United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1977
Amends rule XI of the Rules of the House to require that all committee meetings, including meetings for the mark-up of legislation, shall be open to the public, except when the committee determines in open session by roll call vote that the disclosure of the matter to be considered would endanger national security or violate any law or rule of the House of Representatives.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1977
Amends rule XXVII of the Rules of the House of Representatives to direct that it shall not be in order to entertain a motion to suspend the rules to consider any measure or matter unless the committee having jurisdiction over the measure or matter, by roll call vote, a majority being actually present, authorizes consideration of the measure or matter under a suspension of the rules, or if a written request has been filed with the Speaker by the chairman and ranking minority member of the committee having jurisdiction over the measure or matter, asking for its consideration under a suspension of the rules.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1977
Amends rule XIV of the Rules of the House of Representatives to require that an accurate account of words actually spoken on the floor of the House, together with permitted supporting data be printed in the Congressional Record. Limits revisions of verbatim remarks in the Record to the correction of grammatical and typographical errors which do not change the meaning, content, or substance of those remarks. Entitles Members to insert in the Record remarks not actually delivered on the floor. Stipulates that such insertions always be clearly distinguishable from words actually spoken on the floor.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1977
Amends rule XI of the Rules of the House of Representatives to require that, insofar as applicable, the House rules which apply to standing committees shall also apply to any select, special, or ad hoc committee, commission, or other entity established by the House.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1977
Amends rule XI of the Rules of the House of Representatives to require that records of committee actions be made available for public inspection except for information which would endanger national security or would violate any rule of the House.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1977
Amends rule X of the Rules of the House of Representatives to limit all standing committees with more than 20 employees, except the Committee on Appropriations, to no more than six subcommittees.
United States · United States Congress · 26 January 1977
Amends the Rules of the House of Representatives to permit the House, by appropriate resolution, to direct the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct to undertake an investigation of alleged misconduct on the part of any Member, officer, or employee of the House. Requires the committee to file a written report on its findings and recommendations whenever it has undertaken an investigation.
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1977
Financial Disclosure Act - Requires the President, Vice President, Members of Congress and candidates for those offices, justices and judges of the United States, Presidential nominees, officers and employees of the United States compensated at a rate equal to or in excess of the rate prescribed for the grade of GS-15, and members of the uniformed services compensated at a rate equal to or in excess of the monthly rate prescribed for grade O-6 to file in each calendar year, with the Comptroller General and other specified executive or administrative officers, a financial statement for the preceding calendar year if such individual has occupied or been a candidate for the office or position for more than 90 days in such calendar year. Specifies the content of such financial statements. Makes mandatory the inclusion in such report of all items held not only by the individual, but by the spouse, and dependents of such person, and those acting on the individual's behalf. Permits the President to exempt any individual in the Central Intelligence Agency, the Defense Intelligence Agency, and the National Security Agency, or other person engaged exclusively in intelligence activities from the requirement to file a report with the Comptroller General if such disclosure would reveal the identity of an undercover Federal agent. Makes failure to file and falsifying reports punishable by a fine and/or imprisonment. Requires the head of each agency, the Clerk of the House of Representatives, the Secretary of the Senate, and the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to submit annually to the Comptroller General a complete list of individuals required to file such a report. Requires the Comptroller General to refer to the Attorney General the names of all individuals who the Comptroller General have reasonable cause to believe has failed to file or falsified such report, and that if such an individual is a Member of Congress, that the name be referred to the appropriate Congressional committees. Requires the Comptroller General to make such reports available to the public for all purposes not excluded under this Act. Makes the House of Representatives, the Senate, the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts, the Chairman of the Civil Service Commission and the head of each agency responsible for the review of such reports in accordance with any law or regulation regarding conflicts of interest or confidential financial information. Directs the Comptroller General to conduct audits of each specified group at varying intervals, and gives the Comptroller General subpena power for the purpose of conducting such audits. Requires the Civil Service Commission and the Department of Justice to recommend to Congress such legislation as may be necessary in the area of financial conflicts of interest among Federal employees and officers.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1976
Authorizes hearing officers appointed by the Secretary of Labor to conduct hearings involving claims for black lung benefits filed under specified provisions of title IV of the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 1976
Permits the acceptance by the House of Representatives of a gift of a portrait of Leslie C. Arends of the State of Illinois, a former member. Provides that such portrait shall be displayed at a location in the United States Capitol Building, subject to approval of the Speaker of the House.
