United States · United States Congress · 13 April 1976
Local Public Works Capital Development and Investment Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the Economic Development Administration, to make grants to any State or local government for local public works projects, including but not limited to: (1) those public works projects of State and local governments for which Federal financial assistance is authorized under provisions of law other than this Act; and (2) the architectual design, engineering, and related planning of local public works projects. Stipulates that the Federal share of any project for which a grant is made under this Act shall be 100 percent of the cost of such project. Authorizes the Secretary to make an additional grant for the purposes of increasing to 100 percent the Federal contribution to a public works project for which Federal financial assistance is authorized under provisions of law other than this Act. Stipulates that no such grants shall be made for any project which has as its principal purpose the channelization, damming, dredging, or diversion of a natural watercourse, or the enlargement of any canal other than a canal designated as a historic site. Directs the Secretary to prescribe rules, regulation, and procedures necessary to carry out this Act. Lists factors that the Secretary shall consider in accordance with the relative needs of the various sections of the country, with priority consideration to those areas where unemployment exceeds the national average. Stipulates that not less then one-half of one percent nor more than ten percent of all amounts authorized under this title shall be allocated for local public works projects within any one State. Authorizes the appropriation of $2,000,000,000 through fiscal year 1977 in order to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 April 1976
Authorizes any taxpayer to elect to have any portion of any overpayment of tax or any contribution in money which the taxpayer forwards with the return for such taxable year, under the Internal Revenue Code, be available, as the taxpayer may designate on such return, for the National Endowment for the Arts or the National Endowment for the Humanities.
United States · United States Congress · 12 April 1976
Permits the enlistment of Vietnamese and Cambodian refugees into the U.S. Armed Forces if the Secretary of the military department concerned determines that any such alien intends to make a legal declaration of intention to become a citizen of the United States after his or her status has been adjusted to that of an alien admitted for permanent residence. States that the authority to enlist such aliens into the Armed Forces shall expire 12 months after the enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 April 1976
Indo-Chinese Refugee Status Adjustment Act - Permits the Attorney General, under the Immigration and Nationality Act, to adjust the status of any alien from Indochina to permanent resident without regard to immigration quotas or lack of possession by such alien of specified required immigration documents. States such alien need only be eligible to receive an immigrant visa to qualify for such change of status.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1976
Establishes a Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe. Authorizes and directs the Commission to monitor the acts of the signatories to the Final Act of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (Helsinki Agreement) with respect to their compliance with the articles of such Act, particularly with regard to the provisions relating to cooperation in humanitarian fields. Stipulates that the Commission shall be composed of four Members of the House of Representatives, four Senators, and one member each of the Departments of State, Defense, and Commerce, as appointed by the President.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1976
Local Public Works Capital Development and Investment Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the Economic Development Administration, to make grants to any State or local government for local public works projects, including but not limited to: (1) those public works projects of State and local governments for which Federal financial assistance is authorized under provisions of law other than this Act; and (2) the architectural design, engineering, and related planning of local public works projects. Stipulates that the Federal share of any project for which a grant is made under this Act shall be 100 percent of the cost of such project. Authorizes the Secretary to make an additional grant for the purpose of increasing to 100 percent the Federal contribution to a public works project for which Federal financial assistance is authorized under provisions of law other than this Act. Stipulates that no such grants shall be made for any project which has as its principal purpose the channelization, damming, dredging, or diversion of a natural watercourse, or the enlargement of any canal other than a canal designated as a historic site. Directs the Secretary to prescribe rules, regulations, and procedures necessary to carry out this Act. Lists factors that the Secretary shall consider in accordance with the relative needs of the various sections of the country, with priority consideration to those areas where unemployment exceeds the national average. Stipulates that not less than one-half of one percent nor more than ten percent of all amounts authorized under this title shall be allocated for local public works projects within any one State. Authorizes the appropriation of $2,500,000,000 through fiscal year 1977 in order to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1976
Terminates the authorization for the Tocks Island Reservoir project in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. Requires that property acquired by the Secretary of the Army pursuant to such authorization be transferred to the Secretary of the Interior for management by the National Park Service. Establishes criteria for administration of such lands by the Secretary. Directs the Secretaty to relocate United States Highway Numbered 209 as part of the authorization for the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area in order to reduce the environmental impact on the area.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 1976
