United States · United States Congress · 5 October 1977
Bikeway Transportation Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to make grants for 80 percent of the cost to States and municipalities of bikeway construction projects in urban areas or in places connecting such areas with national, State, or local parks, seashores or recreational areas. Requires such bikeway projects to be in accordance with a continuing comprehensive transportation planning process carried on cooperatively by States and local communities and in accordance with construction standards established by the Secretary.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1977
Authorizes and directs the Secretary of Labor, through the Bureau of Labor Statistics, to prepare, as part of the Consumer Price Index published monthly by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a consumer price index (to be known as the Consumer Price Index for the Aged and Other Social Security Beneficiaries) designed to reflect the relevant price information for individuals, as a group, who are 65 years of age or older or are otherwise entitled to monthly benefits under Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1977
Amends Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to provide that the automatic cost-of-living increases in benefits be made on a semiannual basis (rather than on an annual basis as at present).
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1977
Amends the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to designate a specified segment of the Delaware River as a component of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1977
Ocean Pollution Environmental Research and Development Act - Directs the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to prepare a comprehensive annual plan for ocean pollution environmental research and development to be submitted to Congress and the President. Establishes procedures for interagency coordination of existing ocean-related programs. Authorizes the Administrator to provide financial assistance in the form of grants and contracts for additional ocean pollution research and development activities. Directs the Administrator to establish an oil spill research and development program. Directs the Administrator and the Commandant of the Coast Guard to conduct a study of the practicality of utilizing oil spill removal technologies developed under such Act by Federal agencies. Directs the Administrator to submit an annual report of activities under this Act to Congress and the President. Authorizes the appropriation of $5,000,000 to the Administrator for fiscal year 1979 to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1977
Federal Computer Systems Protection Act - Makes it a Federal crime for a person to directly or indirectly access or cause to be accessed for fraudulent purposes a computer system affecting commerce or having a connection with a Federal agency or financial institution.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1977
Solar Energy Bank Act - Creates a Government corporation to be known as the Solar Energy Development Bank to make long-term, low-interest loans to encourage the use of solar energy in commercial and residential dwellings. Establishes procedures governing the processing and approval of loan applications by the Bank. Prohibits conflicts of interest, on the part of officers or employees of the Bank. Prohibits the Bank or its employees from utilizing the Solar Bank to finance political activities. Imposes criminal penalties for the furnishing of false or misleading information by applicants for loans under this Act. Declares that the Solar Bank and its assets shall be exempt by Federal, State, and local taxation. Establishes a Solar Energy Fund in the Treasury of the United States to pay the expenses of the Bank. Authorizes the appropriation of $5,000,000,000 to the Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1977
Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require the Federal Communications Commission to regulate the rates, terms, and conditions for pole attachments used for wire communication, in any case in which such rates, terms, and conditions are not regulated by any State authority. Stipulates that a just and reasonable rate shall assure the utility of recovery of not less than the additional costs of providing pole attachments nor more than the actual capital and operating expenses of the utility attributable to that portion of the pole used by the attachment.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 1977
Natural Gas Supply and Conservation Act - Amends the Natural Gas Act to terminate Federal Power Commission authority to regulate sales of new natural gas in interstate commerce. Stipulates that prices for offshore sales of new natural gas shall not exceed the ceiling price of sales of new natural gas produced from offshore Federal lands. Stipulates that prices paid for natural gas in transactions between a natural gas company and its affiliates shall not exceed prices paid in comparable sales by persons not affiliated with any natural gas company. Amends the Emergency Natural Gas Act of 1977 to extend various emergency authorities under such Act through 1979. Establishes procedures for the setting of ceiling prices for new natural gas produced from offshore Federal lands through April 20, 1982. Authorizes the Commission to grant exemptions to price ceilings within high-cost production areas. Establishes procedures for adjustments to price ceilings set pursuant to this Act. Directs the Commission to prohibit the curtailment of adequate supplies of natural gas for essential agricultural purposes. Establishes procedures governing the allocation of increased cost of natural gas to pipeline companies amongst various user classes.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 1977
Deaf Services Act - Title I: Installation of Telecommunications Devices in Federal Agencies and in Other Locations - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, after consultation with specified organizations with special knowledge of the problems of deaf persons, to select at least five Federal agencies with which deaf persons have the greatest need for communication and have installed in each such agency and its regional offices a device which permits two-way communication of textual messages in alphanumeric form by telephone lines. Directs the Secretary to select an additional 100 locations for installation of such devices which shall be available to deaf people for their use in communicating with the agencies selected under this Act and with Members of Congress who choose to install such a device under Title III of this Act. Requires the Secretary to prescribe the rates to be charged to the users of such telecommunications devices. Stipulates that such charges may not exceed the cost that would have been incurred had such users been nondeaf persons seeking the same assistance by use of a telephone. Directs the Secretary to disseminate information about the availability of such devices as widely as possible to local organizations of the deaf. Directs that at least one employee be available during normal working hours at each location where such devices are located for use by deaf persons to assist such persons in the use of such devices. Title II: Grants to States - Authorizes the Secretary to make a grant to any State or local government for installing telecommunications devices for the deaf in government agencies and other locations in a program to be identical to the Federal program established in Title I of this Act. Sets the level of such grants at 75 percent of the cost of installing and operating such devices. Authorizes annual continuing grants for such purposes to be made after assurances have been received that the requirements of this Act have been and will continue to be met during the ensuing year. Requires the Secretary to seek the cooperation of the Administrator of General Services in having transferred to States any telecommunications devices for the deaf categorized as Federal surplus property. Title III: Installation of Telecommunications Devices in Offices of Members of Congress and in the Capitol - Requires that any Member of Congress making a written request for a telecommunications device for the deaf be provided with one. Directs the Architect of the Capitol to install at the central switchboard in the United States Capitol a telecommunications device for the deaf and requires at least one employee trained in the use of such device to be available during normal working hours to provide assistance to deaf persons. Title IV: Report to Congress - Requires the Secretary to report to Congress within two years after the installation of the first telecommunications device under this Act describing the effectiveness of the programs established by this Act and making recommendations on the continuation and expansion of such programs.