United States · United States Congress · 23 September 1976
Creates the John W. McCormack Senior Intern Program in the House of Representatives. Authorizes each Member, Delegate, or Commissioner of the House to hire two additional employees under such program. Requires that all such interns be 60 years of age or older and be residents of the district which the employing Member, Commissioner, or Delegate represents. Makes available to each Member, Resident Commissioner, or Delegate an annual payment of $500 for payment of compensation to such interns, in addition to other allowances, available to such Member, Resident Commissioner, or Delegate.
United States · United States Congress · 1 September 1976
Amends the Export Administration Act of 1969 to extend the authority granted by such Act to September 30, 1977. Increases the fine for violations of such Act to $25,000 for the first offense and to $50,000 for a subsequent offense. Increases the fine for prohibited exports to Communist-dominated nations to $50,000. Increases the civil penalty for such violation of such Act to $10,000. Permits suspension of the payment of export licensing penalties for a probationary period. Requires that appropriations to carry out the Export Administration Act of 1969 be specifically authorized by Congress for each fiscal year after October 1, 1977. Eliminates authority for Presidential removal of unilateral export controls and assignment of priority to such controls by the Secretary of Commerce. Revises the authority of the President to impose export controls for national security purposes without regard to the availability of such articles from sources other than the United States in order to require the President to predicate the imposition of controls on articles available from other sources upon a determination that absence of such a control would be detrimental to the national security of the United States. Requires the President to include, in semiannual reports to Congress, the nature of the evidence of such detriment. Specifies that any export license application under such Act shall be deemed approved within 90 days of its receipt unless disapproved or unless the applicant is notified that additional time is required for the decision. Amends the Export Administration Act of 1969 to stipulate that such Act shall not be construed as authority for withholding information from Congress. Sets forth confidentiality standards for information acquired under such Act. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to account for technical assistance and technical advisory committees in semiannual reports to Congress under such Act. Requires the Secretary to review regulations under such Act in order to report to Congress on simplification of such regulations. Revises the policy for control of exports for national security purposes under such Act to redefine "controlled country" as a country to which exports are restricted for national security or foreign policy purposes, rather than as a Communist country. Repeals the requirement that all United States foreign military, economic, and financial assistance be terminated when the President determines that the recipient country is not effectively cooperating with the United States pursuant to the policy that export of commodities to nations threatening the security of the United States (including the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and all countries under its domination) be regulated. Amends the Export Administration Act of 1969 to require persons agreeing to transfer technical data or other information to any controlled country to furnish information with respect to such agreement to the Secretary of Commerce, under regulations promulgated to monitor the effects of such transfers. Directs the Secretary to study technical data exports and their effects upon the national security or foreign policy of the United States, and to submit a report of such study to Congress. Amends the requirements for reports to Congress and to the President under such Act by appropriate departments or agencies to specify information to be included in such reports and to require semiannual rather than quarterly reports. Requires a special report to Congress by the President on multilateral export controls. Revises the policy of the United States with respect to boycotts by foreign countries against nations friendly to the United States to require domestic exporting concerns to refuse to support such boycotts, under the Export Administration Act of 1969. Requires any United States person receiving a request for such support to report such request to the Secretary of Commerce. Prohibits support of such boycott by any United States person and specifies actions which shall be considered indicative of such support, under the Export Administration Act of 1969. Permits any United States person aggrieved by violation of such prohibitions to bring a civil action in a United States district court, without regard to the amount in controversy, for treble damages, attorney's fees, and costs, under such Act. Amends such Act to exclude petroleum products refined in United States Foreign-Trade Zones from foreign crude oil export controls to prevent excessive drain of scarce materials and to reduce the inflationary impact of abnormal foreign demand, except if the Secretary of Commerce finds that such products are in short supply and issues regulations herein authorized to limit such exports. Amends such Act to permit agricultural commodities purchased by or for a foreign country to remain in the United States free of quantitative limitations on exports relating to domestic supply and inflationary impact, upon approval by the Scretary of Commerce, in consultation with the Secretary of Agriculture, and under regulations for such export which the Secretary of Commerce is herein authorized to issue. Prohibits the use of funds authorized by the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 for the construction of, operation of, maintenance of, or the supply of fuel for, any nuclear powerplant under an agreement for cooperation between the United States and any other country.
United States · United States Congress · 31 August 1976
Expresses the regrets of the House of Representatives over the trial and sentencing of citizens of South Korea for joining in the declaration of March 1, 1976, calling for the restoration of democracy in South Korea. Urges the Government of the Republic of Korea to remit their sentences.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1976
Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1977 to carry out the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation between the United States and Spain, January 24, 1976, including $15,000,000 for military assistance under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, $7,000,000 for security supporting assistance under such Act, $2,000,000 for international military education and training under such Act, and $12,000,000 for guaranties under the Foreign Military Sales Act. Declares such assistance exempt from restrictions upon grants to an economically developed nation capable of sustaining its own defense burden and economic growth, under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. Stipulates the scope and policy with respect to such Treaty. Directs that the United States contribution toward modernization and maintenance of the aircraft control and warning network in Spain be financed from Department of Defense appropriations. Authorizes the President to apply the proceeds from the lease of aircraft to Spain to the purchase of aircraft for such country, notwithstanding restrictions regarding the application of such proceeds.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1976
Amends rule XXXII of the Rules of the House of Representatives to allow specified present and former employees and Members of the House to enter the Hall of the House and rooms leading thereto. Provides that such persons shall not be admitted if they have any direct personal or pecuniary interest in any legislative measure coming up for consideration in the House.
