United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1976
Internal Revenue Administration Act - Establishes the Internal Revenue Administration in the executive branch of the Federal Government for the purpose of administering and enforcing the Internal Revenue Code. Prescribes the terms and conditions of office for the Administrator of the Internal Revenue Administration. Transfers all present functions, instructions, rules, or regulations which were promulgated or administered by the Secretary of the Treasury of his delegate with respect to the enforcement of the Internal Revenue Code, to the Internal Revenue Administration.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1976
Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1974 to establish as an independent establishment of the Executive Branch the Federal Election Commission, consisting of the Secretary of the Senate (ex officio), the Clerk of the House (ex officio), and six members appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. States that more than three members appointed by the President may be affiliated with the same party. Sets members' terms at six years with one members' term expiring every year. States that members will be chosen from among individuals who are not currently elected or appointed as an officer or employee of any branch of the Government of the United States, except current members of the Federal Election Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1976
Grants transactional immunity in specified Federal cases in which the right against self- incrimination is asserted. Revises the requirements for the request of immunity orders, stipulating that a United States attorney may, with the Attorney General's approval, request such an order if: (1) the individual has refused to testify or provide other information on the basis of the right against self-incrimination; (2) such individual gives written consent to the request; (3) the individual's testimony or information is necessary to the public interest; and (4) in the case of a grand jury proceeding, 12 grand jurors vote to request the order. Applies all but the last requirement to requests for such orders issuing from Congressional proceedings. Requires the Attorney General to make annual reports to the Congress and the Administrative Office of the United States Courts containing specified data relating to immunity orders. (Amends 18 U.S.C. 6002-5)
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1976
Expresses the solidarity of the American people in efforts to enlarge human freedom by the participants in the second Brussels conference, February 17 to 19, 1976.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1976
Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to provide that members of the Federal Election Commission shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1976
Directs the House Committee on Public Works and Transportation to convene a full scale investigation into the entire process surrounding Secretary of Transportation William Coleman's decision to grant the Anglo-French Concorde landing rights at John F. Kennedy Airport and at Dulles International Airport.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1976
Government in the Sunshine Act - Declares that it is the policy of Congress that the public is entitled to the fullest practicable information regarding the decision-making process of the Federal Government and that providing such information is the purpose of this Act. Requires that Federal agency proceedings be open to the public unless in the agency's opinion an open meeting would likely disclose information that would be in violation of an individual's rights, would hamper enforcement of the law, or would lead to instability of a financial institution. Requires transcripts or electronic recordings to be prepared of any agency meeting closed to the public. States that such transcripts or recordings with the detrimental information deleted must be made available to the public. Directs that open meetings be recorded in written minutes. Requires that all agency meetings be announced at least one week before such meeting; such announcement must state the time, place, subject matter of such meeting and whether it will be open to the public. Gives jurisdiction to enforce this Act to the United States district courts and authorizes any person to bring a suit to enforce this Act. Sets procedures for the review of agency action by the Court. Allows attorney's fees to be awarded to the party winning a suit brought under this Act. Requires all agencies to report to Congress annually regarding compliance with this Act. States that nothing in this Act authorizes an agency to withhold information it is otherwise required to provide to an individual, the public, or Congress. (Adds 5 U.S.C. 552b) Prohibits ex parte communication with any individual who is or is reasonably expected to be involved in a decision-making proceeding by anyone interested in such proceeding. (Amends 5 U.S.C. 551, 556, and 557) Sets forth conforming amendments. Makes this Act effective 180 days after its enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1976
Internal Revenue Administration Act - Establishes the Internal Revenue Administration in the executive branch of the Federal Government for the purpose of administering and enforcing the Internal Revenue Code. Prescribes the terms and conditions of office for the Administrator of the Internal Revenue Administration. Transfers all present functions, instructions, rules, or regulations which were promulgated or administered by the Secretary of the Treasury of his delegate with respect to the enforcement of the Internal Revenue Code, to the Internal Revenue Administration.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1976
Amends the Impoundment Control Act of 1974 by requiring the President to transmit a special message to Congress before rescinding or reserving any part of any budget authority. Declares that no rescission shall become effective until Congress has acted on a bill effecting such rescission.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1976
