United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1977
Regional Energy Development Act - Chapter I: Introductory - Declares that energy shortages and the high cost of energy have created economic hardships in the Northeastern States, which would especially benefit from regional cooperation with the United States through an entity capable of financing and otherwise promoting increased energy supply and energy conservation. Defines "Northeastern States" as Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts. Chapter II: Organization, Management, Powers - Authorizes the creation of a corporation for profit, which will not be an agency or establishment of the United States, and shall be known as the Energy Corporation of the Northeast. Directs the President to appoint incorporators who reside in the Northeastern States to serve as the initial Board of Directors of the Corporation, and to take whatever actions are necessary to establish the Corporation. Stipulates that a Northeastern State shall become a member of the Corporation when such State shall subscribe for State stock, contribute initial capital in the amount of $1 per capita, and enact supporting legislation. Allows the Corporation to become operational if at least three States become members before December 31, 1978. Authorizes States that are contiguous to members to join the Corporation in the same manner. Authorizes the Corporation to participate in joint ventures with public or private groups and to operate through subsidiaries. Requires the Corporation to submit annual reports and audits to the President, Congress, Governors and legislatures of Member States. Directs the Governors, on a rotating basis, to designate independent persons to evaluate the performance of the Corporation every two years. Chapter III: Projects and Programs of the Corporation - Authorizes the Corporation to participate in financing any project related to solving the energy needs of the Northeast. Allows the Corporation to assist projects by loans, guarantees or equity investments. Stipulates that before any financial assistance is provided, the Board of Directors of the Corporation must find that: (1) the project is expected to have a beneficial impact on the energy problems of the region; (2) the investment together with other Corporation activities will not materially impair the credit of the Corporation; (3) private capital is unavailable or insufficient; and (4) unless this limitation is specially waived, the Corporation will not operate the project on a continuing basis or invest more than 50 percent of the total cost. Authorizes rejection of each project by the Governor of the Member State in which it is located. Charges the Board with reviewing periodically the allocation of Corporation resources among the Member States to assure a measure of equity in the distribution of benefits. Limits the Corporation's investment in any one project to the greater of 10 percent of its borrowing authority or $200,000,000. Chapter IV: Financing - Stipulates that capital subscriptions from the States ($1 per capita initial contribution) and private investors shall determine the borrowing authority of the Corporation according to a formula of $15 borrowing backed by Federal guarantees for each $1 capital contribution. Authorizes the contribution of additional capital by the States after the initial subscription. Authorizes the issuance of capital securities to States and private investors in a form determined by the Board. Permits the Corporation to issue its own obligations which shall be general obligations payable out of any revenues. Prohibits the Corporation from pledging the credit of the United States or the credit of Member States. Chapter V: Guarantee of Obligations - Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to guarantee obligations of the Corporation. Permits the Secretary to agree with the Corporation that the United States will purchase the product of its projects, if necessary, in the event market conditions preclude private sale. Chapter VI: State Legislation - Requires Member States, upon joining the Corporation, to enact legislation: (1) assuring decisions within 90 days of application on request for permits required for Corporation projects; (2) exempting the property, income, and operations of the Corporation from State and local taxation; and (3) specifying that insofar as the provisions of any State, general, special, or local law may be inconsistent with this Act, the provisions of this Act and the legislation enacted under this Chapter are controlling. Chapter VII: Miscellaneous - Specifies terms of construction and separability of the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1977
Investment Company Development Act - Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to set the interest rate on loans guaranteed by the Small Business Administration (SBA) to small business investment companies at three percent per annum. Authorizes the Small Business Administration to guarantee up to 75 percent of the funds advanced by small business investment companies to start small business concerns. Limits such guarantees to not more than 25 percent of the private paid-in capital of the small business investment company. Makes the Associate Administrator for investment of the SBA responsible for the administration of the small business investment program and removes any other duties. Permits small business investment companies to recognize, for accounting purposes, specified non-cash gains and the proceeds from the issuance of capital notes when such notes have a maturity of at least ten years.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1977
Minority Enterprise Venture Capital Act - Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to change the title of the Associate Administrator for Finance and Investment of the Small Business Administration to that of Associate Administrator for Investment. Sets the interest rate payable on debentures purchased by the Small Business Administration at three percent per annum and the dividend rate on preferred securities purchased by the Administration at three percent per annum. Limits the amount of preferred securities that the Administration can purchase from specified small business investment companies. Requires that any small business investment company authorized by the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 after December 31, 1977, have not less than $500,000 of private paid-in capital and surplus.
