United States · United States Congress · 22 June 1977
Solar Energy for Homes Act - Authorizes the administrators of Federal housing programs, established under title II or III of the National Housing Act or (of) title V of the Housing Act of 1949, to increase the amount of loans made on single- or multi-family dwelling units by up to 20 percent where such increase reflects the cost of solar energy equipment. Amends the National Housing Act to authorize home improvement loans for the cost of acquisition and installation of solar energy systems.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 1977
Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to make and insure loans under such Act for the solar heating or cooling of residential structures on family farms.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 1977
Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation Act - Establishes the National Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation. Names the board of directors of the Corporation. Empowers the Corporation to continue the work of the urban reinvestment task force in establishing neighborhood housing services programs, in providing grants and technical assistance to selected neighborhood preservation projects, and in supporting Neighborhood Housing Services of America. Authorizes specified Federal departments and Federal banks to provide services to the Corporation with or without reimbursement. Directs the Corporation to publish an annual report to the President and the Congress. Requires an annual audit of the Corporation.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1977
Emergency Product Liability Act - Title I: General Provisions - Expresses the sense of Congress that it is necessary to provide national standards for product liability litigation in order to reduce the effects of the product liability crisis. Title II: Limitations of Product Liability Litigation - Limits the time for commencing product liability actions to two years after the date upon which the injury was sustained or discovered and prohibits the commencement of any action later than seven years after the date upon which the product was purchased. Exempts manufacturers and sellers of products from liability for damages caused by misuse of a product or modifications of a product made subsequent to manufacture or sale without the consent of the manufacturer or seller. Exempts manufacturers or sellers of products from liability for injuries or damages caused by a product when the plan or design, or the methods, standards, or techniques of manufacturing the product conform with the prevailing state of the art applicable to the product. Title III: Relation to State Law - Preempts any State law which is inconsistent with the provisions of this Act. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to exempt from the coverage of this Act any State which adopts the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 1977
Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to extend until September 30, 1978, the period of time during which sums made available to States between January 1, 1975, and March 1, 1975, for the construction of treatment works, shall remain available.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1977
Removes the power of any United States court to issue school transportation orders based on race, color, or national origin unless the court first determines that a discriminatory purpose in education was a principal motivating factor in the constitutional violation for which such transportation is proposed as a remedy. Stipulates that any court order requiring the transportation of any student based on race, color, or national origin must be promulgated by a three judge district court. Restricts such transportation of students to that which is reasonably necessary to have the student composition reflect what it otherwise would have been if a constitutional violation had not occurred. Requires any court before entering a transportation order to hold a hearing and make specific findings of the discriminatory purpose of the violation and the degree to which the concentration in the student composition by race, color, or national origin has been altered from its normal course by such violation. Stipulates that any transportation order on the basis of a constitutional violation shall be stayed until all appeals have been exhausted. Specifies that any transportation order for a constitutional violation which is not yet final before the date of enactment of this Act must meet the requirements imposed by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1977
Senate Administrative Reorganization Resolution - Establishes within the Senate the Administrative Office of the Senate to be headed by an Administrator of the Senate appointed by the Administrative Council. Establishes an Administrative Council of the Senate to supervise the Administrator and review the plans and recodifications submitted by the Administrator. Requires the Administrator to maintain all administrative and support service and facilities delegated to such individual, and to review existing systems and prepare a recodification of the laws, rules, and standing orders of the Senate relating to administrative services and facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1977
Amends the Rural Development Act of 1972 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to make grants for research related to the production and marketing of industrial hydrocarbons derived from agricultural commodities and forest products. Directs the Secretary to carry out a program of four pilot projects for the production and marketing of such hydrocarbons by guaranteeing loans not to exceed $15,000,000 per project to public, private, or cooperative organizations. Authorizes, for the research grant program, the appropriation of up to $24,000,000, not more than $3,000,000 of which may be awarded to the colleges and universities of any one State.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1977
