United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1976
Regulatory Reform Act - States Congress' finding that Government economic regulation has become a burden to American business, consumers, and the economy. Requires the President to submit at least once a year for five years a plan to eliminate regulation which has led to inflationary consumer prices or a reduction of competition. Directs that each plan establish more efficient organizational and administrative forms for the regulation of commerce and include provisions necessary to modify or abolish existing agencies and functions so as to eliminate overlapping regulatory jurisdictions and anti-competitive regulations. Requires that such reformation plan be directed toward regulation in the areas of: (1) banking and finance; (2) energy and environment; (3) commerce, and transportation; (4) food, health, safety, and trade practices; and (5) labor, housing, and small business. Defines terms used in this Act. Provides for Congressional review of such plan. Provides that if Congress fails to pass any regulatory reform legislation by a specified date after the President submits his plan to the Congress, such plan shall become effective as of a specified date and all rules of any agency described in such plan shall be of no force or effect.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1976
Increases, under the Social Security Act and the Internal Revenue Code, the ceiling on the amount of earnings which may be counted for social security benefit and tax purposes. Sets forth proposed ceilings of $15,300 for calendar year 1976, $22,200 for calendar year 1977, $26,100 for calendar year 1978, and $28,500 for calendar year 1979.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1976
Requires Congressional committee reports on proposed legislation to contain statements of the reporting and recordkeeping requirements which will be imposed on private business as a result of the enactment of such proposed legislation.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1976
Redefines the crime of deprivation of employment or other benefit because of political activity to include within the scope of political activity, an individual's making or failing to make a contribution of a thing of value (including services) for the benefit of any candidate or any political party. Defines "candidate," "election," and "employee" for purposes of this Act. Makes it a Federal crime to deprive or threaten to deprive an individual of any employment or other benefit, provided in whole or in part by any Act of Congress appropriating funds for relief purposes, on account of race, color, sex, religion, or national origin. Subjects an individual guilty of either offense under this Act to a fine of not more than $10,000, imprisonment for one year, or both. (Amends 18 U.S.C. 601; Adds 18 U.S.C. 246)
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1976
Young Farmers' Homestead Act - Establishes as an agency within the Department of Agriculture the Federal Farm Assistance Corporation. Authorizies the Corporation to purchase farm land in value of up to $250,000 per unit. Provides that the Corporation shall make such farms available for lease and subsequently for sale. Directs that the farms may be leased to an eligible applicant for a period of not less than two years nor more than ten years with specified restrictions upon the use of such land. Provides that the lessee may at any time within six months prior to the expiration of his lease make application to the board for purchase of such unit upon the expiration of such lease. States that the board shall approve such application if it determines that the lessee can successfully manage and operate such farm unit. Specifies a formula to be used in determining the selling price of each farm. Provides that a buyer may obtain financing through any available source, but if private financing is not available, the Farmers Home Administration shall furnish the financing at a specified rate. Requires the Corporation to file annually with the Secretary of Agriculture a complete report as to the business of the Corporation. Provides that the financial transactions of the Corporation shall be audited at least once each year by the General Accounting Office. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to appoint an advisory council to advise the board regarding the administration of this Act. Provides that the Council's advice shall include recommendations on what the eligibility requirements should be for leasing farm units and what experience should be required for leasing a farm. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to carry out this Act. Specifies criminal provisions applicable to the Federal Farm Assistance Corporation. (Amends 18 U.S.C. 657, 658, 1006, and 1014)
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1976
Increases, under the Social Security Act and the Internal Revenue Code, the ceiling on the amount of earnings which may be counted for social security benefit and tax purposes. Sets forth proposed ceilings of $15,300 for calendar year 1976, $22,200 for calendar year 1977, $26,100 for calendar year 1978, and $28,500 for calendar year 1979.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1976
Provides that no State shall be required to administer individual means tests for the provision of education, nutrition, transportation, recreation, socialization, or associated services provided under title XX (Grants to States For Services) of the Social Security Act to groups of low-income individuals aged sixty or older. Limits to six months the frequency of recertifications of eligibility for services under such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1976
Creates a nine member House Select Committee on the Fiscal Problems of Cities. Directs the committee to conduct a study to identify the nature and causes of problems afflicting large cities which face severe fiscal imbalance. Provides that consideration shall be given problems which contribute to the financial plight of cities, including: (1) net outmigration of population; (2) decline in employment opportunities; (3) adverse city/suburban relationships; (4) cost of public services; (5) rising crime rates; (6) lack of new investment in housing; and (7) racial, ethnic, and economic segregation. Calls upon the committee to develop a policy regarding the appropriate role of various levels of government in the solution of such problems. Requires the committee to evaluate the consequences of, and coordination among, existing Federal policies and programs which relate to the major problems identified by the committee. Directs the committee to formulate specific recommendations regarding Federal legislation and executive administrative action for modifications of or alternatives to present Federal programs.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1976