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 · 31 August 1976
Authorizes the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to implement a five-year demonstration program to increase the average annual diversion of water from Lake Michigan.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1976
Amends Rule X of the House of Representatives to provide that any Member of the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct may, at his own discretion, disqualify himself from participating in any investigation of the conduct of any Member, officer, or employee of the House. Provides that when such action is taken the Speaker of the House shall designate a Member of the House from the same political party as the disqualifying member of the committee to act as a Member of the committee.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1976
Amends Rule X of the House of Representatives to provide that any Member of the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct may, at his own discretion, disqualify himself from participating in any investigation of the conduct of any Member, officer, or employee of the House. Provides that when such action is taken the Speaker of the House shall designate a Member of the House from the same political party as the disqualifying member of the committee to act as a Member of the committee.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1976
Provides that the Committee on House Administration of the House of Representatives shall provide for the management and operation of the House restaurant and the cafeteria and other food service facilities of the House through the award of contracts. States that any such contract awarded by the committee shall be in effect beginning on the date of such award and ending on December 31, of the third calendar year following the calendar year in which the contract was awarded.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1976
Creates a House select committee which shall conduct an investigation of all records, memorandums, papers, documents, books, and other information of any standing or select committee of the House or officer of the House respecting expenses incurred by or on behalf of any such committee or its members or employees.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1976
Amends rule XXII of the Rules of the House of Representatives to remove the limitation on the number of Members who may introduce jointly any bill, memorial, or resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1976
Joint Committee on Intelligence Operations Act - Establishes a Congressional Joint Committee on Intelligence Operations to conduct continuing oversight of, and to exercise exclusive legislative jurisdiction over, the foreign intelligence activities of: (1) the Central Intelligence Agency; (2) the Defense Intelligence Agency; (3) the National Security Agency; (4) the Bureau of Intelligence and Research; (5) Army, Navy, and Air Force Intelligence; and (6) other agencies to the extent that such agencies engage in foreign intelligence activities. Requires that the Director of Central Intelligence must keep the joint committee fully informed with respect to all foreign intelligence activities of the United States. Sets forth the administrative powers of the joint committee. Charges the joint committee with the establishment of guidelines for the classification of information originating with the joint committee. Prescribes penalties for the public release of classified materials by any congressional officer, employee of the joint committee, or former congressional officer or employee of the joint committee. Requires that no nonintelligence gathering operation, under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, may be conducted until 30 days after the President reports such operation to the joint committee, unless it is essential to national security that such operation begin immediately. Ceases all such operations which at any time are disapproved by the joint committee.
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 1976
Provides that funds shall not be expended from the contingent fund of the House of Representatives for allowances to Members, officers, or standing committees of the House except through the adoption of a resolution by the House of Representatives.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1976
Agenda for Government Reform Act - Directs the President to report to Congress concerning the effects of Federal agency activity upon: (1) the transportation and agriculture industries by January 31, 1978; (2) the mining, heavy manufacturing, and public utilities industries by January 31, 1979; (3) the light manufacturing and construction industries by January 31, 1980; and (4) the communications, finance, insurance, real estate, trade, and service industries by January 31, 1981. Requires that such report include a determination of whether any such agency activity has fulfilled its purposes, whether it is duplicative or conflicts with other agency activity, and whether the benefits of such activity exceed its costs. Directs the President to present in such report his recommendation for reform. States that the Congressional committee to which a proposal made by the President is referred must report to its respective House a bill approving or disapproving, in whole or in part, such proposal. Provides that if such a bill has not been reported by November 15 next following the submission of such report, the President's proposal shall become the pending order of business in both Houses and remain so until acted upon.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1976
Public Service Employees Retirement Income Security Act - Sets forth regulations governing employee welfare or pension benefit plans established or maintained by State or local government entities. Requires that every employee benefit plan be established and maintained pursuant to a written instrument. Requires that such instrument provide for one or more named fiduciaries who jointly or severally shall have authority to control and manage the operation and administration of the plan. Specifies that all such fiduciaries shall discharge their duties with respect to a plan solely in the interest of the participants and beneficiaries. Requires that every benefit plan: (1) provide a procedure for establishing and carrying out a funding policy and method consistent with the objectives of the plan and the requirements of this Act; (2) describe any procedure under the plan for the allocation of responsibilities for the operation and administration of the plan; (3) provide a procedure for amending such plan, and for identifying the persons who have authority to amend the plan; and (4) specify the basis on which payments are to be made to and from the plan. Requires that all assets of an employee benefit plan be held in trust by one or more trustees. Specifies the method of appointment of the trustees and stipulates that the trustees shall have exclusive authority and discretion to manage and control the assets of the plan, subject to limitations. Establishes qualifications for, and limitations on, the acquisition and holding of securities and real property by plans subject to this Act. Prohibits any fiduciary who has the authority or discretion to control or manage the assets of a plan from permitting the plan to hold or acquire any employer security or employer real property if such fiduciary knows or should know that holding such security or real property violates this Act. Directs the Secretary of Labor to establish an exemption procedure under which an exemption of any fiduciary or transaction, or any class of fiduciaries or transactions, from the securities and real property holding restrictions of this Act may be granted. Prohibits the Secretary from granting any such exemption unless the exemption is: (1) administratively feasible; (2) in the interests of the plan and its participants and beneficiaries; and (3) protective of the rights of participants and beneficiaries of such plan. Authorizes the following transactions by fiduciaries and plans, with specified limitations: (1) loans made by the plan to parties in interest who are participants or beneficiaries of the plan; (2) contracts or arrangements with a party in interest for office space, or legal, accounting, or other services necessary for the establishment or