Amends the Bankruptcy Act to include among debts which have priority specified debts to consumers of deposits of money made in connection with the purchase of goods or services for personal or household use not delivered on the date of bankruptcy.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1976
Motor Carrier Reform Act - Prohibits the Interstate Commerce Commission from approving any agreement among motor carriers that sets rates for such carriers, seeks to protest or suspend rates, or was reached by permitting participation in deliberations by a carrier not holding itself out to participate in a particular joint line or interline movement affected by such agreement. Terminates specified conferences, bureaus, committees, and other organizations of carriers presently permitted by law. Exempts from the provisions of the Interstate Commerce Act carriers incidental to air transportation who operate within 100 miles of an airport. Requires the Commission to approve all applications for permits to operate as a private or contract carrier as long as it appears from the application that the applicant is fit, willing, and able to properly perform the service. Prohibits the consideration of the effect such permit will have on protesting carriers or the number of persons to be served by the applicant except as is necessary to identify the existence of a need for its services. Requires the Commission to revise commercial zones to conform with present economic realities, add to the efficiency of transport, and reduce unnecessary transport, accident exposure, fuel consumption, air pollution, noise and transport costs. Directs the Commission to develop new procedures for expediting the time required for the Commission's consideration of changes to commercial zone boundaries. Directs that permits be issued to allow continued service by a carrier which has been serving a plant from the time such plant was new until the present if that period is at least two years. Specifies that the Commission must, in considering applications for new carrier service, in its determination of whether the proposed service is or will be required by the present or future public convenience and necessity, accord substantial weight in favor of the application where it finds that such service would be reasonably likely to: (1) lower the applicant's operating costs; or (2) improve the applicant's equipment utilization or fuel efficiency; or (3) improve the applicant's service, by among other things, producing shorter transit time or avoiding interchanges; or (4) meet user or consumer preference for service, rates, or combinations thereof not available from other carriers; or (5) generally improve the competitive climate in the area for which the additional service is proposed. Directs the Commission to issue a permit for such service if it finds that the applicant is fit, willing, and able to perform the service proposed and to conform to provisions and regulations, and the proposed service is reasonably likely to provide sufficient revenues to the applicant to cover the applicant's actual costs of providing the specific transportation without regard to the effect of the applicant's service on its competitors. Requires the Commission to consider all applications submitted 18 months after the enactment of this Act within 90 days after they are submitted. Grants such permits if final action has not been taken on such application by the Commission within 90 days. Directs the Secretary of Transportation, in cooperation with the Commission and the Attorney General, to study the possibility of the need for new laws to provide greater price flexibility, eaiser entry, broadening the range of service and price options, and in general, in improving the quality of motor carrier transportation. Establishes procedures for testing the lawfulness of rate schedules filed by common carriers. Allows such rates to become effective without a hearing unless a complaint is filed in which case the Commission may suspend such rates until their lawfulness is determined in a hearing as provided by this Act. Lists limitations on the Commission's power to suspend such rates under this Act. States that rates may not be challenged as being too low if they cover the carrier's costs. Directs the Commission to broaden the categories of commodities that may be carried by individual carriers, to permit them to travel the most direct route to their destination, and to report to Congress on its actions pursuant to this requirement. Exempts from existing restrictions the carrying of cargo by a small carrier from such carrier's destination to the proximity of such small carrier's home base (termed a "haul back") if it meets the qualifications of this Act. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to consult with the States to develop a more efficient and equitable system of State regulation and make recommendations concerning such a system to the Congrsss within 18 months after the enactment of this Act. Sets forth new penalties for violating motor carrier safety laws. Exempts from the Clayton Act the merger of two or more motor carriers if the anticompetitive effects prescribed in such Act are outweighed by the public interest in such merger and its beneficial effects on the community's transportation needs and convenience.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1976
Requires the report of the Select Committee on Intelligence filed on January 29, 1976, be referred to the Committee on House Administration, and such Committee shall follow the procedures agreed to between the Select Committee and the President with respect to the disclosure of classified information transmitted to the select committee. States that after such procedures have been complied with, such report, as it may be altered in accordance with such procedures, shall be printed as a House document.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1976
