United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1977
Coal Transportation Act - Amends the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920 to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to grant rights-of-way on Federal lands for coal pipelines. Amends the Interstate Commerce Act to make coal pipelines operating in interstate commerce subject to regulation under such Act. Stipulates that charges for the transportation of coal by pipeline based on long-term commitments are presumptively unlawful unless finally approved by the Commission for use by common carriers by railroad. Prohibits coal pipelines from transporting coal in interstate commerce where such pipeline has an interest in such coal. Requires the construction and maintenance of feeder or distribution lines by coal pipeline carriers. Prohibits abandonment of existing pipelines without certification by the Interstate Commerce Commission. Establishes procedures governing issuance of such certificates. Imposes civil penalties for illegal abandonment of existing pipelines. Establishes procedures governing the granting of easements to coal pipeline carriers by the Commission in accordance with prescribed criteria. Requires that Commission approval be obtained prior to transfers, mergers, and acquisitions involving coal pipeline carriers. Lists criteria to be considered by the Commission in evaluating such proposed transactions. Prohibits the Commission from issuing certificates of public convenience and necessity to coal pipeline carriers without receiving the advice of the Attorney General and the Federal Trade Commission that such action would not contravene antitrust laws. Establishes procedures for enforcement of the requirements of this Act against coal pipeline carriers by the Attorney General upon the report of the Interstate Commerce Commission. Imposes criminal and civil penalties for such violations. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to prescribe regulations to apply the provisions of the Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Act of 1968 to coal pipelines
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1977
Senate Administrative Reorganization Resolution - Establishes within the Senate the Administrative Office of the Senate to be headed by an Administrator of the Senate appointed by the Administrative Council. Establishes an Administrative Council of the Senate to supervise the Administrator and review the plans and recodifications submitted by the Administrator. Requires the Administrator to maintain all administrative and support service and facilities delegated to such individual, and to review existing systems and prepare a recodification of the laws, rules, and standing orders of the Senate relating to administrative services and facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1977
1981 White House Conference on Aging Act - Declares it the policy of the Congress that the Federal Government should work with the States and citizens to develop recommendations and plans to meet the needs of older persons. Requires that programs developed under this resolution place emphasize upon the right of older persons to free choice and self-help in planning their futures. Authorizes the President of the United States to call a White House Conference on Aging in 1981 to develop recommendations for research and action in the field of aging. Requires the Conference to include representatives of Federal, State, and local governments, professional and lay people working in the field of aging including older persons themselves. Directs that a final report of the White House Conference, containing a comprehensive statement of a coherent national policy on aging and the recommendations of such Conference, be submitted to the President and Congress within a specified time. Sets forth the responsibilities and duties of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare in administering this resolution. Directs the Secretary to establish an advisory committee to the Conference and such other technical committees as may be necessary to carry out such Conference.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1977
Judicial Tenure Act - Establishes A Council on Judicial Tenure. Sets forth procedures whereby complaints concerning Federal judges may be made to either the Council of Judicial Tenure except in the cases involving certain appellate judge's, or to the Judicial Council of the appropriate circuit. Directs that all nonfrivolous complaints within the scope of the Council on Judicial Tenure be investigated. Requires the Council to make further investigation into each written complaint to determine whether grounds specified in this Act for removal of a Justice or judge from office or for censure or involuntary retirement of a Justice or judge exist. Directs the Judicial Conference of the United States or, with the concurrence of a majority of its members, a panel of nine member judges to sit as a Court on Judicial Discipline to hear causes brought before it by the Council on Judicial Tenure. Authorizes the Conference or committee in all causes brought before it, by majority vote (1) to order the censure of any Justice or judge whose conduct is found to be inconsistent with the good behavior required by the Constitution; (2) to order the removal of any such Justice or judge from office; (3) to order the involuntary retirement of any Justice or judge in accordance with this Act; and (4) to dismiss or remand to the Council any such case. Directs the Supreme Court to review orders of the judicial conference upon the petition of any aggrieved judge. Establishes a temporary court of Disciplinary Review to review petitions of any aggrieved Supreme Court Justice.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1977
Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to authorize air carriers operating within the State of Florida pursuant to authority granted by the Public Service Commission and which operate aircraft capable of carrying 30 or more persons to enter into agreements with other air carriers to establish joint fares, rates, and services. Specifies various methods for determining the lowest such joint fare or rate which may be established.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1977
Declares it the sense of the Senate that the President discuss with Canada the impact of recent provisions of the Canadian tax code on the United States broadcasting industry.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1977
Authorizes the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration to provide for radio and television coverage of proceedings in the Senate Chamber during the second session of the Ninety-fifth Congress. Directs the Committee to maintain videotapes and recordings of such coverage to be made available to public and commercial broadcasting stations. Directs the Committee to compile a daily written summary of Senate proceedings to be made available to the news media and to Senate Members, officers, and committees.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1977
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 plan for 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 · 6 April 1977
Corrections Construction and Programs Development Act - Title I: Findings and Declaration of Purpose - States Congressional findings with regard to State and local corrections and declares the purpose of this Act to be to provide additional resources to State and local governments to upgrade correctional facilities and programs. Title II: Supplemental Grant Program under Part E of Crime Control Act - Authorizes the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration to make supplemental grants to States submitting approved applications for correctional facility grants under the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1977
Provides for the designation of the library of any nationally accredited law school as a depository library upon request of such law school. (Adds 44 U.S.C. 1916)
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1977
Social Security Cost-of-Living Improvement Act - Requires an annual cost-of-living increase in Federal old-age, survivors, and disability benefits under the Social Security Act. Defines the base periods from which the need for such increases shall be determined. Directs the Secretary of Labor, in consultation with the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, to develop a special Consumer Price Index for the elderly.
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 1977
Amends the Strategic and Critical Materials Stock Piling Act to direct the Secretaries of the Army, Air Force, and Navy to require the Administrator of General Services to establish a program (1) to provide for the acquisition of strategic and critical materials from foreign countries through the barter of goods owned by the United States, and (2) to insure the active cooperation and participation of each appropriate department and agency having custody of goods suitable for barter. Requires the annual stock piling report submitted to the Congress by such Secretaries to include a report regarding such barter program. Prohibits the appropriation or obligation of funds under such Act for the procurement of strategic or critical materials unless funds for such procurement have been specifically authorized by law. Makes excess materials in the inventory maintained under the Defense Production Act and in the national and supplemental stockpiles available, where authorized, for transfer at fair market value as payment for expenses in the acquiring, refining, and rotating of materials pursuant to such barter program. Establishes within the Treasury a Strategic and Critical Materials Procurement Fund. Stipulates that all moneys received from the sales of materials under the Strategic and Critical Materials Stock Piling Act shall be placed into the Fund and that moneys from such fund shall be available only, when appropriated, for the procurement, transportation, maintenance, rotation, storage, refining or processing of materials under such Act. Requires the Administrator of General Services to annually report to Congress on the operation of the Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 1977
Interstate Horseracing Act - Expresses the findings of Congress with regard to the significance of the horseracing industry and the effects of off-track betting on that industry. Declares that the policy of Congress is to assure continued revenue flow from horseracing to the States and to protect the horseracing industry. Prohibits the acceptance of a wager, placed or accepted in one state on the outcome of a horserace in another state. Subjects any person violating this Act to a civil action which may be brought by (1) the host racing association, (2) the host State, or (3) any owner of any horse participating in a race which is the subject of an interstate off-track wager. Allows the courts (1) to enjoin further violations of this Act, and (2) to award damages in an amount equal to three times the amount of that portion of the interstate off-track wagers which the host State, the host racing association, and the owners of horses participating in the race would have received if such wagers had been placed at the track where the race was held. States that in the event that a wager accepted in violation of this Act is of a type not accepted at the host track, the damages shall be equal to three times the greater of (1) the maximum takeout permitted for