Government in the Sunshine Act - States that this Act applies to the Federal Election Commission and to any agency where the collegial body comprising the agency consists of two or more individual members, at least a majority of whom are appointed to such position by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. Provides that all meetings of such collegial body, or of a subdivision thereof authorized to take action on behalf of the agency, shall be open to the public. Requires such agency to make public announcement, at least one week before the meeting, of the date, place, and subject matter of the meeting, whether open or closed to the public, and the name and phone number of the official designated by the agency to respond to requests for information about the meeting. Exempts meetings when publicity would result in disclosure of matters: (1) necessary to keep secret in the interests of national defense or foreign policy; (2) not warranting an invasion of personal privacy; (3) constituting trade secrets; and (4) other matters the disclosure of which would not be in the public interest. States that the district courts of the United States shall have jurisdiction to enforce the requirements of this Act by declaratory judgment, injunctive relief, or other relief as may be appropriate. Prohibits the making of an ex parte communication relevant to the merits of the proceeding by an interested person outside the agency to anyone involved in the decisional process of the proceedings.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1976
Amends the Social Security Act to authorize payment under the medicare program for specified services performed by chiropractors, including x-rays and physical examinations, and related routine laboratory tests.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1976
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the people of Angola should be allowed to determine their own political future without foreign interference. Expresses support for efforts by the Organization of African Unity to achieve a settlement of the conflict in Angola. Calls upon all countries to terminate military assistance to any group in Angola. States that the President should do his utmost to seek an agreement among the various parties involved in hostilities or in the support of such hostilities in Angola to terminate such hostilities. Directs the President to refrain from providing assistance of any kind, for military activities in Angola, until specifically approved by Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1976
Expands the boundaries of the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. Repeals provisions suspending the Secretary of the Interior's authority to acquire property within the National Lakeshore by condemnation when appropriate zoning agencies have in effect approved valid zoning ordinances applicable to such property. Revises provisions regarding retention of the right of use and occupancy by owners of improved property after such property has been acquired by the Secretary. Increases the membership of the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore Advisory Commission. Authorizes the appropriation of sums for acquisition of lands and interests in land and for development. Requires the Secretary to complete by the end of 1977 a final master plan detailing the development of the lakeshore. Details guidelines regarding rights-of-way and easements added by this Act to the lakeshore and regarding the acquisition, improvement, and use of specified lands and easements not within the expanded boundaries.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1976
Increases, under the Social Security Act and the Internal Revenue Code, the ceiling on the amount of earnings which may be counted for social security benefit and tax purposes. Sets forth proposed ceilings of $15,300 for calendar year 1976, $22,200 for calendar year 1977, $26,100 for calendar year 1978, and $28,500 for calendar year 1979.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1976
Department of Education Act - Establishes an executive department to be known as the Department of Education, to be headed by a Secretary of Education appointed by the President. States that it shall be the principal function of the Department to improve the quality of education throughout the United States. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) advise the President with respect to the progress of education; (2) develop and recommend to the President appropriate policies and programs to foster the orderly growth and development of the Nation's educational facilities and resources especially in the light of long-range requirements; (3) exercise leadership at the direction of the President in coordinating Federal activities affecting education; (4) conduct continuing comprehensive surveys and collect, analyze, and disseminate relevant information concerning education in the United States; (5) provide information and such other assistance as may be authorized by the Congress to aid in the maintenance of efficient school, college, and university systems; and (6) encourage comprehensive long-range planning by State and local governments, especially with respect to coordinating Federal, State, and community educational activities at the local level. Transfers the education functions of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare to the Department of Education. Transfers various education functions of other executive departments to the Department of Education. Establishes a Federal Interagency Committee on Education to study and recommend such actions as may be necessary to assure effective coordination of Federal programs affecting education. Establishes a National Advisory Commission on Education of specified membership and qualification to review and make recommendations with respect to the administration, regulation, and operation of Federal education programs. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as are necessary to enable the Department to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1976
Amends the Impoundment Control Act of 1974 by requiring the President to transmit a special message to Congress before rescinding or reserving any part of any budget authority. Declares that no rescission shall become effective until Congress has acted on a bill effecting such rescission.
