United States · United States Congress · 13 January 1977
Directs the United States to pay reasonable litigation costs, including attorney fees, to prevailing defendants in civil actions in which the United States is a plaintiff.
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1977
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to limit the application of the Tax Reform Act's elimination of the sick pay exclusion for persons who have not retired on total disability, to taxable years beginning after December 31, 1976.
United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1977
Amends the Rules of the House of Representatives to remove the 25-member limit to the number of sponsors of any House of Representatives bill. Permits the addition or deletion of any Member's name as the sponsor of any legislation by a request made by a Member to the Speaker on behalf of such Member.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Makes it unlawful for any individual or organization to enroll, or attempt to enroll, any member of the armed forces serving on active duty in any organization which would act as a representative of such member with respect to terms and conditions of service in the armed forces. Sets forth penalties for violations of this Act. (Adds 10 U.S.C. 975)
United States · United States Congress · 27 September 1976
Authorizes and requests the President to issue a proclamation designating the week beginning October 3, 1976, and ending October 9, 1976, as "National Gifted Children Week."
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 1976
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax deduction in an amount not to exceed $1,000 for amounts paid by the taxpayer to an eligible educational institution for tuition for the attendance of the taxpayer or any eligible dependent.
United States · United States Congress · 2 September 1976
Directs the Federal Communications Commission to amend its rules and regulations with respect to the Fire Radio Service to permit the transmission of communications of a nonemergency nature relating to official fire department business over frequencies available to the Fire Radio Service.
United States · United States Congress · 2 September 1976
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Secretary of Defense shall inter an Unknown Soldier from the Vietnam War in Arlington National Cemetery and make a permanent display of representative medals, ribbons, and tributes of the Vietnam War in the Arlington Memorial Amphitheater.
United States · United States Congress · 1 September 1976
National Commission on Regulatory Reform Act - Establishes the National Commission on Regulatory Reform. Directs the Commission to make a full and complete study of such regulatory activities of the independent regulatory agencies of the Federal Government as the Commission determines to be primarily economic in nature and to have a significant effect on the segments of the economy involving transportation, communication, the development and distribution of energy resources, or financial institutions. States that such study shall be undertaken to determine: (1) whether such regulatory activities have limited competition within such segments of the economy, and if they have, what the economic consequences have been; (2) whether such regulatory activities have, in other way, contributed to current economic difficulties, in particular inflation; and (3) whether changes need to be made with regard to such independent Federal establishments and their regulatory activities. Requires that such study shall include, with regard to each independent Federal establishment whose regulatory activities are included in such study: (1) an analysis of the purposes for which it was created, its structure and jurisdiction, the statutory framework governing its operation and activities, and the procedures and policies it has adopted; (2) an assessment of its effectiveness in carrying out its purposes; (3) an analysis of the costs and benefits of its various programs and policies, with particular reference to any adverse economic impact; and (4) an examination of the relationship between its regulatory activities and those of State and local regulatory agencies. Sets forth the membership, powers, and authority of the Commission. Directs the Commission to submit to the President and Congress within one year a report containing: (1) a statement of the status of the study being conducted pursuant to this Act; (2) a detailed statement of any findings made or conclusions reached by the Commission; and (3) any recommendations for legislation or administrative action, or both, deemed appropriate by the Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 1 September 1976
Expresses the sense of the Congress that Georgi Vins should be released from imprisonment and that the Government of the Soviet Union should allow him and all other religious believers within its borders to worship God freely, as the Soviet Union is committed to do by the provisions of its constitution and by the provisions of the United Nations Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
United States · United States Congress · 30 August 1976
Amends the Education Amendments of 1972 to exempt from the sex discrimination prohibition provision of such Act, musical or social programs or activities.
United States · United States Congress · 24 August 1976
Directs the House Committee on Armed Services to make a study of the murder by members of the North Korean Armed Forces serving as guards at Panmunjom of two American Army officers attached to the United Nations Command, and other recent North Korean violations of the armistice agreement. Requires the committee to transmit a report to the House containing a statement of the findings of the committee no later than January 3, 1977.
United States · United States Congress · 24 August 1976
Condemns North Korea for its continued acts of treachery culminating in the axe murders of two American officers and the wounding of five others. Directs the Speaker of the House to make known the regrets of the House to the wives and children and other survivors of Major Bonifas and Lieutenant Barrett.