Establishes a Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe. Authorizes and directs the Commission to monitor the acts of the signatories to the Final Act of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (Helsinki Agreement) with respect to their compliance with the articles of such Act, particularly with regard to the provisions relating to cooperation in humanitarian fields. Stipulates that the Commission shall be composed of four Members of the House of Representatives, four Senators, and one member each of the Departments of State, Defense, and Commerce, as appointed by the President.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1976
Privacy Protection for Rape Victims Act - Amends the Federal Rules of Evidence to prohibit, in cases of alleged rape or assault with intent to commit rape, the introduction of evidence of the victim's prior sexual conduct or reputation. Makes such prohibition inapplicable to evidence of the victim's prior sexual conduct with the alleged assailant.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1976
Directs the President to express the request of the United States Government that the Government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics provide Valentyn Moroz with the opportunity to accept the invitation of Harvard University to join the Harvard Ukrainian Research Institute for the 1976-77 academic year.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1976
Amends the Bankruptcy Act to include among debts which have priority specified debts to consumers of deposits of money made in connection with the purchase of goods or services for personal or household use not delivered on the date of bankruptcy.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1976
Requires the report of the Select Committee on Intelligence filed on January 29, 1976, be referred to the Committee on House Administration, and such Committee shall follow the procedures agreed to between the Select Committee and the President with respect to the disclosure of classified information transmitted to the select committee. States that after such procedures have been complied with, such report, as it may be altered in accordance with such procedures, shall be printed as a House document.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1976
Amends the Social Security Act to prohibit a recipient of benefits under the Old Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance; Supplemental Security Income; and Aid to Families with Dependent Children programs of the Social Security Act; the Food Stamp Act of 1964; and the programs granting social services benefits to United States territories under the Social Security Act, from being disqualified for such benefits because of an increase in income attributable to an increase in such benefits.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1976
Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act - Title I: Statement of Findings and Policy - Declares that most of the nation's coal reserve can only be mined by underground methods. Lists the purposes of this Act, including to establish a nationwide program to prevent the adverse effects to society and the environment from surface coal mining. Title II: Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement - Establishes in the Interior Department the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement with a Director appointed by the President. States that such Office shall administer the programs required by this Act and assist the States in development of State programs for surface coal mining and reclamation. States that the Office shall be considered an independent Federal regulatory body. Title III: State Mining and Mineral Resources Research Institute - Authorizes appropriation to the Secretary of the Interior of sums adequate to provide for each participating State $200,000 for fiscal year 1975, $300,000 for fiscal year 1976, and $400,000 for each fiscal year thereafter for five years, to assist the States in carrying on the work of a competent and qualified mining and mineral resources research institute or center at the school of mines of one public college or university of the State. Requires such monies to be matched dollar- for-dollar by the States. Authorizes appropriations of $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, such sum to be increased by $2,000,000 each fiscal year for six years thereafter, for specific projects in mining and mineral research in research institutes. Directs the Secretary to establish a center for cataloging current and projected scientific research in mining and mineral resources. Requires the Secretary to appoint an Advisory Committee on Mining and Mineral Research to advise him on all matters concerning mining and mineral resources research. Title IV: Abandoned Mine Reclamation - Creates the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund in the Treasury. Requires operators of coal mines to pay into the fund quarterly fees of $.35 per ton of coal produced by surface mining and $.15 per ton of coal produced by underground mining, or ten percent of the value of the coal in the mine, whichever is less. Authorizes use of money in the Fund for acquisition and reclamation of abandoned and unreclaimed mined lands and for acquisitions and fillings of voids and sealing of tunnels and entryways in abandoned mines. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to enter into agreements with landowners, including owners of water rights, under which such landowners shall furnish a conservation and development plan and shall effect such plan in return for financial assistance from the Secretary of Agriculture of up to 80 percent of the cost of such a reclamation effort. Encourages States to acquire abandoned and unreclaimed land, and to transfer it to the Secretary for reclamation, and authorizes matching grants for such purpose, up to 90 percent of the land price. Allows resale of reclaimed land by public bidding, and allows local public participation in determining the use of reclaimed land. Title V: Control of the Environmental Impacts of Surface Coal Mining - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to publish, within 180 days of the enactment of this Act, regulations which establish a permanent regulatory procedure and performance standards for surface coal mining and reclamation standards. Requires the Secretary to obtain the concurrence of the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency with respect to regulations concerned with air or water quality standards. Establishes a permit