United States · United States Congress · 19 July 1977
Arson Control Assistance Act - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to authorize the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration to make grants to programs to prevent and detect the burning of urban structures by or under the direction of their owners. Directs the Federal Bureau of Investigation to classify arson as a major crime for its Uniform Crime Reports System.
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 1977
Provides for payment of a supplemental tuition allowance to each qualified veteran upon application to the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs. Structures such allowance to offset institutional differences in tuition costs.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 1977
Amends the Department of Transportation Act to increase the Federal share of the costs of rail service assistance programs for the fiscal years 1978 through 1982. Increases the authorization for appropriations under such Act for rail service and freight assistance programs from $360,000,000 to $379,000,000. Amends the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973 to increase the Federal share for rail service continuation projects during the second 12-month period after the date rail service properties are conveyed to the Consolidated Rail Corporation pursuant to a final system plan under such Act. Amends the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964 to increase the Federal share of the costs of providing mandatory rail passenger service (emergency operating assistance) during the 18-month period following the first 360 days of such mandatory operation. Increases the amount of obligations which the Secretary of Transportation may incur to furnish such assistance. Authorizes appropriations of $181,000,000 for the liquidation of such obligations through fiscal year 1979.
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 1977
Makes it unlawful for any Federal official or employee, with the exception of employees of the Central Intelligence Agency or the National Security Agency, to require or request any other employee or any person seeking employment to take a polygraph test. Makes it unlawful for any person engaged in any business in commerce to require or request an employee or applicant to take a polygraph test or to use such a test unless fully consented to by an employee. Permits aggrieved persons to seek injunctive relief in Federal courts.
United States · United States Congress · 1 July 1977
Athletic Opportunities Assistance Act - Grants paid leave to any Federal employee participating as a member of an official United States team in any world, Pan American, or Olympic competition.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1977
District of Columbia Retirement Reform Act - Establishes three retirement funds encompassing: (1) District of Columbia firefighters and police officers; (2) District of Columbia teachers; and (3) District of Columbia judges. Establishes the District of Columbia Retirement Board to manage the retirement funds created by this Act. Details provisions relating to the administration of such funds and revises provisions relating to specified retirement and disability benefits under the retirement programs of such personnel.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1977
Department of Health Act - Establishes an executive department to be known as the Department of Health, to be headed by a Secretary of Health appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Transfers to the Secretary all health functions of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. Redesignates such Department the "Department of Education and Welfare. Directs the National Council on Health Planning and Development: (1) to study the programs and activities of the Department and to submit to the President, the Secretary, and the Congress a comprehensive report on its study including recommendations; (2) to study the various health related programs of each Federal agency and to submit to the Congress an evaluation of such programs including a recommendation of programs which should be transferred to the Secretary; and (3) to study the current and future health needs of the United States and to submit to the President and the Congress a detailed national health plan for meeting current and future health needs. Directs the Secretary to submit for the Congress within two years from the effective date of this Act a proposed codification of all laws which contain functions transferred to the Secretary by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1977
Federal Employee Administrative Hearing Rights Guarantee Act - Guarantees to those employees in the executive branch of the Federal Government, and to employees of the government of the District of Columbia, who have completed the probationary or trial period, and whose positions are not of a confidential or policy determining character, a prompt evidentiary hearing before an impartial individual before removal or suspension without pay. Stipulates that the employee must be given 30 days' advance written notice of the action sought except when the individual is involved in a criminal action. Requires the employee to be furnished, at the time the 30 day notice is provided, with copies of all evidence relevant to the proposed action. Requires a hearing before an administrative law judge, at which time the employee may be represented by counsel, present evidence, and cross-examine witnesses. Directs that the employee be furnished a copy of the verbatim transcript of the hearings, and a written decision by the administrative law judge.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1977
Federal Employee Right to Representation Act - States that any statement made by or evidence obtained during questioning of an employee of an Executive agency may not be used as evidence in the course of any action for suspension, removal, or reduction in rank or pay subsequently taken against the employee, unless such employee has been advised in writing of the fact that such employee is under investigation for misconduct and has been informed of his or her right pursuant to this Act to have a representative of his or her choice present during such questioning. States that such employee may appeal any adverse personnel action taken against him or her in violation of this Act to the Civil Service Commission. Requires the appropriate administrative authority to take such action as the Commission recommends. States that the representative of an employee of the Central Intelligence Agency, the National Security Agency, or the Federal Bureau of Investigation must be an employee of the same agency as the employee and must be approved by that agency for access to the information involved in the investigation. States that for employees of such agencies any appeal shall be only to the President. (Adds 5 U.S.C. 7171, 7172, 7173)
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 1977
Amends the guidelines in the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 setting forth the duty of care of fiduciaries who invest employee benefit plan funds so as to encourage more flexible investment policies.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 1977
Constitutional Amendment - Provides for the representation of the District of Columbia in the Congress. Authorizes the election of two Senators and the number of Representatives in the House to which the District would be entitled if it were a State. Provides that this Amendment shall have no effect upon the present system for selecting the number of electors for President and Vice President to be appointed for the District.