operation of the plan; (3) provision of any ancillary service by a bank or similar financial institution supervised by the United States or a State, if such bank or other institution is a fiduciary of such plan; (4) exercise of a privilege to convert securities, to the extent provided in regulations of the Secretary of Labor; and (5) distribution of the assets of the plan by a fiduciary in accordance with the terms of the plan if such assets are distributed in the same manner as assets are allocated under specified provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. Specifies reporting and disclosure requirements to be followed by the administrator of an employee benefit plan with respect to the Secretary of Labor and plan participants. Declares that any person who is a fiduciary with respect to a plan who breaches any of the responsibilities, obligations, or duties imposed upon fiduciaries by this Act shall be personally liable to make good to such plan any losses resulting from such breach. Declares void any agreement or instrument which purports to relieve a fiduciary from such liability. Prohibits persons who have been convicted of specified crimes from serving as fiduciaries of employee benefit plans during, or for five years after, such conviction, or imprisonment for such conviction. Imposes criminal penalties for violation of this Act. Specifies the grounds for civil actions which may be brought by the participant, fiduciary, or beneficiary of an employee benefit plan or the Secretary of Labor, to enforce the provisions of this Act with respect to such plan. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to investigate fully the operation of any employee benefit plan to determine whether such plan is in compliance with this Act. Sets forth a procedure for the denial of benefits to any participant or beneficiary by any employee benefit plan. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to prescribe such regulations as may be necessary or appropriate to carry out the provisions of this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to enable the Secretary to carry out the duties and responsibilities imposed by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1976
Public Service Employees Retirement Income Security Act - Sets forth regulations governing employee welfare or pension benefit plans established or maintained by State or local government entities. Requires that every employee benefit plan be established and maintained pursuant to a written instrument. Requires that such instrument provide for one or more named fiduciaries who jointly or severally shall have authority to control and manage the operation and administration of the plan. Specifies that all such fiduciaries shall discharge their duties with respect to a plan solely in the interest of the participants and beneficiaries. Requires that every benefit plan: (1) provide a procedure for establishing and carrying out a funding policy and method consistent with the objectives of the plan and the requirements of this Act; (2) describe any procedure under the plan for the allocation of responsibilities for the operation and administration of the plan; (3) provide a procedure for amending such plan, and for identifying the persons who have authority to amend the plan; and (4) specify the basis on which payments are to be made to and from the plan. Requires that all assets of an employee benefit plan be held in trust by one or more trustees. Specifies the method of appointment of the trustees and stipulates that the trustees shall have exclusive authority and discretion to manage and control the assets of the plan, subject to limitations. Establishes qualifications for, and limitations on, the acquisition and holding of securities and real property by plans subject to this Act. Prohibits any fiduciary who has the authority or discretion to control or manage the assets of a plan from permitting the plan to hold or acquire any employer security or employer real property if such fiduciary knows or should know that holding such security or real property violates this Act. Directs the Secretary of Labor to establish an exemption procedure under which an exemption of any fiduciary or transaction, or any class of fiduciaries or transactions, from the securities and real property holding restrictions of this Act may be granted. Prohibits the Secretary from granting any such exemption unless the exemption is: (1) administratively feasible; (2) in the interests of the plan and its participants and beneficiaries; and (3) protective of the rights of participants and beneficiaries of such plan. Authorizes the following transactions by fiduciaries and plans, with specified limitations: (1) loans made by the plan to parties in interest who are participants or beneficiaries of the plan; (2) contracts or arrangements with a party in interest for office space, or legal, accounting, or other services necessary for the establishment or operation of the plan; (3) provision of any ancillary service by a bank or similar financial institution supervised by the United States or a State, if such bank or other institution is a fiduciary of such plan; (4) exercise of a privilege to convert securities, to the extent provided in regulations of the Secretary of Labor; and (5) distribution of the assets of the plan by a fiduciary in accordance with the terms of the plan if such assets are distributed in the same manner as assets are allocated under specified provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. Specifies reporting and disclosure requirements to be followed by the administrator of an employee benefit plan with respect to the Secretary of Labor and plan participants. Declares that any person who is a fiduciary with respect to a plan who breaches any of the responsibilities, obligations, or duties imposed upon fiduciaries by this Act shall be personally liable to make good to such plan any losses resulting from such breach. Declares void any agreement or instrument which purports to relieve a fiduciary from such liability. Prohibits persons who have been convicted of specified crimes from serving as fiduciaries of employee benefit plans during, or for five years after, such conviction, or imprisonment for such conviction. Imposes criminal penalties for violation of this Act. Specifies the grounds for civil actions which may be brought by the participant, fiduciary, or beneficiary of an employee benefit plan or the Secretary of Labor, to enforce the provisions of this Act with respect to such plan. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to investigate fully the operation of any employee benefit plan to determine whether such plan is in compliance with this Act. Sets forth a procedure for the denial of benefits to any participant or beneficiary by any employee benefit plan. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to prescribe such regulations as may be necessary or appropriate to carry out the provisions of this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to enable the Secretary to carry out the duties and responsibilities imposed by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1976
