural waste water in carrying out the purposes of this Act, and (6) prescribe regulations necessary to carry out this Act. Establishes the Interagency Committee on Aquaculture comprised of the heads of various Federal agencies to insure that there is a continuing exchange of information relating to the aquacultural programs and projects of the various agencies and to review on a continuing basis the relevant programs and projects of all Federal agencies. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of the Interior, and the Secretary of Agriculture to carry out any function under this Act through grants or contracts. Limits the amount of any grant made available under this Act to one-half of the estimated cost of the project for which the grant was made. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to guarantee obligations issued for the financing of any aquaculture facility within the United States. Stipulates that the aggregate unpaid principal amount of all such guaranteed obligations shall not exceed $100,000,000. Authorizes the Secretary to collect a fee for guaranteed obligations not to exceed one-half of one percent per annum of the outstanding principal balance of the obligation. Sets forth the allowable interest rate, maturity date, and default procedures relating to such loans. Authorizes the Secretary to issue notes or obligations to the Secretary of the Treasury if the monies in the loan fund are insufficient to pay such a loan in the event of default. Establishes within the Treasury a Federal Aquaculture Assistance Fund for the purpose of guaranteeing loans under this Act. Authorizes appropriations to the Secretaries of Commerce, the Interior, and Agriculture to carry out the various provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1977
Child Exploitation Prevention Act - Prohibits the sexual exploitation of children by making it unlawful for any individual to (1) cause or permit a child to be photographed or filmed engaged in a sexual act prohibited under this Act; (2) photograph or film a prohibited sexual act; (3) knowingly transport any film or photograph depicting a prohibited sexual act; or (4) receive for sale or sell any such film or photograph, if such individual knows or should know such film or photograph has or may be transported in such a manner as to affect interstate or foreign commerce. Imposes a fine of up to $50,000 and/or imprisonment for up to 20 years for a violation of the sexual exploitation of children provisions of this Act. Imposes a fine of up to $25,000 and/or imprisonment for up to 15 years for a violation of the transportation of photographs and films of children engaged in sexual acts provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1977
Authorizes to be appropriated funds for the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare to conduct a study of the potential carcinogenic effects of saccharin. Directs the Secretary to submit a report on such study to the President and the Congress not later than 60 days after the study's completion. Prohibits any ban or restriction on saccharin in interstate commerce by the Secretary or any officer in the executive branch of the Federal Government for a period of three years.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1977
Department of Education Act - Establishes an executive department to be known as the Department of Education to be administered by a Secretary of Education. States that the principal function of such Department is to promote the cause and advancement of education throughout the United States. Transfers to the Secretary specified functions of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare and the Commissioner of Education, and various educational responsibilities of other Federal agencies and instrumentalities. Creates the Federal Interagency Committee on Education and the National Advisory Commission on Education. Redesignates the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, and the Secretary of such Department, as the Department of Health and Welfare, and the Secretary of Health and Welfare.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1977
Amends the Service Contract Act of 1965 to extend its coverage to professional employees who are paid at a rate not exceeding the rate received by Federal Government employees in grade 15 of the General Schedule. Requires that the minimum fringe benefits and salaries paid to such employees conform to the most recent National Survey of Professional, Administrative, Technical, and Clerical Pay issued by the Department of Labor.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1977
Title I: Code of Official Conduct - Amends the Standing Rules of the Senate to replace the rules regarding outside business activities, contributions, political fund activity, and financial disclosure with the Senate Code of Official Conduct. Requires each Senator, candidate for the Senate, officer or employee of the Senate who is compensated in excess of $25,000 per year, and certain individuals who handle campaign funds, to file with the Secretary of the Senate an annual financial statement in such form and manner as prescribed by the Senate Select Committee on Ethics. Sets forth the required content of such statement. Requires each individual required to make such financial report to cause such statement to be filed as a public document with the Secretary of State of the State which the Senator represents. Requires the select committee to review all such financial statements, and the Comptroller General to audit such statements. Specifies that each individual required to file such financial statement must file with the Comptroller General a report containing tax returns and certain other documents. Gives the select Committee access to such report. Prohibits any Member, officer, or employee of the Senate from soliciting or accepting any gift which will, might tend to, or is intended to affect the performance of that individual's official duties. Prohibits such individuals, their spouses, or dependents from accepting any gifts having an aggregate value exceeding $100 during a calendar year from any person or entity having a direct interest in legislation, or from any foreign national. Restricts outside earned income which results from personal services actually rendered by a Senator, or an officer or employee of the Senate compensated at a rate exceeding $35,000 a year, during the period of service in a calendar year, to 15 percent of the salary of such officer or employee, and in the case of a Senator, 15 percent of the base salary paid to Senators. Sets limitations on honoraria received by such individuals. Prohibits Members, officers, or employees of the Senate from receiving compensation as a result of improperly exerting the influence of their official positions. Limits the participation by such individuals in outside business and professional activity or employment. Restricts such persons from using their positions to influence legislation, a principal purpose of which is to further the individual pecuniary interest of such persons or of their family members. Requires certain committee staff members to divest themselves of any holdings which may be affected by the actions of their committee. Sets limitations on Members or employees who become registered lobbyists following their service in the Senate. Prohibits Members from maintaining unofficial office accounts. Specifies that no contribution shall be converted to the personal use of any Member who is defeated for reelection or does not seek reelection. Prohibits the receipt of funds from the United States Government for the purpose of foreign travel by Members who have not been