United States · United States Congress · 24 August 1976
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should take such steps as may be necessary to place the threat to the peace created by the murder of two American Army officers attached to the United Nations Command by members of the North Korean Armed Forces serving as guards at Panmunjom, and other recent North Korean violations of the armistice agreement, on the agenda of the United Nations.
United States · United States Congress · 23 August 1976
Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to strike a medal commemorating the two hundredth anniversary of the drafting by Thomas Jefferson in 1777 of the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom.
United States · United States Congress · 10 August 1976
Regulatory Cost Impact Act - Requires every Federal agency to prepare in conjunction with every regulation it proposes which may have a significant impact on costs to the public a Regulatory Cost/Benefit Assessment setting forth the foreseeable costs and benefits of and alternatives to such regulation. Requires that hearings on such regulations include comments solicited from the public, Federal, State, and local agencies on the final wording of such cost/benefit assessment. Provides special procedures for emergency regulations which must be promulgated immediately to protect the public. Requires each committee of Congress which reports legislation which may have a significant impact on costs to the public to prepare a Regulatory Cost/Benefit Assessment.
United States · United States Congress · 10 August 1976
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to authorize payment under the supplementary medical insurance program for services furnished by physician extenders. Defines the term "physician extenders" to mean an individual who holds a valid certificate as a physician assistant issued by the National Commission on Certification of Physician's Assistants, or any successor to the Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 10 August 1976
Expresses the general policy of the United States Government to rely upon private commercial sources for the goods and services required to meet Government needs, and that this policy be administered by the Office of Federal Procurement Policy.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1976
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals a tax credit equal to one half the amount paid for health insurance premiums up to a maximum credit of $250.
United States · United States Congress · 3 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
Permits employees of the Panama Canal Company or the Panama Railroad Company to elect to designate prior service for which such individuals received credit under the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 as creditable service for purposes of Federal civil service retirement benefits.
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 the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 to provide that any employer who successfully contests a citation or penalty under such Act shall be awarded a reasonable attorney's fee and other reasonable litigation costs.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 1976
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax deduction in an amount not to exceed $1,000 for amounts paid by the taxpayer to an eligible educational institution for tuition for the attendance of the taxpayer or any eligible dependent.
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 1976
Limits the persons who may be admitted to the Federal competitive service to those individuals who either are United States citizens or owe permanent allegiance to the United States. Authorizes the President to prescribe exceptions from such requirement.
United States · United States Congress · 1 July 1976
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax deduction in an amount not to exceed $1,000 for amounts paid by the taxpayer to an eligible educational institution for tuition for the attendance of the taxpayer or any eligible dependent.
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1976
Expresses the sense of the Congress that no individual whose social security benefits are increased should suffer, by reason of such increase, a loss of or reduction in any benefits which he or she is otherwise entitled to receive under any Federal or federally assisted program.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1976
Establishes in the House of Representatives a select committee to be known as the Select Committee on Narcotics Abuse and Control. Provides that the select committee shall conduct a continuing comprehensive study and review of the problems of narcotics abuse and control and shall review any recommendations made by the President, or by any department or agency of the executive branch of the Federal Government, relating to programs or policies affecting narcotics abuse or control. Authorizes the select committee to conduct field investigations or inspections. Requires the select committee to submit an annual report to the House which shall include a summary of the activities of the select committee during the calendar year to which such report applies.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1976
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax deduction in an amount not to exceed $1,000 for amounts paid by the taxpayer to an eligible educational institution for tuition for the attendance of the taxpayer or any eligible dependent.