United States · United States Congress · 1 July 1976
Amends the International Claims Settlement Act of 1949 to direct the Foreign Claims Settlement Commission of the United States to determine the validity and amounts of claims by United States nationals against the German Democratic Republic for losses arising from nationalization, expropriation, or other taking of property. Specifies procedures for such determinations. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to establish a Claims Fund and to make settlement payments certified by the Commission. Sets forth procedures and regulation for such payments.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1976
Joint Committee on Intelligence Operations Act - Establishes a Congressional Joint Committee on Intelligence Operations to conduct continuing oversight of, and to exercise exclusive legislative jurisdiction over, the foreign intelligence activities of: (1) the Central Intelligence Agency; (2) the Defense Intelligence Agency; (3) the National Security Agency; (4) the Bureau of Intelligence and Research; (5) Army, Navy, and Air Force Intelligence; and (6) other agencies to the extent that such agencies engage in foreign intelligence activities. Requires that the Director of Central Intelligence must keep the joint committee fully informed with respect to all foreign intelligence activities of the United States. Sets forth the administrative powers of the joint committee. Charges the joint committee with the establishment of guidelines for the classification of information originating with the joint committee. Prescribes penalties for the public release of classified materials by any congressional officer, employee of the joint committee, or former congressional officer or employee of the joint committee. Requires that no nonintelligence gathering operation, under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, may be conducted until 30 days after the President reports such operation to the joint committee, unless it is essential to national security that such operation begin immediately. Ceases all such operations which at any time are disapproved by the joint committee.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1976
Joint Committee on Intelligence Operations Act - Establishes a Congressional Joint Committee on Intelligence Operations to conduct continuing oversight of, and to exercise exclusive legislative jurisdiction over, the foreign intelligence activities of: (1) the Central Intelligence Agency; (2) the Defense Intelligence Agency; (3) the National Security Agency; (4) the Bureau of Intelligence and Research; (5) Army, Navy, and Air Force Intelligence; and (6) other agencies to the extent that such agencies engage in foreign intelligence activities. Requires that the Director of Central Intelligence must keep the joint committee fully informed with respect to all foreign intelligence activities of the United States. Sets forth the administrative powers of the joint committee. Charges the joint committee with the establishment of guidelines for the classification of information originating with the joint committee. Prescribes penalties for the public release of classified materials by any congressional officer, employee of the joint committee, or former congressional officer or employee of the joint committee. Requires that no nonintelligence gathering operation, under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, may be conducted until 30 days after the President reports such operation to the joint committee, unless it is essential to national security that such operation begin immediately. Ceases all such operations which at any time are disapproved by the joint committee.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1976
International Security Assistance and Arms Exports Control Act - Title I: Military Assistance Program - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961: (1) to authorize the appropriation of $196,700,000 for fiscal year 1976 and $209,000,000 for fiscal year 1977 for military assistance; and (2) to authorize the appropriation of $32,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 and $70,000,000 for fiscal year 1977 for administrative expenses under this Act. Limits the amounts of assistance to be made available during fiscal year 1976 to Greece, Indonesia, Jordan, the Republic of Korea, the Philippines, Thailand, Turkey, and Ethiopia. Restricts the use of such funds to extending military assistance to not more than 20 countries in 1976 and to not more than 12 countries in 1977. Prohibits the increase of such limitations by transfer between accounts or by Presidential determination that authorization of such increase is important to national security. Makes such limitations inapplicable to emergency assistance under special authority of the President to order defense articles and services. Conditions assistance to Turkey upon Presidential certification that Turkey has met certain conditions with respect to Cyprus. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to permit the President to order defense articles from the stocks of the Department of Defense for military assistance to a foreign country on a reimbursable basis upon certification to Congress that certain emergency conditions exist. Restricts the total value of such defense articles and services which may be ordered in a fiscal year. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to prohibit the reservation of any defense article for use by a foreign country unless such transfer has been specially authorized by legislation. Directs that the value of such reserved articles stockpiled in foreign countries may not exceed an amount greater than is specified in security assistance authorizing legislation. Limits the total value of such stockpile to $75,000,000 for fiscal year 1976, $18,750,000 for the period from July 1 to September 30, 1976, and $125,000,000 for fiscal year 1977. Limits the location of such foreign stockpiles to United States military bases and NATO countries. Prohibits the valuation of any such transferred defense article as an excess defense article. Requires the President to report to Congress each new stockpile or addition to stockpile of defense articles valued in excess of $10,000,000 in any fiscal year. Terminates, under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, the operation of United States military assistance advisory groups and missions unless specifically authorized by Congress. Limits to three the number of Armed Forces personnel which the President may assign to the Chief of each United States Diplomatic Mission to perform such functions. Prohibits the performance of such functions by any defense attache assigned to a Diplomatic Mission. Limits to 34 the total number of such missions. Specifies that authority to furnish grant military assistance shall terminate on September 30, 1977, except when such assistance is authorized by Congress to specified countries. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize the President to furnish education and training to military and related civilian personnel of foreign countries. Authorizes the appropriation of $27,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 and $30,200,000 for fiscal year 1977 for such purposes. Repeals restrictions on military assistance for training foreign military students. Makes the Secretary of State responsible for the general supervision of such programs. Makes the Secretary of Defense primarily responsible for such programs. Specifies administrative procedures for furnishing such assistance. Title II: Arms Export Controls - Changes the title of the "Foreign Military Sales Act" to the "Arms Export Control Act. Declares it the policy of the United States to encourage control and reduction of arms traffic. Requires the President to review the arms sales policies and practices of the United States. Amends the Foreign Military Sales Act to limit the authority of the President to transfer defense articles sold under this Act permitting Congressional disapproval except in emergency situations. Amends such Act to require that payment for articles or services sold from Defense stocks be made for the actual value, except that the cost of articles intended to be replaced shall be the production cost less depreciation. Permits the President to extend an additional time for payment in certain circumstances. Sets forth procedures for billing, interest charges, time for payment, charges for administrative services, use of equipment, and nonrecurring