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the people of Angola should be allowed to determine their own political future without foreign interference. Expresses support for efforts by the Organization of African Unity to achieve a settlement of the conflict in Angola. Calls upon all countries to terminate military assistance to any group in Angola. States that the President should do his utmost to seek an agreement among the various parties involved in hostilities or in the support of such hostilities in Angola to terminate such hostilities. Directs the President to refrain from providing assistance of any kind, for military activities in Angola, until specifically approved by Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1976
Requires, under the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act, that Federal agencies pay interest at an annual rate of at least 12 percent on any payment which is overdue by more than two weeks on a contract with a small-business concern.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1976
Special Prosecutor Act - Directs the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, to appoint a Special Prosecutor to head an Office of Special Prosecution. Grants the Special Prosecutor exclusive jurisdiction to investigate and prosecute in the name of the United States all offenses against the United States committed by any Federal officer, employee, and agent in connection with or arising out of intelligence or counter-intelligence activities or operations. Authorizes the Special Prosecutor to take any action necessary and proper to perform the purposes of this Act. Permits the Special Prosecutor to institute, in the name of the United States, any civil action for any claim arising out of or in connection with an offense or course of conduct which such individual is authorized to investigate or prosecute. Authorizes compensation and staffing for the Office of Special Prosecution. Authorizes the Special Prosecutor to delegate any authorized functions to personnel of the Office. Transfers all files, records, documents, and other materials in the possession or control of the Department of Justice, any previous special prosecutor, or any other Federal department or agency, which relate to matters within the exclusive jurisdiction of the Special Prosecutor, to such Prosecutor. Requires each Federal department or agency to expeditiously furnish any materials requested by the Special Prosecutor unless a court of competent jurisdiction orders otherwise. Instructs the Special Prosecutor to keep inviolate and safeguard from unwarranted disclosure all materials obtained or prepared by the Office of Special Prosecution. Terminates such Office three years after the date the President first appoints a Special Prosecutor. Directs the Special Prosecutor to make a report of his activities to the President and to Congress on the first and second anniversaries of taking office and not later than 30 days after termination of the Office. Requires the Special Prosecutor to make immediate and full report to the Congress at any time a Federal agency, officer, employee, or agent fails or refuses to comply with a request or demand for information, if such failure or refusal jeopardizes an investigation or prosecution conducted under this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as are necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1976
Energy Research and Development Free Enterprise Act - Title I: Findings, Definitions, and General Provisions - Declares that it is the policy of the Congress that small business concerns and individual inventors should be provided greater opportunities by the Federal Government in the development of energy resources and technology, with special emphasis on solar energy technology and to expand competition and reduce concentration in the energy industries of the Nation. Amends the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974 and the Federal Nonnuclear Energy Research and Development Act of 1974 to offer increased opportunities in Federal energy development programs to small business concerns and individual inventors. Title II: Energy Program Reorganization - Amends the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974 to establish within the Energy Research and Development Administration five additional Assistant Administrators for: (1) small business concerns and individual inventors; (2) planning and analysis; (3) laboratory and field coordination; (4) administration; and (5) international affairs. Requires that no less than 50 percent of the total amount of funds for solar energy technology programs and no less than 20 percent of the total amount of funds for all areas of energy technology be made available to small business concerns and individual inventors. Limits the awarding of energy program contracts to situations where the financial capabilities of non-Federal entities are inadequate to develop such technology without Federal assistance. Authorizes appropriations of $2,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 and each fiscal year thereafter to the Administrator of the Small Business Administration in order to provide consultation services for the preparation of contract proposals by small businesses and individual inventors. Title III: Encouragement of Competition in Energy Programs - Directs the Administrators of the Energy Research and Development and the Small Business Administrations to provide detailed information to potential participants in energy programs. Directs the Administrator of the Energy Research and Development Administration to refrain from awarding contracts which will have an adverse impact on industry or market competition. Directs the Attorney General and the Federal Trade Commission to recommend criteria to the Administration upon which to make such a determination. Prohibits the entering into of any energy contract to any person who has an interest in delaying completion of the contract or altering any research findings in the performance of such contract. Requires the Administrator to transmit to the Attorney General a copy of the proposed contract if the profitmaking enterprise has gross assets exceeding $250,000,000. Prohibits the Administrator from awarding a contract to such an enterprise until the Attorney General's opinion is received. Establishes procedures and requirements for the disclosure of information relating to the awarding of contracts by the Administrator and by program participants. Imposes a fine of $20,000, or the amount of the contract, whichever is greater; and/or imprisonment of up to two years for participants who transmit false, fictitious, or fradulent information.