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 1976
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax deduction in an amount not to exceed $1,000 for amounts paid by the taxpayer to an eligible educational institution for tuition for the attendance of the taxpayer or any eligible dependent.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 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 · 6 May 1976
Amends the Small Business Emergency Relief Act to provide for emergency relief for small business concerns in connection with fixed-price Government contracts for the lease of real property.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1976
Jobs Creation Act - Allows as a tax credit under the Internal Revenue Code an amount equal to ten percent of the increase in the total amount of qualified savings deposits and investments of an individual. Stipulates that such credit shall not exceed $1,000. Increases the maximum tax deduction for retirement savings to $2,000. Excludes from gross income amounts received by an individual as dividends from domestic corporations. Allows a taxpayer to exclude from gross income up to $1,000 of gain from the sale or exchange of securities. Allows the nonrecognition of gain from the sale or exchange of qualified small business property, at the election of the taxpayer, to the extent that the amount realized on such sale or exchange is reinvested in qualified small business property by the taxpayer during the reinvestment period beginning one year before the date of the sale or exchange and ending one year after such date. Allows the executor of an estate which includes an interest in a qualified closely held business which exceeds either 35 percent of the value of the gross estate or 50 percent of the value of the taxable estate, but is less than $300,000 to elect: (1) to pay the estate tax in up to 20 equal annual installments (presently ten); and (2) to defer the payment of the first installment until five years after the filing of the return. Reduces the corporate normal tax rate to 20 percent. Reduces the corporate surtax rate to 22 percent. Increases the corporate surtax exemption to $100,000. Revises the procedure for the determination of the investment credit to provide graduated rates of 25 percent of the qualified investment to the extent that the qualified investment does not exceed $25,000; 20 percent of the qualified investment to the extent that the qualified investment exceeds $25,000 and does not exceed $50,000; plus 15 percent of the qualified investment to the extent that qualified investment exceeds $50,000. Increases the allowable percentage variation from any class life prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury to 40 percent. Allows a taxpayer to elect to take a tax deduction for a capital recovery allowance on qualified tangible property in lieu of the depreciation allowance. Allows a taxpayer to elect a 12-month amortization period for pollution control facilities. Increases the exemption for specified small issues of industrial revenue bonds which allows the exclusion from gross income of investment received on such bonds to the extent that the bond issue does not exceed $10,000,000.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1976
Authorizes the President to issue annually a proclamation designating the seven-day period commencing on April 30 of each year as "National Beta Sigma Phi Week," to recognize the National Beta Sigma Phi Sorority and its social, cultural, and service programs.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1976
Consumer Communications Reform Act - States that Congress finds that the revenues from integrated interstate and foreign common carrier telecommunications services helped maintain a level of charges for telephone exchange service which is lower than otherwise would be required. Expresses the sense of Congress that the authorization of lines, facilities, or services of specialized carriers which duplicate the lines, facilities, or services of other telecommunications common carriers is contrary to the public interest. Reaffirms the intent of Congress that the complete authority to regulate terminal and station equipment used for telephone exchange service shall rest with the States even though such terminal and station equipment also may be used in connection with interstate services. Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to provide that no compensatory charges for or in connection with such communication service may be found to be unjust or unreasonable on the ground that it is to low. Prohibits the Federal Communications Commission from holding the charge of a carrier up to a particular level to protect the traffic or revenues from a communication service offered or provided by another carrier if such charge proposed by the carrier is compensatory. Grants the Commission jurisdiction to approve the acquisition of control by a domestic common carrier of any other domestic common carrier or to approve the acquisition by a person which is not a common carrier of control of any domestic common carrier or the acquisition of the whole or any part of the property of a domestic common carrier after determining that the acquisition is in the public interest. Provides that the Commission shall not grant or authorize any construction permit, station license, or certificate, for the construction, acquisition, or operation of any communication or transmission line or facility, or extension thereof, or any modification or renewal thereof, unless the Commission shall find, after full opportunity for evidentiary hearing on the record, that such permit, license, or certificate will not result in increased charges or unnecessary duplication of communication lines.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 1976
Legal Fees Reimbursement Act - Provides that in any legal action initiated by the Government, or in any action instituted by a taxpayer contesting the accuracy of a deficiency or claiming a refund of taxes paid where the taxpayer prevails or substantially prevails, the Government shall be liable for the reimbursement in full of all reasonable litigation expenses incurred by the taxpayer as a consequence of legal defense, under the Internal Revenue Code.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1976
Requires that whoever uses or carries a firearm during the commission of a felony that may be prosecuted in a Federal court and that whoever is convicted by a State court of using or carrying a firearm transported in, or affecting, interstate or foreign commerce during the commission of a felony be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of not less than five nor more than ten years. Requires in the case of a subsequent such conviction that the felon be sentenced to a term of imprisonment for any term of years, but not less than ten years, or to life imprisonment. (Amends 18 U.S.C. 924(c))