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 1977
Displaced Homemakers Act - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish a minimum of 50 Multipurpose Service Centers for displaced homemakers. States that each Center shall provide specified services, including: (1) job counseling; (2) job training and job placement; (3) health education and counseling; (4) financial management; (5) legal counseling and referral; and (6) outreach information with respect to Federal assistance programs. Sets forth factors to be considered by the Secretary in selecting Center sites. Directs the Secretary to designate a public or nonprofit private organization to administer a Center once its site has been chosen. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants in accordance with specified guidelines to such organizations for the purpose of establishing and maintaining Centers. Directs the Secretary to prepare and furnish to Congress biennial evaluations which are to include a thorough assessment of each Center and recommendations concerning the administration and expansion of such Centers at the local, State, and Federal levels. Directs the Secretary to prepare and furnish to the Congress a study to determine the feasibility of, and appropriate procedures for, allowing displaced homemakers to participate in: (1) programs established under the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act of 1973; (2) work incentive programs under the Social Security Act; (3) related Federal employment, education, and health assistance programs; and (4) programs established, or benefits provided, under Federal and State unemployment compensation laws.
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 1977
Establishes within the House of Representatives the Commission on South Korean Influence to conduct an investigation into alleged South Korean influence-buying in Congress. Vests exclusive jurisdiction to investigate such alleged South Korean influence buying in the Commission. Directs the House Committee on standards of Official Conduct to cease its investigation into such matter.
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 1977
Prohibits the use of Federal funds, appropriated by Congress or available for expenditure by any wholly owned Government Corporation, for specified activities intended to influence a member of any State electorate to favor or oppose any legislation or legislative issue on the ballot in such State.
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 1977
Directs the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a one year review of toxic and carcinogenic substances including: (1) current capabilities to predict the effect on humans of substances found to induce cancer in animals; (2) the benefits and risks to the public of such substances; (3) the validity of benefit-risk analysis of such substances; and (4) the relationship of Federal regulatory policies concerning the use of such substances for food and for non-food purposes. Directs the Institute to report its findings and legislative and administrative recommendations to the Congress and the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare within one year. Authorizes the continued use of saccharin for eighteen months. Prohibits the Secretary from taking any action under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to prohibit or restrict the sale or distribution (other than requiring labeling) of saccharin.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1977
Comprehensive Veterans' Employment Training and Supportive Services Act - Directs the Secretary of Labor to provide (1) such comprehensive, coordinated, and interrelated programs as are deemed necessary to facilitate training, readjustment, and rehabilitation, and (2) career, veterans benefits and rights, and personal adjustment and motivational counseling to promote the productive employment of Vietnam era veterans, especially disabled veterans.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1977
Veterans Education Reform Act -- Permits the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to discontinue educational assistance to an eligible veteran or survivor or dependent of a veteran if the Administrator finds that the institution of higher learning concerned has failed to enforce its regularly prescribed standards and practices as approved by the appropriate State approving agency with respect to such veteran or person. Denies the Administrator any authority to prescribe educational standards or practices with respect to any institution of higher learning empowered to award a standard college degree. Requires the Administrator to provide individual educational and career counseling and other appropriate services to facilitate the education of any veteran or person whose educational assistance has been discontinued under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1977
Independent Living Programs for the Handicapped Act - Establishes the Office of Independent Living within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare to administer grants to establish independent living centers for the disabled. Requires such centers to provide specified services including (1) counseling regarding attendant care; (2) health programs; (3) housing and transportation assistance; (4) independent living skills; and (5) legal and economic counseling. Authorizes to be appropriated funds for grants for fiscal years 1978, 1979, and 1980. Establishes the Task Force on Independent Living within HEW to review the operations of such Office and of the centers. Directs the Task Force to report to the Congress not later than March 1, 1979 on the desirability of revising or extending the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1977
Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require the Federal Communications Commission to regulate the rates, terms, and conditions for pole attachments used for wire communication, in any case in which such rates, terms, and conditions are not regulated by any State authority. Stipulates that a just and reasonable rate shall assure the utility of recovery of not less than the additional costs of providing pole attachments nor more than the actual capital and operating expenses of the utility attributable to that portion of the pole used by the attachment.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1977
Declares that it is the sense of the Congress that the United States Postal Services should not reduce the frequency of mail delivery service for any user of the mails below the frequency of such service which was in effect for such user of June 1, 1977.