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 1977
Amends Senate Resolution 140, Ninety-fifth Congress, to increase to $4,500 the amount which may be expended by the Senate Select Committee on Small Business for the procurement of consultant services.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 1977
Amends the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973 to authorize the Secretary of Transportation to guarantee securities and obligations issued by a railroad in reorganization to State and local taxing authorities to secure the railroad's tax obligations when the Consolidated Rail Corporation, the United States Railway Association, or the Federal Government asserts a superior interest in payment out of the estate of such railroad during reorganization or liquidation proceedings under the Bankruptcy Act. Directs the Secretary, if insufficient funds are unavailable to discharge such guarantees, to issue notes or other obligations to the Secretary of the Treasury. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to sell such obligations. Authorizes appropriations in such amounts as may be necessary to discharge all of the Secretary of Transportation's obligations under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 14 September 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 promote commerce by prescribing policies and procedures to insure that customers have the right to challenge unwarranted disclosure of their records. Prohibits any Federal agency or employee, or any State or local government from obtaining copies of, or the information contained in, the financial records of any customer from a financial institution unless the financial records are described with particularity and: (1) such customer has authorized such disclosure in accordance with this Act; (2) such financial records are disclosed in response to an administrative subpena or summons; (3) such financial records are disclosed in response to a court order; or (4) such financial records are disclosed in response to a judicial subpena. Grants to a customer whose financial records have been subpoenaed, the right to challenge the relevancy and scope of the summons and the relationship of the records sought to the investigation from which the subpena issued. States that no financial institution may provide a Federal agency or employee, or any State or local government, 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, judicial subpenas, and search warrants. Makes the requirements of this Act inapplicable to specified disclosures including: (1) records used in making reports on returns required by the Internal Revenue Code; (2) grand jury subpenas; and (3) records required by supervisory agencies for use in the regulation of such institution. Prescribes civil and criminal penalties for violations of the provisions of this Act. Makes injunctive relief available to stop and prevent violations of this Act. Invalidates any waiver of the rights granted by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 September 1977
Transitional Deep Ocean Mining Act - Prohibits a citizen of the United States from engaging in exploration or mining of hard minerals in the ocean floor without a license or permit issued under the terms of this Act or by a reciprocating nation until an international agreement regulating deep seabed mining becomes legally binding upon the United States. Enables a citizen engaged in exploration before the effective date of this Act to continue such exploration during the pendency of his application for a license. Exempts from such licensing requirements those individuals engaged in: (1) scientific research; (2) geophysical or geochemical measurements or random samplings of the seabed; (3) the design, construction or testing of equipment used in exploration or mining; and (4) the furnishing of machinery, products, supplies, or services to support exploration or mining. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to accelerate preparation of an environmental impact statement for deep seabed mining. Requires the Secretary and the Secretary of State in cooperation with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to prepare regulations, pending the conclusion of an international agreement, for deep seabed mining designed to protect the marine environment from ecological damage. Authorizes the Secretary to issue licenses for exploration and permits for commercial mining of deep seabed resources. Specifies statutory conditions and restrictions which the Secretary must require in issuing licenses or permits. Permits any United States citizen to apply for a license for exploration and permits such licensee to apply for a permit for commercial mining. Sets forth specific determinations which the Secretary must make regarding an applicant's qualifications before the Secretary may issue a license or permit. Directs the Secretary to establish terms, conditions, and restrictions consistent with the environmental and other requirements of the Act which will govern the implementation of the exploration and mining proposed in the application. Allows the applicant to challenge such terms, conditions, or restrictions. Authorizes the Secretary to modify any term, condition, or restriction of a license or permit if necessary to: (1) avoid unreasonable interference with the maritime interests of other nations; (2) avoid conflict with any international obligation of the United States; and (3) protect the environment. Authorizes the Secretary to suspend a license or permit if necessary to avoid conflict with any international obligation of the United States or to protect national security as determined by the President of the United States. Authorizes the Secretary to deny an application which does not comply with the requirements of the Act. Specifies conditions under which the Secretary may deny such application. Provides judicial or administrative review of any denial, proposed suspension, or revocation of a license or permit. Directs the Secretary to issue regulations necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act or the provisions of an international agreement to which the United States is a signatory. Sets forth criteria upon which such regulations shall be based. States that the President may designate certain foreign states as reciprocating states and prohibits the issuance of a license or permit which will conflict with the terms of a license or permit issued by reciprocating states. Provides that the provisions of a treaty between the United States and any foreign nation for the development of the resources of the deep seabed will supersede any provisions of this Act which are inconsistent with the treaty. Establishes a risk sharing program to compensate licensees or permitees who suffer a loss of investment due to the terms of a treaty concluded by the United States. Sets forth requirements an individual must meet to qualify for such compensation and the amount of such compensation an individual may receive. Denies compensation for any loss due to: (1) failure of technology; (2) variations in market values of minerals; (3) force majeure; (4) payment of administrative fees; or (5) events covered by insurance or for which admiralty law provides a remedy. Establishes in the United States Treasury the Ocean Mining Risk Sharing Fund to pay compensation to eligible licensees or permitees. Provides for civil and criminal penalties for a violation of the Act. Authorizes appropriations to fund the administration of the Act and to provide compensation under the risk sharing program if the trust fund established for that purpose becomes inadequate.