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 1975
Provides, under the Arms Control and Disarmament Act, that no agreement for cooperation which provides for the sale or transfer of any nuclear material or technology to any other nation, group of nations, or regional defense organization, may be entered into under the Atomic Energy Act. Provides that no license may be issued for the sale or other transfer to any nation or any person outside the United States: (1) of any nuclear reactor, (2) of one kilogram or more plutonium or highly enriched uranium, (3) of any nuclear reactor fuel unless such fuel is to be sold or transferred to a nation which is a party to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, or (4) of such other nuclear material or technology as the Director of the Arms Control and Disarmament Agency may designate, until 20 legislative days after the Director has submitted a report analyzing the impact of such sale or other transfer on arms control and disarmament policies and negotiations to the President, specified Federal officers and organizations, and specified Congressional Committees.
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 1975
Declares that Congress would support the President in a declaration of policy against United States manufacture or possession of lethal chemical weapons. Urges an international treaty banning the manufacture and possession of lethal chemical weapons.
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 1975
Requires the President to transmit to Congress copies of each Presidential proclamation and Executive order no later than two days after the issuance of such proclamation or order.
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 1975
Regulatory Agency Self-Destruct Act - Provides that each Federal regulatory agency is abolished as of noon July 4, 1976, unless, prior to such date: (1) the President conducts an investigation of the agency's overall performance (including, but not limited to a study of the agency's effectiveness in accomplishing its general purposes and promoting the public welfare), makes public a report on the findings of the investigation and recommends to the Congress that such agency or agencies should not be abolished; (2) the relevant committee or committees of the House and Senate conduct an inquiry into the performance and effectiveness of the agency or agencies and make public a report of such findings, conclusions, and recommendations; and (3) the Congress adopts a concurrent resolution disapproving the abolition of the agency or agencies. Defines "Federal regulatory agency" to mean any of the following: (1) the Civil Aeronautics Board; (2) the Federal Communications Commission; (3) the Federal Maritime Commission; (4) the Federal Power Commission; (5) the Federal Trade Commission; (6) the Interstate Commerce Commission; (7) the Securities and Exchange Commission; (8) the Consumer Product Safety Commission; and (9) the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Provides that each Federal regulatory agency not abolished by the above procedure, or any successor agency established pursuant to this Act, shall be abolished on July 4, 1983, except that those agencies which have been in existence for 25 years or less shall be abolished on July 4, 1991, unless the President and the Congress take action as described above to disapprove such abolition. States that each regulatory agency established by the Congress on or after July 1, 1974, shall be abolished fifteen years from the date on which it is first empowered to exercise its functions and duties according to the Act creating such agency unless the President and the Congress take such action as described above to disapprove such abolition. Requires that before January 2, 1976, and on or before a date six months prior to each date of abolition of an agency as specified in this Act, the President shall prepare and submit to the Congress a plan for the orderly transfer of such functions, powers, and duties, if any, as are determined by the President to be essential to the public health, safety, or welfare, from an agency, which is subject to the termination provisions of this Act, to the President or to a successor agency designated by the President. Provides that all orders, determinations, rules, regulations, permits, certificates, licenses, contracts, rates, and privileges which have been issued, made, granted, or allowed to become effective by a Federal regulatory agency abolished by this Act or by any court of competent jurisdiction, under any provision of law affected by this Act, and which are in effect at the time these provisions take effect, shall continue in effect according to their terms until modified, terminated, superseded, set aside, or repealed by the President, the head of a designated successor agency or by any court of competent jurisdiction, or by operation of law.