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1977
Amends Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to qualify an individual who, although employable, is unable to care for his or her personal needs without assistance as a disabled person eligible for the services of a home health aide.
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 1977
Directs the Secretary of the Interior and Secretary of Agriculture to institute a comprehensive revision of the regulations governing the allocation of use for white water rivers to insure a fair allocation of use among all potential users.
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 1977
Federal Employees Flexible and Compressed Work Schedules Act - Requires each agency to establish a flexible scheduling or compressed work schedule experimental program covering a sufficient number of positions and work time alternatives on which to base an evaluation of the effectiveness of such program. Requires the Civil Service Commission to render educational and technical assistance to agencies for such programs. Requires the Commission to establish a master plan to study and evaluate experiments conducted under this Act. Sets forth the procedure whereby an agency head may seek an exemption from the requirements of this Act. Title I: Flexible Scheduling of Work Hours - Requires that the experimental testing of flexible work schedules include designated periods of required presence of employees and designated periods during which employees may choose arrival and departure times or accumulation of credit hours. Permits an agency head, upon a determination that the agency's functions are being handicapped or its costs are increasing, to restrict choice of arrival and departure time or credit hours, or to exclude any employees. Prescribes the method of computation of overtime under such a schedule, granting employees a choice of compensatory time in lieu of overtime. Limits premium pay for night-work under such a schedule. Requires payment to employees prevented from working on holidays because of such schedule. Permits use of time clocks under such experiments. Prohibits carryover of more than ten credit hours from one biweekly period to the next. Title II: Four-Day Week and Other Compressed Work Schedules - Permits agencies to conduct experiments with four-day workweeks or other compressed schedules. Stipulates that an employee in a unit not represented by an employee organization having exclusive recognition, will not be required to participate in any program under this Act unless the majority of employees in such unit have voted to so participate. Requires an agency, upon finding that participation in such a program would impose a personal hardship on an employee who has requested exemption from such program, to either except or reassign such employee. Exempts the hours of compressed schedules from provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act relating to premium pay for overtime work. Allows overtime pay for hours worked in excess of the hours of such compressed schedules. Title III: Administrative Provisions - Includes employees in labor organizations in experiments under this Act only to the extent provided in an agreement between such organizations and the agencies involved. Prohibits threats or coercion by fellow employees against employees regarding the choice of work hours and credit hours. Requires an interim and a final report by the Commission to the Congress on results of and recommendations relating to the experiments conducted under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1977
Amends the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to authorize Federal assistance to private, profitmaking agencies and organizations for purposes of conducting research, training, and other activities relating to the rehabilitation of handicapped individuals.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1977
Reaffirms competition as the best means of serving the American consumers' telecommunications needs, except where there is clear and convincing evidence that such competition would produce unreasonably higher costs or poorer service for the American consuming public.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1977
Authorizes the Clerk of the House of Representatives to withhold charitable contributions from the pay of House employees for transmittal to the Combined Federal Campaign, if the employee requests the Clerk to do so.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1977
Competition Review Act - Establishes the Competition Review Commission to conduct a study of the laws, regulations, policies and any other practices of the United States having a significant impact on competition. Includes, in the scope of the study, the antitrust laws and exemptions thereto, the patent laws, Internal Revenue laws, the National Labor Relations Act, regulatory policies, and Federal contracting and bidding practices. Directs the Commission to conduct a study of the major industries of the United States to determine the extent and nature of competition within such industries. Enumerates industries to be included in such study. Requires each study to evaluate the effect of the laws and enforcement procedures, policies and other actions of the Federal Government, and degree of concentration within the major industries on: employment, price levels, profit levels, efficiency, the quality of goods and services produced, the ability of the United States to compete with foreign counterparts, and the net benefit or harm to the United States economy. Directs the Commission to report its findings to the President and to Congress within three years of the enactment of this Act. Enumerates the powers of the Commission including the power to issue subpenas.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1977
Amends Title XVI (Supplemental Security Income for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled) of the Social Security Act to require that resident aliens reside continuously in the United States for five years to qualify for supplemental security income benefits. Amends the Immigrations and Nationality Act to prevent an immigrant from entering the United States unless a United States citizen (immigration sponsor) executes a document, signed in the presence of an immigration officer, agreeing to support the immigrant for five years from the date of his admission at 125 percent of the current poverty level rates. Excuses the immigration sponsor from performance of the agreement if such sponsor dies or is adjudicated a bankrupt.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1977
Amends the Supplemental Appropriations Act, 1974, to increase to three the number of Lyndon Baines Johnson congressional interns which may be hired by each Member of the House of Representatives. Authorizes the payment of additional compensation to such interns from the clerk-hire allowance.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1977
Prohibits the appointment of new employees to operate automated elevators in the Capitol and its associated buildings. Directs that such positions be eliminated as they become vacant.
