United States · United States Congress · 10 August 1976
Indemnity for Participants in the Swine Flu Innoculation Program Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to make the United States liable for claims for personal injury or death resulting from the administration of vaccine under the national swine flu innoculation program where such claims are based upon the act or omission of a program participant (except in cases of negligence). Establishes procedures for bringing such actions. Makes the remedy accorded by this Act the exclusive legal remedy. Requires the Attorney General to defend any civil action or proceeding against any employee of the Government or program participant brought under this Act. Requires the Attorney General to certify that the claim arises under this Act prior to designating such action an action against the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 10 August 1976
Commends the government and commando units of Israel for the rescue mission at Entebbe Airport. Disapproves efforts being undertaken by certain nations to condemn or censure Israel for such mission. Supports the United States-United Kingdom position at the United Nations condemning all acts of terrorism. Requests the President to engage in the negotiation of agreements with other nations to help prevent acts of terrorism.
United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1976
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that Israel be commended for its rescue operation in Uganda. Calls upon the President to reevaluate the policies and programs of the United States in order to strengthen its stand against international terrorists and countries affording aid and support to terrorist organizations.
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 · 28 July 1976
Expresses the sense of the Congress that article I, section 6 of the Constitution of the United States does not grant any immunity from arrest or prosecution on a charge of violation of any criminal statute of any jurisdiction to a Member of either House of the Congress. Directs that all law enforcement agencies operating within the District of Columbia be made aware of this fact.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 1976
Requires each State receiving financial assistance under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 which is operating a program designed to insure reading readiness for educationally deprived preschool children or children in grades 1, 2, or 3 to continue such programs at their present level. Prohibits the exclusion of children enrolled in such program from further participation on the ground that such child has achieved a reading aptitude equal to or greater than the normal reading aptitude for the grade in which the child is enrolled.
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 1976
Establishes a Commission to Study the Quality of Instruction at the Service Academies to: (1) study the quality of instruction and training at the service academies; (2) study the feasibility of including more civilian professors and instructors; and (3) study the rules of the academies concerning the conduct of cadets. Directs the Commission to transmit a report to the President and to each House of Congress not later than one year after the enactment of this Act containing a statement of findings and conclusions of the Commission. Terminates the Commission 90 days after the submission of its report.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 1976
Authorizes the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to construct a replacement lock and dam project on the Mississippi River near Alton, Illinois. Authorizes the Secretary to undertake steps to provide for wildlife protection and recreational activities in conjunction with such project. Withdraws all authority for the Secretary of the Army to construct or study the feasibility of construction or modification of channels in the Mississippi River north of its juncture with the Illinois River.
United States · United States Congress · 2 July 1976
Directs the President to proclaim that Valentyn Moroz shall be an honorary citizen of the United States. Urges cooperation in observance of the principles of the Final Act of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Soviet Union as one of the signators to the Final Act should provide Valentyn Moroz with the opportunity to accept the invitation of Harvard University for the 1976-77 academic year.
United States · United States Congress · 1 July 1976
Human Resources Demonstration Act - Directs the President, through the Secretary of Labor, to carry out a program of demonstration projects designed to: (1) increase productivity and authorize the better use of human and natural resources in employment; (2) prevent layoffs of employees; and (3) expand employment opportunities by stimulating new investment techniques. Establishes an Advisory Committee on Human Resources and Employment Opportunities to furnish advice and assistance in the administration of the demonstration projects program. Requires the President to submit to the Congress a semi-annual report describing the demonstration projects program and the specific contracts entered into pursuant to such projects. Authorizes appropriations of sums necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 July 1976
Federal Agency Control and Review Act - Requires the Office of Management and Budget to conduct a study lasting one to two years of each Federal agency's efficiency and effectiveness. Requires that such report be submitted to the President and Congress. Authorizes the President to submit to Congress his recommendations with respect to such report. States that a report must have been concluded on all existing agencies within 12 years after the enactment of this Act and on all agencies within ten years after their creation. Requires that such study be repeated every ten years. Terminates such Federal agency ten years after the Office's report is submitted to Congress unless Congress adopts legislation to continue such agency.