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 1975
Regulatory Agency Appointment Reform Act - Sets forth the purposes of the Act which include, the establishment of a bipartisan nominating board to submit to the President lists of individuals qualified to be appointed as commissioners of specified regulatory agencies, to provide a selection process which will insure a reduction of political influence in such selections, to provide methods to insure that official actions taken by commissioners shall not be influenced by considerations of reappointment, and to prohibit commissioners of a regulatory agency from accepting employment in an organization regulated by such agency during the 24-month period immediately after the termination of the commissioner's service on such agency. Defines terms used in this Act. Establishes as an independent agency of the Federal Government, the Federal Regulatory Agency Nominating Board to carry out the provisions of this Act. Requires each member of the Board to file an annual financial disclosure report with the Comptroller General. Provides that commissioners of regulatory agencies may only be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, from among the individuals nominated pursuant to this Act. Prohibits an individual who has been appointed as a commissioner of a regulatory agency from being appointed at any time thereafter as commissioner of such regulatory agency and, within one year after the termination of his service as a commissioner of such regulatory agency, from being appointed as commissioner of any other regulatory agency. Provides that an individual who has served as a commissioner of a regulatory agency may not represent any person before such agency in a professional capacity, or accept any employment with or compensation from any industry or for-profit organization directly affected by the activities of such agency. Directs that such prohibitions shall be enforced for the 24-month period beginning on the date on which services as a commissioner were terminated.
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 1975
Requires the Secretary of Commerce to use sampling methods in taking agricultural censuses, except that he may substitute another method where he determines that sampling methods would be inappropriate. (Amends 13 U.S.C. 142(a))
United States · United States Congress · 15 December 1975
Truth in Budgeting Act - Provides for full congressional review of all Federal programs every 2 years by the appropriate standing committees of the House and Senate. Provides that each comprehensive review conducted by a committee with respect to a Federal program under this Act shall include a detailed consideration of the past experience under the program and a projection of the expected future experience of the program, a consideration of alternate ways of carrying out the activities involved and alternative funding levels for such activities, an evaluation of each such alternative in terms of its probable costs and benefits, a comparison of each such alternative with other programs and activities in the same or related fields, and an evaluation of the overall success or failure of the program. Details the method to be used to review such programs by the standing committee. Provides that no funds in excess of the appropriations for the previous year may be authorized for a program that has not been subject to review during the calendar year.
United States · United States Congress · 15 December 1975
Department of Education Act - Establishes an executive department to be known as the Department of Education to be headed by a Secretary of Education appointed by the President. States that it shall be the principal function of the Department to improve the quality of education throughout the United States. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) advise the President with respect to the progress of education; (2) develop and recommend to the President appropriate policies and programs to foster the orderly growth and development of the Nation's educational facilities and resources especially in the light of long-range requirements; (3) exercise leadership at the direction of the President in coordinating Federal activities affecting education; (4) conduct continuing comprehensive surveys, collect, analyze, and disseminate relevant information concerning education in the United States; (5) provide information and such other assistance as may be authorized by the Congress to aid in the maintenance of efficient school, college, and university systems; and (6) encourage comprehensive long-range planning by State and local governments, especially with respect to coordinating Federal, State, and community educational activities at the local level. Transfers the education functions of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare to the Department of Education. Transfers various specified education functions of other executive departments to the Department of Education. Establishes a Federal Interagency Committee on Education to study and recommend such actions as may be necessary to assure effective coordination of Federal programs affecting education. Establishes a National Advisory Commission on Education of specified membership and qualification to review and make recommendations with respect to the administration, regulation, and operation of Federal education programs. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to enable the Department to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 December 1975