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 1977
Federal-Aid to Ridesharing Act - Title I: Short Title, Findings, Purpose, Policy, Goals, and Definitions - Declares it the national policy to encourage ridesharing, to reduce the number of vehicles on the roads and highways, to reduce demand for gasoline, and to increase transportation opportunities for the handicapped and the elderly. Title II: Consolidation of Federal Ridesharing Activities - Establishes an Office of Ridesharing within the Urban Mass Transportation Administration of the Department of Transportation to coordinate Federal ridesharing programs under this Act and to establish national goals with respect to ridesharing. Requires the Director of the Office of the Management and Budget to transfer to the Office of Ridesharing the existing programs of the various Federal agencies which are duplicative of, or could be performed more appropriately by, the Secretary of Transportation under the authority contained in this Act. Requires the Director to report to the Committees on Appropriations and Government Operations of the House and Senate regarding such program transfers. Terminates the Office of Ridesharing on September 30, 1983. Directs the President and the committees of the House and Senate having primary oversight responsibility with respect to the Office to conduct inquiries into its performance and effectiveness and to make recommendations on whether the Office should be abolished, reorganized or extended prior to such termination date. Title III: Planning, Technical Studies, Research and Demonstration - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish procedures and guidelines for the development and implementation of State ridesharing plans. Authorizes Federal financial assistance for the development and implementation of qualified State plans. Authorizes Federal grants for technical studies and research projects. Directs the Secretary to set a goal for each State for increasing average motor vehicle occupancy by 1980 and to set national ridesharing goals for 1980 and 1985. Authorizes the Secretary to undertake research, development, and demonstration projects in all phases of ridesharing. Authorizes the Secretary to study the transportation component of those Federal programs and projects providing social services and to propose a plan to make such services more cost- effective. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress regarding such study. Title IV: Ridesharing Programs, Grants, Loans - Authorizes the Secretary to make grants and loans to assist States and designated recipients in developing specific ridesharing programs and projects. Stipulates that such loans shall constitute a revolving fund and all monies from such fund shall be deposited in the General Treasury on September 30, 1983, unless Congress acts to continue such fund. Title V: General Provisions - Authorizes the Secretary to prescribe such rules as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act. Requires the Secretary to report annually to the President and the Congress and other specified individuals on the operation of programs under this Act. Establishes additional criteria for the submission and approval of surveys, plans, specifications, and estimates for proposed projects under this Act. Authorizes appropriations in specified amounts from the highway trust fund for the various programs under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 1977
Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require the Federal Communications Commission to regulate the rates, terms, and conditions for pole attachments used for wire communication, in any case in which such rates, terms, and conditions are not regulated by any State authority. Stipulates that a just and reasonable rate shall assure the utility of recovery of not less than the additional costs of providing pole attachments nor more than the actual capital and operating expenses of the utility attributable to that portion of the pole used by the attachment.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1977
New Natural Gas Deregulation Amendments - Amends the Natural Gas Act to terminate Federal Power Commission authority to directly regulate sales prices of new natural gas except for new natural gas produced from offshore Federal lands. Stipulates that prices for onshore sales of new natural gas shall not exceed the lesser of: (1) the ceiling price for sales of new natural gas produced from offshore Federal lands; or (2) a ceiling rate established by any State for intrastate sale and consumption. Stipulates that prices paid for natural gas in transactions between a natural gas company and its affiliates shall not exceed prices paid in comparable sales by persons not affiliated with any natural gas company. Directs the Federal Power Commission to conduct studies and make an annual independent estimate of proved and potential natural gas reserves. Requires that the Commission keep current information available relating to the natural gas industry. Establishes procedures for the establishment of ceiling prices for new natural gas produced from offshore Federal lands. Authorizes the Commission to grant exemptions to price ceilings within certain high-cost production areas. Establishes procedures for adjustments to price ceilings established pursuant to this Act. Directs the Commission to prohibit the curtailment of adequate supplies of natural gas for essential agricultural purposes. Stipulates that the provisions of the Natural Gas Act shall extend to synthetic natural gas. Directs the Commission to prohibit the use of natural gas as boiler fuel where adequate alternatives are available. Authorizes exemptions from such prohibition where necessary to comply with pollution control or environmental protection and safety standards. Directs the Commission to impose a user charge on sales of natural gas for use as boiler fuel. Establishes procedures for the establishment and periodic revision of national ceiling prices for the sale of old natural gas in interstate commerce.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1977
Directs that no officer, employee, or agent of the United States, or agency or department thereof, may inspect, acquire, or otherwise require for any reason any part of medical and/or dental records of patients whose care was not, or will not be, provided directly by the Federal Government, or is not paid for under a program receiving Federal financial assistance, unless such patient has authorized disclosure. Sets forth procedures for authorizing disclosure. Specifies that any person who violates this Act shall be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned for not more than five years, or both.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1977