United States · United States Congress · 1 July 1976
Provides that no Member of the House of Representatives shall expend or draw funds against the stationery allowance except by presentation of a receipt of purchase of stationery or office supplies. Requires that any amount of the stationery allowance of a Member of the House of Representatives which is unexpended shall be paid from the revolving fund for stationery allowances into the contingent fund of the House. Provides that stationery funds allocated to a Member of the House who ceases to serve as a Member shall be paid from the stationery fund into the contingent fund of the House.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1976
Requires each State receiving financial assistance under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 which is operating a program designed to insure reading readiness for educationally deprived preschool children or children in grades 1, 2, or 3 to continue such programs at their present level. Prohibits the exclusion of children enrolled in such program from further participation on the ground that such child has achieved a reading aptitude equal to or greater than the normal reading aptitude for the grade in which the child is enrolled.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1976
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that the current withholding tables as set forth in the Revenue Adjustment Act of 1975 shall remain in effect through August 31, 1976, rather than June 30, 1976.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 1976
National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Conference Act - Establishes a National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Conference. Enumerates the duties of the Conference, including: (1) the formulation of a national program to develop capabilities for earthquake hazards reduction; (2) the establishment of means for disseminating earthquake prediction information and technical assistance; (3) the coordination of earthquake and related hazard research programs; and (4) the establishment of an earthquake prediction board. Details provisions relating to the powers, composition, structure, and reporting requirements of the Conference.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1976
Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to formulate five-year goals in specified areas of rural development and to include a detailed accounting of the progress made and anticipated in meeting such goals in an annual report to Congress. Requires in such report an analysis of the legislative, financial, institutional and other capabilities and constraints which are relevant to meeting such goals. Requires the appointment of a new Assistant Secretary of Agriculture for Rural Development within 60 days if a vacancy should occur in such position.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1976
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Government and people of the United States welcome a new President by the Assembly of Lebonan. Welcomes the President's request for funds to assist in the relief of victims of the armed strife in the nation. Urges the President to declare the willingness of the United States to participate in multilateral assistance programs to help in the reconstruction of Lebanon. Encourages a ceasefire in Lebanon.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1976
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States Postal Service shall not close or suspend the operation of any post offices, unless there is a clear and compelling need to do so. Encourages the service to continue cost-cutting programs which do not affect levels of service.
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 1976
Amends the Budget and Accounting Act of 1921 to require that all departmental budget requests made to the Office of Management and Budget with respect to any fiscal year along with any figures developed by subordinate officers of such departments be submitted to the Congress along with the President's budget for such year. Requires that officials of the Office of Management and Budget, when requested to do so by the appropriate committees of the Congress, testify before such committees on the President's budget and on such departmental budget requests.
United States · United States Congress · 2 June 1976
Provides for the incorporation of the Gold Star Wives of America. Sets forth the objectives, purposes and powers of such corporation. Stipulates the nonpolitical nature the corporation is to be maintained.
United States · United States Congress · 27 May 1976
Interstate Horseracing Act - Expresses the findings of Congress with regard to the significance of the horseracing industry and the effects of off-track betting on such industry. Declares that the policy of the Congress is to assure continued revenue flow from horseracing to the States and to protect the horseracing industry. States that any person accepting any interstate off-track wages in violation of this Act shall be liable for damages to the host State (the State in which the race in held), the host racing association, and any horse owner whose horse participated in the horserace with respect to which the off-track wage was accepted.
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 1976
Authorizes payment under the supplementary medical insurance program of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act for optometric and medical vision care.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1976
Interstate Horseracing Act - Expresses the findings of Congress with regard to the significance of the horseracing industry and the effects of off-track betting on such industry. Declares that the policy of the Congress is to assure continued revenue flow from horseracing to the States and to protect the horseracing industry. States that any person accepting any interstate off-track wages in violation of this Act shall be liable for damages to the host State (the State in which the race is held), the host racing association, and any horse owner whose horse participated in the horserace with respect to which the off-track wager was accepted.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1976
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President shall seek the elimination of surety deposit requirements on vegetable protein products imposed by the European Economic Community. Provides that if the President shall fail to eliminate such requirements, he shall obtain full compensation for such actions under article XXIII of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1976
Authorizes and requests the President to issue a proclamation designating the week beginning on November 7, 1976, as "National Respiratory Therapy Week".