Higher Education Amendments - Title I: Amendments to the Higher Education Act - Extends the authority of the Commissioner of Education to make grants to eligible students under the Higher Education Act of 1965. Extends the authorization for appropriations for specified provisions of such Act. Requires the Commissioner to publish by July 1, in the Federal Register, a schedule of expected family contributions for purposes of eligibility for basic educational opportunity grants under such Act. States that if Congress, by resolution, disapproves such schedule the Commissioner shall publish a new schedule together with a statement identifying the recommendations made in connection with such resolution. Includes as part of the criteria the Commissioner shall use in promulgating regulations with respect to such expected contribution any educational expenses of other dependent children in the family. Includes as part of "effective family income" as defined under such Act, Social Security payments to the student which would not have been paid if such individual were not a student. Extends the authorization for appropriations in such sums as may be necessary for payments to the States for incentive grants to students under such Act. Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1980 for work-study programs under such Act. Authorizes institutions receiving funds under such programs to use a portion of such funds for administrative expenses and for job location and development programs. Authorizes the Commissioner to enter into agreements with eligible institutions for programs which locate and develop jobs for currently enrolled students, if such institution provides specific assurances to the Commissioner. Extends the authorization for appropriations to enable the Commissioner to make grants to institutions of higher learning for cooperative education programs under such Act. Authorizes appropriations for training, demonstration, research grants or contracts for such programs. Sets forth the requirements which institutions of higher learning must meet to become eligible for cooperative education grants. States that in approving applications for such grants the Commissioner shall give priority to programs which show the greatest promise of success. Sets forth criteria for making such determination. Requires that, in the case of default on a loan made under the direct student loan program under such Act, the Commissioner be notified of such default in a report describing the total number of loans from such loan fund which are in default. Repeals the requirement that the Commissioner be notified when a student is no longer in good standing for payments to be suspended to such student. Authorizes institutions to permit borrowers to pay less than the $30 per month repayment minimum under such Act in cases of hardship. Requires that any agreement between an institution and a student for a loan from such fund shall provide that the liability to repay such loan be cancelled upon the death or permanent and total disability of the borrower. Makes training grants available to the States for the purpose of designing and developing programs to increase the proficiency of institutional and State financial aid administrators in all aspects of student financial aid. Authorizes appropriations for such purpose. Authorizes appropriations for community service programs under such Act and for continuing education programs as defined in this Act. Sets forth how such appropriations are to be allotted to the States and American territories. Requires any State to be eligible for such assistance to create a State advisory council which shall submit a State plan which establishes a comprehensive and coordinated Statewide system of community service and continuing education programs. Prohibits the Commissioner from requiring any State to make any agreement or submit any data which is not specifically required under such Act. States that in a judicial review of the Commissioner's disapproval of a State plan or suspension from participation in any such programs, the Commissioner shall have the burden of proof that the State's plan or administration of such plan is at variance with any of the provisions of such Act. Authorizes the Commissioner to make available technical assistance to States and to institutions of higher education. Extends appropriations for college library programs under such Act. Repeals provisions of such Act relating to financial assistance to the Library of Congress for the acquisition and cataloging of library material. Extends appropriations for assistance to developing institutions, education professions development programs, and improvement of undergraduate instruction programs under such Act. Directs the Commissioner to authorize grants to institutions for the renovation and modernization of undergraduate and graduate academic facilities. Sets forth the criteria which the Commissioner shall use in determining the priorities of eligible construction projects. Defines "renovation or modernization" for purposes of this Act. Extends the graduate program grants and general assistance grants to institutions of higher learning under such Act. Requires the Commissioner to conduct public hearings before disapproving any State Commission plan filed pursuant to such Act for grants to community colleges and occupational education. Authorizes appropriations for such grants through fiscal year 1977. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to existing community colleges to: (1) assist them in modifying their educational programs and instructional delivery systems to provide educational programs for persons whose educational needs have been inadequately served; and (2) assist them in expanding their enrollment capacity or in establishing new educational sites. Revises the Federal share of carrying out projects through grants to enable community colleges to lease facilities. Extends appropriations through fiscal year 1977 for occupational education programs under such Act. Repeals provisions of such Act relating to: (1) programs for institutions of higher education to share technical and other educational and administrative facilities and resources; and (2) law school clinical experience programs. Sets forth funding requirements for specified provisions of such Act. Title II: Amendments to Other Acts - Amends the National Defense Education Act to authorize the Commissioner to carry out programs to increase the understanding of students in the United States about the cultures and actions of other nations. Extends the authorization for appropriations to carry out the purposes of such Act through fiscal year 1977. Extends the authorization for appropriations to carry out the provisions of the General Education Provisions Act through fiscal year 1977.
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 · 19 February 1976
Repeals the Presidential Primary Matching Payment Account Act. Prohibits the Secretary of the Treasury from transferring any amounts of money to any candidate seeking nomination for election to the office of President after the enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 February 1976
Higher Education Amendments - Extends the authorization for appropriations in the amount of $110,000,000 to carry out the provisions of the Higher Education Act of 1965. Removes specified limitations for grants under such act to developing institutions on Indian reservations or if such grant will increase higher education for Spanish speaking people. Increases the membership of the Advisory Council on Developing Institutions from nine to 12. Includes as a purpose of the student assistance programs under such Act, the providing of educational opportunity grants to students who would otherwise be unable to obtain the benefits of a postsecondary education. Extends basic educational opportunity grants under such Act through fiscal year 1979. Provides that the amount of the basic grant shall not exceed 50 percent of the difference between the cost of attendance at an eligible educational institution and the expected family contribution with respect to that student. Authorizes the Commissioner of Education to prescribe, by regulation, an average cost of attendance at such institution in lieu of the actual cost if such regulation will assist in the administration of such programs. Includes social security benefits as a criteria for determining the expected family contribution. Repeals the supply education opportunity grants program under such Act. Authorizes appropriations of $44,000,000 annually through fiscal year 1979 for payments to States for educational grants to students. Provides that no student shall be excluded from eligibility for State grants solely by the reason of the public or nonprofit private character of the institution of higher education attended. Authorizes appropriations of $60,331,000 annually through fiscal year 1979 for special programs for disadvantaged students under such Act. States that such programs shall include projects to identify qualified youths and to assist such youths: (1) in reentering or completing secondary school or the equivalent; (2) in preparing to enter postsecondary study; (3) in deciding on a postsecondary program and gaining admission to such program; and (4) obtaining financial assistance to pursue such a program. Repeals provisions under such Act relating to Assistance to Institutions of Higher Education. Extends appropriations for guaranteed student loan programs under such Act through fiscal year 1979. Extends the Federal insurance on such loans to September 30, 1983. Authorizes the Commissioner to increase the loan