research costs. Requires that any contract under such Act be prepared in such a way as to be made available for public inspection to the fullest extent possible. Permits the President to enter into NATO standardization agreements for training if the financial principles of such agreements are based on reciprocity. Stipulates that the direct costs of such agreements shall be reimbursable. Amends the Foreign Military Sales Act to require that sales of defense articles and services which could have significant adverse effect on the combat readiness of the United States be kept to an absolute minimum. Sets forth procedures for such sales. Amends the Foreign Military Sales Act to require imposition of interest charges on amounts by which a country or international organization is in arrears pursuant to the procurement of defense articles or services from private industry. Permits the President to issue letters of offer for such articles or services which require payment 120 days after the date of billing, if: (1) it is in the national interest; (2) the emergency requirements of the purchaser exceed fund availability; and (3) a special emergency request is made to Congress for additional funds to finance such purchases. Extends from ten to 12 years the maximum payment period for credit sales after the delivery or rendering of defense articles or services under the Foreign Military Sales Act. Amends such Act to require the President to transmit to Congress a detailed annual estimate of military sales, including an explanation of the foreign policy and national security considerations involved in such sales, and an arms control impact statement for each purchasing country. Requires the President to make every effort to submit such information in an unclassified form. Amends the Foreign Military Sales Act to authorize the appropriation of $1,039,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 and $680,000,000 for fiscal year 1977, and to establish a ceiling of $2,374,700,000 on the aggregate amount of military sales credits that may be extended or loans that may be guaranteed for fiscal year 1976 and a ceiling of $2,059,600,000 for fiscal year 1977. Authorizes not less than $1,500,000,000 of such sums for Israel for fiscal year 1976 and $1,000,000,000 for fiscal year 1977. Limits to $100,000,000 the aggregate acquisition cost to the United States of excess defense articles ordered by the President after fiscal year 1976 for delivery to foreign countries or international organizations, exclusive of ships and their supplies. Amends the Foreign Military Sales Act to require the President to transmit to Congress: (1) quarterly reports which detail commercial and governmental military export transactions; (2) reports regarding any letter of offer to sell any defense articles or services for $25,000,000 or more or any major defense equipment for $7,000,000 or more. Permits Congressional disapproval of such letters of offer. Amends the Foreign Military Sales Act to authorize the President to control arms exports and imports and to make available foreign policy guidance to persons in the United States involved in such activities. Requires that decisions regarding the issuance of export licenses be made in coordination with the Director of the United States Arms Control and Disarmament Agency. Requires any person, other than an officer or employee of the United States acting in an official capacity, who manufactures, exports, or imports such articles or services, to register with the appropriate agency. Prohibits the export or import of defense articles or services without a license therefor. Prohibits issuance of such license for major defense equipment over $25,000,000 or more to any non-NATO country unless sold under this Act. Imposes a fine of not more than $10,000 or imprisonment for not more than two years, or both, for willful violation of this Act or regulations under this Act, or for willful misstatement or omission pursuant to required reports or applications. Declares this Act applicable to the Canal Zone. Repeals the munitions control regulations and penalties of the Mutual Security Act of 1954. Places an annual ceiling of $9,000,000,000 on arms sales in any fiscal year, except for emergency conditions. Imposes a fine of $25,000 or imprisonment of not more than two years or both for exportation of any defense article or service without a license or approval with intent to avoid a limitation or prohibition imposed under such ceiling. Amends the Foreign Military Sales Act to permit: (1) revocation, suspension, or amendment of arms export licenses by the Secretary of State; and (2) cancellation of a Government contract for sale of defense articles or services by the United States if national security so requires. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to refund moneys received pursuant to such cancelled contracts or to pay damages and costs arising from such cancellation. Requires reimbursement of any department or agency of the United States Government for administrative expenses incurred in carrying out functions under the Act which are primarily for the benefit of any foreign country. Redefines "defense articles," "defense service," "training," "major defense equipment," and "defense articles and services" for the purposes of such Act. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to require that the Annual Foreign Assistance Report include specified information with respect to foreign military sales and military education and training. Requires the President to transmit to Congress not later than February 28, 1977, a report regarding all sales of excess defense articles made under this Act between July 1, 1976, and December 31, 1976. Title III: General Limitations - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to requires that the request for security assistance programs for each fiscal year be accompanied by a statement from the President on the status of human rights in each country included in such program. Prohibits such assistance to any country which engages in a consistent pattern of gross violation of internationally recognized human rights, except when extraordinary circumstances exist which necessitate continuation of such assistance or the national interest of the United States requires such assistance. Prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, religion, national origin, or sex in the furnishing of defense articles, under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 and the Foreign Military Sales Act. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to prohibit all assistance under this Act to countries which grant sanctuary to international terrorists, except upon a Presidential determination that national security requires otherwise. Title IV: Provisions Relating to Specific Regions or Countries - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to declare it the sense of Congress that the United States shall maintain a flexible policy toward the Middle East. Declares that the "joint resolution to implement the United States proposal for the early-warning system in the Sinai" does not constitute Congressional approval of any commitment or agreement upon which any other nation or organization may rely. Authorizes the appropriation of $40,000,000 to aid Cypriot refugees, under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, for fiscal year 1976. Amends such Act to permit the President to waive restrictions on assistance or aid to Turkey to enable Turkey to fulfill defense responsibilities to NATO. Prohibits any assistance to military of paramilitary operations in Angolla, except under specified conditions. States that Congress views Soviet intervention in Angola and support of Cuban armed forces in Angola as inconsistent with detente and other international agreements. Declares that such intervention should be taken into account in United States foreign policy planning and negotiations. Prohibits military assistance, sales, or sales credits to Chile. Amends the International Development and Food Assistance Act of 1975 to limit the amount of economic assistance which may be made available to Chile in fiscal year 1976 and from July 1, 1976, to September 30, 1977. Declares it the sense of Congress that the President seek an agreement with the Soviet Union with respect to limiting military forces in the Indian Ocean. Calls upon the President to express concern for United States citizens arrested in Mexico and requires the Secretary of State to submit periodic reports to Congress regarding the status of such citizens and their treatment. Declares it the sense of Congress that the President evaluate the emergency food needs of Portugal and take action to alleviate such emergency. Deplores the civil strife in Lebanon, and requests the President to seek an end to such discord and to preserve the traditional friendly attitude of Lebanon toward the United States. Requires the President to submit to Congress a report on security and self-sufficiency efforts in Korea. Limits the amount of military aid to Korea to $290,000,000 between July 1, 1975 and September 30, 1977. Repeals Indochina assistance under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 and terminates regulations, contracts, and agreements thereof. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961: (1) to make available $15,000,000 for housing reconstruction in Lebanon; (2) to authorize the appropriation of $25,000,000 for relief and rehabilitation of earthquake victims in Italy; and (3) to authorize the appropriation of $20,000,000 for relief and rehabilitation of refugees and other needy people in Lebanon. Title V: Miscellaneous Authorizations - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize for security supporting assistance, appropriations of $1,766,200,000 for fiscal year 1976 and $1,801,500,000 for fiscal year 1977. Sets forth minimum appropriations for Greece, and Egypt. Authorizes the appropriation of $50,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 and $35,000,000 for fiscal year 1977 for the Middle East Special Requirements Fund. Requires that such funds be utlized for specified purposes relating to the early-warning system in the Sinai, the Agreement of October 10, 1975, and the deficit of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Middle East. Authorizes the appropriation of $5,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 and $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1977 for the contingency fund of the President for supporting assistance, under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. Authorizes the appropriation of $40,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 and $34,000,000 for fiscal year 1977 for international narcotics control, under specified conditions. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize the appropriation of $1,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 and $5,000,000 for fiscal year 1977 for the International Atomic Energy Agency for strengthening safeguards and inspections of nuclear missile facilities and materials. Authorizes interim quarter appropriations for the period from July 1 to September 30, 1976, in amounts equal to one- fourth of the amounts authorized for fiscal year 1976. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary for fiscal year 1977 to carry out agreements for the use of military facilities in Spain, Greece, or Turkey by United States Armed Forces. Title VI: Miscellaneous Provisions - Establishes a procedure for expediting consideration by the Senate of resolutions of disapproval of certain Presidential certifications under the Arms Export Control Act. Directs the Administrator of the Agency for International Development to report every six months to Congress on the extent small businesses have participated in procurements under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to specify the compensation payable to consultants hired by the Agency for International Development. Amends the Foreign Military Sales Act to require that reports on military exports include data on political contributions, gifts, commissions, and fees paid or offered in connection with sales of military equipment. Requires that civilian contract personnel be used to the maximum extent possible to perform defense services sold under the Foreign Military Sales Act. Requires the President to submit to Congress a report with respect to any Presidential determination that officials of a foreign country receiving international security assistance have: (1) received illegal or improper payments from a United States corporation in return for a contract to purchase defense articles or services; or (2) extorted, or attempted to extort, money or other things of value in return for actions by officials of that country that permit a United States citizen or corporation to conduct business in such country. Requires that such report recommend termination or continuation of international security assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1976
International Investment Survey Act - Sets forth Congressional findings with respect to international investment. Directs the President, through the Council on International Economic Policy, to collect specified data regarding international investment and to issue regulations requiring recordkeeping of such data. Sets forth regulations to insure the confidentiality of such information. Imposes a fine of not more than $10,000 for violation of such confidentiality. Imposes a fine of not more than $10,000 for failure to furnish information under this Act. Imposes a fine of not more than $10,000 or imprisonment for not more than one year or both for willful failure to provide such information or to comply with regulations under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1976
Joint Committee on Intelligence Operations Act - Establishes a Congressional Joint Committee on Intelligence Operations to conduct continuing oversight of, and to exercise exclusive legislative jurisdiction over, the foreign intelligence activities of: (1) the Central Intelligence Agency; (2) the Defense Intelligence Agency; (3) the National Security Agency; (4) the Bureau of Intelligence and Research; (5) Army, Navy, and Air Force Intelligence; and (6) other agencies to the extent that such agencies engage in foreign intelligence activities. Requires that the Director of Central Intelligence must keep the joint committee fully informed with respect to all foreign intelligence activities of the United States. Sets forth the administrative powers of the joint committee. Charges the joint committee with the establishment of guidelines for the classification of information originating with the joint committee. Prescribes penalties for the public release of classified materials by any congressional officer, employee of the joint committee, or former congressional officer or employee of the joint committee. Requires that no nonintelligence gathering operation, under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, may be conducted until 30 days after the President reports such operation to the joint committee, unless it is essential to national security that such operation begin immediately. Ceases all such operations which at any time are disapproved by the joint committee.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1976
Amends the Peace Corps Act to authorize the appropriation of sums not in excess of $67,155,000 for fiscal year 1977 and such sums as may be necessary for fiscal year 1978 to carry out the purposes of such Act. Authorizes, under such Act, in addition to amounts authorized for fiscal year 1976, the appropriation of sums not in excess of $1,000,000 for increases in salary, pay, retirement, or other employee benefits for fiscal year 1976. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary for such purposes for fiscal years 1977 and 1978. Amends such Act to increases the readjustment allowance for volunteers.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1976
Guatemala Disaster Relief Act - Authorizes the President to make available assistance for relief and rehabilitation of the victims of the recent earthquake in the Republic of Guatemala. Authorizes the appropriation of $25,000,000 to carry out the purposes of this Act, under the general policies for furnishing international disaster assistance of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1976
Amends the District of Columbia Medical and Dental Manpower Act to extend through fiscal year 1977 the authority of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to nonprofit medical and dental schools.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1976
Prohibits instrumentalities of the Federal Government from requiring nonessential declarations of marital status or the nonessential use of prefixes indicating such status, in connection with (1) carrying on of correspondence, (2) keeping of records, (3) filing of any written instrument as an application for employment, or (4) issuance of any certificate, document, or other written instrument.