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
Amends the Veterans' Education and Employment Assistance Act of 1976 to permit an educational institution to negotiate any educational assistance allowance benefit check received by such institution if: (1) such institution negotiates such check under a valid power of attorney authorizing such institution as attorney-in-fact to negotiate such check; (2) such power of attorney was executed by the payee of such benefit check prior to December 1, 1976; and (3) the check is intended by the payee of such benefit check as payment for a course or courses in which the payee was enrolled prior to December 1, 1976.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1977
Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the Food and Drug Administration, and any other appropriate Federal agencies to take action within their respective jurisdictions to provide more effective protection against asbestos in the air, the water, and in the production and distribution of goods and services.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1977
Amends the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 to eliminate the requirement that States match Federal funds for improvement of nonoperational portions of stations used in intercity rail passenger service and of related facilities and fencing in the Northeast Corridor. Increases the appropriations authorized under such Act for such improvements.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1977
White House Conference on Energy Conservation Resolution - Requests the President to convene a White House Conference on Energy Conservation as soon as practicable, but not later than December 31, 1978. Establishes a National Energy Conservation Planning and Advisory Council to plan and conduct the Conference. Directs the Council to prepare and submit a final report to the President and to transmit recommendations for administrative and legislative action to the President and the Congress. Authorizes the appropriation of $5,000,000 to carry out this resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1977
Protection of Children Against Sexual Exploitation Act - Prohibits the sexual exploitation of children by making it unlawful for any person to knowingly use or cause any minor to engage in or assist in any sexual act for the purpose of promoting any film, photograph or other visual medium. Makes it unlawful for any parent, guardian or person having control over a minor to knowingly permit such minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct. Imposes a fine of $10,000 and/or imprisonment up to ten years for a violation of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1977
Establishes an Antitrust Review and Revision Commission to study the operation and enforcement of the antitrust laws and to recommend revisions to Congress and the President.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1977
Burros Amendments Act - Affords the same protection to wild free-roaming horses and burros found on lands comprising the National Park System as is afforded to such animals found on public lands.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1977
Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act - Requires the Chief Justice of the United States to designate seven district court judges, each of whom shall have jurisdiction to hear applications for and grant orders approving electronic surveillance anywhere within the United States. Requires the Chief Justice to designate three Federal judges to comprise a special court of appeals which shall have jurisdiction to hear an appeal by the United States from the denial of any application. Grants the United States a further right to appeal an affirmance of denial to the Supreme Court. Requires each application for any order approving electronic surveillance for foreign intelligence purposes to be approved by the Attorney General and to include among other information: (1) the identity of the officer making the application; (2) the authority conferred on the applicant by the President and the approval of the Attorney General to make the application; (3) the identity of the subject of the surveillance (4) the fact and circumstances justifying belief that the target of surveillance is a foreign power or an agent of a foreign power; (5) a description of the type of information sought and a certification by one of specified Federal officers that such information is foreign intelligence information that cannot feasibly be obtained by normal investigative techniques; (6) a statement of the period of time for which the surveillance is required, and (7) a statement of procedures to be taken to minimize intrusion into the privacy of United States persons. Directs the judge to enter an ex parte order as requested or as modified approving the electronic surveillance if he finds that the criteria specified have been met. Allows issuance of orders to approve surveillance for 90 days or the period necessary to achieve its purposes, whichever is less. Permits extensions of orders upon application for an extension made in the same manner as required for an original application. Authorizes the Attorney General, upon a reasonable determination that an emergency situation exists, to authorize the emergency employment of electronic surveillance if the appropriate judge is informed by the Attorney General of such authorization at the time it is made and if an application is made as soon as practicable but not more than 24 hours after authorization. Requires, in the absence of a judicial order, that surveillance terminate when the information sought is obtained, when the application for an order is denied, or 24 hours after authorization, whichever is earliest. Requires, when an order to approve the emergency employment of electronic surveillance is not obtained, that the judge serve notice on any United States person subject to surveillance of the fact of the application, the period of surveillance, and the fact that information was or was not obtained. Permits the judge to delay or forego this action on a showing of good cause. Allows information acquired from electronic surveillance conducted pursuant to this Act to be used and disclosed only for designated purposes or for the enforcement of the criminal law. Requires the Attorney General to submit an annual report to the Administrative Office of the United States Courts and to Congress, including the number of applications made for orders and extensions of orders approving electronic surveillance and the number of such orders and extensions granted, modified, and denied.
