United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1977
Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to make Federal funds available which will equal 70 percent of the costs of repairing highways which have incurred and will continue to incur a substantial increase in use as a result of transportation activities to meet national energy requirements. Authorizes appropriations out of the Highway Trust Fund in such amounts as may be necessary to carry out such program.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1977
Requests the President of the United States to convene a White House Conference on Small Business with the help of the Senate Small Business Committee to develop recommendations, including suggestions for joint legislative and executive action, for revitalizing and maintaining the economic viability of the small business infrastructure.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals an income tax deduction for all the ordinary and necessary expenses paid or incurred in traveling between the individual's principal place of construction related employment and a temporary construction project work site.
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 · 11 February 1977
Federal Mine Safety and Health Amendments Act - Title I: Amendments to the General Provisions of the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969 - Amends the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969 to extend the applicability of the provisions of such Act to mines other than coal mines. Transfers the functions of the Secretary of the Interior in developing health and safety standards to the Secretary of Labor. Title II: Mine Safety and Health Standard Amendments - Amends the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969 to establish the duty of: (1) each mine operator and miner to comply with the health and safety standards of the Act, and (2) each mine operator to furnish a place of employment free from recognized hazards. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to promulgate, modify, or revoke mine health and safety standards in accordance with prescribed criteria and procedures. Authorizes the Secretary to utilize advisory committees in the development of standards. Requires the Secretary to act within 60 days upon recommendations from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Authorizes the Secretary, or the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare: (1) to enter any mine subject to this Act; and (2) to make reasonable inspections and investigations and to question privately employers, owners, operators, agents, or employees. Requires inspections of underground mines at least four times a year. Stipulates that no advance notice of inspections shall be given. Requires the maintenance of records by mine operators with regard to work-related deaths, injuries, illness, miner exposure to toxic substances, and mine accidents. Authorizes special inspections of mines by the Secretary upon request by any miners or representatives of miners where any violation of standards or imminent danger is alleged to exist. Establishes procedures for review of decisions of the Secretary with respect to establishment and enforcement of standards. Establishes procedures for the enforcement of mine health and safety standards through issuance of citations, imposition of civil and criminal penalties, and injunctive relief. Establishes special procedures to counteract imminently dangerous conditions. Requires that copies of all notices, orders, and decisions affecting mine safety in a particular mine be conspicuously posted at such mine site. Stipulates that, in the event of mine closures by orders issued pursuant to this Act, that miners idled as a result of any such order shall be entitled to full compensation for the period they are idled within prescribed limits. Establishes a Federal Mine Safety and Health Commission to supervise the activities of administrative law judges in proceedings brought under the Act. Requires that mine operators establish safety training programs for new miners and for all miners in accordance with prescribed criteria. Directs the Secretary to require that mine rescue teams comprised of Federal mine inspectors be maintained at district and field offices. Authorizes the Secretary and the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish procedures for measuring concentrations of respirable dust. Repeals provisions allowing for modifications of or exceptions from mandatory safety standards for underground mines. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Transfers functions of the Secretary of the Interior with respect to mine health and safety to the Secretary of Labor and the Federal Mine Safety and Health Commission. Directs the Secretary of Labor to establish an advisory committee to review all standards previously promulgated by the Secretary of the Interior. Establishes a Mine Safety and Health Administration in the Department of Labor to carry out mine safety and health functions assigned to the Secretary of Labor. Establishes qualifications and criteria for selection of individuals as mine inspectors. Stipulates that the National Mine Health and Safety Academy shall be maintained as an agency of the Department of the Interior to assist in the training of mine inspectors and other personnel. Repeals the Federal Metal and Nonmetallic Mine Safety Act of 1966.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1977
Defense Production Act Amendments -- Amends the Defense Production Act of 1950 to prohibit any Federal contracting officer who by virtue of his position is authorized to solicit or select sources of supply, or describe requirements for, enter into, award, modify, terminate, administer, or make determinations or findings with respect to any contract while so employed, from accepting compensation from any contractor without the written permission of the standards of conduct counselor for his employing agency. Prohibits such contracting officer from owning a controlling interest in any contractor who has been affected by action taken by such officer. Prohibits such contracting officer from accepting employment within two years following his employment with the United States from any contractor who was affected by the action of such officer within three years prior to the termination of his or her employment with such agency, and from accepting employment with such a contractor in a position which was created or subsidized by revenues realized through a Federal contract handled by such officer until five years after the termination of such officer's employment with such agency. Prohibits contractors from offering to any such officer any compensation such officer is prohibited from receiving under this Act. Establishes a Conflict of Interest Review Board to review compliance by contracting officers with this Act. States that the Board shall issue advisory opinions with respect to compensation offered to such contracting officer after notice is published in the Federal Register and interested parties have had an opportunity to present testimony relating to the issuance of such advisory opinion. States that reliance on such advisory opinion shall be a defense to a civil or criminal case brought under this Act. Requires meetings of the Board at which such advisory opinions will be considered to be open to the public. Authorizes the Board to issue rules to implement this Act. Requires the Board to report annually to Congress respecting its activities and recommendations of legislative or regulatory actions to promote high ethical standards for Government employees. Requires the following persons to file specified information with the Board: (1) former Government employees who were employed in any given fiscal year as a representative of a Government contractor in any action in which the United States was a party or in any transaction with the United States; and (2) any Federal employee who was previously employed by a Government contractor at a salary rate equal to or greater than that for positions in grade GS-13. Exempts specified persons from the filing requirements of the Act.