reelected. Restricts the use of foreign travel allowances, and claims for reimbursement. Limits the pre-election use of franked mail by Senators and candidates for the Senate. Requires Senators to register mass franked mailings annually with the Secretary of the Senate. Prohibits the use of Senate computer facilities to process lists or produce mailing labels for partisan purposes. Restricts the pre-election use of the radio and television studios of the Senate or the House of Representatives by Senators or candidates for the Senate. Prohibits any officer or employee of the Senate from receiving, soliciting, maintaining custody of, or distributing any funds in connection with any campaign of any individual for election to the Senate or any other Federal office with the exception of one assistants to a Senator in the District of Columbia, and one in the Senator's home State. Prohibits Senate officers and employees from contributing to the campaign funds of their supervisors, and prohibits Members from soliciting such contributions. Requires that Senate officers and employees who are substantially engaged in campaign activities not remain on the payroll of the Senate. Prohibits employment discrimination by Members, officers, or employees of the Senate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or physical handicap. Title II: -Provisions Relating to the Select Committee on Ethics - Requires the Select Committee to receive complaints and investigate violations of the Senate Code of Official Conduct, and to publish regulations necessary to implement such Code. Sets forth the procedures for conducting such investigations. Requires the Select Committee to render and publish in the Congressional Record advisory opinions requested by specified individuals. Title III: Miscellaneous; Effective Dates - Requires the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration, the Senate Committee on Appropriations, the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, and the Senate Committee on Governmental Affairs to conduct specified studies with respect to certain matters regulated by the Senate Code of Official Conduct. Sets forth the effective dates of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1977
Constitutional Amendment - Prohibits a justice of the Supreme Court or a judge of any inferior court established by Congress from holding office for more than ten years after (1) taking office, (2) the Senate last consented to his continuance in office, or (3) the ratification of this amendment, whichever last occurs, unless the President nominates and the Senate consents to a continuance in office.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1977
Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to direct the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration to furnish each State or local law enforcement officer or firefighter who retires after the enactment of this Act benefits equal to 25 percent of his State and local retirement benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1977
Authorizes and requests 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 · 24 February 1977
Constitutional Amendment - Requires the President to review Government revenues and expenditures at specified times and to determine a surtax rate when expenditures exceed revenues to insure that receipts will equal outlays. Authorizes a suspension of such measures in the case of a grave national emergency declared by Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1977
Constitutional Amendment - Sets an eight-year term of office for Supreme Court justices and a six-year term of office for judges of inferior Federal courts. Directs that United States district court judges be elected by persons within the appropriate judicial districts.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1977
Air Transportation Regulatory Reform Act - Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to direct the Civil Aeronautics Board, in the exercise of its duties with respect to interstate and overseas air transportation, to consider as being in the public interest the development of an air transportation system which relies on competitive market forces to determine the variety, quality and price of air services. Requires the Board to issue certificates to engage in scheduled or charter interstate or overseas passenger air transportation if certain conditions are met unless the Board finds that such transportation is not consistent with the public convenience and necessity (previously a certificate could only be granted if the public convenience and necessity required such service). Stipulates that such standards shall be used regarding applications to engage in all-cargo operations before January 1, 1979. Requires the Board, with respect to applications to engage in all-cargo transportation after such date, to issue the requested certificate regardless of whether it is inconsistent with the public convenience and necessity. Stipulates that if an air carrier holding nonstop authority to engage in scheduled air transportation between any two points listed on its certificate does not exercise such authority to a specified extend the Board shall issue a certificate authorizing such transportation to another carrier. Establishes notice procedures which the Board must follow before granting such authority. Authorizes air carriers to apply to the Board at the beginning of each year for a restricted discretionary certificate to serve additional pairs of points not included in such carrier's certificate. Restricts the number of additional points which carriers that have operated above a specified seat-mile level during the previous year may serve under such a certificate. Requires the Board, in the event that more than one application has been received to service particular points, to give preference to carriers which have operated below a specified number of seat-miles during the previous year. Prohibits air carriers engaged in such service from increasing fares or substantially reducing the level of capacity except upon 60 days' notice filed with the Board. Allows air carriers which have engaged continuously for 18 consecutive months in such service to apply to the Board to engage in unrestricted nonstop scheduled air transportation between such points. Stipulates that certificates to engage in interstate or overseas charter or all-cargo operations need only designate terminal and intermediate points as the Board deems practicable and need only designate the geographical areas in which such service may be rendered. Requires the Board to eliminate all closed door restrictions on any certificate. Directs the Board to remove other restrictions upon the request of a carrier or upon its own initiative. Limits the amount of charter trips which a carrier other than a charter air carrier may perform. Sets forth procedures regarding the suspension or revocation of certificates by the Board. Allows air carriers to terminate any interstate or overseas air transportation service required by its certificate upon 90 days' notice filed with the Board. Authorizes the Board to temporarily suspend such termination. Sets forth insurance and bonding requirements for air carriers. Authorizes air carriers to revise fares upon 60 days' notice filed with the Board where such rate change is within the authorized limits under this Act. Establishes a Federal subsidy program to insure adequate air service to communities which require but cannot otherwise obtain access to a national air transportation network. Eliminates mandatory Board jurisdiction over consolidation, merger, purchase, or acquisition of control agreements. Requires individuals