United States · United States Congress · 31 March 1976
Provides that small farm extension and research and development programs under the Rural Development Act of 1972 shall consist of: (1) a comprehensive study and survey with procedures for updating such survey to identify small farmers and determine their resources, abilities, education, experience and willingness to upgrade their farm operations through improved agricultural production techniques, farm machinery, products and cooperative agricultural marketing practices; (2) the development and implementation of a program for improving the operations of such farmers; (3) procedures to evaluate the social and economic consequences of such program; (4) research and development for updating small farm operations; and (5) an annual report by the Secretary of Agriculture to specified Congressional committees regarding the extent and effectiveness of the objectives of such program. Defines "small farmer" as anyone who depends on farming as their primary source of income, and whose gross annual sales from farming operations is less than $20,000 and whose nonfarm income is less than $5,000.
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 1976
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President shall seek the elimination of surety deposit requirements on vegetable protein products imposed by the European Economic Community. Provides that if the President shall fail to eliminate such requirements, he shall obtain full compensation for such actions under article XXIII of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 1976
Establishes a select committee in the House of Representatives to conduct an investigation of the circumstances surrounding the death of John F. Kennedy. Directs the committee to report to the House as soon as practicable during the present Congress the results of its investigation, together with such recommendations as it deems advisable.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1976
Consumer Cost Evaluation Act - Provides for a determination of costs to consumers of any proposed Federal legislation or regulation that may have a significant impact on costs to consumers. Requires that any proposed Federal legislation or regulation must be found to provide benefits to consumers or the public that bear a reasonable relationship to such costs. Requires that every agency of the Federal Government shall prepare, in conjunction with every applicable proposal it makes for legislation or a regulation, a draft consumer cost assessment and upon consultation with other Federal agencies, a final consumer cost assessment. Provides that the cost assessment must allow for public comment. Limits the requirements with respect to the preparation of draft and final consumer cost assessments to proposals for legislation or regulation other than those involving a military or foreign affairs function of the United States or relating to agency management or personnel or public property. Provides that under specified emergency situations the proposed regulation may be published and final action taken on the regulation without compliance with the cost assessment requirements of this Act. Requires that under such circumstances, the agency involved must meet specified alternative requirements. Directs the President to establish guidelines for the preparation of draft and final consumer cost assessments within 90 days after enactment of this Act. Provides for the review of existing regulations. Directs that if a substantial disparity is found between the consumer costs and benefits of such regulations, the agency shall propose amendments to the regulation to eliminate the disparity. Applies the requirement of cost assessment to committees of Congress dealing with proposed legislation that may have a significant impact on costs to consumers. States that guidelines for the preparation of cost assessments by committees of Congress shall be established by the Congressional Office of the Budget.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1976
Government in the Sunshine Act - States that this Act applies to the Federal Election Commission and to any agency where the collegial body comprising the agency consists of two or more individual members, at least a majority of whom are appointed to such position by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. Provides that all meetings of such collegial body, or of a subdivision thereof authorized to take action on behalf of the agency, shall be open to the public. Requires such agency to make public announcement, at least one week before the meeting, of the date, place, and subject matter of the meeting, whether open or closed to the public, and the name and phone number of the official designated by the agency to respond to requests for information about the meeting. Exempts meetings when publicity would result in disclosure of matters: (1) necessary to keep secret in the interests of national defense or foreign policy; (2) not warranting an invasion of personal privacy; (3) constituting trade secrets; and (4) other matters the disclosure of which would not be in the public interest. States that the district courts of the United States shall have jurisdiction to enforce the requirements of this Act by declaratory judgment, injunctive relief, or other relief as may be appropriate. Prohibits the making of an ex parte communication relevant to the merits of the proceeding by an interested person outside the agency to anyone involved in the decisional process of the proceedings.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1976