Natural Gas Production and Conservation Act - Defines terms used in this Act, including: (1) "affiliate" to mean any person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by, or under common control or ownership with any other person; (2) "old natural gas" to mean natural gas dedicated to interstate commerce prior to January 1, 1975 with the determination or dedication to be the findings the Commission made at the time deliveries of such natural gas were first made; (3) "producer" to mean a person who produces and sells more than 10 million mcf of natural gas per year and who is not or does not qualify as a small producer; and (4) "user" to mean a person or governmental entity using natural gas after it is delivered in interstate or intrastate commerce. Provides that new natural gas may be sold or transferred in interstate or intrastate commerce by a producer or small producer at a price that does not exceed: (1) the national base price established by the Federal Power Commission or any relevant high-cost production base price established by the Commission plus; (2) an adjustment to the national base price or any high-cost production base price for inflation or deflation for new natural gas first delivered during the year for which such adjustment is applicable; (3) an additional annual price increase equal to 2 percent per year of the adjusted base price of such gas at the time of initial dedication or such higher annual adjustment as may be approved by the Commission to be necessary to cover increased costs of production and provide for a reasonable rate of return on investment to such producer; and (4) adjustments to increase or decrease the base prices at the wellhead for gathering services, removing impurities, quality adjustments, expenses incurred such as State or Federal production or severance taxes, and the uncompensated value of advanced payments made to the producer. Permits a producer of new natural gas that is liquified, regasified or synthetic natural gas, to charge a special price that is just and reasonable based on his costs of production. States that those producers who discovered natural gas on the Federal domain more than two years before the enactment of this Act and still have not comitted such natural gas reserves to a pipeline are not able to take advantage of the incentive new gas or exempt gas pricing provisions. Directs the Commission to establish the initial national base price at a level of not less than 40 cents per mcf nor more than 75 cents per mcf. Directs the Commission to review and reestablish the national base price and any high-cost production base price at five-year intervals after the date of their initial establishment. Sets forth the criteria to be used in establishing the initial national base price, any initial high-cost production base prices, and subsequent national and subsequent high-cost production price bases. Requires the Commission to establish any base price for new natural gas pursuant to the rulemaking provisions of the Administrative Procedures Act. Permits the pass-through on a dollar-for-dollar basis of the cost of all new natural gas and exempt natural gas incurred by any pipeline unless such costs exceed the applicable price permitted under this Act. States that after the date of enactment of this Act, all sales of natural gas in interstate commerce that are not sales of old natural gas must comply with the provisions of this Act concerning new natural gas, unless such gas is exempt gas sold by a producer or small producer who qualifies as an independent. Allows a small producer to sell new natural gas in interstate or intrastate commerce at a price that exceeds the price authorized to be charged by a producer so long as such price does not exceed the applicable national or high-cost reproduction price by more than 50 percent. Provides that a producer or small producer which qualifies as an independent may charge any price for exempt natural gas on or after the date of enactment of this Act if such price does not exceed the average price of new domestic crude oil on the date such exempt natural gas is first dedicated. Requires all purchasers to file with the Commission all new natural gas and exempt natural gas sales contracts, transfer agreements, or any other transfer arrangements. States that with respect to old natural gas, the Commission is directed not to authorize any increase in the price charged by a producer or small producer except under enumerated circumstances. Requires all pipelines to give first priority for sales or transfers under the applicable tariff for old natural gas to local distribution companies to meet the requirements of each such local distribution company's residential users and small users to the extent old natural gas is available. Provides that sales of new natural gas or exempt natural gas by producers or small producers may be made without any application for a certificate of public convenience and necessity under the Natural Gas Act. Provides that, after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commission shall require all new natural gas pipeline transportation facilities on Federal lands to be common carriers available for use by any pipeline to transport natural gas upon payment of a reasonable transportation fee. Requires that natural gas producers on Federal lands undertake and complete exploratory and developmental programs to obtain maximum efficient levels of production at the earliest feasible date following the leasing of these lands. Requires that, after the date of enactment of this Act, all production of new natural gas or exempt natural gas from Federal lands shall be sold or transferred to a pipeline. Directs the Commission to conduct studies of production, gathering, storage, transportation, distribution and sale of natural, artificial, or synthetic gas. Directs the Commission to promulgate by rule a national plan to prohibit as soon as practicable the boiler fuel use of natural gas not initially contracted for prior to January 1, 1975 by users other than residential or small users. Prohibits any interruption or curtailment of natural gas service and requires necessary steps to assure as soon as practicable the availability in interstate commerce of sufficient quantities of natural gas for certain priority agricultural uses. Authorizes the Commission to declare a natural gas supply emergency within the service area of a pipeline which is unable or may be unable to supply its residential users, small users, hospitals, services and products vital to the public health and safety. Includes synthetic natural gas within the jurisdication of the Federal Power Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 12 December 1975
Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to review with respect to their suitability for preservation as wilderness under the Wilderness Act specified lands in the Angeles and San Bernadino National Forests, California. Provides that the Secretary shall report his findings to the President on or before the expiration of the two-year period following the date of the enactment of this Act. Requires the President to submit recommendations to the Congress with respect to the designation of such area as wilderness.