Federal Employee Health Sunshine Act - Requires, the Civil Service Commission, in the event a contractor providing group health insurance for Federal employees intends to reduce the benefits provided under its contract, to publish in the Federal Register, 180 days before any such proposed reduction is to take effect, a statement explaining such proposal and giving the time and place of a hearing with respect to such proposal. Directs the Commission to hold such a hearing not later than 120 days before such proposal is scheduled to take effect.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1977
Requires the Congressional Record for the House of Representatives to contain an accurate and verbatim account of remarks actually delivered on the floor of the House together with supporting data. Limits revisions of verbatim remarks in the Record to the correction of grammatical and typographical errors which do not change the meaning, content, or substance of those remarks. Entitles Members to insert in the Records remarks not actually delivered on the floor. Stipulates that such insertions always be clearly distinguishable from verbatim remarks.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to authorize any taxpayer to elect to have any portion of any overpayment of tax or any contribution in money which the taxpayer forwards with the return for such taxable year be available, as the taxpayer may designate on such return, for the National Endowment for the Arts or the National Endowment for the Humanities.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1977
Wildlife on Federal Lands Trapping Act - Requires the Secretary of the Interior to issue such regulations, relating to trapping, as are necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act. Prohibits the Secretary from approving any type of trap unless such trap utilizes the most humane capture method available for the species concerned, and minimizes the probability of capturing species for which such trap was not intended. Directs the Secretary to undertake a research program to develop such types of traps. Establishes an advisory commission to make recommendations to the Secretary with respect to traps designed or intended for use. Prohibits the Secretary from permitting trapping on Federal lands where such trapping may reduce any species below specified levels. Sets forth a procedure for the application and issuance of trapping permits. Requires the attachment of a shipping certificate to any package containing the fur, hide, skin, horn, or feathers of any mammal or bird captured by any trap within any State or the District of Columbia if such package is transported in interstate or foreign commerce. Establishes criminal penalties for: (1) engaging in trapping without a permit issued pursuant to this Act; (2) violating any condition of such permit; (3) violating any regulation of the Secretary relating to trapping; (4) selling or transporting in interstate commerce an unapproved trap; or (5) falsifying the shipping certificate. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into cooperative agreements with States with respect to the imposition of trapping regulations consistent with those prescribed under this Act. Authorizes such appropriations as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1977
National Climate Program Act - Requires the President to establish a National Climate Program to: (1) obtain, analyze, and disseminate climate data; (2) perform research to improve understanding of climate and the causes of fluctuations and anomalies in climate, and develop models for predicting climate changes; (3) develop methods to detect and predict such changes, to give early alerts of incipient anomalies, and to evaluate prediction techniques; (4) support and conduct assessments to the impact on human activities of climate changes; and (5) disseminate information on climate predictions. Authorizes the Program to make grants to educational institutions for the establishment of climate study centers, and for regional studies programs. Requires the President to designate a Federal agency, referred to as the "lead agency," within which the Program will be administered. Requires the head of the lead agency to establish a National Climate Program Office to administer the Program. Stipulates that the President shall ensure that representatives of Federal agencies, conducting activities relating to the Program, are designated to serve on a Management Council for the Program which shall advise the lead agency, the Office, the State Department, and the President on specified matters relating to climate, and participate in developing the Program's budget. Requires the head of the lead agency, in consultation with the Management Council, to appoint an Advisory Council consisting of representatives of diverse interests relating to the Program to perform certain advisory and reporting functions. Requires the Office to publish a preliminary five-year plan including goals, priorities funding requirements, and the involvement of Federal agencies. Sets forth procedures for budget development. Requires the Office to submit to specified Congressional committees an annual report on the activities of the Program. Permits authorized Federal officers or agencies to enter into contract or grant arrangements to exercise functions vested in them under this Act. Sets forth restrictions with respect to patents on inventions made or conceived under such contract or grant arrangement. Authorizes $50,000,000 for appropriation to Federal departments and agencies for fiscal year 1978 for the purpose of conducting the Program.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1977