United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1976
Amends the Impoundment Control Act of 1974 by requiring the President to transmit a special message to Congress before rescinding or reserving any part of any budget authority. Declares that no rescission shall become effective until Congress has acted on a bill effecting such rescission.
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 1975
Provides, under the Arms Control and Disarmament Act, that no agreement for cooperation which provides for the sale or transfer of any nuclear material or technology to any other nation, group of nations, or regional defense organization, may be entered into under the Atomic Energy Act. Provides that no license may be issued for the sale or other transfer to any nation or any person outside the United States: (1) of any nuclear reactor, (2) of one kilogram or more plutonium or highly enriched uranium, (3) of any nuclear reactor fuel unless such fuel is to be sold or transferred to a nation which is a party to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, or (4) of such other nuclear material or technology as the Director of the Arms Control and Disarmament Agency may designate, until 20 legislative days after the Director has submitted a report analyzing the impact of such sale or other transfer on arms control and disarmament policies and negotiations to the President, specified Federal officers and organizations, and specified Congressional Committees.
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 1975
Internal Revenue Administration Act - Establishes the Internal Revenue Administration within the executive branch of the Government. Provides that the Administration shall be headed by an Administrator who shall be appointed by the President. Directs that the administration and enforcement of the Internal Revenue Code shall be performed by the Administration. Provides that until regulations are promulgated by the Administrator, all instructions, rules or regulations which were promulgated by the Secretary of the Treasury with respect to the Internal Revenue Code shall be applied as if promulgated by the Administrator. States that such transfer of functions shall not affect any act done or any right accruing or accrued before such transfer. Transfers to the Administration all functions with respect to the administration and enforcement of the Internal Revenue Code presently performed by the Secretary of the Treasury, the Commissioner of Internal Revenue, or any other officer or employee of the Department of the Treasury.
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 1975
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 activites. 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 · 19 December 1975
Government in the Sunshine Act - States that this Act applies, according to the provisions thereof, to the Federal Election Commission and to any agency where the collegial body comprising the agency consists of two or more individual members, at least a majority of whom are appointed to such position by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. Provides that all meetings of such collegial body, or of a subdivision thereof authorized to take action on behalf of the agency, shall be open to the public. Requires, public announcement, at least one week before the meeting, of the date, place, and subject matter of the meeting, whether open or closed to the public, and the name and phone number of the official designated by the agency to respond to requests for information about the meeting. Exempts meetings when publicity would result in disclosure of matters: (1) necessary to keep secret in the interests of national defense or foreign policy; (2) not warranting an invasion of personal privacy; (3) constituting trade secrets; and (4) other matters the Disclosure of which would not be in the public interest. States that the district courts of the United States shall have jurisdiction to enforce the requirements of this Act by declaratary judgment, injunctive relief, or other relief as may be appropriate. Prohibits the making of an ex parte communication relevant to the merits of the proceeding by an interested person outside the agency to anyone involved in the decisional process of the proceeding.