Right to Financial Privacy Act - States that the purposes of this Act are to protect and preserve the confidential relationship between financial institutions and their customers and the constitutional rights of those customers, and to promote commerce by prescribing policies and procedures to insure against unwarranted disclosure of customer records. Prohibits any Federal agency or employee, or any State regulatory agency from obtaining copies of, access to, or information contained in, the financial records of any customer from a financial institution unless such records are described with particularity and: (1) such customer has authorized such disclosure in accordance with this Act; (2) such records are disclosed in response to an administrative subpena or summons; (3) such records are disclosed in response to a court order; or (4) such records are disclosed in response to a judicial subpena. Places the enforcement of compliance with the requirements of this Act with the appropriate supervisory agency utilizing its authority to exercise jurisdiction over financial institutions and credit card issuers. States that no financial institution may provide to a Federal agency or employee, or to any State regulatory agency copies of, or the information contained in, the financial records of any customer except in accordance with the requirements of this Act. Sets forth provisions governing customer authorization, administrative subpenas and summons, and judicial subpenas. Prohibits the Secretary of the Treasury from requiring an institution to maintain any financial records or to transmit any reports relating to customers unless: (1) such records are required for use by a supervisory agency in the supervision of that institution; or (2) such records are to be maintained solely for the purpose of monitoring foreign or domestic currency movement. Prescribes civil and criminal penalties for violation of the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1977
Customs Paperwork Simplification Act - Amends the Tariff Schedules of the United States to raise the resident tariff exemption on items imported for personal use or gifts to $300. Raises to $500 the value of merchandise which can be imported by mail.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1977
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to expand the coverage of the supplementary medical insurance program to include physician extender services to the extent recognized under State law.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1977
Authorizes the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration to provide for radio and television coverage of proceedings in the Senate Chamber during the second session of the Ninety-fifth Congress. Directs the Committee to maintain videotapes and recordings of such coverage to be made available to public and commercial broadcasting stations. Directs the Committee to compile a daily written summary of Senate proceedings to be made available to the news media and to Senate Members, officers, and committees.
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1977
Requires the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives to install telecommunication devices to enable deaf persons and persons with speech impairments to engage in toll-free communications with Members of Congress. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 1977
Occupational Safety and Health Act Amendments - Amends the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 to require the Secretary of Labor to publish technological and economic feasibility studies of a proposed safety or health standard in the Federal Register at least 30 days before such standard is promulgated. Requires the Secretary to publish annual reports of the most prevalent classes of industrial and occupational violations. Extends from 15 to 30 days certain enforcement procedures. Prohibits the assessment of a civil penalty for a citation given for a nonserious violation during an initial inspection. Authorizes the Secretary to make consultative visits to workplace upon an employer's request.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1977
Food and Nutrition Program Optional Consolidation and Reorganization Act - Provides the States with the option of consolidating and reorganizing the following food assistance programs: (1) the food stamp program of the Food Stamp Act of 1964, (2) the child feeding programs of the National School Lunch Act and the Child Nutrition Act of 1966, (3) the food and nutrition education program of the Smith- Lever Act, and (4) the commodity supplemental food program. Allows any State to participate in the consolidation program, and guarantees that a participating State shall receive the funds it would otherwise have received under the above-mentioned programs. Stipulates the procedure by which a State may withdraw from the program. Permits a State to receive a planning grant of up to two percent of the amount that State presently receives under the four existing programs, in order to prepare a consolidated plan conforming to this Act. Sets forth requirements for receiving such a grant. Requires each State desiring to receive funds for the consolidation program to (1) designate a State agency to ascertain the food and nutrition needs of the State's needy population, to formulate and monitor the State consolidation plan and to receive and apportion State and Federal funds earmarked for the program; (2) publish, prior to consolidated assistance and every fourth year thereafter, a four- year comprehensive State plan which conforms to the requirements of this Act, and update that plan annually; (3) certify to the Secretary of Agriculture that the requirements of (2) have been complied with; and (4) provide for an annual audit of expenditures, and to report the findings of that audit to the Secretary. Mandates that each State, in developing the State plan, establish procedures to assure that (1) an assessment is made to determine the food and nutrition needs of the State's needy, (2) an assessment is made to determine the need for food and nutrition education in the State, (3) funds used under this Act will be coordinated with State, local, and Federal funds and programs, (4) adequate notice and an opportunity for public comment is provided for proposed changes in the State plan, (5) procedures are established to assure that State regulations will be established, amended or repealed consistent with State administrative procedure and due process, and (6) Federal funds provided under this Act supplement and not supplant State or local funds. Requires that a State plan (1) set forth the procedure for and results of the food and nutrition needs assessment, (2) state the goals to be achieved under the plan, (3) set forth the State's program of food and nutrition education, (4) provide