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1976
Emergency Food Stamp Vendor Accountability Act - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, under the Food Stamp Act of 1964, to prescribe regulations to be followed by food coupon vendors or any officers, employees, or agents thereof with respect to the depositing of funds received for such coupons and the accounting for such funds to the State and Federal Government. Requires vendors to deposit such funds weekly in accordance with Department of Agriculture regulations. Requires more frequent deposit of balances of $1,000 or more. States that vendors act as fiduciaries of the Federal Government when receiving food coupon funds. Prohibits the use of such funds by vendors for the benefit of any other than the Federal Government. Requires vendors to report periodically to State and Federal Government agencies the amount of funds deposited. Establishes criminal penalties for the violation of the regulations established in accordance with this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1976
Title I: Authorizations and Limitations - Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to increase the appropriation for surety bond guarantees from $35,000,000 to $71,000,000. Increases from $6,000,000,000 to $8,000,000,000 the amount appropriated for the business loan and investment fund of the Small Business Administration. Increases from $450,000,000 to $525,000,000 the amount appropriated for economic opportunity loans. Increases the funds for Small Business Investment Companies from $725,000,000 to $1,100,000,000. Authorizes appropriations and sets program levels for various programs under the Small Business Act for fiscal years 1978 and 1979. Title II: Micellaneous Conforming and Technical Amendments - Requires that reports to the President and Congress concerning minority small businesses include: the proportion of loans and other assistance under this Act; the goals of the Administration for the next fiscal year with respect to such concerns; and recommendations for improving assistance. Title III: Amendments to Small Business Administration Loan Authority - Amends the Small Business Act to allow loans to be used for the financing of residential or commercial construction or rehabilitation for sale. States that no payments will be required of the small business while payments are being made by the Small Business Administration pursuant to the assumption of such business's obligation or while the Administration has suspended payment on its own loan. Limits the period of such assumption or suspension to five years. Sets the prerequisites for receiving the loan and the conditions for repayment of such loan. Provides for assistance to small business concerns which are engaged in the production of food or fiber, ranching, and raising of livestock, acquaculture and all other farming and agricultural related industries. Increases from $350,000 to $500,000 the limit on loans for regular businesses. Increases from $50,000 to $100,000 the limit for economic opportunity loans. Increases the limit for development company loans. Amends the Small Business Investment Act and the Small Business Act to state that no loans for plant acquisitions shall exceed specified time periods. Title IV: Amendments to Small Business Administration Disaster Loan Authority - Expands the coverage of disaster loans to situations which the Small Business Administration determines to be disasters and where no disaster has been declared upon the certification by the Governor of a State to the Small Business Administration that small business concerns have suffered economic injury as a result of such disaster and that financial assistance is not available on reasonable terms in the disaster-stricken area. Requires the President to undertake a comprehensive review of all Federal disaster loan authorities and to report to the Congress concerning the most effective and efficient delivery of disaster relief. States that the interest rate on the Administration's share of any loan made under this subsection shall not exceed three percent and in specified cases shall not be higher than two and three quarters percent. Title V: Certificate of Competency - Amends the elements to be considered in certification of any small business for the receipt or performance of a specific Government contract. Requires that final disposition of contract awards be made by the Administration. Describes the role of Government procurement officers and officers engaged in the sale and disposal of Federal property. Title VI: Financing of Pollution Control Facilities - Authorizes the Small Business Administration, whenever it determinizes that small business concerns are, or are likely to be, at an operational or financial disadvantage with other business concerns with respect to the planning, design or installation of pollution control facilities, or the obtaining the financing therefor, to guarantee the payment of rentals or other amounts due under qualified contracts. Provides that any such guarantee may be made or effected either directly or in cooperation with any qualified surety company or other qualified company through a participation agreement with such a company. Permits the Administration to fix a uniform annual fee for any guarantee issued under this title and to require that measures be followed in connection with the guarantee of rentals in order to minimize financial risk assumed by the guarantee. Creates a separate fund for guarantees within the Treasury for guarantees which shall be available to the Administrator without fiscal limitations as a revolving fund. Authorizes to be appropriated amounts sufficient to provide the Capital for such fund. Title VII: Chief Counsel for Advocacy - Creates within the Small Business Administration an Office of Advocacy. States the functions of such Office which include receipt of complaints, criticism, and suggestions concerning the policies and activities of the Administration and the resolution of problems concerning the relationship of the small business to the Federal Government. Requires the Office of Advocacy to report to the Congress and the President not later than six months after enactment of this title. Authorizes $1,000,000 to be appropriated to carry out the provisions of this title.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1976