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
Coal Research Laboratory and Energy Fellowship Act - Amends the Federal Nonnuclear Energy Research and Development Act of 1974 to direct the Administrator of the Energy Research and Development Administration to designate ten colleges or universities at which university coal research laboratories will be established. Authorizes Federal grants, within specified limitations and conditions, for the construction and operation of such research laboratories. Establishes an Advisory Council on Coal Research to assist the Director in the administration of this title. Requires the Advisory Council to submit annual reports of its findings and recommendations to the President. Authorizes the appropriation of $170,000,000 for fiscal year 1978 and $30,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1979 through 1982 to carry out the provisions of this title. Authorizes the Administrator to award up to three thousand fellowships for each of fiscal years 1978 through 1982 for graduate study in areas of applied science and engineering related to the production, conservation, transportation, and utilization of fuels and energy, and associated social and environmental concerns. Establishes criteria for awarding and distribution of such fellowships. Stipulates that no fellowships shall be awarded for study at a school or department of divinity. Authorizes the appropriation of $36,000,000 per year for fiscal years 1978 through 1982 for the purposes of this title.
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
Victims of Crime Act - Directs the Attorney General to make grants to qualified State programs for the compensation of victims of crime. Specifies requirements for program certification, including that the program (1) offer compensation for personal injuries suffered as a result of certain State and Federal crimes, (2) offer compensation to surviving dependents of persons whose deaths resulted from being victim to such a crime, (3) require cooperation with law enforcement agencies as a condition for recovery, (4) grant claimants the right to a hearing, and (5) subrogate the State to any claim the victim or dependent has against the perpetrator to the extent of the amount compensated by the State. States that grants made under this Act shall total 50 percent of the allowable compensation paid to victims and dependent survivors of victims of State crimes designated by the State as appropriate for compensation under this program and 100 percent of the allowable compensation paid to victims and dependent survivors of victims of crimes which would constitute designated State crimes except for the fact that the crime is subject to exclusive Federal jurisdiction. Limits compensation with respect to any single claim to (1) loss resulting from medical and related treatment, physical and occupational therapy and rehabilitation, and past and anticipated future earnings up to $200 per week and (2) a total of $50,000. Establishes an Advisory Committee on Victims of Crime to advise the Attorney General with respect to the administration of this Act and the compensation of victims of crime.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1977
Amends the Social Security Act to provide that, if the delivery day for benefit checks under titles II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) and XVI (Supplemental Security Income Program) falls on a Saturday, Sunday or legal public holiday, benefit checks for such month shall be mailed for delivery on the first day preceding such designated day which is not a Saturday, Sunday or legal public holiday, without regard to whether the delivery of such checks is made in the same calendar month for which such benefit checks are issued. Requires the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to make the same provision for the mailing of veterans' benefits checks.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1977
Excludes industrially funded personnel from the computation of the end strength for civilian personnel within the Department of Defense for any fiscal year.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1977
Emergency Natural Gas Act - Authorizes the President to declare natural gas emergencies where severe natural gas shortages threaten the supply of natural gas for high-priority uses in areas of the United States. Authorizes the President to order transfers of supplies of interstate natural gas from one pipeline to another, or order the construction and operation of additional facilities to alleviate natural gas shortages. Stipulates that no such delivery or transportation may continue after April 30, 1977. Stipulates that such transfers as ordered by the President shall not subject the pipeline to regulation under the Natural Gas Act or other provisions of State or Federal law. Establishes procedures for enforcement orders and subpenas issued under this Act. Establishes criteria for compensation of pipelines for compliance with such orders. Exempts activities pursuant to this Act from the antitrust laws. Authorizes the President to require contracts for purchases of emergency supplies of natural gas before August 1, 1977. Stipulates that such transactions shall be exempt from Federal Power Commission regulation under the Natural Gas Act. Imposes civil and criminal penalties for violations of orders issued under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1977
Directs the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, to appoint a specified number of additional judges to the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky and to the United States District Court for the Western District of Kentucky.