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 1975
Foreign Soverign Immunities Act - Grants United States District Courts original jurisdiction without regard to amount in controversy of any nonjury civil action against a foreign state as to any claim for relief in person with respect to which the foreign state is not entitled to immunity. States that, in all such cases, district courts shall have personal jurisdiction over a foreign state where the prescribed service of process is made. Relates the Congressional finding that determination by the United States courts of the claims of foreign states to immunity would serve the interests of justice and would protect the rights of both foreign states and litigants in U.S. courts. Defines "foreign state," "commercial activity," and other terms for purposes of this Act. Provides that, subject to existing and future international agreements to which the U.S. is a party, foreign states are immune from the jurisdiction of U.S. courts except as provided in this Act. Declares that a foreign state is not immune from the jurisdiction of U.S. courts if: (1) the state has waived its immunity either explicitly or by implication; (2) the action is based upon specified commercially related activities; (3) the action is based upon rights in specified property, connected with commercial activity, taken in violation of international law; (4) the issue is rights in U.S. property acquired by succession or gift or rights in immovable U.S. property; or (5) money damages are sought against a foreign state for personal injury or death, or damage to or loss of property, occurring in the U.S. and caused by the tortious act or omission of the foreign state or its official or employee acting within the scope of his office or employment. Exempts from the last category claims based upon discretionary functions and claims arising out of malicious prosecution, abuse of process, libel, slander, misrepresentation, deceit, or interference with contract rights. Declares that foreign states are not immune from the jurisdiction of U.S. courts in the case of admiralty suits brought to enforce a maritime lien against a foreign state's vessel or cargo, which lien is based upon the state's commercial activity. Provides, however, that proper notice must be given to the person, or his agent, having possession of the vessel or cargo against which the lien is asserted and to the foreign state. States that the lien shall thereafter be deemed an in personam claim against the foreign state and that the court may not award judgment greater than the value of the vessel or cargo. Excludes foreign states from the jurisdiction of U.S. and State courts in cases relating to debt obligations incurred for general governmental purposes unless such immunity has been explicitly waived or the case arises under a statute administered by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Denies a foreign state, which brings or intervenes in an action in a U.S. court, immunity with respect to any counterclaim: (1) where it would not otherwise be enttitled to immunity under this Act had such claim been brought in a separate action against the foreign state; (2) arising out of the transaction or occurrence that is the subject matter of the foreign state's claim; or (3) to the extent that the counterclaim does not seek relief exceeding in amount or differing in kind from that sought by the foreign state. Stipulates procedures for service of process, time to answer, and default, subject to existing and future agreements to which the U.S. is a party. Provides that, subject to such agreements, property of a foreign state in the U.S. shall be immune from attachment and execution except as permitted in this Act. Declares that such exceptions include specified U.S. property used by a foreign state for commercial activity and any property in the U.S. of an agency or instrumentality of a foreign state which engages in commercial activity in the U.S., subject to enumerated restrictions and conditions. Excludes from attachment or any other judicial process the property of those organizations designated by the President as entitled to fall within the provisions of the International Organizations Immunities Act. Immunizes also, from attachment and execution, property: (1) of a foreign central bank or monetary authority held for its own account, unless it, or its parent government, has waived such immunity; and (2) used, or intended for use, in connection with a military activity where the property is of a military character and is under the control of a military authority or defense agency. Specifies the proper district for bringing civil actions against a foreign state. Provides for removal of such cases from State to U.S. district courts by the foreign state. Declares that these provisions shall take effect 90 days after enactment. (Adds 28 U.S.C. 1330, 1602-11; Amends 28 U.S.C. 1332, 1391, 1441)
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 1975
Provides that any veteran receiving compensation for the permanent incomplete use of an arm or a leg, which resulted from any injury incurred or disease contracted in or aggravated by active military, naval, or air service during World War II or thereafter, shall receive such adaptive equipment as is necessary to insure that he will be able to operate an automobile in a manner consistent with his own safety and the safety of others.
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 1975
Provides that for the purposes of payment of dependency and indemnity compensation, service connection for cause of death shall be presumed in the case of a veteran who had service-connected disability rated permanent and total for at least one year immediately preceding death, if due to natural causes. States that the presumption shall not entitle a surviving spouse who was married to such veteran less than two years preceding such veteran's death.
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 1975
Provides that any person who is released from active military, naval, or air service, under other than dishonorable conditions on or after April 25, 1951 and is found to be disabled shall be granted insurance by the United States against the death of such person. States that if such a person shall suffer an increase in his service-connected disability to 30 percent or more, his application for such insurance must be received within two years from the date the increased service connection is determined by the Veterans' Administration. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 722)
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 1975
Provides that any veteran entitled to additonal compensation for dependents as the result of a 50 percent disability shall be entitled to an additonal monthly allowance of $72 for each spouse or child who is: (1) a patient in a nursing home; or (2) helpless or blind; or (3) so nearly helpless or blind as to need or require the regular aid and attendance of another person.