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 1975
National Mental Health and Disability Advocacy Services Act - Sets forth the policy of the Congress that before any person may be involuntarily committed to a mental hospital, all court and administrative proceedings must comport with due process of law, including, but not limited to, the right of counsel. States that to help solve patients' problems which do not require litigation, yet require aid, advice, or counseling, an ombudsperson system must be provided to which all clients of any mental health, mental retardation, or geriatric care system may have access. Establishes an office of Mental Health and Disability Advocacy Services. Directs the Office to enter into contracts with States to assist them in meeting the costs of establishing and maintaining a program of mental health advocacy services. States that such contracts may not exceed 75 percent of the costs incurred in the program. Provides that the program shall include a mental health, retardation, and geriatric system ombudsperson. Prohibits any State from receiving assistance under the Community Mental Health Centers Act unless such State has established and maintains a mental health advocacy services program. Defines terms used in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 December 1975
Solid Waste Energy and Resource Recovery Act - Sets forth the findings of Congress that there is a demand for new fuel sources in the United States; that fuels can be produced from solid waste, but that research into such fuel production is not coordinated at this time and that local municipal governments now bear the largest portion of the cost of such research; and that, therefore, there is a need for a federally coordinated program to provide State, regional, and local communities with assistance in developing solid waste energy and resource recovery systems and technology. Defines terms added by this Act to the Solid Waste Disposal Act. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency: (1) to assist with research projects for the development of pilot plant facilities for the purpose of investigating new fuels, recovery methods, or technology; (2) to conduct demonstrations of new methods and technology; and (3) to test and evaluate such pilot plants and demonstration projects. Directs the Administrator to establish a program for the collection and dissemination of information to assist Federal, State, interstate, regional, and local agencies in planning and building solid waste collection, recycling and recovery facilities. Sets forth specific areas to be covered by such program. Requires the Administrator to make grants to State, interstate, municipal and intermunicipal agencies for: (1) the implementation of solid waste management plans and planning programs; (2) the development and revision of solid waste disposal plans as part of regional environmental protection systems; (3) the development of interlocal regions and establishment of regional agencies; (4) the development of proposals for specified projects; and (5) the planning of programs for the removal and processing of abandoned motor vehicle bulks. Authorizes the Administrator to guarantee loans incurred by States, regional, or local government agencies to finance the construction of large-scale fuel, energy, or resource recovery facilities. Limits the total outstanding indebtedness allowed under this Act to $75,000,000. Sets forth procedures for applying for loan guarantees under this Act. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants to a State, regional authority or local government agency for the construction, operation, or maintenance of fuel, energy or resource recovery facilities when such facilities cannot be financed by any other means. Limits the amount of each such grant to 25 percent of the total cost of the project. Authorizes appropriations for the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 December 1975
Directs the Federal Energy Administration not to forgive or defer collection of any accrued fees arising under the oil import fee program. Provides that if the Supreme Court denies the petition of certiorari or otherwise affirms the decision of the United States Court of Appeals that such fees are unlawful; all such fees shall be refunded to consumers, not to the oil importers.
United States · United States Congress · 12 December 1975
Uniform Federal Welfare and Medicaid Assistance Act - Increases to 75 percent the Federal matching rate for purposes of reimbursement to States under the Medicaid and Aid to Families with Dependent Children programs of the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 December 1975
Smoker and Nonsmoker Health Protection Act - Title I: Cigarette Labeling and Advertising - Public Health Cigarette Smoking Act - Makes it unlawful for any person to manufacture, import, or package for sale or distribution within the United States any cigarettes the package of which: (1) fails to bear the required statement; and (2) fails to bear a statement of the tar and nicotine content of each cigarette in such package, as determined by the Federal Trade Commission. States that it shall be unlawful for any person to disseminate or cause to be disseminated any cigarette advertisement which fails to contain the required statements and which is either disseminated by United States mails or in commerce or which is likely to induce, directly or indirectly, the purchase in or have an effect upon commerce of cigarettes. Requires cigarettes for export to contain the required statements in the language of the country to which such package is exported. Title II: Smoking in Federal Buildings and Interstate Facilities - Federal Nonsmokers Protection Act - States that smoking shall not be permitted in any encolsed area open to the public in any Federal facility or in any stairway, elevator, hallway, conveyance, waiting room, reception room conference room, or hearing room in any such facility. Provides that smokers shall be effectively separated from nonsmokers in any restaurant, cafeteria, snack bar, other dining facility, recreation room or lounge in any Federal facilty, and that all reasonable efforts shall be made to otherwise effectively separate the workplaces of employees who do not smoke from those of employees who do smoke. States that smoking shall be unlawful in any ticket office, waiting line, or boarding area in any interstate passenger carrier facility. Requires smokers to be effectively separated from nonsmokers in any cafeteria, restaurant, other eating facilty, waiting room, recreation area, or lounge in any interstate passenger carrier facility. Title III: Cigarette-Related Disease Research - Places a tax on cigarettes the proceeds of which shall be used to fund programs respecting diseases caused in whole or part by cigarette smoking.