United States · United States Congress · 7 September 1977
Energy Stamp Act - Authorizes the Community Services Administrator to establish an energy stamp program to assist eligible households in meeting heating costs. Authorizes the Director of the Community Services Administration to establish eligibility criteria. Requires the printing of energy stamps. Authorizes the Director to establish standards with respect to the allotment of energy stamps. Sets forth procedures for redemption of such coupons, and administration and financing of the energy stamp program through local agencies. Establishes penalties for the unauthorized use, transfer, or alteration of such coupons. Authorizes the appropriation of $100,000,000 for fiscal years 1978, 1979, and 1980 respectively to carry out this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary for fiscal years thereafter. Stipulates that the benefits received pursuant to this program shall not be considered as income for internal revenue purposes or for determination of eligibility for other federally-related benefits programs.
United States · United States Congress · 20 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 · 15 July 1977
Federal Transportation Improvement Act - Revises title 23 (Highways) of the United States Code. Changes the name of such title to "Transportation." Abolishes the Highway Trust Fund as of September 30, 1978. Stipulates that the Federal gasoline and other revenues which presently are deposited in the Fund shall be placed in the general fund of the Department of the Treasury. Stipulates that there shall be only three Federal-aid highway system: the rural system, the urban system, and the Interstate System. Stipulates that funding for such systems shall be made through the normal authorization and appropriation process. Stipulates that funds authorized and appropriated for the urban and rural system shall be available either for highway construction and maintenance or for construction and operating subsidies for mass transit systems. Stipulates that the Federal share for projects on the urban, rural, and Interstate systems shall be 90 percent of the costs of such a project. Requires the Governors of each State to develop a comprehensive program for the utilization of Federal funds under this Act. Stipulates that such programs must meet specified criteria. Requires that such a program be administered by a single State agency. Stipulates that the Secretary of Transportation's disapproval of such a plan shall be subject to judicial review. Stipulates that urban system funds shall be apportioned to the States on the basis of population and the rural system funds shall continue to be apportioned on the basis of mileage, land area, and population. Amends the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964 to prohibit the purchase of buses with the financial assistance provided under such Act or title 23 of the United States Code unless such vehicles meet specified standards under the Clean Air Act and the Noise Control Act of 1972.
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 1977
National Crude Oil Supply and Transportation Act - Expresses the intent of Congress that the continuation of a transportation system to deliver Alaskan crude oil to Northern Tier or inland States be accomplished through expedited administrative procedures. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish a time schedule for the completion of required environmental impact statements in order to select a crude oil transportation system by February 1, 1978. Establishes criteria to be considered by the Secretary in selecting a transportation route. Directs the Secretary and other appropriate Federal officials to take all actions necessary to provide rights of way, permits, leases, and other authorizations necessary for the construction, operation, and maintenance of the transportation system approved under this Act. Declares that the actions of Federal officers and agencies under this Act shall not be subject to judicial review by the courts. Allows for claims that: (1) actions under this Act will deny Constitutional rights; and (2) actions taken are beyond the scope of authority conferred by this Act, provided that such claims are filed within 60 days following the date of the challenged action. Vests exclusive jurisdiction to hear such claims in the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia, acting as a special court. Stipulates that any judicial proceedings should be completed at the earliest possible date. Declares that nothing in this Act shall authorize or imply an exemption from provisions of the antitrust laws.
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 1977
Unemployment Compensation Reform Act - Title I: Unemployment Compensation Cost Equalization Program - Unemployment Compensation Cost Equalization Act - Entitles, under the Social Security Act, a States whose rate of insured unemployment is at least six percent, to partial reimbursement on an ascending sliding scale of unemployment compensation costs incurred above a certain amount. Title II: Federal-State Extended Unemployment Compensation Act - Federal-State Extended Unemployment Compensation Act - Replaces the Federal-State Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 1970 with an extended unemployment benefit program which includes both regular extended benefits of up to 13 weeks and supplemental extended benefits of up to 13 additional weeks. Directs that benefits be made available when unemployment exceeds specified trigger levels which are similar to those used under present law. Revises the method for determining unemployment rates for the purposes of such triggers. Provides for 50 percent Federal funding of regular extended benefits and for full Federal funding of supplemental benefits. Title III: Financing Amendments for Unemployment Compensation Programs - Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to extend the payback period of a State having an outstanding balance of loans and to permit a State to pay as little as 20 percent of the outstanding balance in a year upon determining that the State is taking sufficient steps to restore the fiscal soundness of its trust fund. Waives any repayment requirement for States in which the insured unemployment rates exceeds a specified level. Restricts the penalty tax in a State which defaults to only insured employers and provides that the rate of such tax shall remain constant even if the outstanding balance owed is not entirely repaid.
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 1977
Fair Representation for Small Business Act - Declares the finding of Congress that economic, governmental, and other pressures are mounting on small businesses, that small and medium-sized businesses should be taken into account when Federal agencies formulate policy, and such businesses are essential to the health and well-being of the Nation's economy. Requires, under the Federal Advisory Committee Act, that all advisory bodies of the Federal Government which are concerned with matters affecting the economy or business must contain a fair representation of the small business sector of the economy.