program to require mining operators to comply with environmental protection standards. Allows State control over surface mining permits if certain requirements are met. Authorizes the implementation of a Federal program if States fail to Act. Imposes the following general environmental performance standards on surface mining operations as a condition of the issuance of a permit under this Act: (1) restoration of the land affected to a prior use, consistent with public health and safety; (2) restoration to the original contour of the land and backfilling, grading, and compacting the excess overburden and other waste materials to attain the lowest grade; (3) removal and segregation of topsoil in a separate layer where it is able to support vegetation; (4) minimize disturbances to the hydrologic balance at the minesite and surrounding areas by eliminating or reducing toxic drainage, siltation, and contamination problems; (5) conformity with standards for the design and location of coal mine waste piles; and (6) establishment of a diverse, effective, and permanent vegetation on regraded areas. Establishes additional requirements for steep-slope surface mining operations. Defines the term "steep slope" to include any slope above 20 degrees or lesser slopes as may be defined by the regulatory authority. Permits State laws and regulations that are more stringent than those set forth pursuant to this Act. Requires permit applications to describe the method of mining and equipment proposed to be used, to describe by maps the land to be affected, and to contain a statement of results of test borings or core samplings of the affected land. Stipulates that permits must be accompanied by a mining and reclamation plan which shall include a description of present uses of the land, steps to be taken to prevent environmental damage, and a description of the reclamation activities. Requires the posting of performance bonds and possession of liability insurance by applicants for permits. Requires operators to obtain a permit prior to conducting any coal exploration operations which substantially disturb the natural land surface. Directs the Secretary to promulgate rules and regulations directed at the surface effects of underground mining. Directs and authorizes inspection of surface coal mining and reclamation to determine compliance with this Act and regulations. Provides requirements for recordkeeping and submittal and monitoring by mine operators. Requires surprise inspections by regulatory agencies not less than once a month. Imposes civil penalties for violation of this Act or regulations under it. Establishes procedures for citizen suits and judicial review of actions under this Act. Establishes conditions under which mine operators may request a release of all or part of the performance bond. Requires public notice and hearings upon applications for such releases. Requires States to establish, as a condition of assuming primary regulatory control, a planning process designed to identify lands unsuitable for surface coal mining. Requires designation of lands as unsuitable if it can be shown that reclamation pursuant to the requirements of the Act is not feasible. Authorizes designation of lands as unsuitable where operations mining will: (1) be incompatible with land use plans or programs; (2) affect fragile or historic lands of significant historic, scientific or esthetic value; (3) affect renewable land resources with an impact on long-range food and water supply; and (4) increase a significant hazard to life and property, including the possibility of flood and earthquake damage. Prohibits surface coal mining operation on certain Federal lands, or within 100 feet of a public road or within 300 feet of a building or dwelling, unless the consent of the affected public or private interest is obtained. Requires implementation of a Federal lands program applicable to all surface mining and reclamation operations on Federal land. Requires separate regulations for programs for special bituminous coal surface mines that meet specified criteria, and for anthracite coal surface mines which are regulated by environmental protection standards of the States. Title VI: Designation of Lands Unsuitable for Noncoal Mining - Allows the Secretary to designate Federal lands unsuitable for mining materials other than coal, if they are predominantly urban or suburban in character or if such mining operations would have an adverse impact on lands used primarily for residential and related purposes. Title VII: Administrative and Miscellaneous Provisions - Defines the terms used in this Act. Prohibits discrimination against employees for filing suit under this Act and for testifying in a proceeding under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to make annual grants to the States to assist the States in developing, administering, and enforcing State programs under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to provide technical assistance and training, and assistance in preparing and maintaining a continuing inventory of information on surface coal mining and reclamation projects. Requires the Secretary to submit an annual report to the President and the Congress. Directs the Secretary to contract with the National Academy of Sciences-National Academy of Engineering for a study of surface coal mining conditions in Alaska in order to determine which, if any, of the provisions of this Act should be modified with respect to such operations in Alaska. Directs the Chairman of the Council on Environmental Quality to contract with the National Academy of Sciences-National Academy of Engineering and other groups for a study of the technology for surface and open-pit mining and reclamation for minerals other than coal designed to assist in the development of regulation for such operations. Directs the Secretary to consult with Indian tribes in studying the regulation of surface mining on Indian lands. Requires all surface coal mining operations on Indian lands to comply with requirements at least as stringent as specified provisions in this Act within 30 months from the enactment of this Act. Authorizes the approriation of the following sums to carry out this Act: (1) for various contract authority, $10,000,000 immediately and $10,000,000 for the next two fiscal years; (2) for administrative and other purposes, $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1977, $20,000,000 for fiscal years 1978 and 1979, and $30,000,000 for fiscal years thereafter; and (3) for research and demonstration projects of alternative coal mining technologies, $35,000,000 for fiscal year 1977, and for the next four years.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1976