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 1975
Veterans Disability Compensation and Survivors Benefits Act - Title I: Veterans Disability Compensation - Increases the rates of disability compensation for disabled veterans. Authorizes the Administrator of Veterans' affairs to adjust administratively, consistent with the increases authorized by this Act, the rates of indemnity and dependency compensation payble to specified persons receiving veterans benefits. Title II: Survivors Dependency and Indemnity Compensation - Increases the rates of dependency and indemnity compensation payable to widows. Title III: Effective Date: - Provides that this Act shall take effect on October 1, 1976. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 314,315,411,413)
United States · United States Congress · 29 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 · 22 October 1975
National Home Health Care Act - Broadens the coverage of home health services under the supplementary medical insurance (Medicare) program of the Social Security Act and removes the 100-visit limitation presently applicable to the home health service program. Extends the coverage of posthospital home health services to include payment for items and services which the individual could otherwise obtain only in a skilled nursing facility. Requires the inclusion of home health services in a State's medicaid program under the Social Security Act and permits the payment of rent under such program for elderly persons who would otherwise require nursing home care. Provides expanded Federal funding for congregate housing for the displaced and the elderly by increasing the amount available for such housing under the low income housing program. Establishes, in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, a home health patient ombudsman, who shall be appointed and provided with adequate staff and facilities by the Secretary. Makes it the duty and responsibility of the ombudsman to monitor specified programs under the Social Security Act and the various medical assistance programs under State plans approved pursuant to such Act and to maintain such oversight of those programs and their operation and administration as may be necessary to: (1) assure that home health patients under such programs are receiving the care to which they are entitled; (2) provide safeguards against overcharging for home health services; (3) identify abuses against home health patients; (4) receive, handle, and expedite complaints by home health patients; (5) recommend to the Secretary any changes in the regulations affecting home health services which may appear necessary or desirable; and (6) take appropriate action (including the transmission of findings to the Attorney General) with respect to abuses and violations of law affecting the provision or receipt of home health services under such programs. Makes children over 18 of parents receiving nursing and home health care assistance under the medicaid program liable for a specified portion of the expenses of such assistance, depending upon the income of such child. Permits the waiver of such obligation in any case where the State agency determines, in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary, that the imposition of such obligation or the making of such collection would impose undue hardship. Provides that any amount collected from or otherwise paid by any person in satisfaction of any obligation imposed by this Act shall constitute a medical expense paid or incurred by such person for purposes of deductions under the Internal Revenue Code. Requires the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to conduct a study and report to the Congress on the feasibility of extending to the Medicare program the prospective cost-related method of computing payments to nursing homes and home health agencies which is currently provided for under the Medicaid programs.
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1975
Provides, under the Internal Revenue Code for purposes of the estate tax, an alternative method of valuing, according to use, property which is farmland, woodland, or open spaces or which has historic value in order to encourage the preservation of such property. Provides a deduction from the gross estate for a certain portion of the farming interests held by the decedent.
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1975
Requires that reports to the Congress with respect to sales of military equipment to foreign countries contain the names of any sales agents involved in such sales and the amount of any fees received by such sales agents in conjunction with such sales.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 1975
Repeals provisions of the District of Columbia Self-Government and Governmental Reorganization Act establishing the National Capital Service Area. Strikes sections of such Act which give jurisdiction and control of specified streets to the Commissioner of the District of Columbia.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 1975
Establishes a Foreign Service grievance procedure. States that it is the purpose of such procedure to provide officers and employees of the Service and their survivors with a means to insure the fullest measure of due process and to provide for the just consideration and resolution of grievances of such officers employees and survivors. Provides that the Secretary shall implement this Act by promulgating regulations to provide for the consideration and resolution of grievances by a board. Sets forth provisions which such regulations shall include. Provides for judicial review of regulations promulgated by the Secretary and of the actions of the Secretary or the board pursuant to such regulations.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1975
Entitles veterans to 2 1/2 months of educational benefits for each month of service on active duty. Extends the maximum period of eligibility for veterans' educational benefits from 36 to 45 months. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 1661 (a) and (c))
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1975
Congressional Public Financing Act - Adds a new subtitle to the Internal Revenue Code: the Congressional Election Campaign Fund Act. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to maintain in the Presidential Election Campaign Fund a separate account to be known as the Congressional Election Payment Account. Directs the Secretary to deposit into the Congressional Election Payment Account that portion of the annual amounts designated by taxpayers on their income tax returns that equals the excess above 25 percent of the total amount made available in the last Presidential election. Authorizes the Federal Election Commission to conduct an examination and audit of the campaign contributions raised for purposes of obtaining matching funds and the qualified campaign expenditures made by all candidates for Federal office and official political party committees who received payments under this Act. Provides criminal penalties for violations of this Act. Provides for payments of funds in amounts matching the contributions received by candidates for the office of U.S. Senator or U.S. Representative. Imposes limitations on the amounts of such funds to be disbursed to any individual candidate, and restricts the uses to which such matching funds may be put.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1975
Establishes a Foreign Service grievance procedure. States that it is the purpose of such procedure to provide officers and employees of the Service and their survivors with a means to insure the fullest measure of due process and to provide for the just consideration and resolution of grievances of such officers employees and survivors. Provides that the Secretary shall implement this Act by promulgating regulations to provide for the consideration and resolution of grievances by a board. Sets forth provisions which such regulations shall include. Provides for judicial review of regulations promulgated by the Secretary and of the actions of the Secretary or the board pursuant to such regulations.