limitation to $25,000 for students engaged in specialized training which requires exceptionally high costs of education. Authorizes the Secretary to extend repayment of loans exceeding $10,000 for more than ten years. Provides for repayments in variable installments for such loans. Directs the Commissioner to make any necessary determinations (except for good standing) for Federal interest subsidy payment loans to students attending eligible institutions outside the United States. Directs the State to make such determinations for State student loans. Permits the compounding of interest on student loans. Increases the maximum annual interest rate on such loans from seven percent to eight percent. Allows the Commissioner to enter into guaranty agreements with State loan programs to reimburse such agencies for loss of accrued interest on the loan in case of default. Increases the maximum insurance premiums the Commissioner may charge for insurance on quaranteed student loans from one-fourth of one percent to one percent. Allows the Commissioner to delegate specified functions to the regional offices of the Office of Education including: (1) review applications for loan insurance and issuing contracts for Federal loan insurance; and (2) receiving and approving claims for payments on student loans in default. Increases the special allowance paid by the Commissioner to holders of loans under the Emergency Insured Student Loan Act of 1969 from three to four percent per annum on any loan made prior to 180 days after enactment of this Act. Extends the Emergency Insured Student Loan Act until October 1, 1979. Authorizes appropriations of $250,000,000 annually through fiscal year 1979 for work-study programs under the Higher Education Act. Directs that one-third of such appropriations be directed at programs for children of families at the poverty level as determined under this Act. Authorizes the Commissioner to reallocate amounts to States provided under such Act if the amount exceeds that which is required for work-study programs at institutions of higher education. Includes as being eligible for grants under such programs, persons who are beyond the age of compulsory school attendance and have the ability to benefit from such programs. Provides that the Federal share of the compensation to students in work-study programs shall not exceed 80 percent for fiscal year 1976, 70 percent for fiscal year 1977, 60 percent for fiscal year 1978, and 50 percent for fiscal year 1979. Allows the Commissioner to increase such percentage if required to further the purposes of such programs. Authorizes appropriations of $8,000,000 annually through fiscal year 1979 for cooperative education programs under such Act. Requires, under the National Direct Student Loan Program, institutions which were granted funds under such program to maintain the fund established under such program for the purpose of making loans to needy students. Requires that any proceeds from the sale of student loans made out of such fund be deposited into the student loan fund. Exempts student loans from specified provisions of such Act. Increases the interest rates on such loans to eight percent. Provides that the liability to repay any student loans shall be cancelled upon the death or permanent and total disability of the borrower. Provides that any student loan fund established under such Act may continue in existence, under the control of the institution of higher education at which such fund was established. Provides for a capital distribution of such fund if the liquid assets of the fund exceed the amount required for loans or the fund is no longer being used solely for the purposes set forth in such Act. Specifies how such fund shall be distributed. Requires as a criteria of eligibility for institutions under such Act, that such institution: (1) permit the Commissioner to have access to the financial, attendance, admission, and other records maintained by the institution; (2) comply with standards of financial responsibility and institutional capability for administration of such student financial aid programs prescribed by the Commissioner; and (3) comply with regulations concerning the maintenance of specified records. Authorizes the Commissioner to establish regulations regarding eligibility, termination, and participation in programs under such Act. Directs the Commissioner to publish a list of State agencies which are determined to be reliable authority as to the quality of public postsecondary vocational education or training to determine eligibility for such programs. Includes in the definition of "institution of higher learning" under such Act institutions which admit students beyond the age of compulsory school attendance who have an ability to benefit from the training offered by such institution. Directs the National Advisory Committee on Institutional Eligibility to advise the Commissioner regarding standards to qualify institutions or programs in such category to participate in programs under such Act. Authorizes the Commissioner to prescribe, by regulations, coordinated procedures to reduce paperwork, and exchange information with agencies, institutions, and other organizations participating in student assistance programs to coordinate the administration of such programs. Includes as a purpose of the education development programs under such Act the providing of in-service training to currently qualified or tenured teachers to meet new and emerging problems in education and providing additional skills to assist administrative personnel in carrying out such programs. Authorizes appropriations of $37,500,000 annually through fiscal year 1979 for provisions relating to the attracting and qualifying of teachers to work in low-income areas under such Act. Repeals provisions of such Act relating to: (1) fellowships for teachers and related educational personnel; and (2) training programs for educational personnel in higher education, vocational education, and other than higher education institutions. Includes as a purpose of the Teacher Corps programs under such Act the training of educational personnel other than teachers and teachers' aides in elementary and secondary schools. Directs the Commissioner to promulgate regulations setting forth criteria for the funding of demonstration projects under such program. States that the fund for higher education academic facilities loans and loan insurance established under such Act shall be available to the Commissioner for the purpose of meeting obligations with respect to loans and loan commitments for the construction of academic facilities made or entered into prior to July 1, 1975. Authorizes the Commissioner to award fellowships under such Act to enable veterans to resume study under college teacher fellowships interrupted by service in the Armed Forces. Repeals provisions regarding graduate school programs under such Act which relate to grants to institutions of higer education, public service fellowships and general assistance to graduate schools. Establishes a National Advisory Committee on Institutional Eligibility in the Office of Education to advise and make recommendations to the Commissioner with respect to all matters pertaining to institutional and program eligibility. Requires such Committee to make an annual report to Congress with a summary of the Committee's activities, findings, and recommendations. Repeals the following titles of the Higher Education Act of 1965: (1) Community Service Program Grants; (2) Library Assistance; (3) Financial Assistance for the Improvement of Undergraduate Instruction; (4) Education for the Public Service; (5) Law School Clinical Experience Programs; and (6) General Provisions. Authorizes appropriations of $8,640,000 annually through fiscal year 1979 for language development programs under the National Defense Education Act of 1958. Repeals the International Education Act of 1966. Authorizes appropriations under the General Education Provisions Act of $17,500,000 annually through fiscal year 1979. Makes available to the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, one-half of one percent of the amount appropriated for programs under such Act or $25,000,000 whichever is less for carrying out planning and evaluation activities described under such Act. States that such amount shall be used for the evaluation of programs under specified Acts relating to education.