Terminates the authorization for the Tocks Island Reservoir project in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. Requires that property acquired by the Secretary of the Army pursuant to such authorization be transferred to the Secretary of the Interior for management by the National Park Service. Establishes criteria for administration of such lands by the Secretary. Directs the Secretaty to relocate United States Highway Numbered 209 as part of the authorization for the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area in order to reduce the environmental impact on the area.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1976
Establishes a Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe. Authorizes and directs the Commission to monitor the acts of the signatories to the Final Act of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (Helsinki Agreement) with respect to their compliance with the articles of such Act, particularly with regard to the provisions relating to cooperation in humanitarian fields. Stipulates that the Commission shall be composed of four Members of the House of Representatives, four Senators, and one member each of the Departments of State, Defense, and Commerce, as appointed by the President.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1976
Increases the estate tax exemption for taxable estates under the Internal Revenue Code from $60,000 to $200,000 of the value of the gross estate. Increases the limitation on the aggregate marital deduction to 50 percent of the adjusted gross value of the estate, plus $100,000. Allows an executor to value farmland, woodland, and scenic open land at its current use value rather than at its fair market value.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1976
Requires the report of the Select Committee on Intelligence filed on January 29, 1976, be referred to the Committee on House Administration, and such Committee shall follow the procedures agreed to between the Select Committee and the President with respect to the disclosure of classified information transmitted to the select committee. States that after such procedures have been complied with, such report, as it may be altered in accordance with such procedures, shall be printed as a House document.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1976
Government Economy and Spending Reform Act - Title I: Authorizations of New Budget Authority - Terminates on specified dates budget authority for all Government programs except health care services, general retirement and disability insurance, and Federal employee retirement and disability programs which are funded by trust funds. Declares out of order in either the Senate or the House of Representatives any legislation which authorizes new budget authority not in compliance with this Act. Requires the Committees on Appropriations and the Committees on the Budget of both Houses of Congress to identify each program's functional and subfunctional category (as so characterized in the Budget of the United States, Fiscal Year 1977, transmitted to Congress by the President on January 21, 1976), the committees having legislative jurisdiction over such program, and whether such program operates under permanent authorizations and budget authority. Makes the budget termination provisions of this Act effective on the first day of the Ninety-fifth Congress. Title II: Early Elimination of Inactive and Duplicate Programs - Requires the Comptroller General of the United States to identify for Congress any programs which have duplicate objectives or for which no outlays have been made for the last two fiscal years. Directs the standing committees of both Houses to consider such programs and report recommendations on such programs before March 15, 1978, if possible. Title III: Quadrennial Program Review and Evaluation - Sets forth a timetable for reviewing the budget of a Government program. Requires review by standing committees of the Congress every four years of each program's cost, effectiveness, and the extent to which such program duplicates or is similar to any other program. States that such review shall include a comprehensive evaluation of the merits of such program to determine if it warrants continuation. Requires justification of any recommendation to fund any program which has objectives similar to or the same as another program's objectives. Directs the Comptroller General and the Congressional Budget Office to provide Congress with information and analysis of programs being reviewed under this Act. Requires the President to similarly review the merits of continuing programs contained in the annual Budget and to report the finding of such review prior to transmitting the Budget to Congress. Title IV: Continuing Review and Evaluation - Directs the Comptroller General to report to Congress the result of any audit which shows a substantial deficiency in achievement of the objectives of any Government program. Requires subsequent audits, a report of which must be submitted to Congress, to determine if such deficiency has been eliminated. Title V: Miscellaneous - States that those provisions of this Act which direct the operation of either House are enacted as an exercise of the rulemaking power of such House and recognizes the right of either House to change such rules.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1976