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 1977
Requires the head of each Executive agency to designate at least one employee in such agency to act as liaison with the small and independent business community and the Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy, and to conduct an analysis of the differential effects of agency policies on new- and medium-sized independent business.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1977
Small Business Venture Capital Act - Title I: Amendments of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 - States that the interest rate on loans guaranteed by the Small Business Administration (SBA) to small business investment companies shall be three percent per annum. Authorizes the Small Business Administration to guarantee up to 75 percent of the funds advanced by small business investment companies to start small business concerns. Limits such guarantees to not more than 25 percent of the private paid-in capital of the small business investment company. Makes the Associate Administrator for Investment of the SBA responsible for the administration of the small business investment program and removes any other duties. Permits small business investment companies to recognize, for accounting purposes, specified non-cash gains and the proceeds from the issuance of capital notes when such notes have a maturity of at least ten years. Title II: Amendments of Securities Acts - Amends the Securities Act of 1933 to permit the issuance of securities without registration if the issuance qualifies as a limited offering as defined by this Act. Permits the sale of restricted securities without registration provided; (1) the issuer is a reporting company under the Securities Exchange Act of 1954; (2) the securities are fully paid for and held for a minimum of two years before a sale; and (3) not more than one percent of the outstanding securities of the issuer of the same class is sold in any three month period. Increases the small offering exemption from $500,000 to $3,000,000. Amends the Investment Company Act to add small business investment companies to the classes of persons excepted from the definition of "investment company" under such Act. Title III: Amendment of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act to provide that the prudence requirement under such Act is not violated solely because an investment may be in a venture capital organization or in a small business, provided investments of this nature do not exceed in value two percent of the market value of all assets in a defined benefit plan fund. Title IV: Amendments of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 - Sets forth a six-step corporate tax rate structure with a tax of eight percent on net income not exceeding $30,000, increasing the tax rate at eight point intervals for each additional $30,000, and a maximum rate of 48% applying to net income of $150,000, or more. States that the gain from the sale of an interest in a small concern qualifies as a non-taxable exchange provided such gain is reinvested within two years of the sale in another eligible small concern. Makes changes with respect to the computation of depreciation. Repeals the amendments pertaining to qualified stock options under section 442 of the Code as enacted by the Tax Reform Act of 1976 and reinstates the former law. Doubles the allowable deduction for any taxable year with respect to the issuance of small business stock. Increases to 25 the allowable number of shareholders of subchapter S corporations. Permits a small business investment company to be a shareholder in such corporations. Eliminates the passive income test pertaining to qualification of such corporations. Permits small business companies to elect to be taxed as regulated investment companies.
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 1977
Age Discrimination in Employment Amendments - Prohibits a seniority system or employee benefit plan from requiring the involuntary retirement of an individual covered by the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967. Extends the coverage of such Act (1) 120 days after enactment of this Act to persons 66; (2) one year after that to persons 68; and (3) two years after that to persons 70. Directs the Secretary of Labor to undertake a study, directly or by contract, of the effects of raising the upper age limitation under this Act. Directs that such study focus upon (1) the effect of raising the limitation to 70; (2) the feasibility of raising the limit above 70; and (3) the feasibility of lowering the minimum age for coverage under such Act. Directs that such study be completed within one year after the limitation of 70 becomes effective, and the results of such study be reported to the Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 1977
Small Business Economic Policy and Advocacy Reorganization Act - Title I: Advocacy and Economic Research and Analysis - Amends the Small Business Act to establish the following Associate Administrator positions within the Small Business Administration (SBA): (1) Associate Administrator for Minority Assistance; (2) Associate Administrator for Finance; (3) Associate Administrator for Procurement Assistance; (4) Associate Administrator for Advocacy and Economic Research and Analysis; and (5) Associate Administrator for Investment. Establishes within the SBA the Division of Advocacy, Economic Research and Analysis. Sets forth the functions of the Associate Administrator in charge of such division, including the making of recommendations for policy and program improvements benefitting small business, and the building of a comprehensive small business economic data base. Title II: Declaration of Small Business Investment Policy - Enunciates a national small business economic policy which requires the coordination of planning among Federal departments and agencies in order to propose incentives to help assure that small business needs are met through private sector investments. Title III: Small Business Economic Policy Report - Requires that the President annually assess the capital investment needs of small business and report such findings to Congress. Title IV: Small Business Economic Council - Creates the Small Business Economic Council, headed by the SBA Administrator, with the Secretaries of the Treasury, Commerce, Labor,and Agriculture, and the Chairmen of the Federal Reserve Board, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Federal Trade Commission, and the Council of Economic Advisers as members. States that the Council shall advise the President on the impact of Federal policies and programs on small business, and work to maximize cooperation between the SBA and other Federal departments and agencies. Title V: Small Business Administrator - Raises the office of Small Business Administrator to executive level I. Title VI: Small Business Credit Information - Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to direct the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and other specified bank regulatory agencies to disclose, through quarterly reports, the volume of commercial bank credit extended to commercial and industrial borrowers.