Electric Utility Rate Reform and Regulatory Improvement Act - Title I: General Provisions -- Declares it the purpose of this Act to reform inequities in the structure of electric utility rates. Title II: Utility Rate Reform - Defines terms as used in this title. Limits applicability of this title to sales of electric energy for purposes other than resale by an electric utility, where sales by such utility for purposes other than resale exceed 200 million kilowatt-hours during the second preceding calendar year. Imposes national minimum standards on utility rate structures, to be enforced by State regulatory authorities. Prohibits rate structures which allow lower rates for increased consumption without a showing that such lower rates actually reflect decreased costs. Eliminates price differentials for residential users of subsistence quantities of electricity, unless the Governor of the State has determined that an adequate alternative means to alleviate the burden to low-income residential consumers has been implemented. Stipulates that promotional and advertising costs may not be treated by a utility as an operating expense for purposes of rate determination. Requires evidentiary hearings by regulatory authorities on proposed rate increases. Limits the amount of actual increases pursuant to an automatic adjustment clause which may become effective without such a hearing. Requires that regulatory authorities annually review existing utility rate schedules. Authorizes State regulatory authorities to prescribe variances upon application by individual electric consumers unduly hardshipped by rate schedules. Directs State authorities to prescribe load management techniques to reduce maximum kilowatt demand on electric utilities. Establishes procedures to be followed in determining marginal costs of service to electric consumers. Establishes an Electric Utility Rate-making Assistance Office in the Federal Energy Administration to provide information and assistance with respect to ratemaking policies and procedures established by this Act. Title III: Economic Regulation of Bulk Power Supply - Amends the Federal Power Act to require that public utilities make new, increased, or retired capacity in bulk power facilities available to others engaged in the sale or transmission of electric energy in the same geographical area. Establishes additional requirements and procedures to insure continuation of service in cases of anticipated deficiencies in the available supplies of electric power. Requires that the Federal Power Commission hold evidentiary hearings on proposed rate increases. Limits the amount of actual increases pursuant to an automatic adjustment clause which may becomes effective without such a hearing. Requires the establishment of an Office of Public Counsel in the Federal Power Commission for the purpose of adequate representation of consumer interests before the Commission. Authorizes the appropriation of $500,000 for fiscal year 1978 and $2,000,000 for fiscal year 1979 to such Office. Authorizes the Commission to pay reasonable fees to certain participants in evidentiary hearings, not to exceed $1,000,000 for all such persons in any fiscal year. Directs the Commission to prescribe minimum standards to assure a reliable supply of electric energy. Requires electric utilities to develop a quality control program to assure compliance with such reliability standards. Directs the Commission, upon consultation with the Federal Trade Commission, to study the desirability and means of increasing competition within the electric utility industry. Directs the Administrator of the Energy Research and Development Administration to conduct a study on the feasibility of generating electricity near the place of consumption. Title IV: Financial Assistance to State Regulatory Authorities - Authorizes the Electric Utility Ratemaking Assistance Office (established by title II of this Act) to make grants to State regulatory authorities for the following purposes: (1) to increase the quantity and quality of State regulatory staff; (2) to establish programs to meet Federal consumer representation requirements; and (3) to demonstrate innovative rate structures. Prescribes criteria on the allotment of funds to the States. Authorizes the appropriation of $30,000,000 in any fiscal year for grants to improve staffing. Authorizes the appropriation of $5,000,000 for grants for consumer representation, and $5,000,000 for grants for rate structure innovation. Title V: Coordination of Planning and Siting of Bulk Power Facilities - Requires that electric utilities which control bulk power facilities prepare an annual long-range plan for the use of each such facility. Establishes areawide planning councils to review such plans and submit area plans for bulk power facilities to the Commission. Directs the Chairman of the Federal Power Commission to supervise the overall approval process for the siting of bulk power facilities. Establishes procedures to assist in coordinating the Federal approval process.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1976
Agricultural Census Abolition Act - Terminates the duty of the Secretary of Commerce to take agricultural censuses every five years and censuses of irrigation and drainage every ten years. Directs the Secretary to continue the statistical classification of farms which was in effect on January 1, 1975, until June 30, 1976. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to collect information on agriculture, irrigation, and drainage on a sample basis, which is comparable to the information previously collected every five years in the agriculutral census. Allows the Secretary, when sampling methods would be inappropriate, to use other statistical methods to collect information relating to the classification of farms. (Amends 13 U.S.C. 142)
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1976
Increases from 36 to 45 months the period of entitlement for educational assistance for eligible veterans. Eliminates the ten-year time limitation within which such assistance must be used. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 1661; 1662)
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1976