Motor Carrier Reform Act - Prohibits the Interstate Commerce Commission from approving any agreement among motor carriers that sets rates for such carriers, seeks to protest or suspend rates, or was reached by permitting participation in deliberations by a carrier not holding itself out to participate in a particular joint line or interline movement affected by such agreement. Terminates specified conferences, bureaus, committees, and other organizations of carriers presently permitted by law. Exempts from the provisions of the Interstate Commerce Act carriers incidental to air transportation who operate within 100 miles of an airport. Requires the Commission to approve all applications for permits to operate as a private or contract carrier as long as it appears from the application that the applicant is fit, willing, and able to properly perform the service. Prohibits the consideration of the effect such permit will have on protesting carriers or the number of persons to be served by the applicant except as is necessary to identify the existence of a need for its services. Requires the Commission to revise commercial zones to conform with present economic realities, add to the efficiency of transport, and reduce unnecessary transport, accident exposure, fuel consumption, air pollution, noise and transport costs. Directs the Commission to develop new procedures for expediting the time required for the Commission's consideration of changes to commercial zone boundaries. Directs that permits be issued to allow continued service by a carrier which has been serving a plant from the time such plant was new until the present if that period is at least two years. Specifies that the Commission must, in considering applications for new carrier service, in its determination of whether the proposed service is or will be required by the present or future public convenience and necessity, accord substantial weight in favor of the application where it finds that such service would be reasonably likely to: (1) lower the applicant's operating costs; or (2) improve the applicant's equipment utilization or fuel efficiency; or (3) improve the applicant's service, by among other things, producing shorter transit time or avoiding interchanges; or (4) meet user or consumer preference for service, rates, or combinations thereof not available from other carriers; or (5) generally improve the competitive climate in the area for which the additional service is proposed. Directs the Commission to issue a permit for such service if it finds that the applicant is fit, willing, and able to perform the service proposed and to conform to provisions and regulations, and the proposed service is reasonably likely to provide sufficient revenues to the applicant to cover the applicant's actual costs of providing the specific transportation without regard to the effect of the applicant's service on its competitors. Requires the Commission to consider all applications submitted 18 months after the enactment of this Act within 90 days after they are submitted. Grants such permits if final action has not been taken on such application by the Commission within 90 days. Directs the Secretary of Transportation, in cooperation with the Commission and the Attorney General, to study the possibility of the need for new laws to provide greater price flexibility, eaiser entry, broadening the range of service and price options, and in general, in improving the quality of motor carrier transportation. Establishes procedures for testing the lawfulness of rate schedules filed by common carriers. Allows such rates to become effective without a hearing unless a complaint is filed in which case the Commission may suspend such rates until their lawfulness is determined in a hearing as provided by this Act. Lists limitations on the Commission's power to suspend such rates under this Act. States that rates may not be challenged as being too low if they cover the carrier's costs. Directs the Commission to broaden the categories of commodities that may be carried by individual carriers, to permit them to travel the most direct route to their destination, and to report to Congress on its actions pursuant to this requirement. Exempts from existing restrictions the carrying of cargo by a small carrier from such carrier's destination to the proximity of such small carrier's home base (termed a "haul back") if it meets the qualifications of this Act. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to consult with the States to develop a more efficient and equitable system of State regulation and make recommendations concerning such a system to the Congrsss within 18 months after the enactment of this Act. Sets forth new penalties for violating motor carrier safety laws. Exempts from the Clayton Act the merger of two or more motor carriers if the anticompetitive effects prescribed in such Act are outweighed by the public interest in such merger and its beneficial effects on the community's transportation needs and convenience.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1976
Debt Collection Practices Act - Prohibits debt collectors from harassing or intimidating consumers in connection with the collection or attempted collection of any alleged debt arising from a consumer credit transaction. Sets forth conduct violating this Act, including the use of violence by a debt collector, or publication of a list of consumers who allegedly refuse to pay debts. Prohibits communication with any person other than the consumer owing the debt or the spouse without prior consent of the consumer. Prohibits false or misleading representation or impersonation in connection with the collection of an alleged debt. States that no debt collector may engage in unfair practices, such as soliciting a post-dated check for purposes of threatening criminal action. Prohibits debt collectors from taking specified legal actions, such as causing unauthorized service of process. Requires a debt collector to keep at each office he maintains specified information regarding his accounts. Provides that each debt collector must disclose, clearly and accurately, to each consumer a list of information which includes the date the alleged debt was incurred and the original creditor. Sets forth civil and criminal penalties for violations of the provisions of this Act. Requires the Federal Trade Commission and the Attorney General to report periodically to Congress concerning their administration of functions delegated to them under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1976
Amends the Bankruptcy Act to include among debts which have priority specified debts to consumers of deposits of money made in connection with the purchase of goods or services for personal or household use not delivered on the date of bankruptcy.