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
Synthetic Fuels Act - Amends the Federal Nonnuclear Energy Research and Development Act of 1974 to authorize the Administrator of the Energy Research and Development Administration to guarantee loan obligations issued for the purposes of financing the construction and operation costs of commercial demonstration facilities for: (1) the conversion of coal and other resources into synthetic fuels; (2) the generation of energy from renewable sources; (3) the development of energy-efficient industrial equipment; and (4) geothermal resource development. Requires the concurrence of the Secretary of the Treasury with respect to the conditions of any such guarantee. Prescribes limits for the total amount of outstanding indebtedness subject to Federal guarantees. Details conditions under which the Administrator may guarantee an obligation. Establishes procedures for consultation with affected States, localities and Indian tribes. Prohibits the making of Federal commitments where the Governor of the affected State is opposed unless there is an overriding national interest favoring such Federal action. Specifies procedures in the event of a default of any guarantee under this Act. Authorizes the Administrator to make financial payments to affected States, localities, and Indian tribes for the financing of essential community development and planning resulting from the construction of any facilities assisted by this Act. Requires full reports to Congressional committees on proposed Federal actions under this Act. Directs the Administrator to submit a comprehensive plan for energy productions and conservation demonstration programs to the Congress. Establishes a separate fund in the Treasury to finance the programs authorized by this Act. Makes funds from the Geothermal Resources Development Fund available for loan guarantees for geothermal resource development and demonstration projects. Requires employees and officials in policy making positions within the Energy Research and Development Administration to file annual reports with the Administrator with respect to any financial interest in any property or business receiving financial assistance under this Act to which they may have knowledge. Imposes a fine of $2,500 and/or imprisonment of up to one year for violation of this Act by any employee or official of the Administration.
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1977
Amends the Federal Nonnuclear Energy Research and Development Act of 1974 to authorize the Administrator of the Energy Research and Development Administration to utilize Federal loan guarantees as a method of furthering nonnuclear energy research, development, and demonstration.
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
Bridge Replacement and Rehabilitation Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to make financial assistance available to States to rehabilitate unsafe highway bridges. Establishes the Federal share of a bridge replacement or rehabilitation project. Amends the Highway Safety Act of 1976 to authorize appropriations from the Highway Trust Fund for bridge replacement and rehabilitation projects.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1977
National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act - Authorizes appropriations to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for research and development, construction of facilities, and research and program management. Permits appropriations for research and development to be used: (1) for any items of a capital nature (other than acquisition of land) which may be required at locations other than NASA installations for the performance of research and development contracts; and (2) for grants to nonprofit institutions of higher education, or to nonprofit organizations whose primary purpose is the conduct of scientific research, for purchase or construction of additional research facilities. Stipulates that when so specified in an appropriation Act any amount appropriated for "Research and development" or for "Construction of facilities" may remain available without fiscal year limitation. Permits the funds for construction of any of specified facilities: (1) in the discretion of the NASA Administrator, to be varied upward ten percent; or (2) following a report by the Administrator to the Committee on Science and Technology of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Aeronautical and Space Sciences of the Senate on the circumstances of such action, to be varied upward 25 percent to meet unusual cost variations. Limits the total cost of all construction work to the total of the amounts specified. Permits one-half of one percent of the funds appropriated for research and development to be transferred to the "Construction of facilities" appropriation. Authorizes the expenditure of such funds, together with $10,000,000 of the funds appropriated for construction of facilities, to construct, expand, or modify laboratories and other installations. Disallows any amount appropriated pursuant to this Act from being used for any program deleted by the Congress from requests as originally made to either the House Committee on Science and Technology or the Senate Committee on Aeronautical and Space Sciences. Disallows any amounts appropriated pursuant to this Act from being used for any program in excess of the amount actually authorized for that particular program for research and development or research and program management. Disallows any amount from being used for any program which has not been presented to or requested of such committees, with certain exceptions. Expresses the sense of the Congress that it is in the national interest that consideration be given to geographical distribution of Federal research funds whenever feasible, and that NASA should explore ways and means of distributing its research and development funds whenever feasible. Authorizes NASA, if authorized in an appropriation Act, to enter into a contract for tracking and data relay satellite services.