any type of pari-mutuel wager in the host State, or (2) the maximum takeout for any type of pari-mutuel wager in the off-track state. Defines "takeout" as that portion of a wager which is deducted from the pari-mutuel pool and is distributed to persons or entities other than those placing wagers. Grants jurisdiction over an action under this Act to the United States District Court in the host State or State in which the off track wager was alleged to have been made. Grants concurrent jurisdiction to state courts of competent jurisdiction in the host State or off-track State. Prescribes a statute of limitations of three years after the discovery of an alleged violation of this Act. States that this Act shall not apply to any interstate off-track pari-mutuel wager which is accepted by an off-track State pursuant to a contract which (1) is entered into by the off-track State and the host State prior to enactment of this Act, and (2) authorizes the off-track State to accept such wagers with respect to the outcome of a horserace taking place in the host State. Limits this exception to this Act to the termination date of the above contract, or the period extending until April 30, 1983, whichever date occurs first.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 1977
Occupational Safety and Health Act Amendments - Amends the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 to require the Secretary of Labor to publish technological and economic feasibility studies of a proposed safety or health standard in the Federal Register at least 30 days before such standard is promulgated. Requires the Secretary to publish annual reports of the most prevalent classes of industrial and occupational violations. Extends from 15 to 30 days certain enforcement procedures. Prohibits the assessment of a civil penalty for a citation given for a nonserious violation during an initial inspection. Authorizes the Secretary to make consultative visits to workplace upon an employer's request.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1977
Universal Voter Registration Act - Establishes the positions of Administrator and Assistant Administrator of Voter Registration within the Federal Election Commission. Specifies the duties of the Administrator, including (1) establishing and administering a voter registration program in accordance with this Act; (2) providing for the collection, analysis, and publication of voter registration information in coordination work the Secretary of Commerce; and (3) providing information and technical assistance to State and local officials concerning voter registration. Requires each State and local government to permit any individual who is eligible under applicable State and Federal law to register to vote in any Federal election to register on the date of a Federal election at the appropriate polling place. States that any individual so registering shall, if required by State or local authorities, establish his identity by (1) executing an affidavit containing certain information and (2) submitting either an affidavit executed by a person who is registered to vote at the polling place involved and is present at such polling place with the individual seeking registration or one of any forms of identification approved by the Commission. Directs the Commission to make grants for approved voter registration outreach programs to States which comply with the election day registration requirements of this Act. Conditions the amount of such grants on whether a State has a similar election day registration program in effect with respect to State and local elections. Stipulates that a registration outreach program may include projects relating to registration by mail, registration through the use of mobile units, or bilingual registration, and those projects otherwise designed to improve voter registration methods and procedures. Lists the purposes for which grant funds may be used. Sets forth criminal penalties for any person who knowingly and willfully (1) registers, or attempts to register, to vote under this Act for the purpose of voting more than once in any Federal election; (2) conspires with any person for the purpose of enabling such person to make false registration to vote in a Federal election under this Act or for the purpose of enabling or encouraging any individual to make such false registration to vote in a Federal election; or (3) falsifies any information with respect to the name, residence, or age of such person, or any other information for the purpose of establishing eligibility to register to vote in a Federal election under this Act. Directs the Commission to institute actions to prevent any violation of this Act. Requires Federal courts to expedite consideration of actions involving a violation of, or a constitutional challenge to, any provision of this Act. Prohibits commercial use of any list compiled by a State or local government of individuals registered to vote in a Federal election.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1977
Authorizes the Comptroller General to accept any claim filed by a certain individual regarding an unpaid allotment while serving on active duty in the U.S. Army.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1977
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to extend coverage under the supplemental medical insurance program of such Title to aliens who are, and were on January 1, 1975, permanently residing in the United States under color of law although they are not lawfully admitted for permanent residence.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1977
Directs the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation to conduct an investigation and study of the telecommunications policies of the Federal Government.