Allows an eligible veteran who is pursuing a program of education at the close of the ten-year delimiting period to continue to receive educational assistance until he completes such program, or until he ceases to pursue such program, whichever first occurs. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 1662(a))
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1976
Establishes, under the Agriculture Act of 1949, a loan level for the 1975, 1976, and 1977 crops of corn, cotton, and soybeans at 90 percent of the average price received by farmers during the marketing years for the preceding three crops of such commodities; and in the case of wheat 90 percent of the average price during such marketing years for the 1975, 1976, and 1977 crops of such commodity. Prohibits the Commodity Credit Corporation from selling these commodities from such crop years at a price less than 150 percent of the current national loan rate for the commodity involved with specified adjustments. Limits the sale of such commodities owned or controlled by the Corporation during any marketing year to the net quantities by which estimated domestic consumption and exports exceed estimated production and imports. Authorizes the Corporation to dispose of such commodities to relieve distress caused by natural disasters. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to buy and sell equivalent quantities of such commodities owned or controlled by the Corporation in different locations and warehouses for handling, rotational, and distribution purposes. Requires obligators, under warehouse receipts held by the Corporation representing ownership of any commodity, to have the grade stated on such receipts or a better grade available for delivery.
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
Amends the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 to deny Members of Congress any increase in their rate of pay under any law passed, or plan or recommendation received, during a Congress unless such increase is to take effect not earlier than the first day of the next Congress. Makes such prohibition retroactive to those laws passed after June 30, 1975, and to plans and recommendations regarding pay transmitted by the President after such date.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1976
Young Adult Conservation Corps Act - States that it is the purpose of this Act to complement the Youth Conservation Corps Act and to provide employment to young adults. Directs the Secretaries of Agriculture and Interior to jointly extend the Youth Conservation Corps to make possible the year-round employment of young adults. States that individuals employed as Corps members under this Act shall be between the ages of 19 and 24; shall meet applicable physical standards; shall be given preference for employment if they reside in counties in which the unemployment rate was equal to or in excess of six percent for three consecutive months; and may be employed for a total of not more than 12 months. Sets forth criteria by which the Secretaries shall be guided in determining the location of projects and the type of work to be done. States that priority should be given to counties having a high rate of unemployment and that high labor intensive projects should be sought. States that the rate of pay for Corps members should be set at the current Federal minimum wage. Extends the provisions of this Act to cover employment of young adults in State conservation programs. Requires the Secretaries to prepare, within eight months of the enactment of this Act, a plan for the execution of the provisions of this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of funds for preparing the plan and for preparing the sites, facilities, and equipment selected in this plan. Authorizes the appropriation of funds as specified for the four fiscal years during which young adults are employed under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1976
United States Grain Standards Act - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, under the United States Grain Standards Act, to require official inspection of grain at export port locations by authorized employees of the Department of Agriculture. Authorizes the Secretary to delegate authority to a State agency to perform official inspection functions at export port locations if such agency meets specified criteria. Provides that such authority may be revoked at any time upon notice to the State agency without opportunity for a hearing. Authorizes the Secretary, with respect to official inspections other than at export port locations, to designate any State or local governmental agency, or any person as an official inspection agency if such agency or person meets specified requirements. States that designations of official inspection agencies shall terminate within three years and may be renewed. Authorizes the Secretary to revoke a designation of an official inspection agency, after opportunity for a hearing, if such agency has failed to meet specified criteria. Allows temporary suspension without a hearing of such designation if the Secretary considers such action to be in the best interest of the official inspection system. Directs the Secretary to collect reasonable fees to cover the estimated cost to the Department incident to the performance of official inspection. Provides for the collection of fees from designated official inspection agencies. Requires the weighing of all grain received at or shipped from export port elevators. Directs that such weighing be supervised by authorized Department of Agriculture employees. Allows the Secretary to delegate such functions to qualified State agencies. Allows the Secretary to revoke such delegation at any time upon notice to the agency without opportunity for a hearing. Provides for United States supervision of weighing of United States grain received at or shipped from export port elevators at Canadian ports. States that no weighing supervision shall be provided at any export port elevator unless the operator of such elevator has met specified requirements. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) investigate the weighing and certification of the weight of grain shipped in interstate and foreign commerce; (2) require the maintenance of complete and accurate records of the weighing of such grain; and (3) prescribe by regulation the standards, procedures, and controls for accurate weighing and certification of weights of grain. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study concerning the supervision of weighing, the weighing and certification of weights of grain, and the inspection and testing of scales used in the weighing of grain, and to report the results of such study to specified Committees of the Congress. Prohibits the use of scales for weighing which have been disapproved by the Secretary or a State or local government agency or person designated by the Secretary. Requires that representatives of the Secretary be afforded access to any elevator, warehouse, or other storage or handling facility for grain. Authorizes the collection of fees to cover the cost to the Department of such supervision of weighing. Authorizes the collection of fees from any agency or person designated to perform weighing functions. Prohibits any person from performing official inspection functions unless such person holds an unsuspended, an unrevoked license, or authorization from the Secretary. Authorizes the Secretary to summarily revoke any license whenever the licensee has been convicted of any specified offense under this Act. Allows the Secretary to refuse to provide official inspection or weighing services under this Act with respect to any grain offered for such services if: (1) the individual involved has knowingly committed any violation specified in this Act or has been convicted of any Federal law with respect to the handling, weighing, or official inspection of grain; and (2) providing such service would be inimical to the integrity of the service. Authorizes the Secretary to assess a civil penalty not to exceed $50,000 per violation for such offenses. States that no official inspection agency or State agency delegated inspection authority personnel shall be employed in or engaged in or have any financial interest in, any business involving the commercial transportation, storage, merchandising, or other handling of grain; and that no business or governmental entity conducting any such business shall operate or be employed by, or have any financial interest in, any official inspection agency or a State agency delegated inspection authority. Requires any person who has obtained official inspection to, within a five year period thereafter, maintain complete and accurate records of grain transactions, and permit any authorized representative of the Secretary to have access to such records. Sets forth criminal penalties for violations of this Act. Makes it unlawful for any present or former officer or employee of the Department or of any State agency delegated authority under this Act to make public information obtained under this Act. States that such prohibition shall not apply to persons divulging information which he reasonably believes involves prohibited conduct under this Act or criminal activity. Authorizes necessary appropriations to carry out the provision of this Act. Directs the Secretary to make a study regarding the adequacy of current grain standards. Requires the Secretary to submit annually a summary of all complaints received by the Department from foreign purchasers and prospective purchasers of grain to specified Congressional committees, and the actions taken by him in implementing the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1976
Administrative Rule Making Reform Act - Requires a Federal agency preparing to hold a rule making session to make a reasonable effort to inform those likely to be affected by the proposed rule making. Requires that if the affected group is large, representatives of such group must be notified. Requires, in addition to present requirements, that the notice of rule making include the projected effective date of the rules, the purpose of the rule making, the text of the proposed rules, and the technical or other studies on which the agency intends to rely in the rule making proceedings. Applies the requirements of this Act to all rule making sessions except (1) those specifically authorized to be kept secret in the interest of national security, and (2) those relating to agency management. Requires public notice and public opportunity for comment of all rule making proceedings under this Act unless the agency finds that the rules to be proposed are emergency rules or are of routine or insignificant impact in which case the rule must be published with reasons for its adoption. Requires Federal agencies to give interested persons at least 45 days to participate in the rule making. Requires the agency to maintain a file of each proceeding to be made available to the courts, Congress, and to the public in connection with review of the rule. Limits the period for public comment to a maximum of 90 days. Requires a copy of all proposed rules to be sent to Congress. States that such rule, other than an emergency rule, shall not become effective if it is disapproved within 90 days by both Houses of Congress, or it is disapproved within 60 days by one House and no action is taken on the disapproval resolution by the other House. Provides that either House of Congress may, by resolution, require any agency to reconsider and resubmit any rule to which this Act applies. Requires that such proposed rule be repromulgated anew in accordance with all the provisions of this Act unless it is reconsidered and resubmitted to Congress within 180 days after the adoption of the resolution requiring such reconsideration. Sets forth procedures for adoption of resolutions to approve, disapprove, or compel reconsideration for both Houses. Requires the Administrative Conference of the United States to study Congressional review of agency rule making under this Act and report the effect of such review on such rule making before July 1, 1982. Authorizes to be appropriated $200,000 to finance such study. Makes this Act effective on the first day of the first session of the Ninety-fifth Congress. Terminates the Congressional review required by this Act at the adjournment of the Ninety-seventh Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1976
Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to provide acceptable uses of excess campaign contribution funds including: (1) use in connection with another specified general election which is held no later than two years after the election during which the contribution was made; (2) in the case of a candidate who is elected, such candidate may use excess contributions to defray any ordinary and necessary expenses incurred by such person in connection with the duties of the Federal office; and (3) such excess funds may be contributed by the candidate to any charitable organization as described in the Internal Revenue Code. Requires a candidate who does not put excess contributions to any of the specified uses to return such contributions to the persons making contributions to such candidate, and deposit the balance of such contributions which are not so returned in the Presidential Election Campaign Fund or to deposit the entire amount of such contributions in the Presidential Election Campaign Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1976
Amends the Federal Power Act to require that rate increases for the interstate sale of electricity may not be granted until public hearings on such increases have been completed by the Federal Power Commission. Requires 30 days' notice of all rate changes by a public utility to the Federal Power Commission and to the public.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1976
Requires the President to transmit to the Congress copies of each Presidential proclamation and Executive order no later than two days after issuance, to be referred to the appropriate committees of each House.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1976
Social Security Rights Act - Requires that procedures be established for the expedited replacement of undelivered benefit checks under title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act. Requires that decisions (and reconsiderations) on initial benefit claims be made within 90 days. Requires that payment of benefits on approved claims begin no later than the day regularly fixed for delivery of benefits checks in the second month following the month in which the claim was approved.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1976
Local Revenue Assistance Act - Requires that all revenue sharing funds, under the State and Local Fiscal Assistance Act of 1972, be allocated to local governments with none being retained by the States. Authorizes to be appropriated to the revenue sharing trust fund for the period July 1, 1976 to September 30, 1976, the sum of $1,625,000,000, and for fiscal year 1977, through fiscal year 1982, six percent of the net amount collected from Federal individual income taxes during the immediately preceeding fiscal year. Authorizes to be appropriated additional funds for noncontiguous States for the same periods.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1976
Sets forth the findings of Congress with respect to the United States contribution to the United Nations. Amends the United Nations Participation Act of 1945 to limit the contribution of the United States to the United Nations to one-sixth of the total assessment of the United Nations for that year. Excludes the International Atomic Energy Agency and the joint financing program from limitation under this Act. Declares it the sense of Congress that the President direct the Ambassador of the United States to the United Nations to assure that, in apportioning its assessment to member states, the United Nations will consider the financial resources of the oil-producing nations.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1976
Expresses the sense of Congress that the U.S. Postal Service should not close or otherwise suspend the operation of any post office during the six-month period beginning on the date of adoption of this resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1976
Requests the Secretary of Agriculture to increase the price support level for milk, wheat, corn, feed grains, and soybeans to 90 percent of the parity price.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1976
Franchising Practices Reform Act - Requires a franchisor to notify a franchisee at least 90 days in advance of the franchisor's intention to terminate the franchise, and the franchisor's reasons for terminating. Prohibits a franchisor from cancelling a franchise unless the franchisee has acted in bad faith, or has violated a material requirement of the franchise, or the franchisor is effecting a market area withdrawal. Prohibits a franchisor from failing to review a franchise except for the reasons stated above or the franchisor has a legitimate business reason for failing to renew. Makes any franchisor that has violated the requirements of this Act civilly liable to the aggrieved franchisee.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1976
Amends the Controlled Substances Act to make the theft or attempted theft of a controlled substance a Federal offense punishable by a $5,000 fine and/or imprisonment for not more than 20 years. Stipulates that persons who attempt to steal narcotics from a pharmacy by armed robbery shall be punished by imprisonment for not less than two years or more than 25 years and/or may be fined up to $10,000. Imposes a mandatory sentence of ten years to life for killing a person in an attempt to rob a pharmacy of narcotics.