United States · United States Congress · 18 February 1976
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a limited deduction for amounts paid by or on behalf of an individual for an individual retirement account, an individual retirement annuity, an individual retirement bond, an employee's trust, or an annuity contract.
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 1976
Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to admit free of import duty all operatic sets produced in Czechoslovakia by the designer, Swoboda, for the use of the Lyric Opera of Chicago, Illinois, in its Bicentennial production of "Paradise Lost".
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 · 19 December 1975
Establishes, under the Congressional Budget Act, a zero-base budgeting process. States that such process shall consist of requiring each Congressional committee responsible for reporting legislation authorizing appropriations for any Federal program to conduct a comprehensive review and study of such program at least once every six years as though it were being proposed to be enacted for the first time. Provides that such comprehensive reviews shall include consideration of (1) alternative funding levels, (2) probable costs and benefits, (3) whether the original program objectives are still relevant, (4) the impact of the program on the functions and freedom of the private sector of the economy, and (5) the feasibility of alternative programs. Authorizes the Committees on the Budget of the House of Representatives and the Senate to establish guidelines and standards for the conduct by the various committees of the House and Senate of their zero-based budgeting functions. Makes technical and conforming amendments to the Congressional Budgeting Act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 December 1975
Exempts specified transportation employees of private carriers of property by motor vehicle from the provisions of the Walsh-Healey Act relating to maximum and overtime hours of labor.
United States · United States Congress · 8 December 1975
Rehabilitation Act Amendments - Extends under the Rehabilitation Act, the authorization of appropriations for: (1) vocational rehabilitation services; (2) research and training; (3) grants for construction of rehabilitation facilities; (4) vocational training services for handicapped individuals; (5) special projects and demonstrations; (6) the National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths and Adults; (7) program and project evaluation; (8) secretarial responsibilities; and (9) the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board.
United States · United States Congress · 1 December 1975
Repeals the provisions of the postal law relating to the private carriage of letters. Eliminates criminal penalties for conveying letters and packets on a private express basis. (Repeals 39 U.S.C. 601, 602: 18 U.S.C. 1694 - 1697; Amends 18 U.S.C. 1698 - 1699)
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1975
Truth in Government Accounting Act - Requires that the United States Government prepare and make public annual consolidated financial statements utilizing the accrual method of accounting.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 1975
Title I: Emergency Natural Gas Authority - Natural Gas Emergency Standby Act - Declares the finding of the Congress that the Nation will suffer severe shortages of natural gas during the heating season from November 1975 through March 1976. Grants the Federal Power Commission authority to allow natural gas companies which transport natural gas in interstate commerce with inadequate quantities of natural gas to meet the requirements of their high priority consumers of natural gas, to purchase natural gas from sources not in interstate commerce and from other such companies on an emergency basis free from specified requirements of the Natural Gas Act. Grants the Federal Energy Administration the authority to prohibit the use of natural gas as boiler fuel. Grants the President the standby authority to allocate propane gas during periods of actual or threatened severe shortages of natural gas. Authorizes civil penalties of not more than $2,500 for each violation or violations of orders or regulations issued by the President under such standby authority. Provides that this title shall expire on midnight April 4, 1976. Title II: Natural Gas Act Amendments - Provides for the termination of the regulation by the Federal Power Commission of the sale of new natural gas to natural gas companies for resale in interstate commerce pursuant to the Natural Gas Act. Directs the Commission to conduct studies of the production, gathering, shortage, distribution, and sale of natural, artificial, or synthetic gas throughout the United States and its possessions. Requires the Commission to secure and keep information regarding the ownership, management, and control of all facilities for production and distribution of such gas. Requires a report by the Commission to the President and the Congress. Directs the Commission to establish a national ceiling for rates and charges for the sale or transfer in interstate commerce by any person of new natural gas produced from offshore Federal lands on or after January 1, 1975, through December 31, 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 1975