Earthquake Hazard Reduction Act - Directs the President to establish (1) a coordinated National Earthquake Hazard Reduction Program, (2) an Office of Earthquake Hazard Reduction, (3) a National Advisory Committee on Earthquake Hazard Reduction and (4) an Earthquake Prediction Evaluation Board. Specifies the duties of the Office of Earthquake Hazard Reduction, including developing and maintaining an Earthquake Hazard Reduction Program plan and staffing and assisting the National Advisory Committee. Directs the National Advisory Committee to review and advise the Office of Earthquake Hazard Reduction regarding the progress, implementation, and coordination of the Earthquake Hazard Reduction Program. Details the elements of the Program, including physical studies; structural studies; social, legal and economic research; and practical application of knowledge concerning earthquakes. Directs the Earthquake Prediction Evaluation Board to evaluate individual earthquake prediction, compile and maintain a public record of the performance of prediction methods, and issue authenticated earthquake predictions if and when earthquake prediction becomes a sufficiently reliable science. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1977
Drought Assistance Amendment - Title I: Amendments to the Disaster Relief Act of 1974 - Declares the finding of Congress that droughts and other similar non-cataclysmic disasters require Federal assistance. Requires the President to appoint a Federal coordinator to operate in an area declared a drought emergency. Permits Federal agencies to provide assistance to drought emergency areas by performing any emergency service essential to save lives and property, including (1) conservation practices; (2) water supply investigations; (3) education training in conservation techniques for farmers and other affected persons; (4) provisions for water needs and the movement of supplies or persons; (5) the establishment of comprehensive employment and/or manpower training programs; and (6) contributions to State or local governments to carry out the provisions of this Act. Directs that where Federal funds for assistance activities may go by contract to private organizations or firms, preference be given to organizations or firms in the drought emergency area. Authorizes the President to make grants to States for the purpose of State grants to individuals or families adversely affected by a drought emergency to meet necessary expenses; and to make temporary mortgage or rental payments on behalf of individuals or families who have received written notice of foreclosure on land or equipment as a result o financial hardship caused by drought. Provides for loans to local governments losing revenues as a result of a drought emergency. Title II: Amendments to the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 - Extends to drought emergency areas assistance for economic recovery following the period of emergency aid and replacement of essential facilities and services. Extends coverage of federally-guaranteed loans to the purchase of land and facilities for farming usage. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Makes areas suffering an emergency of any sort eligible for Federal assistance for current school expenditures. Extends eligibility for small business loans under the Small Business Act to businesses in drought emergency areas and limits the interest rate on the Small Business Administrator's share of the loan to one percent annually.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 1977
National Consumer Cooperative Bank Act - Title I: National Consumer Cooperative Bank - Establishes the National Consumer Cooperative Bank to: (1) encourage the development of cooperatives eligible for its assistance by providing specialized credit and technical assistance; (2) maintain broad-based control of the Bank by its voting stockholders; (3) encourage broad-based ownership control and active participation by members in eligible cooperatives; (4) assure that the net savings from operations and the operations of borrowers from the Bank are made available or accounted for to the stockholders or members; and (5) assist in improving the quality and availability of goods and services to consumers. Authorizes the creation of no less than four nor more than twelve corporate regional banks. States that the Bank shall have the power to make and service loans, commitments for credit, guarantees, furnish financially related services, technical assistance, and issue obligations. Enumerates additional powers necessary to carry out its powers and duties. Requires the Bank to hold an annual meeting of stockholders. Permits the Bank to obtain funds through the public or private sale of its bonds, debentures, notes, and other evidences of indebtedness. Authorizes the Bank to make loans to eligible organizations which shall be repayable in not more than 40 years. States that the objective of the Bank shall be to provide the type of credit needed by eligible borrowers, at the lowest reasonable cost on a sound business basis, taking into account the cost of money to the Bank. Defines "eligible cooperatives" for purposes of assistance under this title. Title II: Self-Help Development Fund - Establishes in the Treasury a Consumer Cooperative Self-Help Development Fund. Permits the Cooperative Bank and Assistance Administration to make a capital investment advance out of the Fund to any eligible cooperative if the Administration determines that the applicant's initial or supplemental capital requirements exceed its ability to obtain a Title I loan from the Bank or other sources, and the membership of the applicant consists substantially of low-income persons. Title III: Cooperative Technical Assistance - Directs the Cooperative Bank and Assistance Administration to make available information and services concerning the organization or reorganization of cooperatives to best achieve the objectives of this Act and to best provide the means through which various types of goods, services, and facilities can be made available to members and patrons. States that such assistance may include investigations, surveys, and director and management training and assistance. Title IV: The Cooperative Bank and Assistance Administration and General Provisions - Establishes the Cooperative Bank and Assistance Administration. Directs the Administration to assure that the objectives of this Act are carried out. States that until the stock of the Bank held by the United States has been fully retired the Bank shall be exempt from any form of taxation. Requires the Administration and the Board to report annually to the appropriate committees of Congress on the activities of the Administration and on the Bank's capital, operations, financial condition, the self-help development fund, and to make recommendations for legislation to improve its services.
