United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1977
Conservation and Solar Energy - Federal Buildings Act - Directs the Federal Energy Administrator to establish methods of determining the life cycle cost effectiveness for buildings, considering the life cycle fuel and energy requirements for such buildings. Requires that all Federal buildings be life cycle cost effective and that such determination serve as a basis for the awarding of contracts in the procurement and leasing of new Federal buildings. Directs the Administrator to promote the use of life cycle cost effective methods in all buildings. Directs the Administrator to establish energy performance targets for existing buildings which are compatible with new building performance standards developed by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. Requires all Federal agencies to conduct an energy audit of existing buildings within their jurisdiction. Requires that a specified percentage of the gross square footage of building space be selected by each agency for retrofitting with appropriate energy conservation measures.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1977
Surplus School Conservation Act - Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to make grants to local agencies to pay the costs of renovating closed school buildings so they may be converted for other educational and social purposes. Suggests purposes for which conversion grants may be extended, including: (1) community centers; (2) senior citizen centers; (3) day care centers; (4) vocational schools; (5) medical facilities; and (6) recreational centers. Sets forth application requirements which local agencies must complete including: (1) structuring a plan for renovation of the closed school building; (2) estimating costs of such renovation; and (3) demonstrating to the Secretary's satisfaction sufficient financial ability to carry out the provisions of such plan. States that the amount of a grant under this Act shall be 80 percent of the estimated cost of renovation. Requires local agencies which receive a grant for more than the actual cost of renovation to return such surplus money to the Secretary. Sets priorities to be followed by the Secretary in approving applications for grants under this Act including: (1) an application for renovating a closed school building in a school district whose current school enrollments have decreased by ten percent or more from the enrollments of the previous school year, and (2) an application for renovating a closed school building which is not being utilized for any educational or social service purpose at the time of application. Directs the Secretary to provide information on feasible alternative uses for closed school buildings to local agencies. Requires the Secretary to report on such program to Congress and the President.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1977
Amends the Health Programs Extension Act of 1973 to prohibit any entity which receives financial aid from, or enters into any contract with, the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare from questioning any applicant for admission as a student about the views of the applicant regarding abortion or sterilization. Prohibits such entity from discriminating against any applicant for study because of the refusal of the applicant to participate in the performance of an abortion or other medical services contrary to the religious beliefs or moral convictions of the applicant.
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
Commends the President's intention to give diplomatic priority to pursuit of nonproliferation measures. Endorses negotiations with world leaders (1) to curb the spread of nuclear enrichment and reprocessing facilities, (2) to achieve acceptance of nuclear safeguards, (3) to explore international provision of nuclear fuel services, (4) to agree on sanctions against nations seeking to acquire nuclear explosives, (5) to strengthen the International Atomic Energy Agency, and (6) to act promptly on legislation enacting a statement of United States nonproliferation policy.
United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt trade or business expenses incurred in providing day care services on a regular basis in a taxpayer's dwelling unit from the prohibition on deducting expenses with respect to a dwelling unit which is used by the taxpayer as his residence.