United States · United States Congress · 10 December 1975
Energy Extension Service Act - Establishes in the Energy Research and Development Administration the Energy Extension Service. Directs the Service to develop and implement a comprehensive program for the identification, development, and demonstration of energy conserving practices, techniques, materials, and equipment for: (1) agricultural, commercial, and small business operations, and (2) new and existing residential, commercial, or agricultural buildings or structures. States that such programs shall provide for technical assistance, instruction, and practical demonstrations in energy conservation opportunities. Authorizes the Service to establish energy extension service offices consisting of city offices, county agents, and technical staff assistants in order to accomplish the objectives of this Act. Provides for dissemination of advice and assistance by local offices by means of (1) specific studies and recommendations, (2) demonstration projects, (3) distribution of studies and instructional materials, (4) seminars, and (5) other outreach programs.
United States · United States Congress · 4 December 1975
Provides that a party seeking review of a Federal agency action involving civil rights, constitutional rights, or consumer or environmental interests may, if he substantially prevails, be awarded reasonable attorney fees and other litigation costs. (Adds 5 U.S.C. 707)
United States · United States Congress · 4 December 1975
Allows a court to grant attorneys' fees to the privailing party, other than a governmental entity, in civil actions to enforce civil or Constitutional rights. Provides that a governmental entity shall be liable for costs and fees the same as a private person.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 1975
Directs the Federal Energy Administration not to forgive or defer collection of any accrued fees arising under the oil import fee program. Provides that if the Supreme Court denies the petition of certiorari or otherwise affirms the decision of the United States Court of Appeals that such fees are unlawful; all such fees shall be refunded to consumers, not to the oil importers.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 1975
Permits the computation of the benefits payable to a married couple under title II of the Social Security Act (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance), or to the surviving widow or widower, to be made on the basis of their combined earnings.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 1975
Directs the Federal Energy Administration not to forgive or defer collection of any accrued fees arising under the oil import fee program. Provides that if the Supreme Court denies the petition of certiorari or otherwise affirms the decision of the United States Court of Appeals that such fees are unlawful; all such fees shall be refunded to consumers, not to the oil importers.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 1975
Authorizes the Legal Services Corporation to make available up to 10 percent of the funds appropriated to it for fiscal year 1976 for grants or contracts for the following activities related to the delivery of legal assistance: (1) research; (2) training and technical assistance and; (3) clearinghouse activities.
United States · United States Congress · 14 November 1975
Establishes the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe to monitor the acts of the signatories which reflect compliance with the articles of the Final Act of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe. Provides that the Commission shall be composed of 11 members to be appointed as specified in this Act. Gives the Commission the power to subpena witnesses and records as necessary to carry out the responsibilities imposed by this Act. Requires the Commission to make reports to Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 13 November 1975
Smoker and Nonsmoker Health Protection Act - Title I: Cigarette Labeling and Advertising - Public Health Cigarette Smoking Act - Makes it unlawful for any person to manufacture, import, or package for sale or distribution within the United States any cigarettes the package of which: (1) fails to bear the required statement; and (2) fails to bear a statement of the tar and nicotine content of each cigarette in such package, as determined by the Federal Trade Commission. States that it shall be unlawful for any person to disseminate or cause to be disseminated any cigarette advertisement which fails to contain the required statements and which is either disseminated by United States mails or in commerce or which is likely to induce, directly or indirectly, the purchase in or have an effect upon commerce of cigarettes. Requires cigarettes for export to contain the required statements in the language of the country to which such package is exported. Title II: Smoking in Federal Buildings and Interstate Facilities - Federal Nonsmokers Protection Act - States that smoking shall not be permitted in any encolsed area open to the public in any Federal facility or in any stairway, elevator, hallway, conveyance, waiting room, reception room conference room, or hearing room in any such facility. Provides that smokers shall be effectively separated from nonsmokers in any restaurant, cafeteria, snack bar, other dining facility, recreation room or lounge in any Federal facilty, and that all reasonable efforts shall be made to otherwise effectively separate the workplaces of employees who do not smoke from those of employees who do smoke. States that smoking shall be unlawful in any ticket office, waiting line, or boarding area in any interstate passenger carrier facility. Requires smokers to be effectively separated from nonsmokers in any cafeteria, restaurant, other eating facilty, waiting room, recreation area, or lounge in any interstate passenger carrier facility. Title III: Cigarette-Related Disease Research - Places a tax on cigarettes the proceeds of which shall be used to fund programs respecting diseases caused in whole or part by cigarette smoking.