United States · United States Congress · 10 December 1975
Requires the United State Postal Service to provide rent-free postal lock boxes for persons who reside in rural areas who do not receive postal delivery service.
United States · United States Congress · 2 December 1975
Prescribes penalties for the use of firearms in the commission, and carrying firearms during the commission, of any felony with respect to which United States courts have exclusive and original jurisdiction. Prescribes penalties for the use of carrying of any firearm transported in interstate or foreign commerce in the commission of any crime punishable by imprisonment for more than one year upon conviction in a State court. Provides a sentence, in addition to the punishment set forth for the commission of such felony or crime, of a term of five to ten years imprisonment. States that in case of a second or subsequent conviction, such person shall be sentenced to imprisonment for a term of not less than ten years, or to life imprisonment. (Amends 18 U.SC. 924(c))
United States · United States Congress · 2 December 1975
Juvenile Delinquency in the Schools Act - States that the purpose of this Act is to curb juvenile delinquency, violence, and vandalism in the public schools. Authorizes appropriations under the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of sums necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act. Reserves 5 percent of the amounts appropriated for discretionary use by the Assistant Administrator of the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention for grants to States and the District of Columbia to carry out programs complementary to the purposes of this Act. Reserves up to 3 percent of the amounts appropriated for grants to territories and Indian schools. Requires the remainder of funds to be allocated to local educational agencies within the States according to the following criteria: (1) the financial need of local educational agencies; (2) the extent and impact of delinquency and crime in the schools of the district to be served; and (3) the degree to which the district to receive funds under the Act has established effective procedures for the protection of the constitutional rights of students and employees of the school district affected. Requires recipients to expend not less than fifty percent of funds granted under this Act for educational programs, including renovation of facilities, but not including programs utilizing security technology and personnel. Directs that the remainder of funds appropriated under this Act be expended on specified activities designed to achieve the purposes of this Act, including utilization of security technology and personnel. Stipulates that no funds may be used to support the introduction, presence, or use of firearms, other weapons, or chemical agents in any school. Defines terms used in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 December 1975
Revises the Congressional Budget Act to require that there be a surplus in the Congressional budget for the United States Government for any fiscal year in which the projected national unemployment rate is less than 4 1/2 percent. Requires that all concurrent resolutions on the budget reflect such revision.
United States · United States Congress · 1 December 1975
Provides for the recognition of representatives of the Polish Legion of American Veterans as claims agents for claims arising under laws administered by the Veterans' Administration. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 3402(a)(1))
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1975
Franchising Practices Reform Act - Requires a franchisor to notify a franchisee at least ninety days in advance of the franchisor's intention to terminate the franchise, and the franchisor's reasons for terminating. Prohibits a franchisor from cancelling a franchise unless the franchisor has acted in bad faith, or has violated a material requirement of the franchise, or the franchisor is effecting a market area withdrawal. Prohibits a franchisor from failing to renew a franchise except for the reasons stated above, or the franchisor has a legitmate business reason for failing to renew. Makes any franchisor that has violated the requirements of this Act civilly liable to the aggrieved franchisee.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1975
Provides for the recognition of representatives of the Polish Legion of American Veterans as claims agents for claims arising under laws administered by the Veterans' Administration. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 3402(a)(1))
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1975
Designates the week beginning April 4, 1976, as "National Rural Health Week." Urges that efforts in disseminating health information be intensified. Calls for improved health services for rural America.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 1975
Prohibits, under the Federal Hazardous Substances Act, the introduction or delivery for introduction into commerce of the chemical compounds known as polychlorinated biphenyls.