United States · United States Congress · 31 July 1975
Declares that a greater unity of the Atlantic Community would strengthen the common defense, assure more adequate energy resources and improve commerce. Establishes an eighteen-member delegation authorized to organize and participate in a convention attended by delegations from North Atlantic Treaty parliamentary democracies. States that the convention shall explore the possibility of agreement on the means to transform the relationship of such nations into a more effective unity based on federal principles. Provides for appointment of delegates to the convention. Allows the delegation to maintain a staff. Authorizes the appropriation of $200,000 to carry out the purposes of this joint resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1975
International Development and Food Assistance Act - Authorizes assistance for disaster relief and rehabilitation. Provides for overseas distribution and production of agricultural commodities. Title I: International Disaster Assistance - Affirms the willingness of the United States to provide assistance for the relief and rehabilitation of people and countries affected by natural and manmade disasters. Authorizes the President to provide such relief to any foreign country or or international organization on conditions as he may determine. Authorizes the appropriation of $25,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 1976 and 1977 for such purposes. Requires the President to submit quarterly reports to the Congress on the obligation of funds under this title. Calls for maximum effectiveness and coordination in responses to foreign disasters. Provides for the appointment, by the President, of a Special Coordinator for International Disaster Assistance who shall be responsible for such coordination. Title II: Food Aid to Poor Countries - Establishes guidelines for the furnishing of food aid under this Act. Calls upon the President to maintain a significant United States contribution to the goal established by the World Food Conference for food assistance by donor countries. Encourages self help programs by donee nations in poor rural areas. Directs that not more than 30 percent of the food aid shall be given to countries other than those most seriously affected by the inability to secure sufficient food. Allows the President to exceed this maximum if he certifies to the Congress that such assistance is required for humanitarian food purposes. Gives Congress 30 days to disapprove such use. Specifies minimum quantities of agricultural commodities to be distributed under this title. Places limitations upon assistance provided under any agreement permitting generation of foreign currency proceeds. Encourages the President to seek international agreement for a system of national food reserves. Title III: Development Assistance - States that it is the purpose of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to provide more than financial resources to developing countries. Requires efforts to solve development problems of such countries. Favors those nations which make efforts to involve the poor in their development by expanding services and institutions at the local level. Provides for agricultural research which shall take account of the special needs of small farmers. Provides funds for low-cost, integrated delivery systems to provide health and family planning services especially in rural areas as well as nonformal education methods. Authorizes the President to provide programs for technical assistance in aiding developing countries to alleviate their energy problems, to rebuild after disasters and to establish programs of urban development. Revises the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to allow the President to waive the cost-sharing requirement in the case of a project in a country which meets the United Nation's criteria for least developed countries. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should increase the funds provided to multilateral lending institutions for use in making loans to foreign countries. Adds a new title to the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961: Title XI - Famine Prevention and Freedom from Hunger. Calls for action to strengthen the capacities of the United States land grant universities to apply science to solving food and nutrition problems of developing countries. Sets forth a program and authorizes the appropriation of funds necessary to carry out this title.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1975
Authorizes the District of Columbia government to enter into and to amend compacts between the District and a State with the consent, by law, of the Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 1975
African Development Fund Act - Authorizes the President to accept participation for the United States in the African Development Fund. Requires the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, to appoint a Governor and an Alternate Governor of the Fund. Requires the Governor to cast the votes of the United States for the Director to represent the United States in the Fund. Prohibits any person or agency, unless Congress authorizes by law, from: (1) agreeing to increase the subscription of the United States to the Fund; (2) agreeing to any amendment which increases the subscription of the United States; or (3) making a loan or providing other financing for the Fund. Authorizes to be appropriated $25,000,000 as the United States subscription to the Fund. Stipulates that any Federal Reserve Bank requested by the President to act as a depository for the Fund shall do so. Declares that the agreement establishing the Fund shall have full force and effect in the United States upon acceptance of participation.
United States · United States Congress · 14 July 1975
Creates a select committee in the House of Representatives with authority to conduct a full and complete investigation of the problem of United States servicemen missing in action or known to be dead whose bodies have not been recovered, as a result of military operations in North Vietnam, South Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. Provides that such investigation shall include an examination of the need for additional international inspection teams to determine whether there are servicemen still held as prisoner of war. Authorizes the Committee to hold hearings, issue subpenas, and maintain a staff as necessary to carry out its responsibilities under this resolution. Directs the committee to report to the House the results of its investigation no later than one year after adoption of this resolution. Provides that the committee's authority shall expire 30 days after the filing of such report. Directs that the expenses of the select committee shall be paid from the contingent fund of the House of Representatives upon vouchers signed by the Chairman.
United States · United States Congress · 11 July 1975
Electric Utilities Rate Reform Act - Sets forth Congressional findings and purposes, and defines the terms used in the Act. Directs State and local electric utility regulatory authorities to implement and maintain rate schedules which distribute costs to customer classes in accordance with the costs these classes impose on utilities by their consumption patterns. Provides that no regulatory authority, for ratemaking purposes, may allow recoupment of promotional and advertising expenses, unless such expenses finance efforts encouraging the conservation of electricity or the shifting of the consumption of electricity from peak load periods to off-peakload periods. Provides that no regulatory authority may allow or otherwise make lawful, as part of any rate schedule, a fuel adjustment clause permitting monthly changes in the utility's lawful rate equal to the changes in the cost to the utility of generating fuels, including all applicable taxes, tariffs, or similar charges without: (1) requiring prior notice of the changed cost of fuel and the adjusted rate before any rate change can be implemented; (2) public proceedings to establish that the utility continually manages fuel purchases, uses, and generating facilities prudently and efficiently; (3) such rate adjustments distributing fuel costs and charges consistently with the standards established in this Act; and (4) reserving the power to subsequently determine that the adjusted rates or parts thereof are unlawful and subject to refund. Authorizes the Federal Power Commission to make grants to non-Federal regulatory authorities, in accordance with regulations established by the Commission, in such amounts as are necessary to compensate such authorities for additional costs incurred in complying with the provisions of this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated such amounts as are necessary to make such grants.
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 1975
African Development Fund Act - Authorizes the President to accept participation for the United States in the African Development Fund. Requires the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, to appoint a Governor and an Alternate Governor of the Fund. Requires the Governor to cast the votes of the United States for the Director to represent the United States in the Fund. Prohibits any person or agency, unless Congress authorizes by law, from: (1) agreeing to increase the subscription of the United States to the Fund; (2) agreeing to any amendment which increases the subscription of the United States; or (3) making a loan or providing other financing for the Fund. Authorizes to be appropriated $25,000,000 as the United States subscription to the Fund. Stipulates that any Federal Reserve Bank requested by the President to act as a depository for the Fund shall do so. Declares that the agreement establishing the Fund shall have full force and effect in the United States upon acceptance of participation.
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 1975
Revises clause 6 of rule XXVIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives to provide that managers appointed by the House to each conference committee shall transact all business in meetings open to the public except where the House, by majority vote and in open session, shall vote to close such meeting or meetings. Directs that it shall be in order to debate such motion to close for ten minutes before the vote is taken on that motion, one-half of such time to be given to debate by the mover of the motion and one-half to debate in opposition to the motion.