Surplus School Conversion Act - Entitles taxpayers, under the Internal Revenue Code, to elect to take a deduction with respect to the amortization of any qualified school or hospital property based on a period of 180 months. Defines qualified school or hospital property to mean any building or other structure which is acquired by the taxpayer from a tax-exempt organization which used such structure to provide facilities for an educational institution or an institution which provided medical or custodial care. Makes technical and conforming amendments.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1976
Surplus School Conservation Act - Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to make grants to local agencies to pay the costs of renovating closed school buildings so they may be converted for other educational and social purposes. Suggests purposes for which conversion grants may be extended, including: (1) community centers; (2) senior citizen centers; (3) day care centers; (4) vocational schools; (5) medical facilities; and (6) recreational centers. Sets forth application requirements which local agencies must complete including: (1) structuring a plan for renovation of the closed school building; (2) estimating costs of such renovation; and (3) demonstrating to the Secretary's satisfaction sufficient financial ability to carry out the provisions of such plan. States that the amount of a grant under this Act shall be 80 percent of the estimated cost of renovation. Requires local agencies which receive a grant for more than the actual cost of renovation to return such surplus money to the Secretary. Sets priorities to be followed by the Secretary in approving applications for grants under this Act including: (1) an application for renovating a closed school building in a school district whose current school enrollments have decreased by ten percent or more from the school enrollments of the previous school year, and (2) an application for renovating a closed school building which is not being utilized for any educational or social service purpose at the time of application. Directs the Secretary to serve as a national clearinghouse to local agencies by providing information on feasible alternative uses for closed school buildings. Prohibits the distribution of more than ten percent of the funds appropriated by Congress for the program for grants in any fiscal year. Requires the Secretary to prepare and submit to the President and Congress: (1) a yearly report listing local agencies which received grants and the purposes for which such grants were made; and (2) a detailed evaluation of the effectiveness of the program based on cost analysis and a survey of school closure problems to be submitted at the end of three years.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1976
Amends the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to include in the Renewable Resource Program, national program recommendations which take into account specified policy objectives. Requires the Secretary to provide for public participation in the formulation and review of proposed land management plans for units of the National Forest System. Directs the Secretary to promulgate regulations that set out the process for the development and revision of such land management plans. Requires that such regulations specify procedures to insure that plans are prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act and guidelines set out in this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to appraise and sell so much of the trees and other forest products found upon National Park System lands as may further the policies set forth in the Multiple Use and Sustained Yield Act, and the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974. Repeals the requirement that such forest products be sold for use only in the United States or territory in which the timber reservation from which such products were taken is located. Increases to $10,000 in appraised value the maximum value of timber and cord wood which the Secretary may sell without advertisement.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1976
Wheat and Wheat Foods Research and Nutrition Education Act - States that the purpose of this Act is to authorize and enable the creation of an orderly procedure, adequately financed through an assessment and voluntary contributions, for the development and initiation of an effective and continuous coordinated program of research and nutrition education designed to improve and enhance the quality and make the most efficient use of American wheat, processed wheat, and wheat end products to insure an adequate diet for all Americans. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to issue orders to effectuate the declared purpose of this Act. States that such orders shall include provisions: (1) for establishing projects for research and nutrition education for wheat and wheat products; (2) for establishing and carrying on research or studies with respect to the sale, distribution, marketing, and utilization of wheat and wheat products and the creation of new products; and (3) requiring that processors, distributors of processed wheat, and end product manufacturers maintain and make available for inspection such books and records as may be required by any order issued pursuant to this Act. Directs the Secretary to issue orders providing for the establishment of a Wheat Industry Council to: (1) administer and make rules and regulations to effectuate orders issued pursuant to this Act; (2) receive, investigate and report to the Secretary complaints of violations of such orders; and (3) recommend to the Secretary amendments to such orders. States that the membership of such Council shall represent wheat producers, processors, end product manufacturers and consumers on an equal basis. Requires each end product manufacturer to pay to such Council an assessment, not to exceed five cents per hundredweight, based on the total number of hundredweights of processed wheat purchased by or transferred to such manufacturer to be used for expenditures and expenses incurred by the Council or Secretary under this Act. Exempts from this Act any end product manufacturer who does not purchase more than 2,000 hundredweight of processed wheat per year for use in manufacture. Requires the Secretary to conduct a referendum among end product manufacturers to determine whether the issuance of an order under this Act is favored by such manufacturers. States that no such order shall become effective unless: (1) votes were cast by more than 50 percent of the registered end product manufacturers; and (2) not less than two-thirds of such voting manufacturers approve of such order or by a majority of such manufacturers if such majority manufacturerd not less than two-thirds of the total processed wheat contained in all end products manufactured by those voting in the referendum. Allows end product manufacturers who have reserved the right to seek refunds and who disfavor the programs under this Act to receive from the Council the assessment paid to such Council. Sets forth the procedures for the administrative and judicial review of orders or obligations imposed under this Act. States that any person who willfully violates any order issued under this Act or who fails to remit any required assessment or fee shall be liable to a civil penalty of not more than $1,000 per violation. Requires the Secretary to conduct a referendum on request by ten percent or more of the end product manufacturers to determine whether such manufacturers favor the suspension or termination of any order. States that such order shall be suspended or terminated if 50 percent of the voting manufacturers or manufacturers who produce end products containing more than 50 percent of the total processed wheat contained in all end products manufactured by those voting approve of such action. Authorizes the Secretary to make investigations for the effective carrying out of his or her responsibilities under this Act or to determine whether any person has or is about to violate any of the provisions of this Act. Sets forth the eligibility requirements for any organization wishing to: (1) participate in the nominating of Council members; (2) represent wheat producers, processors, end product manufacturers or consumers; and (3) request the issuance of an order under this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of such funds as are necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 1976
Provides that small farm extension and research and development programs under the Rural Development Act of 1972 shall consist of: (1) a comprehensive study and survey with procedures for updating such survey to identify small farmers and determine their resources, abilities, education, experience and willingness to upgrade their farm operations through improved agricultural production techniques, farm machinery, products and cooperative agricultural marketing practices; (2) the development and implementation of a program for improving the operations of such farmers; (3) procedures to evaluate the social and economic consequences of such program; (4) research and development for updating small farm operations; and (5) an annual report by the Secretary of Agriculture to specified Congressional committees regarding the extent and effectiveness of the objectives of such program. Defines "small farmer" as anyone who depends on farming as their primary source of income, and whose gross annual sales from farming operations is less than $20,000 and whose nonfarm income is less than $5,000.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1976
United States Grain Standards Act - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, under the United States Grain Standards Act, to require official inspection of grain at export port locations by authorized employees of the Department of Agriculture. Authorizes the Secretary to delegate authority to a State agency to perform official inspection functions at export port locations if such agency meets specified criteria. Provides that such authority may be revoked at any time upon notice to the State agency without opportunity for a hearing. Authorizes the Secretary, with respect to official inspections other than at export port locations, to designate any State or local governmental agency, or any person as an official inspection agency if such agency or person meets specified requirements. States that designations of official inspection agencies shall terminate within three years and may be renewed. Authorizes the Secretary to revoke a designation of an official inspection agency, after opportunity for a hearing, if such agency has failed to meet specified criteria. Allows temporary suspension without a hearing of such designation if the Secretary considers such action to be in the best interest of the official inspection system. Directs