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 · 8 June 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide heads of households with the same zero bracket amount (i.e., standard deduction) previously available to married persons.
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 · 18 May 1977
Rail Rehabilitation Act - Title I: Findings, Purpose, and Definitions - Declares that the purposes of this Act are to designate an Interstate Railroad System, to rehabilitate the lines within such System, and to transfer to the States the responsibility for maintaining rail lines not included within such System. Title II: Interstate Railroad System - Requires each rail carrier to provide the Secretary of Transportation with specified information regarding its rail lines. Stipulates that the Initial Interstate Railroad System shall be comprised of: (1) all rail lines operated by railroad companies within the United States; (2) all out-of-service but not abandoned rail lines controlled by domestic railroad companies; and (3) such rail lines outside the United States which are operated by a railroad company which operates primarily within the United States and which are deemed essential to the System by the Secretary. Specifies exceptions to such inclusion. Directs the Secretary to prepare and distribute a report containing a description of all rail lines included in the Initial System and a report identifying all rail lines not included in the Initial System and the reason for such exclusion. Directs the Rail Services Planning Office of the Interstate Commerce Commission to hold public hearings regarding the establishment of the Initial System, and to report to the Secretary its recommendations for additions to and deletions from such System. Directs the Secretary, after receiving such recommendations, to prepare and release a summary of an Intermediate Interstate Railroad System. Requires the Secretary to include findings in support of each addition to or deletion from the Initial System. Stipulates that the Intermediate System shall designate the future maintenance standards of each rail line in the System according to specified criteria. Directs the Rail Services Planning Office to hold public hearings to solicit comments on the Intermediate System and to report to the Secretary its recommendations for additions to and deletions from such System. Directs the Secretary, after receiving such recommendations, to prepare and transmit to Congress the Final Interstate Railroad System. Stipulates that the Final System shall contain no deletions from the Intermediate System except those deletions recommended by the Office or approved by the Governor of the State in which the rail lines to be deleted are included. Stipulates that the Final Plan shall contain future maintenance standards for each rail line which are no lower than those contained in the Intermediate System except under specified circumstances. Stipulates that the Final System shall be deemed approved unless either the House of Representatives or the Senate passes a resolution of disapproval within 60 days. Directs that, in the event such a resolution is passed, the Secretary shall submit a revised System to Congress for review. Directs the Secretary, within 90 days of receiving the Office's recommendations regarding the Intermediate System, to establish a rehabilitation, capital improvement, and maintenance program for the restoration of all rail lines in the System to the future maintenance standards set forth in the Final System. Stipulates that this entire program shall be scheduled for completion within 12 years after the enactment of this Act. Directs the Secretary and the Secretary of the Army, within three years after the enactment of this Act, to carry out a study of the long-term capital needs for the major upgrading of the Final System. Directs the Administrator of the Federal Rail Property Administration (as established by this Act) to establish a revised rehabilitation, capital improvement and maintenance program showing the schedule for completion of each element of the program. Stipulates that all rail properties subject to reorganization under the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973 shall be part of the Final System. Title III: Federal Rail Property Administration - Establishes the Federal Rail Property Administration within the Department of Transportation. Authorizes the Administration to acquire rail lines and transportation property other than rail lines from any railroad company operating within the United States or whose principal place of business is within the United States. Stipulates that such property may include United States railroads outside the U.S. in contiguous portions of Canada and Mexico where necessary for the Interstate Rail System. Authorizes the Administration to enter into leases with railroad companies which deed rail lines to the Administration for the purpose of providing rail service for a period of not more than 25 years. Stipulates that such a lease shall be renewable. Sets forth provisions to be included in such a lease. Directs the Administrator to establish regulations for the planning and implementation of projects to coordinate, and consolidate railroad operations. Authorizes railroad companies, after the Final System is deemed approved, to offer to transfer all its rail facilities included in the System to the Administration. Authorizes ConRail to offer its rail facilities to the Administration any time 120 days after the enactment of this Act. Requires the Administration to accept title to such rail facilities and to enter into operating leases for such lines within 120 days after receipt of an offer to transfer. Authorizes railroad companies (other than ConRail) to offer to transfer rail facilities before approval of the Final System under specified conditions. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to develop rehabilitation and capital improvement programs for rail properties owned by the Administration. Requires such programs to be incorporated into the leases for such properties. Stipulates that the Administration shall pay the costs of such programs and shall contract with the leaseholding railroad to perform such programs. Directs the Administrator and any rail carrier leasing property to establish a schedule of maintenance for such property after the conclusion of a rehabilitation program. Stipulates that such maintenance shall be the responsibility of the carrier or carriers involved. Directs the Administrator to supply all materials and equipment for such maintenance. Directs the Administrator to report annually to the President and the Congress on the properties owned by the Administration and on the condition of all other rail properties in the nation. Title IV: Funding - Authorizes appropriations in such amounts as may be necessary for each of the 12 years following the enactment of this Act for rehabilitation projects and maintenance projects. Imposes a Rail User Charge on all railroads operating on facilities of the Administration. Stipulates that such charge shall amount to $.20 annually per thousand gross ton-miles of freight, passengers, and rail equipment move on such facilities. Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary, the Interstate Commerce Commission, and the Administrator to carry out provisions of this Act. Title V: State and Local Rail Service Discontinuance and Abandonment - Sets forth conditions for the discontinuance or abandonment of rail service or rail properties transferred to the Administration. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish a Federal aid program in support of State rail planning as required by the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973. Title VI: Labor Contracts - Stipulates that all contracts between rail carriers and labor organizations for maintenance of properties transferred to the Association shall remain in full effect. Authorizes the Association to enter into contracts for the performance of maintenance, rehabilitation and capital improvement projects provided that all employment pursuant to such contracts shall be subject to the terms of labor contracts in force at the time on the property affected.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 1977
Amends the Small Business Act to establish the position of Associate Administrator for Women's Business Enterprise within the Small Business Administration. Lists among the duties of such Administrator: (1) increasing participation of women in Small Business Administration programs; and (2) reporting to the Administrator on proposals for implementing policy objectives.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 1977
Physical Handicap Antidiscrimination in Employment Act - Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to make it an unlawful employment practice to discriminate against individuals who are physically handicapped.