United States · United States Congress · 8 July 1975
Provides, under the Internal Revenue Code, that real property which is farmland, woodland, or open land and forms part of an estate may be valued, for estate tax purposes, at its value as farmland, woodland, or open land (rather than at its fair market value). Provides that real property which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places may be valued, for estate tax purposes, at its value for its existing use. Provides for the revocation of such lower evaluation and recapture of unpaid taxes with interest upon the conversion, rezoning, or removal of such land from the National Register of Historic Places.
United States · United States Congress · 8 July 1975
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior, in consultation with the heads of other departments affected by this Act, to issue and revise regulations from time to time, relating to the trapping and capturing of animals and birds. Imposes a fine of $500 and/or imprisonment of up to one year for violations of this Act. Establishes an advisory commission of 7 members to consult with the Secretary and make recommendations with respect to regulations concerning trapping and capturing of animals and birds. Imposes a fine of $5,000 and/or imprisonment or of one year, for the sale, shipment, or transport, of any unapproved trap or any animal skin or hide or bird feathers taken in violation of this Act. Outlines those trapping regulations specifically applicable to Federal lands. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into cooperative agreements with any affected State pursuant to which the Secretary shall assist such State to enable it to comply with the provisions of this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1975
Revises the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act with respect to regulations on the extension of credit and emergency and disaster relief of friendly nations by the Commodity Credit Corporation. Directs the President to publish, on an annual basis, a list of eligible countries which he determines are friendly to the United States and which lack the internal resources to purchase commodities on a normal commercial basis. Authorizes the making of loans to United States or developing country private business firms (including cooperatives) engaged in activities to improve the economic welfare of the developing country or to increase utilization of U.S. agricultural commodities, but only to the extent that such loans are not inconsistent with the economic objectives of the developing country concerned. Requires the President to designate an appropriate Federal agency to administer this provision and to make annual reports to the Congress. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture, in consultation with the Administrator of the Agency for International Development, to designate, on the basis of established criteria, those countries eligible for an agricultural assistance program.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1975
African Development Fund Act - Authorizes the President to accept participation for the United States in the African Development Fund. Requires the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, to appoint a Governor and an Alternate Governor of the Fund. Requires the Governor to cast the votes of the United States for the Director to represent the United States in the Fund. Prohibits any person or agency, unless Congress authorizes by law, from: (1) agreeing to increase the subscription of the United States to the Fund; (2) agreeing to any amendment which increases the subscription of the United States; or (3) making a loan or providing other financing for the Fund. Authorizes to be appropriated $25,000,000 as the United States subscription to the Fund. Stipulates that any Federal Reserve Bank requested by the President to act as a depository for the Fund shall do so. Declares that the agreement establishing the Fund shall have full force and effect in the United States upon acceptance of participation.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1975
Joint Committee on Intelligence Operations Act - Establishes a Joint Committee on Intelligence Operations. States that it shall be the duty of the joint committee to conduct continuing oversight of, and to exercise exclusive jurisdiction over, the legislative authorization with respect to the foreign intelligence activities and operations of (1) the Central Intelligence Agency, (2) the Defense Intelligence Agency, Department of Defense, (3) the National Security Agency, (4) the Bureau of Intelligence and Research, Department of State, (5) Army, Navy, and Air Forcr Intelligence, and (6) other agencies, bureaus, or departments insofar as their operations include foreign intelligence activities. Requires that the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, the Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency, the Director of the National Security Agency, the Director of the Bureau of Intelligence and Research, the Commander of United States Army Intelligence, the Commander of Naval Intelligence, and the Air Force Deputy Assistant Chief of Staff for Intelligence shall keep the joint committee fully and currently informed with respect to all of the foreign intelligence activities and operations of their respective organizations, and the heads of all other departments and agencies of the Federal Government conducting foreign intelligence activities and operation shall keep the joint committee fully and currently informed of all foreign intelligence activities and operations carried out by their respective departments and agencies. Sets forth the administrative powers of the committee. Charges the committee with the establishment of guidelinges for the classification of information originating within the joint committee in accordance with standards used generally by the executive branch for classifying restricted data or defense information.
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 1975
Revises the Internal Revenue Code to allow as a credit against the income tax amounts paid by an individual during the taxable year for the expenses of higher education for himself or any other individual. Limits such credit to 100 percent of the first $200 of such educational expenses, 25 percent of the next $300, and 5 percent of the next $1000 of such expenses. Reduces such credit by 1 percent of the amount by which the adjusted gross income of the taxpayer exceeds $22,500. Reduces the amount of educational expenses otherwise recognized by this Act by the amounts received as scholarships, fellowships, and veterans benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1975
Joint Committee on Intelligence Operations Act - Establishes a Joint Committee on Intelligence Operations. States that it shall be the duty of the joint committee to conduct continuing oversight of, and to exercise exclusive jurisdiction over, the legislative authorization with respect to the foreign intelligence activities and operations of: (1) the Central Intelligence Agency; (2) the Defense Intelligence Agency, Department of Defense; (3) the National Security Agency; (4) the Bureau of Intelligence and Research, Department of State; (5) Army, Navy, and Air Force Intelligence; and (6) other agencies, bureaus, or departments insofar as their operations include foreign intelligence activities. Requires that the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, the Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency, the Director of the National Security Agency, the Director of the Bureau of Intelligence and Research, the Commander of United States Army Intelligence, the Commander of Naval Intelligence, and the Air Force Deputy Assistant Chief of Staff for Intelligence shall keep the joint committee fully and currently informed with respect to all of the foreign intelligence activities and operations of their respective organizations, and the heads of all other departments and agencies of the Federal Government conducting foreign intelligence activities and operation shall keep the joint committee fully and currently informed of all foreign intelligence activities and operations carried out by their respective departments and agencies. Sets forth the administrative powers of the committee. Charges the committee with the establishement of guidelines for the classification of information originating within the joint committee in accordance with standards used generally by the executive branch for classifying restricted data or defense information.
![Official portrait of Rep. Biester, Edward G., Jr. [R-PA-8]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/b000451_200.jpg)