Student Financial Aid Act - Authorizes the appropriation of $20,000,000 for advancement to the States for purposes of reserve funds for student low-interest insured loans for students in institutions of higher learning. Sets forth the scope and duration of the Federal loan insurance program for such students under this Act. Sets amount limitations for fiscal years through 1980. Provides for the determination of student borrower eligibility under the Higher Education Act of 1965. Sets forth requirements which the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare shall determine to have been met by State or nonprofit institutions or organizations under agreements for purposes of entitling students receiving student loans under such Act to have payments made on their behalf. Authorizes the Federal payment of a portion of interest costs on student loans to the loan holder at the time the loan is made under circumstances specified under this Act. Provides for the Federal payment of interest upon the default of students under the Federal loan insurance fund. Establishes an insurance fund to make available without fiscal year limitations funds for the payments under this Act in connection with defaulted loans. Sets forth the legal powers and duties of the Secretary under this Act. Provides for the participation of Federal credit unions in student loan programs. Authorizes the establishment by the Mayor of the District of Columbia of a student loan insurance program. Provides for the Federal payment of loans when the borrower is disabled or dies. Establishes a Student Loan Marketing Association to serve as a secondary market to handle loans under this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of $5,000,000 to establish such Association. Requires the repayment of such an advancement. Sets forth the powers and duties of the Association. Authorizes the Commissioner of Education to make direct student loans to students in need. Sets the terms of such loans. Sets penalties for excess defaults of student loans under 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 · 8 October 1975
Provides that within 15 days after the passage of this Act, the Federal Power Commission shall by regulation exempt natural gas companies from regulation under the Natural Gas Act of any activities or operation relating to the transportation or sale of natural gas; including natural gas subject to any contract for the sale or delivery of such gas, to any interstate natural gas pipeline company which does not have a sufficient supply of natural gas to fulfill the firm contractual requirements of specified customers, and which is curtailing deliveries pursuant to a curtailment plan on file with the Commission. Provides that no exemption granted under this Act shall exceed one year in duration, but the Commission may, for good cause shown, extend any exemption granted for an additional one year. States that the Commission shall not deny, in whole or in part, the purchase price paid by an interstate natural gas pipeline company for gas exempted under this Act and regulations issued hereunder.
United States · United States Congress · 7 October 1975
National Food Stamp Reform Act - Defines the term "income" as used in the Food Stamp Act as the monthly gross income of all members of a household, including any in-kind payment, and the total value of any publicly funded assistance payments which supplement food and housing needs. Excludes specified individuals from the definition of "household. Provides for the distribution of federally donated foods to households upon the request by a political subdivision that such distribution be made to all eligible households in lieu of food stamps. Excludes households from eligibility for food stamps: (1) if the monthly household income exceeds the poverty index level of income established by the Office of Management and Budget; or (2) if the market value of liquid and nonliquid resources of a household consisting of one individual exceeds $1,500 or the resources of a multiple member household exceed $2,250 exclusive of specified resources. Excludes from eligibility households which include an able-bodied adult between the ages of 18 and 65 who is enrolled in an institution of postsecondary education and such enrollment is a substitute for fulltime employment. Declares that a refusal to work at a plant or site because of a strike or other labor dispute shall be deemed a refusal to work which makes the household of the nonworking individual ineligible for food stamps. Rejects as an excuse for refusal to accept work a condition of employment which requires an individual to join, resign from, or refrain from joining any labor organization. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to require each household receiving benefits under this Act to report its income at least once each month. Requires food coupons to be designed with a space for the recipient to sign upon receipt and again at redemption. Requires one member of each eligible household to be issued a photo-identification card with a color photograph of the recipient. States that such card must be presented at redemption at a food store. Sets forth specific instructions to provide control and accountability over the distribution of food coupons to State agencies. Ties the value of the coupon allotment to the overall retail cost-of-living index. States that the "nutritionally adequate diet" as used to determine the amount of the coupon allotment shall mean the low-cost food plan developed by the Agricultural Research Service of the Department of Agriculture. Establishes as the charge a household shall pay for its coupon allotment the lesser of: (1) the percentage of its income which would be expended for food by an average household of its size and income range in the same region of the country; or (2) 30 percent. Provides, under the requirements for State plans for the administration of the food stamp program, for closer State supervision of eligibility by households. Requires the State agencies administering the program to conduct nutrition education programs for recipients. States that the United States Postal Service shall serve as a food stamp issuing agency upon the request of a State food stamp administration agency. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to pay the States 100 percent of the costs of providing food stamps to eligible aliens, and 75 percent of the costs of State investigations, prosecutions, collections of claims and other State activities related to retrieving food stamp losses. Provides for payment by the Federal Government to the States of a share of the difference between the face value of the coupon allotment and the amount charged eligible households for the allotment. Sets forth the method of determining and paying the Federal share. Directs the transfer of all functions of the Secretary of Agriculture under the Food Stamp Act to the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare.