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 · 11 February 1977
Energy Conservation Tax Incentives Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allows individuals a limited income tax credit for amounts expended for insulating their residence and installing devices which improve the fuel efficiency of existing home heating systems.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1977
American Stock Ownership Plans - Provides that for purposes of the Internal Revenue Code the term "American stock ownership plan" means a trust created or organized in the United States for the exclusive benefit of an individual or his beneficiaries which meets specified requirements, including: (1) contributions will not be accepted for the taxable year in excess of $1,500 on behalf of any individual; (2) the trust is designed to invest solely in common stock of domestic corporations; (3) contribution received by the trustee during a particular taxable year will be allocated to a separate class year account; and (4) the interest of an individual in each class year account may not be paid or distributed before the end of the seventh taxable year following that year in which such class year account was established, except in the case of death or disability. States that the term "American stock ownership annuity" means a contract for a variable annuity, issued by an insurance company which meets specified requirements similar to those of the stock ownership trust above. Provides that a trust created or organized in the United States by an employer for the exclusive benefit of his employees or their beneficiaries or by an association of employees for the exclusive benefit of its members of their beneficiaries, shall be treated as an American stock ownership plan, but only if the trust meets the requirements of such a plan as stated above and also provides a separate accounting for the interest of each employee or member. Exempts American stock ownership plans from taxation. Provides that any amount paid by an employer to American stock ownership plan or annuity shall be included in an individuals gross income. Allows an individual to deduct from his gross income amounts paid in cash during the taxable year by or on behalf of such individual to an American stock ownership plan or annuity. Stipulates that no deduction shall be allowed for the two taxable years succeeding the taxable year in which a payment or payment or distribution from such a plan or annuity which is taxable to the individual under this Act is made. Stipulates that the deduction allowable to an individual under this Act may not exceed an amount equal to 15 percent of the compensation included in his gross income for such taxable year, or $1,500 whichever is less, multiplied by a fraction, the denominator of which is $20,000 and the numerator of which is $20,000 minus the excess of such compensation over $20,000. Provides that any amount received from a class year account established more than seven years before the taxable year in which the amount is received, and any amount paid or distributed on account of the death of the individual for whose benefit the broadened stock ownership plan or annuity was created shall be included in gross income in the year received and treated as a long term capital gain.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) reduce the normal corporate income tax; (2) increase the corporate surtax; and (3) increase the corporate surtax exemption.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow taxpayers to amortize over 60 months, or in the case of a building, over one-half of its useful life, property placed in service after December 31, 1976, and before January 1, 1980, in an area in which the rate of unemployment is seven percent or greater.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a nonrefundable income tax credit for the hiring of new employees. Sets the amount of the credit at: (1) $1 multiplied by the number of new employee hours of employment for the first 26 weeks of employment; and (2) 50 cents multiplied by the number of new employee hours of employment for the second 26 weeks of employment. Stipulates that new employees must have been unemployed for more than 26 weeks and not displace or replace a current employee. Directs the Secretaries of Labor and Commerce to publicize the availability of this credit in connection with employment programs for which they are responsible.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1977
Amends the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act by designating a portion of the Allegheny River, Pennsylvania, for potential addition to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.
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 · 10 February 1977
Energy and Weather Emergency Adjustment Assistance Act - Title I: Adjustment Assistance for Workers - Entitles to adjustment assistance allowances of specified amounts each of a group of workers certified by the Administrator of the Federal Disaster Assistance Administration upon a determination that: (1) a significant number or proportion of the workers in the group or subdivision have become totally or partially separated, (2) sales and/or production of such firm have decreased absolutely, and (3) critical shortages of energy supplies or unusually severe weather conditions contributed importantly to such work separation and decline in sales and/or production. Provides additional assistance allowances, including expenses of training programs and seeking new employment, to each of a group of workers qualified for adjustment allowances who are likely to become totally separated on a permanent basis. Title II: Adjustment Assistance to Firms - Entitles firms which are found by the Administrator, due to critical energy shortages or unusual weather conditions, to have ceased sales and/or production and totally or partially separated a significant portion or number of workers to: (1) funds for repairing physical damage resulting from the adverse conditions; and (2) if the firm is a small business and would not otherwise remain competitive, low-interest loans for operating expenses; or (3) if the firm is not a small business, guarantees of loans not otherwise available and necessary to remain competitive. Title III: Adjustment Assistance for Communities - Entitles local governments which are found by the Administrator to have incurred extraordinary expenditures amounting to at least five percent of their operating budget or sustained an increase in unemployment within their jurisdiction of at least ten percent due to critical energy shortages or unusual weather conditions to: (1) funds to reimburse the cost of repairing damaged public facilities and purchasing or renting emergency equipment; and (2) low-interest loans if the adverse conditions result in a substantial revenue loss. Title IV: General Provisions - Authorizes the appropriation for fiscal years 1977 and 1978 of such sums as may be necessary to carry out this Act. Specifies the effective date of this Act and the duration of the Administrator's authority under it.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1977