United States · United States Congress · 17 May 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the number of mutual deposit guaranty funds qualifying as tax exempt organizations and to allow such organizations to provide reserve funds for, and insure deposits in both savings and loan associations and credit unions.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1977
Grants the Court of Claims jurisdiction to render judgments against the United States upon claims for losses other than lost profits sustained by producers, processors, manufacturers, distributors, dealers, or other persons resulting from the ban on apparel, fabric, yarn, or fiber containing Tris phosphate.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1977
Urban Trees Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to make grants, on a matching basis, to the States, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and Guam in order to provide financial assistance to urban areas for arboriculture programs. Defines "arboriculture" as the planting, growing, maintenance, and protection of trees and shrubs. Authorizes appropriations of up to $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1977 to carry out such grant program. Requires that grants under this Act be made in accordance with an urban arboriculture plan for the selection, planting, and maintenance of trees agreed upon in advance by the Secretary and the State forester or other appropriate official. Authorizes the Secretary to provide technical assistance to urban areas for arboriculture programs under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1977
Authorizes the Attorney General to institute a civil action for or in the name of the United States in an appropriate district court whenever he has reasonable cause to believe that a State or its agents are subjecting persons involuntarily confined in any correctional facility, juvenile correction center, mental hospital, nursing home, or facility for the chronically ill, retarded, or physically handicapped to conditions which deprive such persons of their Federal Constitutional or Statutory rights. Permits the Attorney General to intervene in any action of public importance commenced in a Federal court in which relief is sought from conditions allegedly depriving involuntarily confined persons in State institutions of their Federal rights.
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 · 20 April 1977
Bilingual Courts Act - Requires that proceedings in U.S. district courts, in criminal and civil actions, be conducted bilingually where it is determined that a party to or a witness in, such proceedings does not understand the English language. Directs the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to determine and supply the personnel and facilities necessary to conduct such proceedings.
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 1977
Requires that no writ of habeas corpus filed on behalf of a person in State custody, or motion attacking sentence on behalf of a person in Federal custody shall be denied because of an earlier failure to assert the claim upon which the writ or motion is based unless the person deliberately and knowingly forwent the opportunity to do so.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1977
Consumer Protection Act - Establishes as an independent agency in the executive branch the Agency for Consumer Advocacy. Directs the Administrator of the Agency to submit an annual report to the Congress and the President on the Agency's activities and court actions affecting the interests of consumers. Directs the Agency to advise the Congress and the President on matters affecting the interests of consumers and to protect and promote the interests of the people of the United States as consumers of goods and services. Enumerates the functions of the Administrator including the following: (1) the representation of the interests of consumers before Federal agencies and courts; (2) the conduct and support of research, studies, and testing; (3) the submission of recommendations annually to the Congress and the President on measures to improve the operation of the Federal Government in the protection and promotion of the interests of consumers; and (4) the publication of material developed in carrying out this Act to inform consumers of matters of interest to them. States that whenever the Administrator determines that the result of any Federal agency proceeding may substantially affect an interest of consumers, he may as of right intervene as a party or otherwise participate for the purpose of representing an interest of consumers. Provides that whenever the Administrator receives any complaint which discloses: (1) an apparent violation of law relating to an interest of consumers; or (2) a commercial, trade, or other practice which is detrimental to an interest of consumers, he shall transmit such complaint to any Federal, State, of local agency which has the authority to enforce any relevant law or to take appropriate action. Directs the Administrator to maintain a public document room containing, for public inspection and copying, an up-to-date listing of all consumer complaints of any significance which the Agency has received, as arranged in meaningful and useful categories, together with annotations of actions taken in response thereto. Authorizes the Administrator to conduct studies, and to obtain data and information from persons engaged in a trade, business, or industry which substantially affects interstate commerce and whose activities he determines may substantially affect an interest of consumers. Stipulates that the Administrator shall not have the power to require the production or disclosure of any data or other information under this Act from any small business. Authorizes and directs each Federal agency, upon written request by the Administrator, to furnish access to all documents which the Administrator deems necessary for the performance of his functions. Sets forth limitations on the disclosure of any information obtained pursuant to any authority conferred by this Act. Prohibits sex discrimination in any program or activity carried on or receiving Federal assistance under the Act. Directs the President to submit to Congress a reorganization plan which provides for the transfer to the Agency of those consumer-related programs of Federal agencies which can be performed with greater efficiency by the Administrator under the authority contained in this Act. Requires Federal agencies to issue standards governing public participation in agency proceedings. Requires each Federal agency, which is authorized to promulgate rules, to transmit to the Comptroller General a cost-benefit assessment statement with respect to any rules which are likely to have a substantial economic impact. Requires the President to issue regulations providing guidelines for Federal agencies as to the nature and content of such cost and benefit assessment statements. Sets forth the procedure by which such regulations shall become law.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1977