desiring to enter into such a transaction to file a notice of such proposed action with the Attorney General. Requires the Attorney General upon a belief that such transaction would violate the antitrust laws, to notify the Board, the parties to the transaction, and other interested parties of such belief. Requires the suspension of such transaction after such notice is given. Authorizes the Attorney General to exempt a class of transactions from such premerger notification if such transactions do not affect the control of an air carrier directly engaged in the operation of aircraft and does not restrain competition or create a monopoly. Authorizes the Board to exempt any person or class of persons from the requirements of this Act if such exemption is in the public interest. Exempts air carriers which engage in air transportation solely with aircraft having a maximum passenger capacity of less than 56 passengers or a maximum payload capacity of less than 18,000 pounds from the requirement that they hold a certificate. Authorizes the Board to increase such capacity when the public interest so requires. Eliminates the power of the President to approve or disapprove the issuance, transfer, suspension, revocation, or modification of any certificate authorizing an air carrier to engage in overseas or foreign air transportation. Limits the Board's power to prescribe minimum and maximum fares for air transportation. Prohibits the Board from finding a rate to be too high unless before January 1, 1980, it is more than ten percent higher than the previous year and after such date 20 percent higher than the previous year. Prohibits the Board from finding a rate to be too low if such rate is above the carrier's direct cost for such service. Authorizes the Board to dispense with oral evidentiary proceedings for applications pertaining to interstate or overseas air transportation. Requires the Board to either grant or deny such applications within 30 days after a decision not to require a hearing. Stipulates that if the Board does not act within such time the application shall be deemed granted as applied for. Sets forth procedures for oral evidentiary proceedings for applications relating to air transportation.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1977
Young Families' Housing Act - Graduated Payment Mortgage Insurance Act - Amends the National Housing Act to permit the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to insure, on a regular basis, mortgages and loans with provisions for varying rates of amortization corresponding to anticipated variations in family income. Sets a percentage limit on the mortgage value ratio of mortgages which will be insurable under this Act. Prescribes eligibility requirements for such insurance. States that mortgages or loans insured pursuant to this Act shall not be subject to State usury laws in most cases. Individual Housing Account Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a deduction for amounts paid in cash into an individual housing account. Defines the term "individual housing account" for the purposes of this Act. Limits annual tax deductions to $2,500 and lifetime deductions to $10,000. Makes provisions for tax treatment upon distribution of such accounts. Exempts individual housing accounts from taxation under the Internal Revenue Code.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1977
Regulatory Reform Act - Requires the President to submit to Congress a plan recommending reforms with respect to the regulation of: (1) energy, the environment, housing, and occupational health and safety by specified Federal agencies by April 30, 1979; (2) transportation and communications by specified Federal agencies by April 30, 1981; (3) banking and finance, international trade, and Government procurement by specified Federal agencies by April 30, 1983; and (4) food, consumer health and safety, economic trade practices, and labor- management concerns by specified Federal agencies by April 30, 1985. States that each such plan shall include recommendations for reform of such specified agencies and shall report on the cumulative impact of all Government regulatory activity reviewed, up to that date, on specific industry groupings. States that if the President fails to submit such plans by the specified dates, the Senate and House Committees on Government Operations shall draft their own plans to be submitted to Congress for action. Requires the Comptroller General and the Congressional Budget Office, contemporaneously with the development of the President's plan, to submit a report assessing the purpose, effects, efficiency, and cost effectiveness of each agency included in the plans submitted by the President. States that if no comprehensive regulatory reform legislation is enacted by August 1 of the year following the year in which a comprehensive plan has been submitted by the President, then all agencies affected thereby shall have no authority to issue any new rules not essential for preserving the public health and safety; if such reform is not enacted by October 1 of such year, such agency shall have no authority to enforce any rule not essential for preserving the public health and safety; if no such reform is enacted by December 31 of such year, such agency shall be terminated on such date. States that all rules of such terminated agency essential for preserving the public health and safety shall remain effective and shall be enforced by the Department of Justice. Requires the President to submit subsequent plans in the manner and in the order and frequency set forth by this Act every ten years.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1977
Delays increases in the pay of Members of Congress authorized pursuant to the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 and the Federal Salary Act of 1967 until the first day of the Congress next after the one in which such pay increases was proposed.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1977
Constitutional Amendment - Requires that justices of the Supreme Court and judges of inferior Federal courts be reconfirmed by the Senate every eight years.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1977
States that no Federal court shall have jurisdiction to enter any decree which would require the transportation of any student or teacher to achieve racial desegregation of any school or school system. Vests the jurisdiction terminated by this Act in the State courts and in the case of the District of Columbia and any territory or possession of the United States in such Federal court exercising essentially local jurisdiction in such area. Grants the United States Supreme Court the power to review any school assignment orders of the highest State court or territorial court exercising jurisdiction over such a case. Sets aside any Federal court order with respect to school assignment to achieve racial desegregation that is in effect on the day before enactment of this Act. Directs the appropriate State or territorial court to assure jurisdiction any such case and enter an order for appropriate remedial relief.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1977
Declares it to be the sense of Congress that wasteful energy consumption in the United States must be eliminated. Requests the President to call for a National Energy Crusade and to designate an Energy Conservation Month. Requests the President to report to the Congress and to the nation on the status of energy conservation initiatives.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1977