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 1975
Grants a court of bankruptcy, under the Bankruptcy Act, authority to exercise exclusive jurisdiction for adjusting the debts of political subdivisions and public agencies and instrumentalities. States that the court may permit such petitioner to reject executory contracts and unexpired leases. Stipulates that unless the petitioner consents or the bankruptcy plan so provides, the court shall not, by any order, decree, or otherwise, interfere with: (1) any of the political or governmental powers of the petitioner, (2) any of the property or revenues of the petitioner, or (3) any income-producing property. Reserves to the various States power to control any municipality or political subdivision of or in such State in the exercise of its political or governmental powers, including expenditures therefor. Stipulates that any State's political subdivision or public agency or instrumentality is eligible for relief if it is insolvent or unable to meet its debts as they mature, and desires to effect a plan to adjust its debts. Sets forth judicial procedures governing the filing of the petition, proceedings, venue, fees, and notice. States that a petition filed pursuant to this Act shall operate as a stay of the commencement or the continuation of a judicial or other proceeding against the petitioner. Stipulates that a provision in a contract or lease which permits modification thereof because of the insolvency of the petitioner is not enforceable if any defaults in prior performance of the petitioner are cured and adequate assurance of future performance is provided. Authorizes the Court to refer any special fact to a referee in bankruptcy for consideration if the court finds that the condition of its docket is such that it cannot take testimony without unduly delaying the dispatch of other business pending in the court. Permits reimbursement for expenses incurred in connection with the case. Sets forth priorities for payment in advance prior to the payment of any distribution to creditors under a plan. Directs the petitioner to file a plan for the adjustment of debts. States that such plan may be confirmed only if it has been accepted in writing by or on behalf of creditors holding at least two-thirds in amount of the claims of each class. Permits any creditor affected by the plan or the Securities and Exchange Commission to file a complaint with the court objecting to the confirmation of the plan. States that the court shall confirm the plan if satisfied that the plan is fair, does not discriminate unfairly against any creditors, and meets other specified criteria. Discharges the petitioner from all claims against it provided for in the plan at the time of confirmation.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 1975
Denies electric and gas public utilities a deduction under the Internal Revenue Code for amounts paid or incurred by such utilities to advertise or promote the sale or use of electricity or gas.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 1975
Young Adult Conservation Corps Act - Declares it to be a finding of Congress that unemployment levels are excessively high among young adults, and that there are large inventories of conservation work and other work of a public nature on public lands, including the national park and forest systems, which require large amounts of labor and relatively small capital investments. States that it is the purpose of this Act to complement the Youth Conservation Corps Act and to provide employment to young adults. Declares the Secretaries of Agriculture and Interior to jointly extend the Youth Conservation Corps to make possible the year-round employment of young adults. States that individuals employed as Corps members under this Act shall be between the ages of 19 and 24; shall meet applicable physical standards; shall be given preference for employment if they reside in counties in which the unemployment rate was equal to or in excess of six percent for three consecutive months; and may be employed for a total of not more than 12 months. Sets forth criteria by which the Secretaries shall be guided in determining the location of projects and the type of work to be done. States that priority should be given to counties having a high rate of unemployment and that highly labor intensive projects should be sought. States that the rate of pay for Corps members should be set at the current Federal minimum wage. Extends the provisions of this Act to cover employment of young adults in State conservation programs in accordance with the provisions of the Youth Conservation Corps Act which make such an extension. Requires the Secretaries to prepare, within eight months of the enactment of this Act, a plan for the execution of the provisions of this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of funds for preparing the plan and for preparing the sites, facilities, and equipment selected in this plan. Authorizes the appropriation of funds as specified for the four fiscal years during which young adults are employed under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 November 1975
Requires, under the Truth in Lending Act, creditors to post a sign at each place of business where he extends credit to consumers which states clearly and conspicuously the current rates of interest being charged for each category of loan.