Youth Employment and Training Act - Amends the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act of 1973 to establish a National Young Adult Conservation Corps, to be administered by the Secretary of Labor through interagency agreements with the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture, for the purpose of carrying out projects on Federal or non-Federal public lands or waters. Qualifies for work on such projects United States citizens and lawfully admitted persons who have either (1) attained age 14 but not age 16, (2) attained age 16 but not age 19 and have left school, or (3) have attained age 22 but not age 24. Stipulates that no qualified individual may enroll in the Corps for a total of more than 12 months. Directs the Secretary of the Interior or Agriculture, as appropriate, in consultation with the Secretary of Labor, to determine the location of each residential and nonresidential campsite. Lists type of projects which may be performed by the Corps including (1) silvicultural measures, (2) erosion control, (3) wildlife habitat and range management improvements, (4) recreation development, (5) forest insect and disease prevention and control, and (6) general sanitation. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to enter into agreements with prime sponsors under the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act and with Indian tribes, bands and groups to pay the cost of community improvement projects to be carried out exclusively by persons age 16-21 and certain persons age 14-15 or 22-23. Directs persons seeking to conduct community improvement projects to submit applications containing specified information to entities eligible to enter into agreements with the Secretary. Directs those entities desiring funds to submit a proposed agreement to the Secretary, each such proposed agreement to include project applications approved by the entity's planning council or like organization. Authorizes the Secretary, in reviewing proposed agreements, to approve or deny project applications on an individual basis. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to provide financial assistance to prime sponsors under the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act and Indian tribes, groups, and bands for the provision of employment opportunities and appropriate training and supportive services to unemployed youths and young adults who are members of low-income households. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to establish innovative and experimental programs to test new approaches for dealing with the unemployment problems of youth. Sets forth standards relative to the selection of activities to be funded under this Act and the allocation of funds.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1977
Diplomatic Insurance Protection Act - Requires each member of the diplomatic community to maintain insurance on any motor vehicle owned or operated by such member which provides a direct cause of action against the insurer who shall be estopped from asserting the defense of diplomatic immunity. Establishes in the Department of State an Office for Claims Against Members of the Diplomatic Community to compensate persons who suffered personal or property injury within five years of the enactment of this Act. Establishes a Claim against Members of the Diplomatic Community Fund for such purpose.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1977
Entitles a Federal employee whose position is reduced in grade to have the grade of such position treated as if such reduction had not occurred so long as such position is continued to be filled by such employee without a break in service. (Adds 5 U.S.C. 5366)
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1977
Diplomatic Immunities Act - Deems void any suit or judicial or administrative process against a person or the property of a person entitled to immunity under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. Makes Presidential determinations of entitlement to immunity binding upon governmental authorities. Requires the President to publish a list of missions and personnel entitled to such immunity. Repeals the criminal penalties for wrongful suit against an immune person. Repeals exceptions to suits against servants in the service of personnel of a foreign mission. Repeals the present criteria for determining eligibility for immunity.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1977
Civil Rights Commission Authorization Act - Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1957 to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 1978, for the Commission on Civil Rights.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1977
Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States Postal Services should issue, during 1977, a commemorative stamp honoring Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 1977