United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1976
Free Market and Food Protection Resolution - States that whenever the President or any other member of the executive branch suspends export sales of corn, wheat, soybeans, or grain sorghum, the Secretary of Agriculture shall make payments to any farmowner or operator who has in storage at the beginning of the suspension any amount of the commodity for which export sales have been suspended. Sets forth the specified percentage rate of such payments.
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
Provides, under the Legislative Reorganization Act, that pay adjustments for Members of Congress may take effect no earlier than the beginning of the Congress next following the Congress in which they are approved.
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 1976
Authorizes the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to implement a pilot program to make scholarship grants to individuals attending medical schools on the condition that such individuals will serve in a Veterans' Administration facility for a period of time upon completion of professional training. Limits the amount of any scholarship grant to an individual for an academic year to $5,000. Authorizes appropriations to carry out such program of $2,500,000; $3,000,000; and $3,500,000 in fiscal years 1976-1978, respectively. Authorizes necessary appropriations for fiscal year 1979 and succeeding fiscal years.
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 1976
Drug Pushers Elimination Act - Title I: Increased Penalties - Increases, under the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act, the penalties for the manufacture or distribution of a controlled narcotic drug to: (1) not less than five years, nor more than 25 years, imprisonment, and a fine of up to $50,000; (2) not less than ten years and up to life imprisonment, and a fine of up to $100,000 if a person had a previous felony conviction relating to controlled substances; (3) not less than ten years and up to life imprisonment and a fine of up to $100,000 if the crime was committed while such person was on release from a charge of violating this Act. Excepts addicted persons from the minimum term of imprisonment in all three categories of this Act. Declares that a conspiracy to commit any offense of this Act shall be punished as prescribed for the commission of the offense. Title II: Conditions of Release - Adds, for the judicial officer's consideration in setting conditions of release, the element of whether the person poses a danger to the safety of other persons, himself, the community, or the property of others. Sets forth procedures to govern the pretrial and posttrial release of persons charged with offenses involving specified narcotic drugs. Title III: Miscellaneous - Adds to the list of property which is subject to forefeiture all moneys used, or intended for use, in manufacturing, distributing, dispensing, or acquiring any controlled substances.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1976
Alaskan Natural Gas Pipeline Authorization Act - Expresses the intent of Congress that the Alaskan natural gas pipeline be constructed promptly, without further administrative or judicial delay or impediment. Declares that the most efficient and economical method available for the transportation of Alaskan natural gas is a pipeline system from northern Alaska, across Canada, to the lower forty-eight States. Directs the Federal Power Commission to issue all necessary permits and authorizations in order to expedite the construction and operation of such pipeline within 60 days of the date of enactment of this Act. Grants the holders of such permits the powers of eminent domain under the Natural Gas Act. Directs the Secretary of the Interior and other appropriate Federal officials to issue all necessary permits and take appropriate action within 60 days to expedite the enforcement of all rights-of-way related to the construction and operation of such pipeline. Authorizes the Secretary to modify the pipeline route through the States to provide greater environmental protection during the construction period. Requires compliance with requirements of the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920 relating to the rights-of-way for pipelines through Federal lands. Exempts such pipeline from requirements regarding (1) environmental protection, (2) technical and financial capacity of applicants, (3) public hearings, (4) licensing requirements for crude oil under the Export Administration Act of 1969, and (5) furnishing of specified information and reports. Authorizes the Secretary and the Commission to waive procedural requirements of Federal law where desirable to accomplish the purposes of this Act. Declares that (1) the actions of Federal officers and agencies under this Act and (2) the legal or factual sufficiency of any environmental statement relative to such pipeline under provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 shall not be subject to judicial review of the courts. Allows the claims that (1) this Act is unconstitutional, (2) actions under this Act will deny Constitutional rights, and (3) actions taken are beyond the scope of authority conferred by this Act, provided that such claims are filed within 60 days following the date of the challenged action. Declares that exclusive jurisdiction shall be vested in the United States District Courts, and that review of any final order shall be had only upon direct appeal to the United States Supreme Court. Declares that the power to issue injunctive relief against the issuance of any certificate, except in cases where a final judgment is entered. Declares that authorizations issued pursuant to this Act shall grant no immunity from Federal antitrust laws.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1976
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a limited tax credit in an amount of $250 for each individual who is at least 61 years of age before the beginning of the taxable year, whose principal place of abode during the taxable year is the principal residence of the taxpayer, and who is not a lodger with the taxpayer.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1976
Authorizes additional appropriations in an amount not to exceed $35,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 1977 and 1978 to carry out the provisions of the Federal Railroad Safety Act of 1970.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1976
Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to require that comprehensive State plans under such Act include provisions for the prevention of crimes against the elderly.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1976
Local Tax Relief Act - Amends the Rail Reorganization Act of 1973 to authorize and direct the Secretary of Transportation to pay overdue State and local real estate and personal property taxes incurred by any railroad in reorganization at the request of such State, local government, or railroad in reorganization. Conditions such payments on the assignment from such State or local government to the United States of all liens, preferences or other rights the Secretary deems necessary to protect the interests of the United States. Authorizes appropriations in such amounts as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act. Provides that this Act shall expire on December 31, 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1976
Requires Congressional committee reports on proposed legislation to contain statements of the reporting and recordkeeping requirements which will be imposed on private business as a result of the enactment of such proposed legislation.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1976
Expresses the solidarity of the American people in efforts to enlarge human freedom by the participants in the second Brussels conference, February 17 to 19, 1976.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1976
Lifeline Rate Act - Stipulates that no rate schedule of an electric utility shall result in a greater per kilowatt-hour charge to residential electric consumers for a subsistence quantity of electric energy than the lowest charge to any other electric consumer. Sets forth procedures for civil suits and judicial review where violations by utilities as regulatory authorities are alleged under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1976
National Agricultural Research Policy Act - Declares that the purposes of this Act are to emphasize agricultural research as a distinct mission of the Department of Agriculture, to be certain such research is effectively coordinated, and to provide a mechanism for identifying the Nation's highest priority problems for agricultural research. Provides for an additional Assistant Secretary of Agriculture to be responsible for the agricultural research activities of the Department of Agriculture and to serve as co-chairman of the National Agricultural Research Policy Committee. Directs the Secretary to appoint a scientist to serve and report to such new Assistant Secretary and to act as Executive Secretary of such Committee. Establishes, within the Department of Agriculture, the National Agricultural Research Policy Committee. Specifies the membership of such Committee. States that the Committee's responsibilities shall include: (1) reviewing programs, policies and goals of agricultural research agencies; (2) providing a forum for research sponsoring agencies to exchange information on agricultural plans and programs; and (3) making recommendations to the Secretary of Agriculture regarding applications for funding of mission-oriented basic agricultural research. Requires such Committee to annually submit a report of its activities to specified committees of the Congress. Defines "mission-oriented basic agricultural research" as research on fundamental science topics with regard to which there is a basic need in existence for new knowledge that would be genrated by such research, has a strong potential for benefitting mankind and deals with more than an unproven concept. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to land grant colleges and universities eligible for assistance under the First and Second Morrill Acts and to State agricultural experiment stations eligible for assistance under the Hatch Act to carry out mission-oriented basic research. Allows the Secretary to make grants on a competitive basis to Federal agencies, research institutions, organizations and individuals for agricultural research, without regard to matching State funds. Authorizes appropriations of $50,000,000 for fiscal year 1977, $100,000,000 for fiscal year 1978 and $250,000,000 for fiscal year 1979. Declares it to be the sense of Congress that Federal funding for existing agricultural research programs be increased by $250,000,000 annually.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1976
Redefines the crime of deprivation of employment or other benefit because of political activity to include within the scope of political activity, an individual's making or failing to make a contribution of a thing of value (including services) for the benefit of any candidate or any political party. Defines "candidate," "election," and "employee" for purposes of this Act. Makes it a Federal crime to deprive or threaten to deprive an individual of any employment or other benefit, provided in whole or in part by any Act of Congress appropriating funds for relief purposes, on account of race, color, sex, religion, or national origin. Subjects an individual guilty of either offense under this Act to a fine of not more than $10,000, imprisonment for one year, or both. (Amends 18 U.S.C. 601; Adds 18 U.S.C. 246)
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1976
Expands the boundaries of the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. Repeals provisions suspending the Secretary of the Interior's authority to acquire property within the National Lakeshore by condemnation when appropriate zoning agencies have in effect approved valid zoning ordinances applicable to such property. Revises provisions regarding retention of the right of use and occupancy by owners of improved property after such property has been acquired by the Secretary. Increases the membership of the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore Advisory Commission. Authorizes the appropriation of sums for acquisition of lands and interests in land and for development. Requires the Secretary to complete by the end of 1977 a final master plan detailing the development of the lakeshore. Details guidelines regarding rights-of-way and easements added by this Act to the lakeshore and regarding the acquisition, improvement, and use of specified lands and easements not within the expanded boundaries.