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 1977
Veterans' Administration Administrative Procedure and Judicial Review Act - Provides that the decisions of the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs on any question of law or fact under any law administered by the Veterans' Administration providing benefits for veterans and their dependents or survivors shall be subject to judicial review. Subjects all rules regulations, orders and any other determination of any kind made by the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to the provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act. Repeals the requirement that the Administrator determine and pay fees to agents or attorneys in allowed claims for monetary benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 1977
Prohibits the use of appropriated funds or funds made available to a wholly owned Government corporation to pay for any communication to influence any member of any State electorate to favor or oppose, by vote or otherwise, any legislation or legislative issue in the ballot in such State unless expressly authorized by Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 1977
Allows any Federal employee or Member of Congress who is a Japanese-American World War II internee to credit, for civil service retirement purposes, the period during which such individual was detained or interned in a camp or similar facility.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1977
Universal Voter Registration Act - Establishes the positions of Administrator and Assistant Administrator of Voter Registration within the Federal Election Commission. Specifies the duties of the Administrator, including (1) establishing and administering a voter registration program in accordance with this Act; (2) providing for the collection, analysis, and publication of voter registration information in coordination work the Secretary of Commerce; and (3) providing information and technical assistance to State and local officials concerning voter registration. Requires each State and local government to permit any individual who is eligible under applicable State and Federal law to register to vote in any Federal election to register on the date of a Federal election at the appropriate polling place. States that any individual so registering shall, if required by State or local authorities, establish his identity by (1) executing an affidavit containing certain information and (2) submitting either an affidavit executed by a person who is registered to vote at the polling place involved and is present at such polling place with the individual seeking registration or one of any forms of identification approved by the Commission. Directs the Commission to make grants for approved voter registration outreach programs to States which comply with the election day registration requirements of this Act. Conditions the amount of such grants on whether a State has a similar election day registration program in effect with respect to State and local elections. Stipulates that a registration outreach program may include projects relating to registration by mail, registration through the use of mobile units, or bilingual registration, and those projects otherwise designed to improve voter registration methods and procedures. List the purposes for which grant funds may be used. Sets forth criminal penalties for any person who knowingly and willfully (1) register, or attempts to register, to vote under this Act for the purpose of voting more than once in any Federal election; (2) conspires with any person for the purpose of enabling such person to make false registration to vote in a Federal election under this Act or for the purpose of enabling or encouraging any individual to make such false registration to vote in a Federal election; or (3) falsifies any information with respect to the name, residence, or age of such person, or any other information for the purpose of establishing eligibility to register to vote in a Federal election under this Act. Directs the Commission to institute actions to prevent any violation for this Act. Requires Federal courts to expedite consideration of actions involving a violation of, or a constitutional challenge to, any provision of this Act. Prohibits commercial use of any list compiled by a State or local government of individuals registered to vote in a Federal election.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1977
Universal Voter Registration Act - Establishes the positions of Administrator and Assistant Administrator of Voter Registration within the Federal Election Commission. Specifies the duties of the Administrator, including (1) establishing and administering a voter registration program in accordance with this Act; (2) providing for the collection, analysis, and publication of voter registration information in coordination work the Secretary of Commerce; and (3) providing information and technical assistance to State and local officials concerning voter registration. Requires each State and local government to permit any individual who is eligible under applicable State and Federal law to register to vote in any Federal election to register on the date of a Federal election at the appropriate polling place. States that any individual so registering shall, if required by State or local authorities, establish his identity by (1) executing an affidavit containing certain information and (2) submitting either an affidavit executed by a person who is registered to vote at the polling place involved and is present at such polling place with the individual seeking registration or one of any forms of identification approved by the Commission. Directs the Commission to make grants for approved voter registration outreach programs to States which comply with the election day registration requirements of this Act. Conditions the amount of such grants on whether a State has a similar election day registration program in effect with respect to State and local elections. Stipulates that a registration outreach program may include projects relating to registration by mail, registration through the use of mobile units, or bilingual registration, and those projects otherwise designed to improve voter registration methods and procedures. List the purposes for which grant funds may be used. Sets forth criminal penalties for any person who knowingly and willfully (1) register, or attempts to register, to vote under this Act for the purpose of voting more than once in any Federal election; (2) conspires with any person for the purpose of enabling such person to make false registration to vote in a Federal election under this Act or for the purpose of enabling or encouraging any individual to make such false registration to vote in a Federal election; or (3) falsifies any information with respect to the name, residence, or age of such person, or any other information for the purpose of establishing eligibility to register to vote in a Federal election under this Act. Directs the Commission to institute actions to prevent any violation for this Act. Requires Federal courts to expedite consideration of actions involving a violation of, or a constitutional challenge to, any provision of this Act. Prohibits commercial use of any list compiled by a State or local government of individuals registered to vote in a Federal election.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1977