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 · 4 March 1977
Federal Program Information Act - Creates a Federal Program Information Center to establish and maintain a computerized program information system which is capable of identifying all existing Federal domestic assistance programs. Specifies the required contents of the data base of such system, including the identity, description, and eligibility requirements of each such assistance program. Requires the Director of the Center to publish an annual catalog containing all information on Federal domestic assistance programs that is in the data base of the system. States that information in such data base and the catalog prepared pursuant to this Act shall be made available to the public at a reasonable price.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1977
Department of Energy Organization Act - Title I: Declaration of Purposes - Declares it the purpose of this Act to establish a permanent Department of Energy in the executive branch to assist in the development of a coordinated national energy policy. Title II: Establishment of Department - Establishes a Department of Energy in the executive branch. Establishes an Energy Information Administration and an Economic Regulatory Administration within such Department. Title III: Transfers of Functions - Transfers to the Secretary of Energy all functions now vested in the Federal Energy Administration, the Energy Research and Development Administration, and the Federal Power Commission. Transfers energy-related functions from the Department of the Interior to the new Secretary. Transfers specified functions of the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, the Interstate Commerce Commission, the Secretary of the Navy, and the Secretary of Commerce to the new Secretary. Title IV: Board of Hearings and Appeals - Establishes a three-member Board of Hearings and Appeals within the Department to make agency determinations as required by law. Prohibits persons having interests in energy companies from serving as Board members. Title V: Administrative Procedures and Judicial Review - Stipulates that the provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act shall apply to rules and regulations issued by the Secretary or a delegate. Requires that opportunity for oral presentations of viewpoints be afforded where regulations are likely to have a substantial economic impact. Requires hearings on rules which substantially impact a single geographic area to be held in such geographic area. Stipulates that United States district courts shall have exclusive jurisdiction of cases arising under this Act without regard to amount in controversy, except where otherwise provided in authority transferred to the Secretary. Title VI: Administrative Provisions - Establishes a Leasing Liaison Committee to obtain information and make recommendations on Federal leasing activities conducted by the Secretary of the Interior which relate to energy resources. Requires officers and employees of the Department of Energy to disclose known financial interests in energy companies. Imposes criminal penalties for knowing violations of such disclosure requirements. Authorizes the Secretary to delegate authority to other officers, to create regional officers, and to establish advisory committees. Requires the Secretary to submit annual reports to the President for submission to the Congress. Title VII: Transitional Savings and Conforming Provisions - Stipulates that transfers of personnel authorized by this Act shall not result in reduction in grade or unemployment for one year after enactment of this Act. Stipulates that orders, rules, and proceedings established or commenced under previous authority shall not be affected by the transfers under this Act. Amends the Federal Energy Administration Act, the Energy Reorganization Act, the Federal Power Act, the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act, the Energy Conservation Standard for New Buildings Act, the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935, the Rural Electrification Act of 1936, and other provisions of law to conform with the changes made by this Act. Title VIII: Effective Date and Interim Appointments - Stipulates that the provisions of this Act shall take effect no later than 120 days after the Secretary first takes office. Establishes procedures for interim appointments of officers prior to the effective date of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1977
Older Americans Tax Counseling Assistance Act - Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury, through the Internal Revenue Service, to enter into agreements with private or public nonprofit agencies or organizations for the purpose of providing training and technical assistance to prepare volunteers to provide tax counseling assistance for elderly individuals in the preparation of their Federal income tax returns. Directs the Secretary to utilize and support the services of volunteers and to establish the qualifications required and the terms and conditions of service as a volunteer. States that service as a volunteer under this Act shall not be considered service as an employee of the United States. Authorizes the Secretary to direct the attention of elderly individuals to provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 which affect the aged.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1977
Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to exempt from the English language requirement of the naturalization proceedings, immigrants who: (1) were conditionally admitted to the United States; (2) are over 50 years of age; and (3) have been living in the United States for periods totaling at least five years.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1977
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide payment for rural health clinic services pursuant to program of Supplementary Medical Insurance Benefits for the aged and Disabled of such Title.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1977
Earth Resources and Environmental Information System Act - Title I: Earth Resources and Environmental Information System; Policies and Management - States the policies and purposes of this Act. Title II: Establishment of the Earth Resources and Environmental Information System - Establishes an Earth Resources and Environmental Information System, consisting of a "space segment" and a "data handling segment", to provide data and information on the resources and environment of the Earth to both domestic and foreign users. Title III: Federal Coordination and Planning - Requires the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy in the Executive Office of the President to oversee and coordinate, for research and development, the validation and operational phases of the system. Requires the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to establish and operate the space segment of the System, including replacement of satellites, to complete validation of the System, and to insure that other countries can acquire data from such segment. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to establish and operate the data handling segment of the System. Title IV: Miscellaneous Provisions - Authorizes appropriations to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1977
Minority Business Development Act - Establishes the Minority Business Development Administration in the Department of Commerce. Creates the position of the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Minority Business Development to direct such Administration. Empowers the Assistant Secretary to make grants and enter into contracts with any person in order to provide management and technical assistance to minority enterprises. Sets forth the functions of the Assistant Secretary including the establishment of goals for other Federal departments which may affect minority business enterprises and the collection and dissemination of information useful for the undertaking and the promoting of minority businesses. Direct the heads of Federal departments to cooperate with the Secretary of Commerce by furnishing specified information. Calls for interagency cooperation with the Assistant Secretary's investigative function. Directs the Assistant Secretary to submit an annual report to the President, the Office of Management and Budget, and Congress.
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
Public Official Integrity Act - Title I: Amendments to Title 28, United States Code - Requires the Attorney General to investigate all specific allegations of criminal law violations by specified individuals, including the President, Vice President, persons in the Executive branch compensated at a rate of pay prescribed for positions I and II of the Executive Schedule, and any national campaign manager or chairman of any national campaign committee seeking the election or reelection of the President. Requires the Attorney General to decide within 60 days whether the matter warrants prosecution and if so, directs him to apply to the division of the U.S. Courts of Appeals responsible for the appointment of a special prosecutor. Requires the Attorney General to apply for the appointment of a special prosecutor whenever, in the course of any criminal investigation, he determines that the continuing investigation or resulting prosecution may so directly and substantially affect the political or personal interests of the President or the Attorney General or the interests of the President's political party as to make it inappropriate in the interest of the administration of justice for the Department of Justice to conduct such investigation. Enumerates the authority and duties of a special prosecutor. Gives a special prosecutor all the investigative and prosecutorial functions and powers of the Department except those which specifically require the Attorney General's personal action. Requires a special prosecutor to report annually to Congress and at the conclusion of such special prosecutor's duties to the division of the court. Requires a special prosecutor to promptly advise the House of Representatives of any substantial and credible information which may constitute grounds for an impeachment. States that a special prosecutor may only be removed from office by impeachment and conviction, or by the Attorney General for extraordinary improprieties, malfeasance in office, willful neglect of duty, permanent incapacitation, or conduct constituting a felony. Permits the division of the court to terminate an office of special prosecutor at any time on the grounds that the investigations and prosecutions of such prosecutor have been completed. Requires the chief judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia to assign three judges or justices for two-year periods to a division of the Court to be the special panel of the court for the appointment of special prosecutors. Terminates the provisions of this Act which pertain to a special prosecutor five years after the date on which this Act takes effect. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to be held by the Department as a contingent fund for the use of any special prosecutor appointed pursuant to this Act. Requires the Attorney General to promulgate rules requiring any officer or employee of the Department, including a United States Attorney, to disqualify himself from participation in a particular investigation or prosecution if such participation may result in a personal, financial, or political conflict of interests or the appearance of such conflict. Establishes within the Department an Office of Government Crimes to be directed by a person appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate and who has not, during the five years preceeding such appointment, held a high-level position of trust and responsibility on the personal campaign staff of, or in an organization or political party working on behalf of, a candidate for any elective Federal Office. Confers upon the Office jurisdiction over: (1) criminal violations of Federal law related to his Government position, employment, or compensation, by any individual who holds or who held a position as an elected or appointed Federal Government officer, employee or special employee; (2) criminal violations of Federal laws relating to lobbying, conflicts of interest, campaigns, and election to public office committed by any person except insofar as such violations relate to matters involving discrimination or intimidation on the grounds of race color, religion or national origin; (3) the supervision of investigations and prosecutions of criminal violations of Federal law involving State or local government officials or employees; and (4) such other matters as the Attorney General may deem appropriate except as to matters referred to the special prosecutor pursuant to this Act. Requires the Attorney General to report annually to Congress on the activities of the Office. Title II: Congressional Legal Counsel - Establishes as an office of Congress, the Office of Congressional Counsel headed by a Congressional Legal Counsel. Makes the office directly accountable to the Joint Leadership Group established under this Act. Directs the Office to defend Congress, a Member, officer, or employee of Congress, or any agency or committee of Congress in a civil action which arises from performance of official duties if so authorized by a two-thirds vote of the Leadership Group of the relevant House or Houses or by a majority vote of the relevant House or Houses of Congress. Directs the Office to bring a civil action to enforce a Congressional subpoena if authorized to do so by a majority vote of the appropriated House. Directs the Office to represent the interests of Congress as intervenor or amicus curiae in a suit in which Congress is not a party if authorized by the appropriate House, in the event such appearance or intervention is in the name of one House, or by both Houses in the event that such appearance or intervention is in the name of the entire Congress. Authorizes to be appropriated for each fiscal year through fiscal year 1982, such sums as may be necessary to enable the Office to carry out its duties and functions. Provides that until such sums are first appropriated, for a period of up to 12 months, the expenses of the office shall be paid from the contingent fund of the Senate. Title III: Government Personnel; Financial Disclosure Requirements - Declares it to be the policy of the United States that there be uniform requirements for full public financial disclosure by high-level officers and employees of the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches of the Government. States that such financial disclosure requirements shall not be inconsistent with the public financial disclosure requirements contained in the Code of Official Conduct adopted by the Senate.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1977
Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation, pursuant to the approval of State programs for the completion of the Interstate Highway System, to enter into contractual arrangements on behalf of the United States for the payment of the principal and interest on State bonds or obligations issued for such purpose. Requires the Secretary to make an annual report to Congress with respect to all activities pursuant to this Act. Authorizes appropriations in such amounts as may be necessary to make the payments contracted for under this Act.