for procedures, in conformance with this Act, for distribution of funds to local agencies and organizations, (5) set out the State's program for providing meals and nutrition education in connection with any federally funded program carried out with funds not provided under this Act, (6) provide procedures for monitoring activities of agencies and organizations responsible for administering the State plan, (7) provide for an audit of the expenditure of funds by those agencies and organizations, (8) prescribe procedures for State action when such agencies fail to implement a program plan, and provide an appeal process for an agency which is dissatisfied with that State action, and (9) provide that an annual audit be prepared of all expenditures, and that the audit be reported to the Secretary. Requires the Secretary to notify a State, within 60 days after receiving its comprehensive State plan, whether such plan complies with this Act. Mandates that the Secretary indicate in what respect the plan fails to comply, and the action the State must take to comply. Provides that a State participating in a consolidated program is eligible to receive an additional grant for carrying out that program equal to 10 percent of its total entitlement, provided that such amount is matched by the State with an equal amount of non-Federal funds. States that the amounts that all States are entitled to in a fiscal year shall be ratably reduced if the sums appropriated in that year for State payments are not sufficient to pay each state the entire amount to which it is entitled. Requires the Secretary to furnish the same services-in-kind which would have been furnished to the State had the State not participated in the consolidated program. Permits the States to purchase food-service equipment and facilities with funds made available under this Act. Forbids any State from using more than 2 1/2 percent of the funds made available under this Act for administrative expenses. Provides for evaluations and monitoring of the program authorized under this Act. Requires the Secretary to carry out a program of grants to States which consolidate under this Act for purposes of interstate cooperation. Authorizes $3,000,000 to be appropriated in each of the ten fiscal years beginning October 1, 1977 to carry out this program. Forbids payment of funds to any State which has not certified to the Secretary that it has published its comprehensive State plan or update in accordance with this Act. Provides sanctions which may be imposed by the Secretary if a State's comprehensive plan is not in compliance with this Act, or if the State fails to follow its comprehensive plan. Provides for both administrative and judicial review of any sanctions imposed. Provides for the participation of children enrolled in private or Indian tribal schools if a State is prohibited by law from providing for their participation. Imposes criminal penalties on anyone who embezzles, steals, or fraudulently obtains any funds authorized by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1977
Food Additive Safety Amendments - States that a food additive shall be deemed safe if the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare (1) makes a finding, based on recommendations of an advisory committee, that the public benefit from permitting the use of such additive would exceed the public risk which might result from such use; (2) gives notice in the Federal Register of such a finding and invites public comment thereon; and (3) issues a final order within 120 days of publication in the Federal Register of such findings. Specifies factors the Secretary must take into consideration when evaluating a food additive. Deems saccharin a safe food additive unless the Secretary declares it unsafe under the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1977
Authorizes to be appropriated funds for the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare to conduct a study of the potential carcinogenic effects of saccharin. Directs the Secretary to submit a report on such study to the President and the Congress not later than 60 days after the study's completion. Prohibits any ban or restriction on saccharin in interstate commerce by the Secretary or any officer in the executive branch of the Federal Government for a period of three years.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow taxpayers maintaining households to elect either a $250 income tax credit or a $1,000 deduction for each dependent aged 65 or over who resides in their homes.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1977
Equal Access to Courts Act - Entitles a party which (1) prevails in any civil action, including an action for judicial review of agency actions, and (2) is a small business as defined by the Small Business Act or an individual or entity having assets or income below specified amounts to a judgment for costs and an award for attorney fees, witness fees, and necessary studies and reports. Directs an agency to pay costs and fees to a party meeting the criteria of (2) above if such a party (1) successfully defends the imposition of an agency sanction, (2) successfully opposes the issuance or amendments of certain agency orders, or (3) successfully appeals agency action or is subject to agency action which is appealed or reviewed. Entitles a party partially prevailing against the United States to costs and fees to the extent to which it prevailed. Authorizes where in the interest of justice, an award of cost and fees to a party which fails to prevail in a civil action instituted by or against the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1977
Department of Education Act - Establishes an executive department to be known as the Department of Education to be administered by a Secretary of Education. States that the principal function of such Department is to promote the cause and advancement of education throughout the United States. Transfers to the Secretary specified functions of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare and the Commissioner of Education, and various educational responsibilities of other Federal agencies and instrumentalities. Creates the Federal Interagency Committee on Education and the National Advisory Commission on Education. Redesignates the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, and the Secretary of such Department, as the Department of Health and Welfare, and the Secretary of Health and Welfare.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1977