United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1976
Expands the boundaries of the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. Repeals provisions suspending the Secretary of the Interior's authority to acquire property within the National Lakeshore by condemnation when appropriate zoning agencies have in effect approved valid zoning ordinances applicable to such property. Revises provisions regarding retention of the right of use and occupancy by owners of improved property after such property has been acquired by the Secretary. Increases the membership of the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore Advisory Commission. Authorizes the appropriation of sums for acquisition of lands and interests in land and for development. Requires the Secretary to complete by the end of 1977 a final master plan detailing the development of the lakeshore. Details guidelines regarding rights-of-way and easements added by this Act to the lakeshore and regarding the acquisition, improvement, and use of specified lands and easements not within the expanded boundaries.
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
Expands the boundaries of the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. Repeals provisions suspending the Secretary of the Interior's authority to acquire property within the National Lakeshore by condemnation when appropriate zoning agencies have in effect approved valid zoning ordinances applicable to such property. Revises provisions regarding retention of the right of use and occupancy by owners of improved property after such property has been acquired by the Secretary. Increases the membership of the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore Advisory Commission. Authorizes the appropriation of sums for acquisition of lands and interests in land and for development. Requires the Secretary to complete by the end of 1977 a final master plan detailing the development of the lakeshore. Details guidelines regarding rights-of-way and easements added by this Act to the lakeshore and regarding the acquisition, improvement, and use of specified lands and easements not within the expanded boundaries.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1976
Expands the boundaries of the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. Repeals provisions suspending the Secretary of the Interior's authority to acquire property within the National Lakeshore by condemnation when appropriate zoning agencies have in effect approved valid zoning ordinances applicable to such property. Revises provisions regarding retention of the right of use and occupancy by owners of improved property after such property has been acquired by the Secretary. Increases the membership of the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore Advisory Commission. Authorizes the appropriation of sums for acquisition of lands and interests in land and for development. Requires the Secretary to complete by the end of 1977 a final master plan detailing the development of the lakeshore. Details guidelines regarding rights-of-way and easements added by this Act to the lakeshore and regarding the acquisition, improvement, and use of specified lands and easements not within the expanded boundaries.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1976
Expands the boundaries of the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. Repeals provisions suspending the Secretary of the Interior's authority to acquire property within the National Lakeshore by condemnation when appropriate zoning agencies have in effect approved valid zoning ordinances applicable to such property. Revises provisions regarding retention of the right of use and occupancy by owners of improved property after such property has been acquired by the Secretary. Increases the membership of the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore Advisory Commission. Authorizes the appropriation of sums for acquisition of lands and interests in land and for development. Requires the Secretary to complete by the end of 1977 a final master plan detailing the development of the lakeshore. Details guidelines regarding rights-of-way and easements added by this Act to the lakeshore and regarding the acquisition, improvement, and use of specified lands and easements not within the expanded boundaries.
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.
![Official portrait of Rep. Fithian, Floyd J. [D-IN-2]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/f000161_200.jpg)