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 · 29 April 1977
Modifies the Stamford Harbor, Connecticut, navigation project to require non-Federal interests to furnish an area for disposal of dredged material and costs of a dike to retain such sediment. Waives these cost contributions upon a finding by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency that water quality standards are being complied with, with respect to applicable waste treatment facilities.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 1977
Authorizes the Senate Select Committee on Small Business to make expenditures, not to exceed $174,500, for hearings and investigations from the contingent fund of the Senate.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1977
Social Security Cost-of-Living Improvement Act - Requires an annual cost-of-living increase in Federal old-age, survivors, and disability benefits under the Social Security Act. Defines the base periods from which the need for such increases shall be determined. Directs the Secretary of Labor, in consultation with the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, to develop a special Consumer Price Index for the elderly.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1977
Prohibits collective bargaining agreements between the United States Postal Service and labor organizations recognized as exclusive bargaining representatives for their respective postal employee units from containing procedures which would preclude employees from being represented in grievance and adverse actions arising under such agreements by representatives of their own choosing.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1977
Declares it the sense of Congress that the President declare a moratorium on United States manufacture of chemical weapons (lethal and incapacitating nerve and mustard agents and "binary agents') and order the destruction of certain United States stockpiles of such weapons. Urges other nations to destroy their stockpiles. Urges the Conference of the Committee on Disarmament to conclude a treaty banning the manufacture and possession of such weapons.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1977
National Aquaculture Organic Act - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish a National Aquaculture Development Plan. Requires that such plan (1) identify each aquatic species which can be cultured on a commercial basis (priority aquatic species), and (2) contain a program of aquaculture development for such priority aquatic species. Directs the Secretary to review annually each aquatic species not identified as a priority species and the program established for each priority species. Directs the Secretary to (1) establish and maintain an aquaculture information center, (2) maintain an inventory of public and private aquaculture being carried out in the United States, (3) arrange for the mutual exchange of information relating to aquaculture with foreign nations, (4) submit an annual report to Congress on the implementation of the provisions of this Act, (5) coordinate with the Environmental Protection Agency to investigate the use of aquacultural waste water in carrying out the purposes of this Act, and (6) prescribe regulations necessary to carry out this Act. Establishes the Interagency Committee on Aquaculture comprised of the heads of various Federal agencies to insure that there is a continuing exchange of information relating to the aquacultural programs and projects of the various agencies and to review on a continuing basis the relevant programs and projects of all Federal agencies. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of the Interior, and the Secretary of Agriculture to carry out any function under this Act through grants or contracts. Limits the amount of any grant made available under this Act to one-half of the estimated cost of the project for which the grant was made. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to guarantee obligations issued for the financing of any aquaculture facility within the United States. Stipulates that the aggregate unpaid principal amount of all such guaranteed obligations shall not exceed $100,000,000. Authorizes the Secretary to collect a fee for guaranteed obligations not to exceed one-half of one percent per annum of the outstanding principal balance of the obligation. Sets forth the allowable interest rate, maturity date, and default procedures relating to such loans. Authorizes the Secretary to issue notes or obligations to the Secretary of the Treasury if the monies in the loan fund are insufficient to pay such a loan in the event of default. Establishes within the Treasury a Federal Aquaculture Assistance Fund for the purpose of guaranteeing loans under this Act. Authorizes appropriations to the Secretaries of Commerce, the Interior, and Agriculture to carry out the various provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1977
Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to specifically encompass pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions within the prohibition against sex discrimination in employment, including discrimination with respect to fringe benefit plans.