Disapproves the recommendations of the President transmitted to Congress pursuant to the Federal Salary Act of 1967 recommending rates of pay for (1) Members of Congress and the Resident Commissioner from Puerto Rico, (2) certain positions in the legislative branch, (3) specified judicial personnel, and (4) certain positions under the Executive Schedule.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1977
Makes it unlawful for any individual or entity to solicit to enroll or enroll any member of the armed forces in any labor organization or for any member to encourage others to join or to actively support any military labor organization. Sets forth penalties for violation of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1977
Food and Agriculture Act - Title I: Payment Limitation for Wheat, Feed Grains, and Upland Cotton - Extends through 1982 the payment limitation for wheat, feed grain, and upland cotton programs provided by the Agriculture Act of 1970, as amended. Title II: Dairy - Extends the effectiveness of Class I dairy base plans through 1985 and of other dairy base plans through 1982. Extends through 1982 the authority for making dairy products available to veterans' hospitals and to the military, and for making indemnity payments to dairy farmers who sustain losses as a result of pesticides. Title III: Wool Program - Extends through 1982 the current program for wool. Title IV: Wheat Program - Establishes the cost of production as the basis for target prices for 1979 through 1982 crops of wheat, corn and upland cotton, and requires that the loan rate on these crops shall be not less than 75 percent of the cost of production, subject to adjustment under special circumstances. Sets the target price for wheat for 1978 at $2.91 per bushel, and the loan rate at $2.18 per bushel. Extends through 1982, among other things: (1) the marketing certificate and acreage set-aside programs, and the exemption of processors and exporters from marketing certificate requirements; (2) the suspension of wheat marketing quotas; (3) the exclusion of wheat allotments from the transfer of acreage allotments on public lands; (4) the floor for sales of wheat by the Commodity Credit Corporation and the price at which purchases must be made to offset sales; and (5) the limit on summer fallow use of wheat acreage. Title V: Feed Grain Program - Extends the feed grain program through 1982 and sets the target price of corn for 1978 at $2.28 per bushel and the loan rate at $1.71 per bushel. Title VI: Upland Cotton Program - Extends the cotton program through 1982 and sets the target price for cotton for 1978 at $.511 per pound and the loan rate at $.3833 per pound. Extends through 1982: (1) the minimum base acreage allotment program; (2) the suspension of marketing quotas for cotton; (3) the price formula at which the Commodity Credit Corporation is required to sell upland cotton for unrestricted use; (4) the suspension of the authority of the Secretary of Agriculture to equalize the price supports for cottonseed and soybeans; and (5) the application of established rules for classifying skiprows. Title VII: Rice - Extends through 1982 among other things: (1) the national acreage allotment program for rice crops; (2) the established price and loan rate for rice crops; (3) the suspension of rice marketing quotas and the unused acreage allotment program; and (4) the rules regarding the finality of determinations setting out the basis for payments and loans. Title VIII: Food and Agricultural Research - States the findings of Congress and declares that it is the policy of the Federal Government that special measures be undertaken to improve food and agricultural research and that the Secretary of Agriculture should have the primary role in the overall national research effort. Establishes within the executive branch of the United States Government the Federal Food and Agriculture Research Policy Council: (1) to review Federal food and agriculture research programs to insure maximum coordination and cooperation among the Federal departments and agencies in their research efforts; and (2) to submit recommendations annually to the Secretary with respect to supplemental funding or organizational changes necessary to achieve the objectives of food and agriculture research. Establishes within the Department of Agriculture the Federal Food and Agriculture Research Operations and Advisory Committee: (1) to provide a forum for the interchange of information among the organizations represented; (2) to develop a system for compiling information about private and federally supported research projects and for reviewing and evaluating such projects; (3) to develop guidelines for the making of competitive grants; and (4) to submit annual reports identifying high-priority research areas and summarizing the research achievements of the prior fiscal year while making recommendations for research programs for the following year. Establishes within the Department of Agriculture the Users Advisory Board for Food and Agriculture Research, composed of five interest panels representing users of food and agriculture research, which shall annually assess for the Policy Council and Operations Committee: (1) the programs of the Federal departments and agencies performing research; (2) the relationship of the Federal Government to agricultural colleges and State agricultural experiment stations; and (3) the extent of research being conducted by other entities. Expresses the sense of the Congress that Federal food and agricultural research should be annually supported at a level of one-half of one percent of (1) the amount spent annually in the United States on food for personal consumption, and (2) the annual value of agricultural exports from the United States. Allocates to high- priority research not less than 50 percent of the appropriations for the competitive research grants program of the Department of Agriculture. Establishes within the Department of Agriculture the Office of Research and Competitive Grants to compile information about each Federally supported research project and to administer the competitive grants program. Authorizes the Secretary to make competitive five-year grants to State agricultural experiment stations, colleges and research institutions and to Federal and private organizations; and three-year grants to agricultural land-grant colleges and State experiment stations to facilitate on-going State-Federal programs that require funding in excess of normal program levels. Sets the formula for determining amounts of grants to State agricultural experiment stations for equipment, supplies and buildings, and to colleges of veterinary medicine and experiment stations for animal health research. Establishes in the United States Treasury a "Department of Agriculture Contingency Research Fund", funded at a minimum level of $5,000,000 to meet irregular or unexpected research needs of any service agency within the Department of Agriculture. Declares that it is the policy of the United States that the Department of Agriculture conduct research in the field of human nutrition. Directs the Secretary to develop a national food and human nutrition research and extension program and to make such research a separate and distinct mission of the Agricultural Research Service. Requires that not less than two percent of the appropriations for the Agricultural Research Service be allocated to improve programs of the Food and Nutrition Service. Directs the Secretary to study and report to Congress on the potential value and cost of establishing regional food and human nutrition research centers. States that not less than 15 percent of funds appropriated for distribution to States shall be used by experiment stations for conducting food and human nutrition research projects. Directs the Extension