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 · 14 January 1977
National Gas and Petroleum Conservation and Coal Utilization Act - Amends the Energy Supply and Environmental Coordination Act of 1974 to extend the authority of the Federal Energy Administrator to issue coal conversion orders under such Act until September 30, 1980. Directs the Federal Energy Administrator to prohibit coal-burning installations from thereafter burning natural gas as a primary energy source. Requires the issuance of a permit for coal-burning installations to switch to oil as a primary energy source. Directs the Administrator to require disclosure of information relating to domestic coal reserves. Requires that new facilities be capable of utilizing coal or a fuel source other than oil or natural gas. Establishes procedures for extensions of compliance dates and exemptions for facilities otherwise subject to the requirements of this Act. Requires consideration of environmental control requirements where appropriate. Establishes procedures to allow for just compensation for disruption of energy supply contracts caused by operation of the provisions of this Act. Imposes civil and criminal penalties for violations of the provisions of this Act. Specifies the amount of civil penalties based on amounts of oil and natural gas used in excess of the maximum allowable amount. Authorizes exemptions from compliance with this Act where necessary to protect public health, safety, or welfare during emergencies. Authorizes exemptions for Federal facilities where the President determines such exemption to be in the paramount interest of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1977
Coal Substitution Incentive Act - Amends the Energy Supply and Environmental Coordination Act of 1974 to authorize the Administrator of the Federal Energy Administration to make and guarantee loans to assist industries in the purchase and installation of air pollution control devices for coal-fired boilers and heating devices. Limits the aggregate amount of outstanding loan guarantees to $5,000,000,000. Limits the aggregate amount of outstanding loans to $1,000,000,000. Establishes additional criteria and limitations on the making of such loans and guarantees. Stipulates that no such commitments shall be made after January 1, 1985. Authorizes the appropriation of $200,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1978 through 1982 for the purposes of this Act. Stipulates that priority consideration shall be given to requests for assistance by facilities in receipt of coal conversion orders issued by the Administrator under the Energy Supply and Environmental Coordination Act of 1974.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1977
Public Participation in Federal Agency Proceedings Act - Entitles any person to recover reasonable attorneys' fees and other costs of participation incurred by such person in any Federal agency proceeding if the participation of such person promotes or can reasonably be expected to promote a full and fair determination of the issues involved in the proceeding and the economic interest of such person in the outcome is small compared to the costs of participation in such proceeding, or such person does not have sufficient resources to participate effectively in such proceeding in the absence of an award under this Act. Requires each agency, whenever practicable, to determine, prior to the commencement of any proceeding, the eligibility of a person for an award under this Act and the amount of such award. Requires payment of such an award, where necessary, prior to the conclusion of such proceeding but in no event later than 90 days after the conclusion of such proceeding. Directs the head of each agency to report annually to Congress with respect to awards made under this Act. Entitles any person who is a party to, or intervenor in, any civil suit or proceeding for judicial review of agency action to costs incurred by such person in litigation if such person is afforded the relief sought in substantial measure, the court determines that such action served an important public purpose, the economic interest of such person in the outcome of such action is small compared with the cost of litigation, and the person does not have sufficient resources to participate effectively in such action absent an an award under this Act. Directs the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to report annually to Congress with respect to awards granted by courts of the United States under this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated for agency awards under this Act, $10,000,000 each year for fiscal years 1978, 1979, and 1980. Authorizes to be appropriated for judicial awards under this Act such sums as may be necessary. (Adds 5 USC 558a; 707)
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1977
Amends rule XXVII of the Standing Rules of the Senate to require that substitute conferees be appointed and that such appointments be announced on the Senate floor and printed in the Senate Calendar of Business before such newly appointed members are permitted to participate or vote in the committee of conference.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1977
Amends rule XXVII of the Standing Rules of the Senate to require the Presiding Officer, in appointing Senate conferees to a committee of conference on matters which have been considered by more than one Senate committee, to consider the recommendations of the majority leader, minority leader, and the chairman and ranking minority member of each such committee.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1977
Amends rule XXVII of the Standing Rules of the Senate to establish procedures to permit the conduct of business by the Senate conferees of a committee of conference when the number of such conferees does not constitute a majority of the appointed Senate conferees. States that a majority of the appointed Senate conferees must be present to agree on the final text of a conference report.
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.