United States · United States Congress · 13 November 1975
Prohibits the exploration for and the mining of and the purchase of all valuable mineral deposits within any area of the National Park System. Repeals laws or provisions of laws which permit mining in: (1) Glacier Bay National Monument; (2) Death Valley National Monument; (3) Coronado International Memorial, Arizona; (4) Mount McKinley National Park; and (5) Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to promulgate such regulations as are necessary to govern existing valid mineral rights in the National Park System.
United States · United States Congress · 13 November 1975
Federal Oil Pollution Liability and Compensation Act - Prohibits the discharge of oil in harmful quantities (as determined by the President under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act), and assesses a civil fine of up to $10,000 against the owner, operator, of licensee of the discharging vessel. Prescribes criminal penalties for the failure of any person in charge of a vessel to notify the appropriate agency of the United States Government of such discharge. Directs the President to act to remove discharged oil unless he determines that such removal will be done properly and expeditiously by the owner or operator of the vessel, onshore or offshore facility, or deepwater port, from which the discharge accurs. Provides that all costs, including administrative, incurred by the President, Secretary, or any other Federal, State, or local official or agency, or any other person, of cleanup and other actions to minimize damages resulting from a discharge shall be borne by the owner and operator or licensee of the operation from which from which the discharge occurred (up to $150 per gross ton of the responsible vessel). Limits the liability of owners or operators of onshore and offshore facilitiies and licensees of deepwater ports to the following amounts: (1) $50,000,000, in the case of an onshore facility; (2) $50,000,000, in the case of an offshore facility; and (3) $100,000,000, in the case of a deepwater port. Establishes in the Department of Transportation an agency to be known as the Federal Oil Pollution Liability and Compensation Administration to establish and maintain the Federal Oil Pollution Compensation Fund and to generally act as trustee of the natural resources of the marine environment. Authorizes disbursement of moneys from the Fund for payment of damages not actually compensated under this Act, cleanup costs, and research into methods to prevent, contain, and remove discharges. Provides that the Fund shall be provisioned through the levy and collection by the Administration of a 5-cent-per-barrel fee imposed on the owner of oil when the oil is transferred between: (1) a vessel and an onshore or offshore facility, (2) offshore or onshore facilities, or (3) a vessel and a deepwater port. States that each owner or operator of a vessel or an onshore or offshore facility and each licensee shall establish and maintain under rules and regulations prescribed by the Administrator, evidence of financial responsibility based on the tonnage of the vessel the capacity of the facility or deepwater port, and other relevant factors. Directs the Administrator to prescribe and from time to time to change regulations for the filing, processing, settlement, and adjudication of claims for cleanup costs and damages resulting from the discharge of oil. Provides for public access to information concerning any communication, document, report, or information transmitted between any official of the Federal Government and any person concerning liability and compensation for damage resulting from the discharge of oil. Authorizes appropriations for the administration of their Act for fiscal years 1976,1977, and 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 12 November 1975
Requires, under the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1970, that committee reports on proposed legislation in either House of Congress must contain statements of the reporting and recordkeeping requirements which will be imposed on private business as a result of the enactment of such proposed legislation.