Service to establish a national educational program for dissemination of the results of research, with special attention to the education of low-income individuals. Directs the Secretary to establish an Animal Health Science Research Advisory Board to recommend priorities for the conduct of animal health research programs. Authorizes such appropriations as may be necessary and directs that they be apportioned thus: (1) 4 percent retained by the Department of Agriculture for administration and program assistance; and (2) 96 percent to go to accredited colleges of veterinary medicine and agricultural experiment stations in the several States. Directs the deans of the participating colleges and the director of the State agricultural experiment station for the State to develop a comprehensive animal health research program for each State based on the research capacity of each eligible institution in the State. Requires the dean or director of each eligible institution to cause preparation of and to review project proposals which comply with the purpose and provisions of this Act. Sets the Federal contribution to any eligible institution at $100,000 in addition to amounts matching funds from non-Federal sources. Title IX: Public Law 480 - Extends through 1982 the authority to carry out the "Food for Peace" programs under Public Law 480. Authorizes the President to reallocate commodities earmarked for humanitarian purposes in developing countries when he determines that the quantity of such commodities cannot be effectively used to carry out such purposes. Permits the use of foreign currencies to assist foreign countries in establishing facilities for the handling, storage, and distribution of U.S. agricultural commodities. Increases to 1,500,000 tons (from 1,300,000 tons) the minimum quantity of agricultural commodities to be distributed in each fiscal year under Title II of Public Law 480, and deletes the requirement that one million tons be distributed through voluntary agencies and the World Food Program. Increases to $900,000,000 (from $600,000,000) the maximum level of assistance under Title II of Public Law 480. Permits payment of transportation costs to points of entry other than the seaports of the recipient country. Title X: Food Stamps : - National Food Stamp Reform Act - Redefines the meaning of the term "household" as used in the Food Stamp Act of 1964. Deletes the existing requirement that individuals sharing common living quarters be related in order to qualify as a household. Includes within the meaning of the term "retail food store" any private, nonprofit, cooperative food purchasing venture in which members pay for food purchased prior to receipt of such food. Authorizes such cooperatives to redeem members' food coupons. Amends the definition of the term "elderly person" to delete the requirement that such person be either living alone or with a spouse. Adds definitions to the term "nutritionally adequate diet". Prohibits the distribution of federally donated foods to households except as is considered necessary by the Secretary of Agriculture to effect an orderly transition on an Indian reservation from a food distribution program to the food coupon program. Sets forth standards or eligibility for participation by households in the food stamp program. States that the income standards of eligibility shall be the income poverty guidelines prescribed by the Office of Management and Budget. Defines the terms "gross income" and "household income" as used in determining the eligibility. Sets forth the exemption allowed in determining the amount of each type of income attributable to a household. Limits participation to households with net income at or below the official Federal poverty levels. Replaces itemized deductions with a standard deduction of $70. Establishes a 30-day retrospective accounting period for eligibility determinations. Authorizes the Secretary to establish temporary emergency eligibility standards for households that are victims of a disaster. Directs the Secretary to provide that no household shall be eligible for the food stamp program if such household includes an able-bodied adult between the ages of 18 and 60 (subject to specified exceptions) who without good cause fails to register for employment at a State employment service, or otherwise fails to attempt to find work, or refuses to accept employment or voluntarily quits any job. States that no person shall be eligible to receive food coupons who is not a citizen or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence. States that no individual shall be considered a household member for food stamp program purposes who: (1) has reached his eighteenth birthday; (2) is enrolled in an institution of higher education; and (3) is properly claimed or could be claimed as a dependent by a taxpayer who is not a member of an eligible household. Declares that no household that knowingly transfers liquid or nonliquid assets for the purpose of qualifying or attempting to qualify for the food stamp program shall be eligible to participate in the program for a minimum of 30 days. States that no person who receives supplementary security income benefits under Title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) of the Social Security Act, State supplementary payments under such title, or payments under specified provisions of Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of such Act, shall be considered a member of a household for purposes of this Act during specified months. Establishes the face value of the coupon allotment which State agencies shall be authorized to issue to eligible households. States that such allotment will be in an amount sufficient to allow a household to purchase a nutritionally adequate diet. Sets the charge for a household coupon allotment at 27.5 percent of the household's income. Requires issuance of 4 authorization-to-purchase cards to each participating household at the beginning of each month. Directs the extension of the nutrition education program of the Department of Agriculture to the greatest extent possible, including the development and distribution of printed materials. Directs the States to include in their plans for the administration of the food stamp program procedures for: (1) the expedited payment to households of the bonus value of any coupon allotment which has been wrongfully denied, delayed, or terminated as a result of an administrative error; and (2) the expedited determination of an applicant household's eligibility. Establishes measures by which the Secretary may ensure the compliance of State agencies with regulations governing State food stamp programs. Authorizes the use of food coupons by the elderly and disabled to purchase "meals on wheels". Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to prescribe regulations permitting applicants and recipients of supplemental security income benefits under Title XVI of the Social Security Act to apply for food stamps at supplemental security income certification offices. Provides for the use of multilingual personnel and material in the administration of the food stamp program in areas where numerous persons speak a language other than English. Increases the criminal penalties for the fraudulent use of food coupons and authorization to purchase cards. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct experimental projects for purposes of increasing the program's efficiency and improving the delivery of benefits to eligible households. Adds to the Assistant Secretaries of Agriculture now provided by law an Assistant Secretary for food and nutrition programs. Title XI: Rural Development - Extends the rural community fire protection program under the Rural Development Act of 1972 through September 30, 1980, with an annual authorization of appropriations not to exceed $7,000,000. Encourages rural fire fighting forces to make use of excess Federal property. Requires the Secretary to submit an annual report to Congress on rural community fire protection. Amends the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act to provide that prior Congressional approval of watershed projects will be required only where the estimated Federal contribution is in excess of $750,000. Increases from $250,000 to $500,000 the amount of any loan that can be made for a resource conservation and development project under the Bankhead-Jones Farm Tenant Act without prior Congressional approval of the loan. Title XII: Extension of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act - Makes permanent the scientific advisory panel established by the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act to assess the environmental impact of action proposals for the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. Extends the authorization for appropriations under the Act for fiscal years 1978 ($65,000,000), 1979 ($70,000,000), and 1980 ($75,000,000). Title XIII: Miscellaneous Provisions - Includes marine and fresh water aquaculture and human nutrition among the basic functions of the Department of Agriculture. Extends through 1982: (1) the authority for making indemnity payments to beekeepers who sustain losses as a result of pesticides; and (2) the authority for the purchase and donation of agricultural commodities with appropriated funds. Authorizes the Secretary, in case of emergency in the National Forest System or when called upon by local or State authorities, to use personnel and equipments and incur expenses in the search for lost persons, in the aid of the seriously ill or injured, or in the transport of dead persons to the nearest place where the body may be transferred to interested parties or local authorities.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1977
Restricts the importation of fresh, chilled, or frozen beef, goat, and sheep meat to entry under specified tariff classifications, regardless of form, classification as processed, change in tariff classification, executive definition, or entry into the United States through any foreign trade zone and modification in form within the trade zone.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1977
Disapproves the recommendations of the President transmitted to Congress pursuant to the Federal Salary Act of 1967 recommending rates of pay for (1) Members of Congress and the Resident Commissioner from Puerto Rico, (2) certain positions in the legislative branch, (3) specified judicial personnel, and (4) certain positions under the Executive Schedule.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1977
Amends rule XLIV of the Standing Rules of the Senate to require each Senator or person seeking nomination to the Senate to file with the Secretary of the Senate, before the 15th of May in each year, an account of all contributions over $50 received by him during the preceding year. Forbids any Senator, nominee, officer or employee of the Senate to accept any honorarium or reimbursement for expenses incurred by him in connection with any appearance, speech or article.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1977
Recognizes the outstanding contributions made by President Ford to this Nation and commends him for the manner and integrity with which he carried out his responsibilities.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1977
Public Safety Officers' Group Life Insurance Act - Authorizes the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration to purchase from life insurance companies a policy or policies of group life insurance to provide the benefits provided under this Act. Provides that each such life insurance company must: (1) be licensed to issue life insurance in each of the 50 states of the United States and in the District of Columbia; and (2) as of the most recent December 31 for which information is available to the administration have in effect at least one percent of the total amount of group life insurance which all life insurance companies have in effect in the United States. Provides that any purchased policy shall automatically insure any Public Safety Officer employed by a State or local government which has applied to participate in the insurance program and agreed to deduct from such officer's pay the amount of the premium, to be forwarded to the proper Federal agency as designated by the Administration. Specifies the amount of life insurance an officer may receive on the basis of his pay rate. Requires that policies purchased under this Act provide officers accidental death and dismemberment insurance in an amount equal to the applicable amount of life insurance. Provides that each policy purchased by the Administration under this Act shall contain a provision, in terms approved by the Administration, to the effect that any insurance thereunder on any public safety officer shall cease two months after; (1) his separation or release from duty as such an officer; or (2) discontinuance of his pay as such an officer, whichever is earlier. Provides that each policy purchased under this Act shall contain a provision, in terms approved by the Administration, for the conversion of such insurance effective the day following the date such insurance would cease. Specifies that during the period such insurance is in force the insured, upon request to the Administration, shall be furnished a list of life insurance companies participating in the program established under this Act and upon written application (within such period) to the participating company selected by the insured and payment of the required premiums be granted insurance without a medical examination on a permanent plan then currently written by such company which does not provide for the payment of any sum less than the face value thereof for the payment of an additional amount of premiums if the insured engages in public safety activities. Requires that during any period in which a public safety officer is insured under a policy of insurance purchased by the Administration under this Act his employer shall withhold each pay period from his basic or other pay until separation or release from duty as a public safety officer an amount determined by the Administration to be such officer's share of the cost of his group life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment insurance. Sets forth the order of precedence in which the survivors of the officers will be awarded insurance benefits. States that each policy issued under this title shall include a schedule of basic premium rates and provides for the readjustment of rates. Establishes an Advisory Council on Public Safety Officer Group Life Insurance consisting of the Attorney General as Chairman, the Secretary of the Treasury, the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget. Provides that the Council shall meet once a year, or more often at the call of the Attorney General, and shall review the Administration of this Act and advise the Administration on matters of policy relating to activities thereunder.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1977
Eliminates the provision in the Veterans' Assistance and Employment Act of 1976 which prohibits colleges and universities from receiving Veterans' Administration educational benefits for classes in which more than 85 percent of the enrollment is composed of students having their fees paid either by the Federal Government or the institutions themselves.