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 1977
Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to exempt the following categories of discharges of dredged or fill material from permit requirements and procedures established by the Act: (1) agricultural ranching, or silvicultural activities related to the production of food, fiber, or forest products; (2) soil and water conservation activities; (3) work related to federally-authorized emergency programs; and (4) activities related to federally-assisted projects provided an environmental statement was prepared in connection with approval for the project.
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
Constitutional Amendment - Provides that the people of the several States, and the District of Columbia, shall elect the President and Vice President. Requires each elector to cast a single vote for two persons who shall have consented to the joining of their names as candidates for the offices of President and Vice President. Requires the electors of President and Vice President in each State to have the qualifications requisite for electors of the most numerous branch of the State legislature, except that for electors of President and Vice President, the legislature of any State may prescribe less restrictive residence qualifications and for electors of President and Vice President the Congress may establish uniform residence qualifications. Provides that the pair of persons having the greatest number of votes for President and Vice President shall be elected, if such number be at least 40 percent of the whole number of votes cast for such offices. Provides that if no pair of persons has such number, a runoff election shall be held in which the choice of President and Vice President shall be made from the two pairs of persons who received the highest numbers of votes. Requires the days for such elections to be determined by Congress and to be uniform throughout the United States. Requires Congress to prescribe by law the time, place, and manner in which the results for such elections shall be ascertained and declared. Allows Congress to provide for the case of the death, inability, or withdrawal of any candidate for President or Vice President before a President and Vice President have been elected, and for the case of the death of both the President-elect and Vice President-elect.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 1977
Fair Marketing of Petroleum Products Act - Prohibits refiners or distributors of petroleum products from canceling, failing to renew, or otherwise terminating a franchise unless the retailer or distributor whose franchise is terminated failed to comply substantially with any essential and reasonable requirement of such franchise or failed to act in good faith in carrying out the terms of such franchise, or unless such refiner or distributor withdraws entirely from the sale of refined petroleum products in commerce for sale other than resale in the United States. Limits the marketing activities of a person who is a major market shareholder, as such term is defined in this Act, prohibiting the establishment of new distributorships or retail outlets the personnel of which are under the control of such person or under the control of an entity controlled by such person if such activity would yield to such shareholder a specified share of the market for petroleum products. Sets forth procedural and jurisdictional requirements for suits brought as result of violation of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1976
Expresses the Senate's gratitude to Mike Mansfield of Montana for his participation in the Government and his service on behalf of the Nation's people.
United States · United States Congress · 27 August 1976
Designates the extension of the Senate Office Building presently under construction pursuant to the Supplemental Appropriations Act, 1973, as the "Philip A. Hart Office Building."
United States · United States Congress · 24 August 1976
Earth Resources Information Satellite System Act - Title I: Earth Resources Information System Policies and Management - Declares it the policy of the United States to establish an Earth Resources Information System to aid in the effective management and utilization of the Earth's resources through the use of earth satellites and other observation sources. Title II: Establishment of the Earth Resources Information System - Establishes the Earth Resources Information System, to be implemented immediately by the President in a manner consistent with the purposes of this Act. Title III: Federal Coordination, Planning and Regulation - Establishes an Office of Earth Resources Policy in the Executive Office of the President to aid in the planning, coordination, and review of all phases of the development of the Earth Resources Information System. Directs the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to continue research and development activities and to consult with and assist the Earth Resources Satellite Corporation in order to fulfill the purposes of this Act. Title IV: Creation of an Earth Resources Satellite Corporation - Authorizes the establishment of the Earth Resources Satellite Corporation if the President determines that a corporation is required to operate the domestic ground segment in order to achieve the purposes of this Act. Directs the Corporation to manage the commercial domestic data handling segment of the Earth Resources Information System. Authorizes the Corporation to contract for research and development and services necessary for its operation. Title V: Miscellaneous Provisions - Requires that notification of negotiations between private entities and any foreign businesses, with respect to facilities; operations; or services authorized by this Act, be given to the State Department. Authorizes judicial relief in the United States district court for actions taken which violate any of the provisions of this Act. Directs the President to transmit an annual report to Congress on Federal activities taken to achieve the objectives of this Act. Directs the Corporation to submit annual reports of its activities to the President and Congress. Authorizes the appropriation of $1,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 to implement the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 April 1976
Amends Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to repeal the requirement that State plans for medical assistance include consent by the State to the exercise of Federal judicial power with respect to suits brought against the State by or on behalf of any provider of services regarding the payment of the reasonable cost of inpatient hospital services.
![Official portrait of Sen. Ford, Wendell H. [D-KY]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/f000268_200.jpg)