United States · United States Congress · 31 October 1975
Industrial Energy Conservation Act - States that the energy needs of United States industry are increasing consistently, although energy resources are limited, and that the conservation of energy is therefore necessary. Declares that rapid development and cost-effectiveness demonstrations, and widespread application by industry, of energy-efficient technologies can be facilitated by Federal financial assistance in the form of research, development, and demonstration projects and through incentives to companies that invest in such technologies. States that it is the purpose of this Act to stimulate the development of energy-efficient technologies in American industry. Defines terms used in this Act. Directs the Administrator of the Energy Research and Development Administration to establish and maintain a program for research, development and demonstration of energy conserving industrial technologies, including: (1) basic and applied research under the control of the Administrator; (2) the development by the Administrator or private persons of prototypes or demonstration models of energy conserving technologies; and (3) the making of grants to private organizations to facilitate the incorporation of such technologies into commercial operating industrial plants, such projects to be used as demonstrations for other industrial facilities. Sets forth priorities to be observed by the Administrator in determining the recipients of grants under this Act. Authorizes the Administrator to make loans and loan guarantees for the purchase, construction, operation or maintenance of energy-efficient equipment or facilities. Enumerates priorities to be observed in making or guaranteeing such loans, including: (1) the extent to which a loan recipient is located within a depressed industrial area, and will contribute to the economic recovery of such area; (2) the extent to which such loan or guarantee will foster the widespread adoption of energy conservant technology; (3) the extent to which modernization, rather than replacement, of existing equipment will contribute to the purposes of this Act; and (4) the extent to which small businesses will be able to participate in the benefits resulting from this Act. Sets forth regulations governing the administration of loans and guarantees made pursuant to this Act. Requires that at least 60 percent of the funds available for loans and guarantees be allocated to recipients in depressed industrial areas. Sets forth additional regulations pertaining only to loan guarantees made pursuant to this Act. Limits the outstanding indebtedness guaranteed under this Act to $500,000,000 at any one time. States that no guarantee shall be made under this Act after September 30, 1977. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 31 October 1975
Solid Waste Energy and Resource Recovery Act - Sets forth the findings of Congress that there is a demand for new fuel sources in the United States; that fuels can be produced from solid waste, but that research into such fuel production is not coordinated at this time and that local municipal governments now bear the largest portion of the cost of such research; and that, therefore, there is a need for a federally coordinated program to provide State, regional, and local communities with assistance in developing solid waste energy and resource recovery systems and technology. Defines terms added by this Act to the Solid Waste Disposal Act. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency: (1) to assist with research projects for the development of pilot plant facilities for the purpose of investigating new fuels, recovery methods, or technology; (2) to conduct demonstrations of new methods and technology; and (3) to test and evaluate such pilot plants and demonstration projects. Directs the Administrator to establish a program for the collection and dissemination of information to assist Federal, State, interstate, regional, and local agencies in planning and building solid waste collection, recycling and recovery facilities. Sets forth specific areas to be covered by such program. Requires the Administrator to make grants to State, interstate, municipal and intermunicipal agencies for: (1) the implementation of solid waste management plans and planning programs; (2) the development and revision of solid waste disposal plans as part of regional environmental protection systems; (3) the development of interlocal regions and establishment of regional agencies; (4) the development of proposals for specified projects; and (5) the planning of programs for the removal and processing of abandoned motor vehicle bulks. Authorizes the Administrator to guarantee loans incurred by States, regional, or local government agencies to finance the construction of large-scale fuel, energy, or resource recovery facilities. Limits the total outstanding indebtedness allowed under this Act to $75,000,000. Sets forth procedures for applying for loan guarantees under this Act. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants to a State, regional authority or local government agency for the construction, operation, or maintenance of fuel, energy or resource recovery facilities when such facilities cannot be financed by any other means. Limits the amount of each such grant to 25 percent of the total cost of the project. Authorizes appropriations for the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 31 October 1975
Expresses Congressional disapproval of the proposed management of the construction of a Saudi Arabia National Guard headquarters complex by the United States Army Corps of Engineers as proposed by the President on October 23, 1975.