Voting Rights for the Elderly and the Handicapped Act - Directs the Attorney General in consultation with the Secretary for Health, Education, and Welfare to prescribe standards for polling and registration facilities which will assure ready access by the handicapped and the aged. Permits designation of facilities for Federal elections which do not comply with such standards only where conforming facilities are unavailable. Requires States to provide alternative registration and voting methods for aged and handicapped persons assigned to inaccessible registration facilities or polling places. Requires that a paper ballot be made available or a voting assistant be permitted to a person unable to operate a voting machine.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1977
Right to Private Records Act - Prohibits any financial institution from disclosing to any State or to any subdivision of any State any financial record of a customer unless such customer has so authorized or a valid search warrant, subpena or summons has been obtained according to the terms of this Act. States that no officer, employee or agent of any financial institution, communication common carrier, creditor or credit reporting agency holding any financial, toll, or credit record who is required by law to notify any law enforcement official or any political subdivision of any State of any criminal law violation which such person believes is being committed shall disclose any information except in accordance with this Act. Makes provisions for general or limited authorization of disclosure of any financial, toll, or credit record by means of a written statement containing specified information. Permits revocation of such authorization by written notification at any time, and otherwise limits to one year, any authorization to disclose. Prohibits any financial institution, communication common carrier, creditor, credit reporting agency or other person from requiring any person to make such authorization as a condition for doing business. Prescribes standards for the issuance of search warrants and judicial subpenas. Provides that a court may grant a subpena with a temporary delay of notification for a period of not greater than 90 days following the date of issuance if it finds, on the basis of an affidavit or sworn testimony, that it has been affirmatively demonstrated that such notification would jeopardize a continuing investigation of any crimes enumerated in this Act. Allows courts to enter ex parte orders granting an additional delay of such notification period not to exceed 180 days. Requires judges who grant or deny such delays to report to the Administrative Office of the United States Courts the particulars of such request. States that the Director of such office shall transmit to the Congress an annual report concerning the number of applications for extension of delay and the number of extensions granted or denied during the preceding calendar year. Grants standing to move to quash a subpena to any person to whom the financial, toll, or credit record ordered to be disclosed relates. Sets civil remedies available to persons injured by violations of this Act, including actual and punitive damages, attorney's fees and injunctive relief. Sets criminal penalties imposed on persons violating this Act. Prohibits any officer, employee, or agent of any person or government agency from intercepting, in the course of carrying out the business operations of such person or agency, oral or wire communications by or to any other officer, employee, or agent of such person or agency unless: (1) written notice is given; (2) such interceptions are for the purpose of training; (3) such interceptions occur only during the period specified in the notice required by this Act; (4) there is no recording of such communication; and (5) such person whose communication is intercepted has given written consent.
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 1977
Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Act - Allows an income tax credit for 30 percent of the expenditures not exceeding $750 which the taxpayer paid or incurred during the taxable year for installation of insulation or energy-conserving components which improve heating plant efficiency in his principal residence. Limits the application of this credit to expenditures paid or incurred for installations made between 1976 and 1982 in pre-existing dwellings. Reduces the allowable credit, on a graduated scale, for individuals with adjusted gross incomes greater than $10,000. Allows an income tax credit for 40 percent of the first $1,500, and a secondary credit for 25 percent of the next $7,600 paid or incurred by the taxpayer during the taxable year for the installation of qualified solar, wind and geothermal energy equipment in his principal residence. Allows an income tax credit for 20 percent of the first $1,500, and a secondary credit for 12.5 percent of the next $7,600 paid or incurred for the installation of wood stove, heat pump, or burner equipment in connection with new solar, wind or geothermal energy equipment which will be the principal source of space heat in the taxpayer's principal residence. Reduces these limitations in subsequent tax years by subtracting the amounts taken into account for these credits in previous tax years. Limits these credits to equipment installed between 1976 and 1982. Prorates each of the above credits for residential improvements among joint owners and cooperative shareholders according to their proportionate interests in the residential property. Provides for the carryover of any allowable credit which exceeds the taxpayer's current income tax liability. Reduces the allowable credits, on a graduated scale for and Conservation Act. persons with adjusted gross incomes greater than $15,000. Allows an investment tax credit for 25 percent of the qualified investment cost of depreciable geothermal, solar or wind energy equipment placed in service. Allows such a credit for 12 percent of the qualified costs of ventilation, heating, water and other components primarily designed to reduce the heat loss or gain of a structure, and origin ally used by the taxpayer. Prohibits these credits for property originally funded with Federal grants, or located in States which take these energy conserving measures into account for property assessment, or which don't enforce the thermal design requirements of the Energy Policy
![Official portrait of Sen. Wirth, Timothy [D-CO]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/w000647_200.jpg)