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
Small Business Development Center Act - Authorizes the Small Business Administration to make grants to universities to assist them in developing centers to provide small businesses with a broad range of advice, information, and assistance. Limits the amount of such grant to no more than 75 percent of the cost of eligible activities in the operation or development of the center, except for grants to regional centers assisting State centers in research or other high cost activities. Establishes a Small Business Management and Technical Assistance Division within the Small Business Administration to administer the Small Business Development Center program through a Deputy Associate Administrator. Establishes a Small Business Development Center Advisory Board composed of 14 members to advise and confer with the Deputy Associate Administrator for Management and Technical Assistance. Authorizes the Administration to make grants to universities, organizations, and business concerns to support research to solve problems which affect small business concerns.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1977
Whale Preservation Act - Requires the Secretary of Commerce to declare it unlawful for any person foreign or domestic, to conduct whaling activities within the fishery conservation and management zone of the United States with the exception of certain Alaskan natives. Authorizes the Secretary to issue permits to United States citizens to take whales within such zone for purposes of research or display or to enhance whale stock. Sets forth civil and criminal penalties for violation of this Act. Outlines the search and seizure procedures authorized by this Act. Sets forth the procedure for disposition of seized cargo.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1977
Declares that the United States should work within the third United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea to establish an international organization for the conservation of whales. Makes membership in such an organization mandatory for all nations signing the treaty agreement.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1977
Authorizes the Attorney General to approve the petition filed by a certain married couple on behalf of a certain individual defined as a child under the Immigration and Nationality Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1977
Requests the President of the United States to convene a White House Conference on Small Business with the help of the Senate Small Business Committee to develop recommendations, including suggestions for joint legislative and executive action, for revitalizing and maintaining the economic viability of the small business infrastructure.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1977
Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to provide that units of general local government receiving grants under the hold-harmless provisions of such Act, shall be entitled, after fiscal year 1977, to continue to receive the amount to which they are presently entitled.
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 · 3 February 1977
Commercial Fisheries Development Act - Title I: Commercial Fisheries Development Fund - Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to make low-interest loans for fisheries facilities and fishing vessels to citizens of the United States. Authorizes the Secretary to make interest free loans as well as interest-bearing loans to commercial fishermen to alleviate forced economic distress. Authorizes the Secretary to make low-interest loans for experimental fishing equipment, and for the purchase, construction, or rehabilitation of certain commercial fishing vessels under five net tons. Specifies that there shall be in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration an Associate Administrator for an Office of Commercial Fisheries Development. Establishes in the Treasury a Commercial Fisheries Development Fund to be used to make loans under this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of sums, not to exceed $200,000,000, to the Fund to provide initial capital for such loans, and sums, not to exceed $1,000,000 for each of the fiscal years ending in 1977, 1978, and 1979 as may be necessary to meet administrative expenses. Amends the Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956 to abolish the loan program for commercial fishing vessels and gear. Transfers certain existing fisheries development programs from the National Marine Fisheries Service to the jurisdiction of the Associate Administrator. Title II: Fisheries Market Promotion and Research Orders - Directs the Secretary to establish a Fisheries Development Board to promote and research markets for fish and fish products especially for underutilized species. Sets forth the procedure for the nomination of Board members. Stipulates that the Board must establish guidelines to determine the fisheries from which fees should be collected, promote markets for fish, enter into contracts for research and promotion projects, and carry out specified administrative functions. Requires the Secretary to authorize the Board to collect certain fees from the first wholesale purchaser of fish landed at dockside to be used for the administrative expenses of the Board. Sets forth a procedure for the refund of such fees to those persons not wishing to support the research and promotion program established by this Act. Directs the Secretary to conduct a comprehensive study regarding the adequacy of existing Federal and State commercial fisheries training programs, as well as a study concerning the marketing, processing, distribution and sale of fish and fish products. Title III: Mandatory Federal Fish and Fish Products Inspection Program - Directs the Secretary to establish a mandatory fish and fish products inspection program. Sets forth civil and criminal penalties for violations of this Act. Title IV: Fisheries Cooperative Service Assistance - Requires the Secretary in consultation with the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a pilot program of comprehensive service to assist fishing interests in forming cooperative organizations. Directs the Secretary to provide assistance and advice to fisheries cooperatives. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1977