Solar Energy Government Building Act - Title I: Solar Hot Water and Space Heating Program for Federal Building - Directs the Administrator of General Services to establish a solar hot water and space heating devices in 15,000 federally owned buildings within six fiscal years following the date of enactment of this Act. Directs the Administrator to annually survey Federal buildings to determine those most suitable for the installation of solar hot water and space heating devices, considering geographic distribution and life-cycle cost evaluations in making such determination. Directs the Administrator to report annually to Congress on the status of the Program, including recommendations for future funding levels necessary to fully implement the six-year target set forth in this Act. Establishes an Advisory Committee on the Solar Energy Government Building Program of specified Government executives to assist the Administrator in the establishment and conduct of the Program. Authorizes the appropriation of $100,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1978 through 1983 for the purposes of this title. Title II: Federal Photovoltaic Utilization Program - Establishes a Federal Photovoltaic Utilization Program for the annual acquisition and use of photovoltaic solar electric systems, primarily for use by the Department of Defense. Directs the Administrator of General Services to administer the program with the assistance of the Secretary of Defense. Directs the Administrator of the Energy Research and Development Administration to establish a photovoltaic system evaluation and purchase program to insure that such systems reflect the most advanced, low-cost technology. Authorizes the appropriations of $25,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1978 through 1982 for design and engineering aspects of the program. Authorizes the appropriation of $100,000,000 for photovoltaic system acquisition in fiscal year 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1977
Young Families' Housing Act - Graduated Payment Mortgage Insurance Act - Amends the National Housing Act to permit the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to insure, on a regular basis, mortgages and loans with provisions for varying rates of amortization corresponding to anticipated variations in family income. Sets a percentage limit on the mortgage value ratio of mortgages which will be insurable under this Act. Prescribes eligibility requirements for such insurance. States that mortgages or loans insured pursuant to this Act shall not be subject to State usury laws in most cases. Individual Housing Account Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a deduction for amounts paid in cash into an individual housing account. Defines the term "individual housing account" for the purposes of this Act. Limits annual tax deductions to $2,500 and lifetime deductions to $10,000. Makes provisions for tax treatment upon distribution of such accounts. Exempts individual housing accounts from taxation under the Internal Revenue Code.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1977
Declares it the sense of the Senate that (1) the expulsion of George A. Krimsky is contrary to the Helsinki Declaration regarding the rights of journalists and the free flow of information, (2) such action invites reciprocal steps by the United States, and (3) the United States and the Soviet Union should seek greater communication in this area to prevent such occurrences in the future.
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
Emergency Unemployment Compensation Extension Act - Redefines the "on" and "off" indicators used in determining emergency benefit periods under the Emergency Unemployment Compensation Act of 1974. Stipulates that amounts appropriated to the Extended Unemployment Compensation Account shall not be repayable advances. Extends the period for which emergency compensation is payable to encompass weeks ending on or before March 31, 1978, and, in the case of any individual who had a compensable week on or before March 31, 1978, weeks ending on or before June 30, 1978. Provides compensation to individuals in approved training programs after exhaustion of the maximum amount of emergency compensation otherwise payable.
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
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
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 · 28 January 1977
Youth Employment Act -- Amends the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act to authorize the Secretary of Labor to provide financial assistance to prime sponsors, under the comprehensive manpower services provisions of such Act, certain counties, and Indian tribal groups for comprehensive manpower services for economically disadvantaged, unemployed, and underemployed youths age 14- 24. Makes eligible for a bonus payment prime sponsors which engaged, in the year prior to applying for assistance under this Act, in a cooperative education or training project with a local or State education agency. Repeals provisions under which assistance is presently provided for part time and summer employment of disadvantaged youths.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1977
Requires the President to suspend economic assistance, military assistance, extensions of credit, and guarantees under the Foreign Military Sales Act, government and commercial sales of defense articles and services, loans and loan guarantees by the Export-Import Bank, landing rights in the United States, and most favored nation treatment, to any country that aids or abets terrorism, unless the President transmits to Congress a finding that such action is justified by national security and such finding is not disapproved by a concurrent resolution of Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow public utilities to exclude from gross income, as contributions to capital, all amounts received in aid of construction of electric energy or gas facilities.