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 1977
Medicare-Medicaid Anti-Fraud and Abuse Amendments - Amends Titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require that Medicare and Medicaid payments be made directly to the physician or other person providing the service involved. Allows payment in accordance with an assignment from the person or institution providing care or service if such assignment is made to a governmental agency or entity or is established by the order of a court of competent jurisdiction or to an agent of such person or institution if the agency does so pursuant to an agency agreement under which the compensation to be paid to the agency for his services or in connection with the billing or collection of payments due such person or institution under the plan is unrelated to the amount of such payments or the billings thereof, and is not dependent upon the actual collection of any such payment. States that the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare shall by regulation (or by contract provision) provide that any entity (other than a public agency) which is a provider or supplier that furnishes or arranges for the furnishing of items or services with respect to which payment is claimed under Title XVIII, Title V (Maternal and Child Welfare), or under Title XIX of the Social Security Act to a party to an agreement with the Secretary under such titles shall promptly comply with any request, specifically addressed to that entity by the Secretary or the Comptroller General of the United States, for information concerning ownership, control, or costs of such entities. Increases the maximum penalty for defrauding the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Authorizes the Comptroller General of the United States to sign and issue subpoenas for the purpose of any audit, investigation, examination, analysis, review, evaluation, or other function authorized by law with respect to any program authorized under this Act. Requires the Secretary to suspend any physician or practitioner from participation in the Medicare or Medicaid programs whenever such individual is convicted of a criminal offense related to their involvement in such programs. Conditions participation in or certification or recertification under the programs established by titles XVIII, XIX, and XX (Grants to States for Services) upon disclosure of the name of any person who: (1) has a direct or indirect ownership or control interest of five percent or more in such provider, institution, organization, or agency; and (2) has been convicted of a criminal offense related to the involvement of such person in any of such programs. Prohibits expenditure under the Medicaid plan to the extent that any agency, organization, or other person (other than a member of the individual's family) would have been obligated by a State law or contract to provide such care or services but for a provision of the State law or contract which limits or excludes such obligation because the individual is eligible for or receives care or services under the plan.
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 1977
Amends Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to decrease from 72 to 65 the age at which earnings limitations are no longer applicable.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 1977
Requires the following persons to file annual financial disclosure statements with the Comptroller General: (1) the President; (2) the Vice President; (3) Members of Congress; (4) civil or military officers of the Executive Branch; (5) Federal judges and justices; (6) Federal employees and officials earning more than $25,000 per year; and (7) candidates in a general election for Federal office. Specifies information which such statement must contain including: (1) the amount and source of each item of income, and each gift or aggregate of gifts from one source (other than gifts received from a member of his immediate family) received by him or by him and his spouse jointly during the preceding calendar year which exceeds $100 in amount or value; including any fee or other honorarium and the monetary value of subsistence, entertainment, travel, and other facilities received by him in kind; (2) the value of each asset which is in excess of $1,000 held by him or by him and his spouse jointly; and (3) all dealings in securities or commodities which are in excess of $1,000 by him or by him and his spouse jointly. Requires the Comptroller General to make such statements available for public inspection. Requires that all written communications and memorandums of all oral communications made to a Federal agency concerning a case before such agency by any person not affiliated with such agency be made part of the public record of such case.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 1977
Restores the applicability of the general statute of limitations (five years) for the prosecution of violations of Federal criminal law to the prosecution of violations of the Federal Election Campaign Act by repealing the special statute of limitations in such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 1977
Sunset Act - Title I: Authorizations of New Budget Authority - Sets forth a five-year schedule for review and reauthorization of all Federal programs according to budget function and subfunction as set forth in the Budget of the United States Government for fiscal year 1977. States that no program not specifically reauthorized by Congress pursuant to this Act shall continue to function after the review date set forth in such schedule. Excepts from the requirements of this Act specified programs such as health care services, general retirement and disability insurance, and Federal employment retirement and disability payments. Permits legislation authorizing Federal program review more often than every five years as required by this Act. Requires the Comptroller General to identify for Congress for each program being reviewed the type of budget authority such program has and those inactive programs for which no outlays have been made during fiscal years 1976 and 1977. Title II: Review of Programs - Requires the authorizing committees of the Senate and House of Representatives to conduct "sunset reviews" of all programs prior to the review date applicable to such program and to issue a report on the findings of such review. Sets forth guidelines for the content of such sunset reviews including the identification of programs with duplicative objectives and an assessment of the impact of eliminating the program or funding it at a lower level. Provides the authorizing committees with assistance from the Government Accounting Office, the Congressional Budget Office, and the Congressional Research Service in carrying out such sunset reviews. Title III: Citizens' Commission on the Organization and Operation of Government - Establishes a Citizens' Commission on the Organization and Operation of Government to study and make recommendations on ways to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the Federal Government. Requires the Commission to submit its final report together with its findings and recommendations no later than September 30, 1980. Requires the Comptroller General to report once a year for two years after submission of the Commission's final report the status of actions taken as a result of the report. Terminates the Commission 90 days after submission of its final report. Authorizes to be appropriated $12,000,000 to carry out the provisions of this title. Title IV: Tax Expenditures - Requires the Joint Committee on Taxation, after consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury and the Budget Committees of the House and Senate, to prepare a reauthorization schedule for all tax expenditures, similar to the schedule set out in Title I for Federal programs, and to report its recommendations to the Committees on Ways and Means and Finance. Requires the Congress to take final action before the end of the 95th Congress on the schedule for tax expenditures. States that, following the adoption of the schedule, the Committees on Ways and Means and Finance are required to conduct "sunset" reviews of tax expenditures according to the schedule. Sets forth guidelines for such reviews similar to those set out in Title II for such programs. Title V: Miscellaneous - Requires executive department agency heads to submit to Congress (after the President has submitted his budget) a statement of that agency's request for new budget authority as transmitted to the Office of Management and Budget. Requires agency heads to furnish the authorizing committees of Congress information regarding supplemental budget requests and supplemental estimates of outlays. Provides for a one-year grace period for programs which have not been specifically reauthorized by the scheduled time.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to limit the application of the Tax Reform Act's elimination of the sick pay exclusion for persons who have not retired on total disability, to taxable years beginning after December 31, 1976.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 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 business 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 1978 for the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 1977
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to authorize payment for specified services performed by chiropractors, including x-rays and physical examinations, and related routine laboratory tests.