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 1975
Humane Methods of Slaughter Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to appoint inspectors to examine the method by which cattle sheep and other equines are slaughtered and handled in the slaughtering establishments inspected under the Federal Meat Inspection Act. Provides that such inspectors shall prevent the inhumane slaughtering of livestock. Directs such inspectors to label, mark, stamp or tag as "Inspected and condemned" all carcasses of animals which were not slaughtered by a humane method. Forbids the importation of meat into the United States unless the livestock from which it was produced was slaughtered by a humane method.
United States · United States Congress · 29 October 1975
Expresses the disapproval of the House of Representatives with respect to the deferral of budget authority by the President as reported October 23, 1975, for the National Institutes of Health for fiscal year 1976.
United States · United States Congress · 28 October 1975
National Climate Program Act - States that the purpose of this Act is to help the Nation respond more effectively to climate-induced problems by enabling its Government to be aware of and anticipate climate fluctuations and their domestic and international impacts, particularly in the areas of management and planning of domestic and international food supplies, and land, natural resource, and energy allocation and utilization. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to coordinate the establishment and operation of a climate program to collect, analyze and disseminate data concerning past, present and future climatic states, their fluctuations, and the influence of man's activities on the process of climatic dynamics. States that the program shall include, but not be limited to: (1) development of a climate impact warning system to provide both timely warnings and assessments of the risks of future climate impacts; (2) improvement of current monthly and seasonal temperature and precipitation predictions, particularly with respect to their impact on food production, availability of water resources, and energy consumption; and (3) development of mathematical-computer systems for the modeling, simulation, and prediction of climate and man's effects on climate. Directs the Secretary to consult and coordinate with climatic experts and with Federal departments and agencies. Requires the Secretary to establish advisory committees in the field of climatology and related fields. Specifies that the Secretary must prepare and submit an annual report for the President and the Congress on the administration of this Act, including, but not limited to: (1) a summary of the achievements of the climate program during the previous year; (2) a list of publications produced as a result of research sponsored under this Act; and (3) a summary of the outstanding problems encountered in the administration of this Act during the year. Authorizes to be appropriated to the participating Federal departments and agencies such sums to carry out the provisions of this Act as may be necessary, not to exceed $10,000,000 for the fiscal period beginning July 1, 1976, and ending September 30, 1976, not to exceed $42,000,000 for fiscal year 1977, not to exceed $48,000,000 for fiscal year 1978, and not to exceed $56,000,000 for fiscal year 1979.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 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 · 22 October 1975
Condemns the resolution adopted by the Third Committee of the United Nations General Assembly which equates Zionism with racism, and urges the U.N. General Assembly to disapprove such resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 1975
State and Local Fiscal Assistance Amendments - Revises the State and Local Fiscal Assistance Act in order to allow the Secretary of the Treasury to reserve such percentage of the total entitlement payment as he deems necessary to insure that there will be sufficient funds available to pay adjustments due after the final allocation of funds among the State governments and units of local government. Restricts the use of funds received by the local governments to local priority expenditures, including public safety, environmental protection, and other enumerated areas. Specifies minimum expenditure and other restrictions upon the use of such funds. Makes authorizations to the Trust Fund in amounts as specified. Revises the formula to be used in allocating funds between State and local governments. Indicates circumstances for which State and local governments shall have their entitlement reduced. Provides supplemental entitlements for low income communities. Sets forth procedures which must be adopted by State and local governments before allocation of funds shall be made pursuant to this Act. Provides that such procedures shall include citizen participation in the decision-making process. Forbids discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion or national origin, in the allocation of benefits or participation in any program funded by this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to take specified action against any unit of government violating this provision. Requires each State to submit a report to the Secretary setting forth the amounts and purposes for which funds have been spent or obligated. Provides for priavte remedies against violators of the provisions of this Act by governmental units.
![Official portrait of Rep. Drinan, Robert F. [D-MA-4]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/d000499_200.jpg)