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 · 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 · 5 February 1976
Establishes a Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe. Authorizes and directs the Commission to monitor the acts of the signatories to the Final Act of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (Helsinki Agreement) with respect to their compliance with the articles of such Act, particularly with regard to the provisions relating to cooperation in humanitarian fields. Stipulates that the Commission shall be composed of four Members of the House of Representatives, four Senators, and one member each of the Departments of State, Defense, and Commerce, as appointed by the President.
United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1976
Federal Election Campaign Act Amendments - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1974 to establish as an independent establishment of the executive branch of the United States Government the six-member Federal Election Commission appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Sets members' terms at six years with one member's term expiring every year. States that members will be chosen from among individuals who are not elected or appointed officers or employees of any branch of the Government of the United States. Confers upon the Commission primary jurisdiction with respect to civil enforcement of those provisions of the criminal code dealing with campaign funds.
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 · 22 January 1976
Establishes a Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe. Authorizes and directs the Commission to monitor the acts of the signatories to the Final Act of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (Helsinki Agreement) with respect to their compliance with the articles of such Act, particularly with regard to the provisions relating to cooperation in humanitarian fields. Stipulates that the Commission shall be composed of four Members of the House of Representatives, four Senators, and one member each of the Departments of State, Defense, and Commerce, as appointed by the President.
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 1975
Regulatory Agency Self-Destruct Act - Provides that each Federal regulatory agency is abolished as of noon July 4, 1976, unless, prior to such date: (1) the President conducts an investigation of the agency's overall performance (including, but not limited to a study of the agency's effectiveness in accomplishing its general purposes and promoting the public welfare), makes public a report on the findings of the investigation and recommends to the Congress that such agency or agencies should not be abolished; (2) the relevant committee or committees of the House and Senate conduct an inquiry into the performance and effectiveness of the agency or agencies and make public a report of such findings, conclusions, and recommendations; and (3) the Congress adopts a concurrent resolution disapproving the abolition of the agency or agencies. Defines "Federal regulatory agency" to mean any of the following: (1) the Civil Aeronautics Board; (2) the Federal Communications Commission; (3) the Federal Maritime Commission; (4) the Federal Power Commission; (5) the Federal Trade Commission; (6) the Interstate Commerce Commission; (7) the Securities and Exchange Commission; (8) the Consumer Product Safety Commission; and (9) the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Provides that each Federal regulatory agency not abolished by the above procedure, or any successor agency established pursuant to this Act, shall be abolished on July 4, 1983, except that those agencies which have been in existence for 25 years or less shall be abolished on July 4, 1991, unless the President and the Congress take action as described above to disapprove such abolition. States that each regulatory agency established by the Congress on or after July 1, 1974, shall be abolished fifteen years from the date on which it is first empowered to exercise its functions and duties according to the Act creating such agency unless the President and the Congress take such action as described above to disapprove such abolition. Requires that before January 2, 1976, and on or before a date six months prior to each date of abolition of an agency as specified in this Act, the President shall prepare and submit to the Congress a plan for the orderly transfer of such functions, powers, and duties, if any, as are determined by the President to be essential to the public health, safety, or welfare, from an agency, which is subject to the termination provisions of this Act, to the President or to a successor agency designated by the President. Provides that all orders, determinations, rules, regulations, permits, certificates, licenses, contracts, rates, and privileges which have been issued, made, granted, or allowed to become effective by a Federal regulatory agency abolished by this Act or by any court of competent jurisdiction, under any provision of law affected by this Act, and which are in effect at the time these provisions take effect, shall continue in effect according to their terms until modified, terminated, superseded, set aside, or repealed by the President, the head of a designated successor agency or by any court of competent jurisdiction, or by operation of law.