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
Title I: Public Works Employment - Public Works Employment Act - Authorizes to be appropriated a sum not to exceed $2,000,000,000 for the purpose of making grants to States and local governments for local public works projects with respect to which unsuccessful applications for grants were made prior to December 23, 1976, under the Public Works Employment Act of 1976. Authorizes an additional sum not to exceed $2,000,000,000 for the purpose of making grants for local public works projects which are eligible for grants under title I of the Public Works Employment Act of 1976, including projects for which grant applications are pending, and for projects for the construction or improvement of health care or rehabilitation facilities owned and operated by private nonprofit entities. Limits the Federal share for any such project to 80 percent of its cost. Sets forth guidelines for making grants under this title, including the consideration of unemployment rates in grant allocation. Stipulates that up to two and one-half percent of funds appropriated under this title shall be available for projects requested by Indian Tribes of Alaska Native organizations. Title II: Youth Community Improvement Program- Youth Community Improvement Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce, under the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 to make grants and to enter into contracts with, any State, local government, Indian tribe, or Alaska Native organization to pay the cost of community improvement projects to be carried out by youths. Sets forth requirements for applications for assistance and for agreements evidencing grants or contracts under this title, including requirements relative to wages to be paid to participating youths, projects supervisory personnel, and job opportunities and skills development. Directs eligible applicants to establish or designate a local nonprofit organization to carry out activities funded under this title. Directs the Secretary to work with appropriate State education agencies to provide that academic credit be awarded for work experience gained through the youth community improvement program.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1977
Declares it the sense of the Senate that the United States should seek a treaty (1) to require the preparation of an International Environmental Impact Statement for any major project, action, or continuing activity which may be reasonably expected to have a significant adverse impact on the physical environment or environmental interests of another nation or a global commons area, (2) to require submission of such statement to the United Nations Environmental Program and the affected country, and (3) to require delay of the projected activity without prior international consultations.
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
Provides that a certain individual be considered, under the Immigration and Nationaltiy Act, to be natural-born alien son of a citizen of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1977
Delays increases in the pay of Members of Congress authorized pursuant to the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 and the Federal Salary Act of 1967 until the first day of the Congress after the one in which such pay increase was proposed.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1977
Youth Community Improvement Act - Amends the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 to authorize the Secretary of Commerce to make grants to, and enter into contracts with, State and local governments, Indian tribes, and Alaska Native organizations to pay the costs of community improvement projects carried out by youths.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1977
Recognizes the outstanding contributions made by President Ford to this Nation and commends him for the manner and integrity with which he carried out his responsibilities.
United States · United States Congress · 14 January 1977
Entitles any Federal employee or Member of Congress who is a Japanese-American World War II internee to credit for civil service retirement purposes for the period during which such individual was detained or interned in a camp or similar facility.
United States · United States Congress · 12 January 1977
National Mass Transportation Assistance Act - Amends the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964 to authorize appropriations for urban transportation programs under such Act through fiscal year 1982. Establishes restrictions on the use of Federal funds available under such Act for these programs. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to approve as a project eligible for grants under such Act the: (1) payment of capital or operating expenses to carry out new or specialized mass transit service; (2) the payment of operating expenses related to regional commuter rail service; and (3) the payment of funds related to operating performance and the achievement of operating results under criteria established by the Secretary. Authorizes the use of funds under such Act for the payment of operating subsidies in areas other than urbanized areas. Removes the limitation that grants for management training programs under such Act be available only to students pursuing a graduate course of study. Directs the Secretary to convert specified equipment and facilities loans under the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964 and the Housing Amendments of 1955 to grants under specified conditions. Requires the Secretary to make a report to Congress before February 1, 1980, setting forth a detailed estimate of the cost of urban mass transportation grants. Directs the Secretary to require that projects, as a condition to receiving Federal financial assistance under such Act, be planned and operated to allow effective utilization of mass transportation services by elderly and handicapped persons. Stipulates that a specified portion of Federal monies made available under such Act for research, development, and demonstration projects may be set aside and used exclusively to increase the information and technology necessary to provide improved transportation services for the handicapped and elderly. Directs that local advisory committees be established immediately for drawing up a timetable to carry out the provisions of this Act requiring access to mass transportation systems by such individuals. Requires that at least half the members of such a committee be elderly or handicapped persons. Directs the Secretary to establish a National Advisory Council on Mass Transportation for Elderly and Handicapped to advise and consult with the Secretary of Health Education, and Welfare and the Secretary of Transportation on all matters relating to mass transportation for elderly and handicapped persons. Requires that at least half the members of such Council be elderly or handicapped persons. Requires the Secretary of Transportation, on or before October 1, 1978, to submit a comprehensive report to Congress on the mass transportation needs of elderly and handicapped persons.