Interstate Horseracing Act - Expresses the findings of Congress with regard to the significance of the horseracing industry and the effects of off-track betting on that industry. Declares that the policy of Congress is to assure continued revenue flow from horseracing to the States and to protect the horseracing industry. Prohibits the acceptance of a wager, placed or accepted in one state on the outcome of a horserace in another state. Subjects any person violating this Act to a civil action which may be brought by (1) the host racing association, (2) the host State, or (3) any owner of any horse participating in a race which is the subject of an interstate off-track wager. Allows the courts (1) to enjoin further violations of this Act, and (2) to award damages in an amount equal to three times the amount of that portion of the interstate off-track wagers which the host State, the host racing association, and the owners of horses participating in the race would have received if such wagers had been placed at the track where the race was held. States that in the event that a wager accepted in violation of this Act is of a type not accepted at the host track, the damages shall be equal to three times the greater of (1) the maximum takeout permitted for any type of pari-mutuel wager in the host State, or (2) the maximum takeout for any type of pari-mutuel wager in the off-track state. Defines "takeout" as that portion of a wager which is deducted from the pari-mutuel pool and is distributed to persons or entities other than those placing wagers. Grants jurisdiction over an action under this Act to the United States District Court in the host State or State in which the off track wager was alleged to have been made. Grants concurrent jurisdiction to state courts of competent jurisdiction in the host State or off-track State. Prescribes a statute of limitations of three years after the discovery of an alleged violation of this Act. States that this Act shall not apply to any interstate off-track pari-mutuel wager which is accepted by an off-track State pursuant to a contract which (1) is entered into by the off-track State and the host State prior to enactment of this Act, and (2) authorizes the off-track State to accept such wagers with respect to the outcome of a horserace taking place in the host State. Limits this exception to this Act to the termination date of the above contract, or the period extending until April 30, 1983, whichever date occurs first.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1977
Federal Aid in Nongame Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to provide financial assistance to State nongame fish and wildlife conservation programs. Authorizes the Secretary to transfer personnel, equipment, and scientific information to carry out this Act. Sets forth the formula for the apportionment of revenue to the States and limitations upon administrative expenses of the Secretary and the States chargeable to the Nongame Fish and Wildlife Conservation Fund. Permits any amount apportioned to a State but not expended or obligated after two fiscal years to be used by the Secretary to assist such programs in other States. Permits any such amount not paid or obligated by the Secretary at the end of two fiscal years to be made available for any nongame fish and wildlife resource project of the Fish and Wildlife Service. Directs all Federal departments and agencies to coordinate their programs with nongame fish and wildlife conservation projects administered by the States. Directs each Federal department and agency with management authority over land and water resources (1) to determine which programs under its authority may be extended to include conservation of nongame fish and wildlife species, (2) to notify the appropriate State agency of any such affirmative determination, and (3) to cooperate with the establishment of conservation agreements with State agencies for such efforts. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1978, 1979, and 1980 to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1977
Rural Housing Act - Amends the Housing Act of 1949 to extend the availability of refinancing of indebtedness for rural housing assistance to elderly or handicapped families. Defines elderly or handicapped families for purposes of this Act. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a system of escrow accounts to enable borrowers to make periodic payments for taxes, insurance, and other necessary expenses. Authorizes and directs the Secretary to conduct specified programs of research, study and analysis of rural housing. Authorizes the Secretary to make expenditures from the Rural Housing Insurance Fund in order to correct construction defects or to pay claims of the owner of property arising from such defects. Empowers the Secretary to foreclose on mortgages only if the borrower has been given prior notice. Makes changes with respect to the Secretary's power to make rules and regulations. Authorizes increases in assistance to specified rural housing programs for fiscal years 1978 and 1979. Extends rural housing loans for elderly and handicapped families to include congregate housing facilities for families who require some supervision and central services. Requires that at least 60 percent of insured rural housing loans benefit persons of low income. Makes changes in the guaranteed housing loan program and the homeownership subsidy for low and moderate income persons. Makes it mandatory for the Secretary to provide rural rental assistance. Creates the position of Assistant Secretary for Equal Opportunity in the Department of Agriculture. Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to increase the funds available for grants for water and waste facilities. Amends the Housing Act of 1949 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to withhold assistance for specified programs from any otherwise eligible borrower who fails to incorporate energy conservation features into any structure commenced by such borrower after January 1, 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1977
Allows a certain individual's years of employment with the Public Health Service to count as service in the Air Force Reserve for purposes of entitling him to retirement benefits from such Reserve.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1977
Repeals the requirement that appointments in the departmental service in the District of Columbia be apportioned among the States, territories, possessions, and the District of Columbia on the basis of population.
![Official portrait of Sen. Mathias, Charles McC., Jr. [R-MD]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/m000241_200.jpg)