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 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 · 15 March 1976
Financial Assistance for Elementary and Secondary Education Act - Title I: General Provisions - Authorizes appropriations for purposes of titles II and III of this Act. States that an amount not to exceed three percent of such appropriations be used to meet the education needs existing in American territories and for Indian children at schools operated by the Department of Interior. Allots to each State from such appropriations $5,000,000 annually or the amount allotted to that State in the preceding fiscal year under this Act or programs consolidated under this Act whichever is less and 85 percent of the amount in excess of $5,000,000 allotted to that State under such programs. Directs that the remaining appropriations be allocated to each State based on a ratio of the number of children from low-income areas in such State. Requires that any State desiring grants under this Act: (1) designate the agency which will administer such assistance; (2) develop a plan meeting specified requirements for the use of such funds; (3) certify to the Commissioner of Education that it has such a plan; (4) certify annually that it has complied with such plan; (5) develop procedures for the periodic determination of the State's compliance with its plan; (6) submit such procedures to the Commissioner for approval; and (7) provide for an annual audit of expenditures from such grants and report the results of such audit to the Commissioner. Requires that any State procedures for developing such plan provide for public notification and a means for obtaining the views of specified parties regarding such plan. States that a State comprehensive plan shall: (1) set forth the objectives to be achieved under the plan; (2) provide for the allocation of funds in accordance with the requirements of this Act; and (3) set forth procedures to insure that distribution to local educational agencies take into account the number and concentration of children from low-income families and educationally deprived and handicapped children. Requires that at least 75 percent of the funds provided under this Act be distributed to local educational agencies to meet the special educational needs of educationally deprived and handicapped children. Directs that not more than five percent of the amount made available under this Act, or the percentage available under programs consolidated under this Act for administrative costs, whichever is greater, be used for the administration of the State plan. Authorizes the State agency designated to carry out the purposes of this Act to delegate administrative functions to other agencies, transfer funds to such agency, and enter into contracts to carry out activities authorized under this Act. Prohibits the payment of funds to any State which has failed to certify its plan and compliance with such plan to the Commissioner. Authorizes the Commissioner to suspend or reduce payments to States which failed substantially to comply with the provisions of such plan or specified provisions of this Act. Allows such State to file a petition of review with the United States court of appeals for the circuit in which the State is located. States that any findings of the Commissioner, if supported by substantial evidence, shall be conclusive in such action. Requires that any audit of funds provided under this Act be limited to such funds. Subjects funds available under this Act to title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and provisions forbidding the discrimination against qualified handicapped individuals under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Directs State educational agencies to insure that children enrolled in private nonprofit elementary and secondary schools and children in Indian tribal elementary or secondary schools are given an opportunity to participate in activities assisted under this Act. Authorizes the Commissioner to arrange for such children to receive similar services to those provided under this Act if the State is prohibited by law from providing for such participation or has failed to do so. Defines terms for purposes of this Act. Repeals specified Acts and provisions of Federal Acts. Title II: Elementary and Secondary Handicapped and Adult Education Programs - Directs that State comprehensive plans under this Act include programs for educationally deprived and handicapped children in the State and adult education. Specifies allowable further uses of such funds. Sets forth the allocation of funds available under this Act to local educational agencies to meet the special educational needs of educationally deprived and handicapped children. Title III: Vocational Education - States that a specified portion of funds available under this Act be used for vocational education purposes. Sets forth requirements for a State's vocational education programs. Specifies programs and activities for which available funds may be used. Title IV: National Impact Projects - Declares it the purpose of this title to provide support for special activities, and for innovation and development in vocational education and the education of the handicapped through projects which can be more effectively carried out on a national or regional basis. Authorizes the Commissioner to carry out specified activities relating to such purpose. Authorizes appropriations of $69,000,000 annually through fiscal year 1980 to carry out the purposes of this title.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1976
Revises the Internal Revenue Code to provide that the allowable dollar amount of the tax deduction taken for a charitable contribution which is of a musical, artistic, or similar nature shall be the fair market value of such property at the time of contribution.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1976
Amends the Housing Act of 1949 to expand the definition of "rural" and "rural areas" to include places not part of or associated with an urban area which have a population of between 10,000 and 20,000 people and which have a serious lack of mortgage credit for low- and moderate-income families.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1976
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax deduction in an amount not to exceed $1,000 for amounts paid by the taxpayer to an eligible educational institution for tuition for the attendance of the taxpayer or any eligible dependent.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1976
Revises the boundaries of Appomattox Court House National Historical Park, Virginia. Authorizes future revision of such boundaries by the Secretary of the Interior. Authorizes necessary appropriations to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1976
Designates February 22, May 30, and October 12 as Washington's Birthday, Memorial Day, and Columbus Day, respectively. Makes such days legal public holidays.