the Secretary to collect reasonable fees to cover the estimated cost to the Department incident to the performance of official inspection. Provides for the collection of fees from designated official inspection agencies. Requires the weighing of all grain received at or shipped from export port elevators. Directs that such weighing be supervised by authorized Department of Agriculture employees. Allows the Secretary to delegate such functions to qualified State agencies. Allows the Secretary to revoke such delegation at any time upon notice to the agency without opportunity for a hearing. Provides for United States supervision of weighing of United States grain received at or shipped from export port elevators at Canadian ports. States that no weighing supervision shall be provided at any export port elevator unless the operator of such elevator has met specified requirements. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) investigate the weighing and certification of the weight of grain shipped in interstate and foreign commerce; (2) require the maintenance of complete and accurate records of the weighing of such grain; and (3) prescribe by regulation the standards, procedures, and controls for accurate weighing and certification of weights of grain. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study concerning the supervision of weighing, the weighing and certification of weights of grain, and the inspection and testing of scales used in the weighing of grain, and to report the results of such study to specified Committees of the Congress. Prohibits the use of scales for weighing which have been disapproved by the Secretary or a State or local government agency or person designated by the Secretary. Requires that representatives of the Secretary be afforded access to any elevator, warehouse, or other storage or handling facility for grain. Authorizes the collection of fees to cover the cost to the Department of such supervision of weighing. Authorizes the collection of fees from any agency or person designated to perform weighing functions. Prohibits any person from performing official inspection functions unless such person holds an unsuspended, an unrevoked license, or authorization from the Secretary. Authorizes the Secretary to summarily revoke any license whenever the licensee has been convicted of any specified offense under this Act. Allows the Secretary to refuse to provide official inspection or weighing services under this Act with respect to any grain offered for such services if: (1) the individual involved has knowingly committed any violation specified in this Act or has been convicted of any Federal law with respect to the handling, weighing, or official inspection of grain; and (2) providing such service would be inimical to the integrity of the service. Authorizes the Secretary to assess a civil penalty not to exceed $50,000 per violation for such offenses. States that no official inspection agency or State agency delegated inspection authority personnel shall be employed in or engaged in or have any financial interest in, any business involving the commercial transportation, storage, merchandising, or other handling of grain; and that no business or governmental entity conducting any such business shall operate or be employed by, or have any financial interest in, any official inspection agency or a State agency delegated inspection authority. Requires any person who has obtained official inspection to, within a five year period thereafter, maintain complete and accurate records of grain transactions, and permit any authorized representative of the Secretary to have access to such records. Sets forth criminal penalties for violations of this Act. Makes it unlawful for any present or former officer or employee of the Department or of any State agency delegated authority under this Act to make public information obtained under this Act. States that such prohibition shall not apply to persons divulging information which he reasonably believes involves prohibited conduct under this Act or criminal activity. Authorizes necessary appropriations to carry out the provision of this Act. Directs the Secretary to make a study regarding the adequacy of current grain standards. Requires the Secretary to submit annually a summary of all complaints received by the Department from foreign purchasers and prospective purchasers of grain to specified Congressional committees, and the actions taken by him in implementing the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1976
Establishes a delegation and authorizes it to organize and participate in a convention made up of similar delegations from North Atlantic Treaty parliamentary democracies. States that the purpose of the convention shall be to explore the possibility of agreement on a declaration that it is the goal of their peoples to achieve a more effective unity based on Federal or other democratic principles. Authorizes the appropriation of $200,000 to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1976
Increases the estate tax exemption for taxable estates under the Internal Revenue Code from $60,000 to $225,000 of the value of the gross estate. Provides for yearly increases in such exemption based on the increase in the Consumer Price Index. Increases the limitation on the aggregate marital deduction to 50 percent of the adjusted value of the estate tax exemption. Allows an executor to value farmland, woodland, and scenic open land at its current use value rather than at its fair market value.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1976