United States · United States Congress · 10 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 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 · 10 January 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to limit the application of the Tax Reform Act's elimination of the sick pay exclusion for persons who have not retired on total disability, to taxable years beginning after December 31, 1976.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 1977
Constitutional Amendment - Provides that total appropriations shall not exceed estimated revenues. Authorizes the suspension of such prohibition in time of war or by a concurrent resolution passed by the Senate and the House stating that a national emergency requires such suspension.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 1977
Requests the President: (1) to require an accounting for prisoners of war, missing in action, or killed in action in Southeast Asia; and (2) to require the Secretary of State to pursue enforcement of the Paris Agreement.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 1977
Standards and Conduct Resolution - Title I: Provisions Relating to the Select Committee on Standard and Conduct - Amends the resolution creating the Select Committee on Standards and Conduct of the Senate to give the Senate power to appoint members of the committee in accordance with the Standing Rules of the Senate. Limits to six consecutive years the length of service of any Member on the committee. Specifies the composition of the six-member committee based on length of service in the Senate. Makes it a duty of the select committee: (1) to receive complaints and investigate violations of any Code of Conduct applicable to Members, officers or employees of the Senate; and (2) to examine all financial statements filed pursuant to this Resolution, and report to the Senate any person who has filed a statement containing any false statement or any person who has failed to file a statement. Sets forth standards for the investigation of complaints filed with the select committee. Requires each complaint to be in writing. Requires a prompt investigation of all complaints. Sets forth procedures to assure the consideration of a complaint on which no action was taken for the first 30-working days after submission. Prohibits a Member from participating in the investigation of his or her own conduct. Provides for the appointment of a substitute for a disqualified select committee member. Authorizes the select committee to employ a counsel, assistant counsel, and investigators. Title II: Financial Disclosure Requirements - Requires each individual who for a period in excess of 90 days during a calendar year is a Senator or an officer or employee of the Senate and is compensated at an annual rate in excess of $20,000 to file a complete financial statement for the preceding year. Requires individuals who seek nomination for or election to the Senate to file a report containing a complete financial statement for the preceding year. Specifies the following information to be disclosed in a financial statement: (1) the amount and source of each item of income, or reimbursement, and each gift or aggregate thereof from a single source which exceeds $100 in amount or value; (2) the fair market value of any item received in kind if such value exceeds $500; (3) the identity and category of value of each asset other than household goods, jewelry, furniture, or personal vehicle having a value in excess of $1,000; (4) the identity and category of amount of each liability owed in excess of $1,000; (5) the identity and category of value of any securities or commodities transaction in excess of $1,000; (6) the identity and category of value of any real estate transaction in excess of $1,000; (7) any patent right held; and (8) a description of any agreement between the person filing the statement and any other person concerning employment after filing the individual's term of office. Requires officers and employees of the Senate to report the identity of any person who paid such officer or employee compensation in excess of $5,000 in any of the five years before the calendar year of filing. Sets forth increments of value to be used in stating categories of value or amount of property or financial dealings. Directs the select committee to make available to the public each report filed with it. Sets forth exceptions to this requirement. Title III: Code of Conduct - Directs the select committee to recommend to the Senate a Code of Conduct for Members of the Senate. Specifies areas for the select committee to consider when developing such Code.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Amends rule XXII of the Standing Rules of the Senate to reduce the time that a Senator shall speak on a measure pending before the Senate from one hour to one-half hour. Limits to 50 hours the time for consideration of a proposition on which cloture was invoked. States that after such time the Senate shall take a final vote unless a motion is made to table, amend, debate or establish a quorum. Revises rule III to allow the suspension of the reading of the Journal by a motion decided without debate and confines motions to correct the Journal to an accurate description of the proceedings of the preceding day. Amends rule V to prohibit appeals from a ruling that no business has been transacted since the last quorum call when the fact is supported by the minute book of the Journal or transcripts of the proceedings of debate. Prohibits appeals from a ruling on a point of order made immediately following a yea-and-nay vote where the presence of a quorum was shown and no business has intervened. Amends rule XV to permit the waiver of a demand for the reading of an amendment presented to the Senate. Amends rule XXVII to permit the waiver of a demand for the reading of a conference report.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Amends rule XLIV of the Standing Rules of the Senate to require each Senator, Senate candidate and each Senate employee compensated at a rate in excess of $25,000 a year to file annually with the Secretary of the Senate a report of net worth as of the end of the preceding calendar year. Directs that the report consist of a statement of assets and liabilities of the reporting Member, candidate, or employee and his spouse and a list of the identity and amount of each source of income. Directs that the requirement may be satisfied by filing with the Secretary of the Senate a copy of his Federal income tax report for such year. States that reports filed shall be maintained as public records.
![Official portrait of Sen. Allen, James B. [D-AL]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/a000127_200.jpg)