United States · United States Congress · 2 October 1975
Title I: Oil Pricing Act - Extends the authority of the President to promulgate regulations providing for the mandatory allocation of crude oil, residual fuel oil and refined petroleum products until January 31, 1979. Requires such regulations to provide for a primary ceiling price for controlled old crude oil not to exceed the ceiling price for controlled old crude oil pursuant to the regulation in effect on August 31, 1975, and for a secondary ceiling price for all crude oil other than controlled old crude oil. States that if the President finds at any time after November 1, 1975, that there is no shortage of a particular oil or product, and that exempting such product from regulation will not have an adverse effect on the supply of any other oil or refined petroleum products, he may exempt such item from regulations pertaining to either allocation of amounts or specifications of price. Title II: Oil Deregulation Tax Act - Imposes an excise tax under the Internal Revenue Code on the deregulation profits from taxable domestic crude oil removed from the premises during each taxable period, in an amount equal to 90 percent of the deregulation profit from each taxable barrel of crude oil removed. Allows a tax credit for persons subject to such tax in an amount equal to the lower of 50 percent of the amount of tax imposed for such taxable period or such person's plowback investment for such taxable period. Requires the purchaser of domestic crude oil to furnish to the person liable for such tax a monthly statement showing specified information, including: (1) the amount of domestic crude oil purchased from such person during such month, and (2) the amount of taxable domestic crude oil purchased from such person during such month. Establishes criminal penalties for willful failure to furnish required information regarding the deregulation profits tax on domestic crude oil.
United States · United States Congress · 23 September 1975
Adds rule XLV to the Rules of the House of Representatives. Provides that the Congressional Record shall contain an accurate and verbatim account of remarks delivered on the floor of the House together with supportive data. Directs that revisions of the Record shall be limited to the correction of grammatical and typographical errors. Allows insertions in the Record of remarks not actually delivered on the floor by unanimous consent. Requires that such insertions be printed in a type face distinctively different from that used for verbatim remarks.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1975
Prohibits all persons, other than individuals, or specified political party organizations, from making any political contribution to candidates for Federal office. Limits an individual's contributions to one candidate to $1,000. Limits to $5,000 the amount which any national committee, State committee, or local committee of a political party may make to any candidate with respect to an election to Federal office.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1975
Medicare Long-Term Care Act - Establishes, under title XVIII of the Social Security Act (Medicare), a voluntary program to provide long-term care benefits for aged and disabled individuals who elect to enroll under such program, financed from premium payments by enrollees together with contributions from funds appropriated by the Federal Government and contributions by the States. Lists criteria for eligibility for long-term care service benefits. Provides that the benefits provided to an individual by this Act shall consist of (1) home health services, (2) homemaker services, (3) nutrition services, (4) long-term institutional care services, (5) day care and foster home services, and (6) community mental health center outpatient services. Enumerates the requirements for a State long-term care agency. Provides for the payment of premiums for benefits received under this Act. Establishes on the books of the Treasury of the United States a trust fund to be known as the Federal Long-Term Care Trust Fund. Creates a body to be known as the Board of Trustees, composed of the Secretary of the Treasury, the Secretary of Labor, and the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, all ex officio. States that the Secretary of the Treasury shall be the Managing Trustee of the Board of Trustees and that the Commissioner of Social Security shall serve as the Secretary of the Board of Trustees. Provides that the Board of Trustees shall meet not less frequently than once each calendar year. Enumerates the duties of the Board of Trustees. Declares that a community long-term care center shall: (1) provide the items and services listed in this Act to each individual (i) who is eligible for benefits under this part, (ii) who resides in the area served by such center and (iii) who is certified as requiring such services; (2) evaluate and certify the long-term care needs of an individual for whom such care may be required in order to maintain such individual in an independent living arrangement which is reasonable given such individual's state of health and other circumstances (but not including such individual's economic circumstances); (3) maintain a continuous relationship with (and periodically evaluate not less than annually) each individual who is receiving any of the items and services listed in this Act; (4) provide full opportunity for such individual and his family to participate in the determinations and functions under this Act; (5) provide an organized system for making its existence and location known to all individuals in its service area who are eligible for benefits under this part, and for making known to such individuals the method or methods by which they may most efficiently obtain and use the services which it makes available; and (6) performs such other functions as the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare may by regulation prescribe in order to have such center most effectively carry out the purposes of this Act. Provides a formula for payments to States for the reimbursement of community long-term care centers. Directs the Secretary, after consultation with organizations representing the chief executives of the various States, and other interested parties, to develop and make available to community long-term care centers one or more methods of obtaining payment for the benefits covered under this Act on a prospective basis. States that once a community long-term care center elects a particular prospective method, it may not alter its election without the prior approval of the Secretary. Provides that whenever the Secretary finds that the number of community long-term care centers electing a particular prospective payment method promulgated in accordance with this Act is not sufficient to provide an adequate basis for either the operation or evaluation of that method, the Secretary shall withdraw that method and allow the community long-term care centers which have elected such method to select another method withn 30 days of notice of such withdrawal. Permits a Governor of a State to certify to the Secretary a method of prospective payment other than those promulgated under this Act. States that the determination of whether an individual is entitled to benefits under this Act shall be made by the Secretary in accordance with regulations prescribed by him. Provides for increases in supplemental security income benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 3 September 1975
Requires that any rule or regulation proposed by any officer or agency of the executive branch of the Federal Government to implement a law or a program pursuant to a law must be submitted to both Houses of Congress for review. States that such rule or regulation shall become effective 60 legislative days after submission if Congress neither disapproves it by resolution or passes a concurrent resolution specifically approving such rule or regulation. Incorporates the provisions of this Act into the rules of the two Houses of Congress. Establishes procedural rules with respect to the consideration of a resolution disapproving the proposed rule or regulation.
United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1975
Substitutes, under the National Labor Relations Act, trials before U.S. District Courts for hearings before trial examiners in cases of unfair labor practices. Directs that such trials be conducted by the court without a jury.
![Official portrait of Rep. Erlenborn, John N. [R-IL-13]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/e000204_200.jpg)