Federal Food Marketing Appraisal Act - Establishes a bipartisan National Commission on Food Costs, Pricing, and Marketing, consisting of five Members of the Senate, five members of the House of Representatives, and five members to be appointed by the President from outside the Federal Government. Requires the Commission to analyze and appraise the costs, pricing, functioning, and structure of the food marketing industry. Directs the Commission to make interim reports and to submit to the President and to the Congress a final report of its findings and conclusions within eighteen months after the date on which funding commences. States that such report shall include treatment of (1) recent changes in the food industry; (2) the responsiveness of food prices to changes in farm-level prices; (3) the kind of food marketing system that would best achieve efficiency of production and distribution; and (4) the effectiveness of present national policy with respect to the food marketing system. Sets forth the powers and administrative authority of the Commission. Authorizes appropriations of up to $2,500,000 to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1976
Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to formulate five-year goals in specified areas of rural development and to include a detailed accounting of the progress made and anticipated in meeting such goals in an annual report to Congress. Requires in such report an analysis of the legislative, financial, institutional and other capabilities and constraints which are relevant to meeting such goals. Requires the appointment of a new Assistant Secretary of Agriculture for Rural Development within 60 days if a vacancy should occur in such position.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1976
Authorizes the lease and transfer of burley tobacco farm marketing quotas, established under the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938, to other farms in the same county on a pound for pound basis. Allows cross-county leasing if a majority of the burley tobacco producers in the United States approve of such leasing through a referendum. Specifies limitations on such transfers.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1976
Declares that large concentrations of starlings, grackles, blackbirds, and other birds in Kentucky and Tennessee pose a hazard to public health and safety. Declares that an emergency exists requiring immediate action with insufficient time for compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior, upon certification by the Governor of either or both States, to treat roosts with greater than 500,000 birds with chemicals approved for bird control purposes. Declares that the provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and the Federal Environmental Pesticide Control Act shall not apply to any such blackbird control activities undertaken by Kentucky or Tennessee on or before April 15, 1976, or by the Federal Government within those States.
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 · 5 November 1975
Provides that the provisions relating to the withholding of city income or employment taxes from Federal employees shall apply to taxes imposed by nonincorporated local governments functioning in a way similar to a municipality.
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 1975
Land and Water Resource Conservation Act - Declares it to be the policy of the United States to achieve and maintain (1) quality and quantity in the national resource base of land and water for sustained use; (2) quality in the environment; and (3) quality in the standard of living based on community improvement and adequate income. Provides for an appraisal of the land and water resources of the Nation. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to develop a program for furthering the protection and enhancement of land and water resources on private and non-Federal lands. Requires the Secretary to formulate a resource appraisal by December 31, 1976, and in each five-year interval thereafter. Directs the development, through the Soil Conservation Service, of a National Land and Water Conservation Program. Stipulates that the program shall set forth the direction of future soil and water conservation efforts based on the current resource appraisal as formulated under the provisions of this Act. Requires a report to be transmitted to the Congress on the first day Congress convenes in 1977, in 1980 and each five-year interval thereafter. Specifies that such reports shall include a detailed statement of policy intended to be used in farming budget requests of the Administration for Soil Conservation Service activities. Defines the terms in this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of such funds as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 1975
Farmer-to-Consumer Direct Marketing Act - States that it is the purpose of this Act to foster and promote, through appropriate means and on an economically sustainable basis, the development and expansion and both traditional and innovative approaches to direct marketing of agricultural commodities from farmers to consumers. States that for purposes of this Act, the term "direct marketing from farmers to consumers" means the marketing of agricultural commodities at any marketplace (including, but not limited to, roadside stands, city markets, and vehicles used for house-to-house marketing of agricultural commodities) established and maintained for the purpose of enabling farmers to sell their agricultural commodities directly to individual consumers, or organizations representing consumers. Directs the Extension Service of the Department of Agriculture to conduct and facilitate activities designed to foster methods of direct marketing from farmers to consumers. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the provisions of this Act.
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.