United States · United States Congress · 12 January 1977
Conservation Gas Act - Declares that the formulation and implementation of natural gas conservation programs are matters of local concern, subject to regulation by State utility regulatory commissions. Stipulates that the Federal Power Commission shall be without authority to alter natural gas conservation programs upon a certification to the Commission by the State agency that the State has assumed authority over such programs.
United States · United States Congress · 12 January 1977
Conservation Gas Act and Residential Insulation Credit Act - Title I: Conservation Gas Programs - Conservation Gas Act - Declares that the formulation and implementation of natural gas conservation programs are matters of local concern, subject to regulation by State utility regulatory commissions. Stipulates that the Federal Power Commission shall be without authority to alter natural gas conservation programs upon a certification to the Commission by the State agency that the State has assumed authority over such programs. Title II: Residential Insulation Credits - Residential Insulation Credit Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a refundable credit against the individual income tax for 30 percent of the taxpayer's expenditures that do not exceed $750 for the installation of qualified insulation in his residence. Limits application of this credit to improvements made after this Act's enactment, in dwellings in existence on January 1, 1977. Defines qualified insulation as any device designed primarily to reduce building heat loss or gain which meets performance criteria prescribed by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, has a useful life of at least three years, and is originally used by the taxpayer. Reduces the $750 limitation on the expenditures which may be taken into account for this credit by subtracting amounts taken into account by the taxpayer in previous tax years. Prorates the allowable credit among joint owners and tenant stockholders according to their proportionate interests in the buildings in which they dwell. Prohibits increasing the basis of any building for expenditures for which this credit is taken.
United States · United States Congress · 12 January 1977
Residential Insulation Credit Act - Allows a refundable credit against the individual income tax for 30 percent of the taxpayer's expenditures as do not exceed $750 for the installation of qualified insulation in his residence. Limits application of this credit to improvements made after this Act's enactment, in dwellings in existence on January 1, 1977. Defines qualified insulation as any device designed primarily to reduce building heat loss or gain which meets various performance criteria prescribed by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, has a useful life of at least three years, and is originally used by the taxpayer. Reduces the $750 limitation on the expenditures which may be taken into account for this credit by subtracting amounts taken into account by the taxpayer in previous tax years. Prorates the allowable credit among joint owners and tenant stockholders according to their proportionate interests in the buildings in which they dwell. Prohibits increasing the basis of any building for expenditures for which this credit is taken.
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 1977
Federal Tanker Safety and Marine Anti-Pollution Act - Amends the Ports and Waterways Safety Act of 1972 to require compliance with the mandatory vessel traffic system established by the Coast Guard. Directs the Coast Guard to develop additional monitoring systems and technologies designed to control vessel traffic in congested areas. Requires that vessels contain specified navigational equipment. Requires that vessels be constructed in accordance with specific requirements so as to reduce the possibility of accidents and resultant damage. Establishes procedures for enforcement and inspection by the Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating. Directs the Secretary to establish a coordinated program of experimentation with methods to reduce oil spill incidents and minimize damages. Imposes civil penalties for discharges of oil into the aquatic and terrestrial environment in harmful quantities upon owners and operators of vessels, offshore facilities, and licensees of deepwater ports. Imposes criminal penalties for failure to report oil spills. Imposes strict liability, within specified limits, for cleanup costs incurred in connection with oil spills. Establishes the Federal Oil Pollution Liability and Compensation Administration within the Department of Transportation. Directs the Administration to establish and maintain a Federal Oil Pollution Compensation Fund. Authorizes expenditures from the Fund for: (1) administrative and personnel purposes; (2) cleanup costs resulting from oil spills caused solely by an act of war or by Government negligence; (3) other uncompensated oil spill damages; and (4) research into methods of oil spill prevention and control. Imposes a five-cent per barrel fee on owners of oil at the time of transfer to collect monies for the Fund. Requires that owners or operators of vessels and offshore facilities establish and maintain evidence of financial responsibility. Establishes procedures for adjudication of claims arising under this Act. Authorizes States to impose more stringent requirements. Authorizes the appropriation of $5,000,000 per year for fiscal years 1977, 1978, and 1979, for the administration of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 1977
Bridge Safety Act - Title I: Bridge Program - Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to approve Federal participation in a State project to repair or replace unsafe highway bridges under a needs formula as established in this Act. Stipulates that the Federal share of any such project shall not exceed 90 percent of its cost. Amends the Highway Safety Act of 1976 to authorize appropriations out of the Highway Trust Fund of $720,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 1977 through 1990 for such purpose. Title II: Extension of Highway Trust Fund and Certain Related Provisions - Amends the Highway Revenue Act of 1956 to extend appropriations under such Act for the Highway Trust Fund through fiscal year 1990. Amends the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 to extend such fund through fiscal year 1990. Postpones specified excise tax reductions under the Internal Revenue Code of 1954.