United States · United States Congress · 12 November 1975
Guarantees to every resident of any long-term care facility receiving Federal assistance, or providing care to federally assisted patients, a fair administrative hearing prior to his or her removal from such facility. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to prescribe regulations as may be necessary or appropriate to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 November 1975
Increases from $10,000 to $100,000 the maximum fine for conspiracy to commit any offense against the United States. Makes $1,000,000 the maximum fine for such offense by a corporation. (Amends 18 U.S.C. 371)
United States · United States Congress · 11 November 1975
Congressional Election Financing Act - Adds to the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 a Title V: Public Financing of Congressional Elections. Sets forth the definitions of terms to be used in this Act. States that to be eligible to receive payments under this title, a candidate for election to Federal office shall agree: (1) to obtain and to furnish to the Commission any evidence it may request about his campaign expenditures and contributions; (2) to keep and to furnish to the Commission information it may request; (3) to permit an audit and examination by the Commission and to pay any amounts required; and (4) to furnish statements of campaign expenditures and proposed campaign expenditures. Enumerates the eligibility certification requirements to be met by every candidate prior to receiving payments under this Act. Provides that every eligible candidate is entitled to payments in connection with his primary election campaign in an amount which is equal to the amount of contributions he accepts for that campaign. Describes the amounts which major party and minor party candidates are entitled to receive. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to maintain in the Presidential Election Campaign Fund a separate account to be known as the Congressional Election Account. Directs the Secretary to deposit in the Account the amount available after payments for Presidential elections and nominating conventions have been set aside plus such additional amounts as may be authorized to be appropriated to carry out this title. Directs the Secretary to pay to candidates from this Account the amounts certified by the Federal Elections Commission. Requires that, after each congressional election, the Commission shall conduct a thorough examination and audit of the campaign expenditures of all candidates who received payments under this title. Provides for repayment of funds to the Account in the case of excess payments, the failure to make expenditures of any portion of the payments received, or the expenditure of such payments for purposes other than campaign expenses. Directs every candidate to furnish a detailed statement of expenditures and proposed expenditures whenever the Commission so requires, and directs the Commission to make available for public inspection summaries of all such statements. Requires the Commission to submit an annual report to Congress setting forth the expenditures of each candidate who received payments, and the amounts certified for payment to each and any amount required to be returned by a candidate. States that each such report submitted shall be printed as a Senate document. Imposes for violation of this title a fine of not more than $50,000, or not more than five years imprisonment, or both.
United States · United States Congress · 11 November 1975
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the President should, upon visiting the People's Republic of China, request that the Chinese officials use their good offices to obtain an accounting of members of the United States Armed Forces missing in action and confined as prisoners of war in Southeast Asia and of all American civilian personnel who are listed as missing in Southeast Asia. Requests that upon his return to the United States, the President should report back to the Congress on the results of his request.
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 1975
Empowers the Small Business Administration, under the provisions of the Small Business Act, to make loans to enable small business concerns to finance residential housing construction or rehabilitation for sale or rental. Requires the Administration to determine the reasonableness of repayment of its loans on a case-by-case basis. Stipulates that the Administration may engage in activities which involve borrowers who may, from time to time, take advantage of other Federal programs in carrying out their business, notwithstanding the restriction which prohibits the Administration from duplicating the work or activities of any other department or agency of the Federal Government.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 1975
Denies electric and gas public utilities a deduction under the Internal Revenue Code for amounts paid or incurred by such utilities to advertise or promote the sale or use of electricity or gas.
United States · United States Congress · 4 November 1975
Increases the monetary penalties for persons convicted of conspiring to commit any offense against the United States or to defraud the United States. Establishes a monetary penalty of $1,000,000 in the case of a corporation, and $100,000 in the case of an individual. Eliminates the penalty of imprisonment for conspiracy to commit any offense or to defraud the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 1975
Condemns the resolution adopted by the Third Committee of the United Nations General Assembly which equates Zionism with racism, and urges the U.N. General Assembly to disapprove such resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 1975
Authorizes and directs the President, commencing October 1, 1975, and for a period of 270 days thereafter, to promulgate a regulation providing a maximum price for domestically produced crude oil which shall not be in excess of $11.50 per barrel. Withdraws as of October 1, 1975, any tax or fee on the importation of, and any rate or duty on, petroleum or any product derived therefrom which was imposed by the President in the interest of national security under the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 between January 1, 1975 and the date of enactment of this Act. Provides for the refund of any tax, fee, or duty collected on or after October 1, 1975 on the importation of petroleum or any product derived therefrom. Requires that importers pass such refunds to their ultimate customers or purchasers on a dollar for dollar basis.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 1975
Directs that no Member of the House of Representatives may draw funds against the stationery allowance except for items related to the operation of any official office. Provides that any allowance not used by a former member shall be paid into the contingent fund of the House.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 1975
Recognizes the right to a nutritionally adequate diet as a cornerstone of United States policy in areas such as trade, assistance, monetary reform and military spending. Seeks to improve food assistance programs in the United States. Calls for an increase in this nation's assistance for self-help development among the worlds' poorest people. Sets a target of one percent of our total national production to be spent for such assistance.
![Official portrait of Rep. Bedell, Berkley W. [D-IA-6]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/b000298_200.jpg)