Public Official Integrity Act - Title I: Amendments to Title 28, United States Code - Requires the Attorney General to investigate all specific allegations of criminal law violations by specified individuals, including the President, Vice President, persons in the Executive branch compensated at a rate of pay prescribed for positions I and II of the Executive Schedule, and any national campaign manager or chairman of any national campaign committee seeking the election or reelection of the President. Requires the Attorney General to decide within 60 days whether the matter warrants prosecution and if so, directs him to apply to the division of the U.S. Courts of Appeals responsible for the appointment of a special prosecutor. Requires the Attorney General to apply for the appointment of a special prosecutor whenever, in the course of any criminal investigation, he determines that the continuing investigation or resulting prosecution may so directly and substantially affect the political or personal interests of the President or the Attorney General or the interests of the President's political party as to make it inappropriate in the interest of the administration of justice for the Department of Justice to conduct such investigation. Enumerates the authority and duties of a special prosecutor. Gives a special prosecutor all the investigative and prosecutorial functions and powers of the Department except those which specifically require the Attorney General's personal action. Requires a special prosecutor to report annually to Congress and at the conclusion of such special prosecutor's duties to the division of the court. Requires a special prosecutor to promptly advise the House of Representatives of any substantial and credible information which may constitute grounds for an impeachment. States that a special prosecutor may only be removed from office by impeachment and conviction, or by the Attorney General for extraordinary improprieties, malfeasance in office, willful neglect of duty, permanent incapacitation, or conduct constituting a felony. Permits the division of the court to terminate an office of special prosecutor at any time on the grounds that the investigations and prosecutions of such prosecutor have been completed. Requires the chief judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia to assign three judges or justices for two-year periods to a division of the Court to be the special panel of the court for the appointment of special prosecutors. Terminates the provisions of this Act which pertain to a special prosecutor five years after the date on which this Act takes effect. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to be held by the Department as a contingent fund for the use of any special prosecutor appointed pursuant to this Act. Requires the Attorney General to promulgate rules requiring any officer or employee of the Department, including a United States Attorney, to disqualify himself from participation in a particular investigation or prosecution if such participation may result in a personal, financial, or political conflict of interests or the appearance of such conflict. Establishes within the Department an Office of Government Crimes to be directed by a person appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate and who has not, during the five years preceeding such appointment, held a high-level position of trust and responsibility on the personal campaign staff of, or in an organization or political party working on behalf of, a candidate for any elective Federal Office. Confers upon the Office jurisdiction over: (1) criminal violations of Federal law related to his Government position, employment, or compensation, by any individual who holds or who held a position as an elected or appointed Federal Government officer, employee or special employee; (2) criminal violations of Federal laws relating to lobbying, conflicts of interest, campaigns, and election to public office committed by any person except insofar as such violations relate to matters involving discrimination or intimidation on the grounds of race color, religion or national origin; (3) the supervision of investigations and prosecutions of criminal violations of Federal law involving State or local government officials or employees; and (4) such other matters as the Attorney General may deem appropriate except as to matters referred to the special prosecutor pursuant to this Act. Requires the Attorney General to report annually to Congress on the activities of the Office. Title II: Congressional Legal Counsel - Establishes as an office of Congress, the Office of Congressional Counsel headed by a Congressional Legal Counsel. Makes the office directly accountable to the Joint Leadership Group established under this Act. Directs the Office to defend Congress, a Member, officer, or employee of Congress, or any agency or committee of Congress in a civil action which arises from performance of official duties if so authorized by a two-thirds vote of the Leadership Group of the relevant House or Houses or by a majority vote of the relevant House or Houses of Congress. Directs the Office to bring a civil action to enforce a Congressional subpoena if authorized to do so by a majority vote of the appropriated House. Directs the Office to represent the interests of Congress as intervenor or amicus curiae in a suit in which Congress is not a party if authorized by the appropriate House, in the event such appearance or intervention is in the name of one House, or by both Houses in the event that such appearance or intervention is in the name of the entire Congress. Authorizes to be appropriated for each fiscal year through fiscal year 1982, such sums as may be necessary to enable the Office to carry out its duties and functions. Provides that until such sums are first appropriated, for a period of up to 12 months, the expenses of the office shall be paid from the contingent fund of the Senate. Title III: Government Personnel; Financial Disclosure Requirements - Declares it to be the policy of the United States that there be uniform requirements for full public financial disclosure by high-level officers and employees of the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches of the Government. States that such financial disclosure requirements shall not be inconsistent with the public financial disclosure requirements contained in the Code of Official Conduct adopted by the Senate.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1977
Union Station Improvement Act - Amends the National Visitor Center Facilities Act of 1968 to direct the Secretary of the Interior to assign the lease and purchase option on Union Station, Washington, D. C., entered into pursuant to such Act to the Secretary of Transportation and to sublease that portion of Union Station which is required for the continued operation of the National Visitor Center. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to renegotiate the lease of Union Station and to exercise the purchase option included in such lease at the earliest practicable date. Authorizes the Secretary to acquire additional property interests not held by the United States for the development of Union Station. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to promptly complete all the improvements undertaken pursuant to such Act except the parking facility and the Southeast Ramp mass transit facility. Directs the Secretary to require the Washington Terminal Company to promptly complete the new railroad passenger station constructed under such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1977
Amends the National Labor Relations Act to require an employer which assumes the ownership or operation of a business to honor any applicable collective bargaining contract in its entirety. Amends the Labor Management Relations Act to permit a labor organization to bring suit against a new employer which refuses to honor an existing agreement in United States district court regardless of the citizenship of the parties or amount in controversy.
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 · 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.
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