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 · 10 January 1977
Federal Oil Pollution Liability and Compensation Act - Prohibits the discharge of oil in harmful quantities (as determined by the President under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act), and assesses a civil fine of up to $10,000 against the owner, operator, or licensee of the discharging vessel or facility. Prescribes criminal penalties for the failure of persons in charge of a vessel to notify the appropriate agency of the United States Government of such discharge. Directs the President to act to remove discharged oil unless he determines that such removal will be done properly and expeditiously by the owner or operator of the vessel, onshore or offshore facility, or deepwater port, from which the discharge occurs. Stipulates that all costs, including administrative, incurred by the President, Secretary, or any other person, of cleanup and other actions to minimize damages resulting from a discharge shall be borne by the owner and operator or licensee of the operation from which the discharge occurred up to $150 per gross ton of the responsible vessel. Imposes strict liability on owners and operators of vessels at onshore and offshore facilities and deepwater ports, for damages caused by oil spills, unless it can be shown that such discharge was caused by an act of war. Limits the liability of owners or operators of onshore and offshore facilities and licenses of deepwater ports to the following amounts: (1) $50,000,000, in the case of an onshore facility; (2) $50,000,000, in the case of an offshore facility; and (3) $100,000,000, in the case of a deepwater port. Establishes in the Department of Transportation an agency to be known as the Federal Oil Pollution Liability and Compensation Administration to establish and maintain the Federal Oil Pollution Compensation Fund and to act as trustee of the natural resources of the marine environment. Authorizes disbursement of monies from the Fund for payment of damage not actually compensated under this Act, cleanup costs, and research into methods to prevent, contain, and remove discharges. Stipulates monies shall be deposited into the Fund through the levy and collection by the Administration of a 5-cent-per-barrel fee imposed on the owner of oil when the oil is transferred between: (1) a vessel and an onshore or offshore facility; (2) offshore or onshore facilities; or (3) a vessel and a deepwater port. Requires each owner or operator of a vessel or an onshore or offshore facility and each licensee to establish and maintain under rules and regulations prescribed by the Administrator, evidence of financial responsibility based on the tonnage of the vessel, the capacity of the facility or deepwater port, and other relevant factors. Directs the Administrator to prescribe and from time to time to revise regulations for the filing, processing, settlement, and adjudication of claims for cleanup costs and damages resulting from the discharge of oil. Sets forth procedures for public access to information concerning any communication, document, report, or information transmitted between any official of the Federal Government and any person concerning liability and compensation for damage resulting from the discharge of oil. Authorizes the appropriation of the following sums for the administration of this Act: $2,500,000 for fiscal year 1977; $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1978; and $5,000,000 per year for fiscal years 1979 and 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 1977
Restores the applicability of the general statute of limitations (five years) for the prosecution of violations of Federal criminal law to the prosecution of violations of the Federal Election Campaign Act by repealing the special statute of limitations in such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 1977
Amends Title XI (General Provisions) of the Social Security Act to require that psychologists be included in any Professional Standards Review Organization appointed under such title.
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 1977
Small Business Administrative Review Act - Title I: Establishes a Small Business Administrative Review Court as an independent agency within the Executive Branch. Outlines the organization of the Court, its divisions and sessions. Grants to the court jurisdiction over any fine, citation or order issued by a department or agency of the Federal Government to any citizen or resident alien of the United States, such fine, citation, or order having a dollar value of $2,500 or less. Allows the court to rescind any such fine, citation or order, based on its findings. Requires the Court to issue a report on each proceeding. Title II: Describes the rules of procedure and service of process of the court. Title III: Requires the chief judge of the court to submit to the President and the Congress not later than four years after the enactment of this Act a report including an assessment of the success of the court in fulfilling its functions.
![Official portrait of Sen. Heinz, John [R-PA]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/h000456_200.jpg)