Prohibits the first salary adjustment which would be made under the Federal Salary Act of 1967 after the date of enactment of this Act from taking effect for the Vice President, Members of Congress, judges, commissioners, and referees, and positions in the Executive Schedule.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1977
Constitutional Amendment - Allows an item veto by the President of appropriations bills. Requires the President, in signing such bills, to designate the provisions disapproved and return the bill to the House in which it originated. Provides that such bills shall be subjected to the same proceeding as other bills disapproved by the President. Excepts bills which appropriate funds for the legislative or the judicial branch of the Government from such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1977
Mobile Source Emission Control Amendments -- Amends the Clean Air Act to extend through model year 1979 interim standards for hydrocarbons and carbon nonoxide emissions from light-duty motor vehicles. Specifies standards applicable in model years 1980 and afterwards for such pollutants. Revises the emission standard for carbon monoxide to allow emissions of up to 9.0 grams per vehicle mile. Extends until model year 1981 the current 2.0 grams per vehicle mile interim standard for nitrogen oxide emissions from light-duty vehicles. Establishes a nitrogen oxides emissions standard of 1.0 gram per vehicle mile for model years after 1981, subject to revision or waiver by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency in accordance with prescribed procedures. Stipulates that such revisions and waivers shall not permit emissions in excess of the 2.0 grams per vehicle mile interim standard. Directs the Administrator, the Secretary of Transportation and the Federal Energy Administration to submit separate reports to Congress regarding the consequences of such emission standards on fuel consumption. Establishes additional prohibitions and penalties for tampering with motor vehicle emission control equipment. Imposes limits on the amount of vehicle testing required of small manufacturers. Establishes procedures for review of instructions for high altitude performance adjustments for motor vehicle emission control systems by the Administrator in accordance with specified requirements. Revises warranty requirements stipulated by the Act. Specifies an 18-month or 18,000-mile warranty requirement for the useful life of motor vehicle emission control systems. Directs the Administrator to study the effects of emission of sulfur bearing compounds from motor vehicles and aircraft. Extends the exception for disclosure of confidential information in administrative and judicial proceedings to emission data upon a satisfactory showing to the Administrator that such data would divulge trade secrets. Requires that documentation, justifications, proposed drafts, and comments of other agencies on proposed motor vehicle emission standards be made available to the public once such standards are proposes. Establishes procedures for oral presentation of views with opportunity for cross-examination, with respect to such standards. Authorizes direct review of alleged procedural errors in the appropriate court of appeals. Authorizes the appropriation of $200,000,000 per fiscal year for fiscal years 1978, 1979, and 1980, to carry out the purposes of this Act other than research, development, and demonstration activities
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1977
Inland Navigation Improvement Act - Authorizes the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of the Corps of Engineers, to replace locks and dam 26, Mississippi River, Alton, Illinois, in accordance with the project report dated March 15, 1976. Authorizes the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of the Corps of Engineers, to replace as a part of such project, terrestrial wildlife habitat inundated by project construction, and to manage such lands for wildlife mitigation purposes. Authorizes the Secretary to construct a project-related recreation development near Ellis Island, Missouri, on a cost-sharing basis with Missouri. Directs that such recreation area be administered in accordance with the Federal Water Project Recreation Act. Establishes the Mississippi River navigation channel above Alton, Illinois, at nine feet. Prohibits the Secretary or other Federal officials from studying the feasibility of deepening the navigation channels in the Minnesota River, Minnesota; Black River, Wisconsin; Saint Croix River, Minnesota and Wisconsin; and the Mississippi River north of its juncture with the Illinois River, Illinois. Directs the Secretary to appoint a board to study the alternative of rehabilitating the present lock and dam structure at Alton, Illinois. Permits the Secretary to proceed with new construction if such board finds no merit in the rehabilitation alternative. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress if such board finds rehabilitation feasible. Permits the Secretary, in the latter instance, to proceed with the new construction, if Congress fails to act within 120 days. Requires the Secretary of Transportation to establish, after hearings and notice in the Federal Register, a system of user charges intended to recover a portion of Federal navigation-related costs of the operation, maintenance, new construction, and rehabilitation of inland waterways. Bases the assessment of such charges upon the annual (1) operation, construction, and rehabilitation costs of inland waterways; (2) the volume of traffic; (3) seasonal and peak demand periods; and (4) other factors. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to utilize as mechanisms of such system (1) license fees, (2) congestion charges, (3) ton-miles charges, (4) lockage fees; and (5) cargo capacity. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to allow vessels using the inland waterways to deduct from user charges any Federal tax (including a tax on fuels) which may be imposed after enactment of this Act. Requires that final rates be adequate to recover 50 percent of the Federal navigation-related expenditures for operation, maintenance, new construction, and rehabilitation of inland waterways. Sets forth procedures for implementation of such charges over a five year period. Establishes a Waterway Improvement Fund, administered by the Secretary of the Army, consisting of funds collected from user charges imposed by this Act. Imposes a fine of $5,000 per day for failure to pay user charges, and prohibits the violator from using any lock in the inland waterway system during the period of such violation. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury, in cooperation with the Secretary of the Army, to submit to Congress three years after the implementation of a system of user charges, a report describing the economic impact and effectiveness of such charges. Creates a Mississippi River System Council consisting of the Secretary of Transportation, the Secretary of Agriculture, the Chair of the Council on Environmental Quality, the Secretary of the Army, the Secretary of the Interior, and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. Directs the Council to prepare a comprehensive master plan for the management of the Mississippi River system. Directs the Council in such preparation to cooperate with appropriate State and local agencies and with the Upper Mississippi River Basin Commission. Requires such master plan (1) to identify the economic, recreational, and environmental objectives of Federal, State, and local agencies responsible for administration of the Mississippi River system, and (2) to recommend guidelines for such administration. Requires the guidelines of such master plan to include channel maintenance, minimizing dredging volumes, uses of dredged material, barge fleeting, water quality, fish and wildlife protection, wilderness preservation, and fish and wildlife refuge management. Authorizes the Council to carry out necessary studies, including those concerning the environmental and economic effects of present and projected traffic levels. Requires the Council to utilize, to the fullest extent possible, the Upper Mississippi River Resources Management (GREAT) study. Prohibits the Secretary of the Army from undertaking the rehabilitation, replacement, or construction of locks and dams which will increase the traffic capacity of the upper Mississippi River system, until Congress has approved the master plan. Authorizes the appropriation of $20,000,000 for preparation of the master plan, of which $4,400,000 shall be used for completion of the Upper Mississippi River Resource Management (GREAT) Study.
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
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
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase from $100 to $600 ($1,200 in the case of a joint return) the amount of dividends which individuals may exclude from income.
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
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
Amends Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to increase from one-twelfth of one percent to five-ninths of one percent the increment by which an individual's old-age benefits shall be increased because of delayed retirement beyond age 65.
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 · 3 February 1977
Requires that the Congressional Record for the Senate contain an accurate and verbatim account of remarks actually delivered on the floor together with permitted supporting data. Limits revisions of remarks in the Congressional Record to the correction of grammatical and typographical errors which do not change the meaning, content, or substance of those remarks. Entitles Senators to insert in the Record remarks not actually delivered on the floor. Directs that such insertions be clearly distinguishable from verbatim remarks.
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 · 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
Jobs Creation Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) reduce individual and corporate income tax rates; (2) allow a limited income tax deduction by certain domestic corporations for dividends paid; (3) allow a tax credit for new savings deposits; and (4) allow a deduction for a portion of a property's cost in lieu of a deduction for depreciation.
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 · 24 January 1977
Constitutional Amendment - Declares the term "person", with respect to due process and equal protection, applicable to human beings irrespective of age, health, function or condition of dependency, including the unborn. Prohibits the deprivation of life of an unborn person, except under laws permitting medical procedures required to prevent the death of the mother.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1977
Constitutional Amendment - Declares the term "person," with respect to due process and equal protection, applicable to human beings irrespective of age, health, function or condition of dependency, including the unborn. Prohibits the deprivation of life of an unborn person, except under laws permitting medical procedures required to prevent the death of the mother.
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1977
Office of Management and Budget Authorization and Oversight Act - States that no funds may be appropriated to carry out the functions of the Office of Management and Budget after September 30, 1977, unless authorized specifically for such functions by law. Authorizes such funds for the period ending March 31, 1981. Requires the Director of the Office to keep the Congress currently informed with respect to all matters relating to the Office. Requires the Director to report to the Comptroller General within 120 days of the enactment of this Act the practices, procedures and management techniques utilized by the Office in performing its functions including: (1) its preparation and supervision of the budget; (2) advising the President regarding executive branch organization; and (3) evaluation of Federal program performance and management processes. Requires the Comptroller General to determine from such report the extent to which the purposes and intent of Reorganization Plan Numbered 2 of 1970, which established the Office in place of the Bureau of the Budget, are being carried out. Requires the Comptroller General to report his findings to Congress.
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
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow limited income tax credit for the higher education expenses paid for the taxpayer, his spouse, and his dependents.
![Official portrait of Sen. Lugar, Richard G. [R-IN]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/l000504_200.jpg)