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 · 31 January 1977
National Meals-on-Wheels Act - Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to allow States to distribute Federal Funds for the establishment of: (1) projects to provide home-delivered meals to qualified homebound elderly persons; (2) an information and referral system for homebound individuals receiving such meals; and (3) an operation to seek volunteer personnel for the delivery of such meals and to compensate such personnel for related transportation expenses. Authorizes the appropriation of specified sums in fiscal years 1978 and 1979 for the purpose of providing home-delivered meals under this Act. Limits to five percent the amount of such funds which may be spent upon the administration of such program. Directs the Commissioner of the Administration on Aging to conduct a demonstration project involving at least three States to determine the feasibility of using the meals system designed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration for the elderly as a component of, or substitute for, regular nutrition projects assisted under the Older Americans Act of 1965.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1977
Requests that the concerns of the United States be conveyed to the Soviet government regarding adherence to the Helsinki Declaration with respect to freedom to emigrate.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1977
Federal Grant and Cooperative Agreement Act - Requires each executive agency to use a procurement contract as the legal instrument reflecting a relationship between the Federal Government and a State or local government or other recipient whenever the principal purpose of the agreement is the acquisition, by purchase, lease, or barter, of property or services for the direct benefit or use of the Federal Government. Requires each executive agency, when no substantial involvement is anticipated between the executive agency, acting for the Federal Government, and the State or local government or other recipient during performance of the contemplated activity, to use a grant agreement as the legal instrument reflecting a relationship between the Federal Government and a State or local government or other recipient whenever the principal purpose of the relationship is the transfer of money, property, services, or anything of value to the State or local government. Requires each executive agency to use a cooperative agreement as the legal instrument reflecting a relationship between the Federal Government and a State or local government or other recipient whenever the principal purpose of the relationship is the transfer of money, property, services, or anything of value to the State or local government, and substantial involvement is anticipated between the executive agency, acting for the Federal Government, and the State or local government or other recipient during performance of the contemplated activity. Directs the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, in cooperation with the executive agencies, to undertake a study to develop a better understanding of alternative means of implementing Federal assistance programs, and to determine the feasibility of developing a comprehensive system of guidance for Federal assistance programs.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1977
Prohibits foreign travel at Government expense by any Member of Congress whose term has expired and who has not been elected or reelected as a Member in the next succeeding Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1977
Veterans' Administration Administrative Procedure and Judicial Review Act - Provides that the decisions of the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs on any question of law or fact under any law administered by the Veterans' Administration providing benefits for veterans and their dependents or survivors shall be subject to judicial review. Directs that all rules, regulations, orders and any other determination of any kind made by the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs be subject to the provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act. Repeals the requirement that the Administrator determine and pay fees to agents or attorneys in allowed claims for monetary benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1977
Title I: Meat and Meat Products - Amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to require meat imports to be labeled as imports and to be subjected to tests regarding substances or levels of substances prohibited in any domestically produced animal. Title II: Dairy Products - Prohibits the importation of dairy products unless the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare certifies that such imports originated from pure and wholesome supplies and were manufactured in plants which comply with certain minimum standards of sanitation. Makes such products subject to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act after entry into the United States. Permits assessments and fees to be prescribed for such tests and inspections and the revocation of import privileges for failure to pay such fees.
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
Federal Ethics Act - Title I: Ethical Conduct - Establishes a Federal Code of conduct for certain officers and employees of the Federal Government. Prohibits such individuals from: (1) soliciting or accepting items in excess of $50 from persons with whom such individuals have official dealings; (2) using their official positions to secure private gain for themselves or any other person, unless such use is provided for by law; or (3) presenting to the public an appearance of impropriety through conduct or association. Restricts such individuals from accepting any item of value for non-governmental employment. Prohibits such individuals from participating in matters in which their immediate families or certain former employees have a material interest. Sets limitations on employment which may be accepted subsequent to Government service. Sets forth criminal penalties for violation of the Code of Conduct. Establishes a seven-member Federal Commission on Ethics. Sets forth procedure for selection of members. Prohibits elected or appointed Federal officers or employees from serving on the Commission. Empowers the Commission to conduct investigations and hearings and report violations of the Code of Conduct to law enforcement authorities. Authorizes the United States district courts, upon petition by the Commission, to punish by contempt citation any failure