United States · United States Congress · 17 December 1975
Establishes a Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe. States that the Commission shall be composed of four Members of the House of Representatives, four Senators, and one member each of the Department of State, Defense, and Commerce, as appointed by the President. Authorizes and directs the Commission to monitor the acts of the signatories to the Final Act of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe with respect to their compliance with the articles of such Act, particularly with regard to the provisions relating to Cooperation in Humanitarian Fields.
United States · United States Congress · 17 December 1975
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States recognizes its duty to share its resources and technology with less developed nations. Establishes this duty as a prime consideration in the domestic and foreign policies of the United States and on all matters which relate to hunger.
United States · United States Congress · 15 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 · 15 December 1975
Truth in Budgeting Act - Provides for full congressional review of all Federal programs every 2 years by the appropriate standing committees of the House and Senate. Provides that each comprehensive review conducted by a committee with respect to a Federal program under this Act shall include a detailed consideration of the past experience under the program and a projection of the expected future experience of the program, a consideration of alternate ways of carrying out the activities involved and alternative funding levels for such activities, an evaluation of each such alternative in terms of its probable costs and benefits, a comparison of each such alternative with other programs and activities in the same or related fields, and an evaluation of the overall success or failure of the program. Details the method to be used to review such programs by the standing committee. Provides that no funds in excess of the appropriations for the previous year may be authorized for a program that has not been subject to review during the calendar year.
United States · United States Congress · 4 December 1975
Authorizes the secretary of State to deny nonimmigrant visas to citizens of countries which discriminate in the issuance of nonimmigrant visas to United States citizens on the basis of race, color, religion, sex or national origin. Provides for review by the Secretary of State and for a waiver of such sanction by the President.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1975
Requires that appointments to the service academies be based upon competitive examinations presently appointments are by nominations by members of Congress). Requires the Boards of Visitors of the academies to examine the admission policies and procedures of the respective academies. Restricts the appointment of members of the Navy and Marine Corps, Army, and Air Force reserves by the respective secretaries of those Services to such appointments as are necessary to fill vacancies in the newly formed classes at the academies.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1975
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the President should, upon visiting the People's Republic of China, request that the Chinese officials use their good offices to obtain an accounting of members of the United States Armed Forces missing in action and confined as prisoners of war in Southeast Asia and of all American civilian personnel who are listed as missing in Southeast Asia. Requests that upon his return to the United States, the President should report back to the Congress on the results of his request.
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 · 14 November 1975
Provides for the Federal incorporation of the National Ski Patrol System. Makes the purpose of the corporation the promotion, in all and any ways, of public safety in skiing. Provides that the principal office of the corporation shall be located in Denver, Colorado. Requires the corporation to maintain a designated agent in the District of Columbia. Provides for the membership of the corporation. Sets forth the powers and the limitations of such corporation. Prohibits corporation participation in any political activity or in any attempt to influence legislation.
United States · United States Congress · 13 November 1975
Includes New Jersey in the list of States which may establish a divided retirement system for purposes of providing social security coverage of State and local employees under Federal-State agreements pursuant to the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 November 1975
Fair Credit Billing Act Amendments - Defines the term "discount" for purposes of compliance with the provisions of the Truth in Lending Act as meaning a reduction made from the regular price in a transaction covered by such Act. Stipulates that the term "discount" shall not, under specified application of the provisions of such Act, mean a surcharge. Specifies that the term "surcharge" shall mean any method of increasing the regular price to a creditcard holder which is not imposed upon cash-paying customers. Prohibits the imposition of a surcharge in specified instances covered by the Truth in Lending Act where the holder of a credit card elects to use his card in lieu of paying by cash or check.
United States · United States Congress · 28 October 1975
Stipulates, under the provisions of the Legislative Reorganization Act, that any increase in the pay of Members of the Congress may not take effect until the first day of the Congress following the Congress during which such increase is adopted. Makes the provisions of this Act applicable to increases passed after June 30, 1975, and to alternative plans and recommendations regarding pay transmitted by the President after such date.
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.
![Official portrait of Rep. Fenwick, Millicent H. [R-NJ-5]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/f000078_200.jpg)