to comply with a subpena or order issued by the Commission. Exempts from civil liability any person who discloses information at the request of the Commission. Requires the Commission to investigate and report any violations of this Act. Authorizes any person to file a complaint with the Commission alleging violation of this Act. Sets forth the procedure to be followed by the Commission in investigating such violations. Requires the Commission, upon written request of any Federal employee, to render an advisory opinion with respect to whether any specific action by such individual would constitute a violation of this Act or other Federal laws concerning bribery and graft. Requires that all such requests be made public. Gives a presumption of compliance to an individual who acts in accordance with such opinion. Requires the Commission to transmit an annual report of its activities to the President and Congress. Declares that the Commission will be considered an agency for purposes of the Government in the Sunshine Act. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as necessary to carry out the purposes of this title. Title II: Government Personnel; Financial Disclosure Requirements - Requires the President Vice President, Members of Congress, Federal judges, Federal officers and employees compensated at a rate equal to or in excess of the rate prescribed for the grade of GS-16, members of the uniformed services compensated at a rate equal to or in excess of the monthly rate prescribed for grade 0-6, and certain individuals seeking nominations or election to the office of President, Vice President, or Member of Congress to file a full and complete financial statement for the preceding calendar year with the Comptroller General. Outlines the required content of and filing procedures for such statements. Requires the Comptroller General to promulgate rules and regulations necessary to carry out the purposes of this title. Sets forth criminal penalties for violations of this title. Authorizes the Attorney General to bring a civil action against any individual who fails to file or falsifies such financial report. Requires each agency head, the Clerk of the House of Representatives, the Secretary of the Senate, and the Director of the Administrative Offices of the United States Courts to submit annually to the Comptroller General a list of individuals who are required to submit such financial report. Requires the Comptroller General to refer to the Attorney General, and in the case of Members of Congress to the appropriate Congressional committee, the names of any individual the Comptroller General has cause to believe has failed to file or who has falsified such report. Authorizes personnel action to be taken against individuals found to have violated this title. Requires that the Comptroller General make such reports available to the public. Sets forth the procedure for acquiring copies of such reports. Restricts the purposes for which such reports may be used, and prescribes civil penalties for misuse. Sets forth procedures for implementation of the financial disclosure requirements of this title. Requires the Comptroller General to conduct certain audits of the financial reports submitted pursuant to this title. Requires the Civil Service Commission and the Department of Justice to analyze the regulations and procedures currently in effect regarding financial conflicts of interest among Federal employees and to recommend legislation. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as necessary to carry out the purposes of this title.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1977
Amends the Tariff Schedules of the United States to include in the term "fresh, chilled, or frozen" any meat on which preparation or preservation must be completed in the United States, its territories or possessions.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1977
Amends the policy of Congress to restrict to 750,000,000 pounds the annual aggregate importation of fresh, chilled, or frozen beef, goat, or sheep meat after December 31, 1974. Prescribes a formula for adjustment of such quota. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to allocate such quota among supplying countries according to certain criteria.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1977
Directs the President to call a National Leadership Conference on Energy Policy during 1977. Declares that the purpose of the Conference shall be to develop specific proposals to increase supplies of energy with minimum impact on the environment while decreasing energy demand without harming America's economic recovery. Stipulates that representatives of various groups shall be included in the Conference. Establishes procedures for preparations for the Conference, including the appointment of a 15-member committee by the President.
United States · United States Congress · 12 January 1977
Establishes a three-member arbitration board to settle disputes between organizations of supervisory and managerial personnel, and the Postal Service. Requires that disputes concerning a substantial portion of such personnel and dealing with: (1) plans for participating directly in the development of pay policies and other benefit programs; or (2) pay policies and other programs developed after such participation, be referred to the arbitration board. Specifies that if the Postal Service and such organization are unable to agree as to whether or not a particular issue may be referred to arbitration, both parties shall refer the issue to arbitration.
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
Opportunities Industrialization Centers Skills Training and National Community Based Organizations Job Creation and Employment Act - Directs the Secretary of Labor to: (1) contact Opportunities Industrialization Centers, Incorporated, for the provision of skills training to certain types of unemployed persons through such centers; and (2) contact other national community based organizations, such as the Urban League and union-related organizations, for the provision of comprehensive employment services, including counseling, job creation and development, remedial education, and followup. Directs the head of each agency having administrative authority with respect to specified Federal grant and construction programs to take steps to assure that special consideration be given national community based organizations in providing employment services and job opportunities for unemployed persons pursuant to such authority.
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