United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1976
Provides for the incorporation of the Gold Star Wives of America. Sets forth the objectives, purposes and powers of such corporation. Stipulates the nonpolitical nature the corporation is to be maintained.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1976
Estate Tax Adjustment Act - Establishes new estate tax rates, under the Internal Revenue Code, applicable to deaths occurring on or after October 1, 1980. Provides transition rates of estate taxation. Sets new amounts for the state death taxes credit applicable to deaths occurring on or after October 1, 1980. Provides transitional amounts for such credit. Increases the estate tax exemption from $60,000 to $150,000, effective October 1, 1980. Gradually, increases from $30,000 to $40,000 the estate tax exemption for the estates of nonresidents not citizens. Eliminates the aggregate amount limitation on estate tax deductions for bequests to a surviving spouse. Allows the full amount of gifts to a spouse to be deducted in computing taxable gifts rather than the present one-half. Provides that if the aggregate amount of gifts for one quarter does not exceed $100,000 no gift tax return need be filed in that quarter unless it is the fourth calendar quarter. Provides that if the value of an interest in a closely held business which is included in determining the gross estate of a decedent exceeds either (1) 35 percent of the value of the gross estate of such decedent, or (2) 50 percent of the taxable estate of such decedent, but does not exceed $600,000 the executor may elect to: (1) defer the payment of part or all of the estate tax, and (2) pay part or all of the tax in two or more (but not exceeding 20) equal installments.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1976
Broadened Stock Ownership Act - Provides that for purposes of the Internal Revenue Code the term "broadened stock ownership plan" means a trust created or organized in the United States for the exclusive benefit of an individual or his beneficiaries which meets specified requirements, including: (1) contributions will not be accepted for the taxable year in excess of $1,500 on behalf of any individual; (2) the trust is designed to invest solely in common stock of domestic corporations; (3) contributions received by the trustee during a particular taxable year will be allocated to a separate class year account; and (4) the interest of an individual in each class year account may not be paid or distributed before the end of the seventh taxable year following that year in which such class year account was established, except in the case of death or disability. States that the term "broadened stock ownership annuity" means a contract for a variable annuity, issued by an insurance company which meets specified requirements similar to those of the stock ownership trust above. Provides that a trust created or organized in the United States by an employer for the exclusive benefit of his employees or their beneficiaries, or by an association of employees for the exclusive benefit of its members or their beneficiaries, shall be treated as a broadened stock ownership, but only if the trust meets the requirements of such a plan as stated above and also provides a separate accounting for the interest of each employee or member. Exempts broadened stock ownership plans from taxation. Provides that any amount paid by an employer to a broadened stock, ownership plan or annuity shall be included in an individuals gross income. Allows an individual to deduct from his gross income amounts paid in cash during the taxable year by or on behalf of such individual to a broadened stock ownership plan or annuity. Stipulates that no deduction shall be allowed for the two taxable years succeeding the taxable year in which a payment or distribution from such a plan or annuity which is taxable to the individual under this Act is made. Stipulates that the deduction allowable to an individual under this Act may not exceed an amount equal to 15 percent of the compensation included in his gross income for such taxable year, or $1,500, whichever is less, multiplied by a fraction, the denominator of which is $20,000 and the numerator of which is $20,000 minus the excess of such compensation over $20,000. Provides that any amount received from a class year account established more than seven years before the taxable year in which the amount is received, and any amount paid or distributed on account of the death of the individual for whose benefit the broadened stock ownership plan or annuity was created, shall be included in gross income in the year received and treated as a long term capital gain. Makes technical and conforming amendments to the Internal Revenue Code.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1976
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to prohibit a State or political subdivision thereof from including in a corporation's gross income for purposes of a State or local income tax, any amounts with respect to such corporation's ownership of stock or securities in a foreign corporation unless such amounts are includible in the gross income of the corporation for purposes of the Federal income tax.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1976
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that in the case of charitable contributions of property by a corporation, the amount of the charitable deduction need be reduced only by one-half of the amount of gain which would not have been long-term capital gain if the property contributed had been sold by the taxpayer at its fair market value, rather than the entire amount of such gain if: (1) the use of the property by the donee is related to its charitable function; (2) the property is not transferred by the donee for consideration; and (3) the taxpayer receives a written statement from the donee of conformance with the requirements of (1) and (2).
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1976
Amends the Small Business Emergency Relief Act to provide for emergency relief for small business concerns in connection with fixed-price Government contracts for the lease of real property.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 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 authorization 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 findings 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 of Congress 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 · 3 May 1976
Denies tax exempt status to an organization if a substantial part of the activities of such organization consist of carrying on propaganda, or otherwise attempting to infuluence legislation. Limits the applicability of this section to organizations that normally make expenditures for the purpose of influencing legislation in excess of the lobbying ceiling amount or in excess of the ceiling amount for such organization as determined under the Internal Revenue Code. Imposes a tax of 25 percent of the amount of any excess lobbying expenditures. Defines the lobbying nontaxable amount as the lesser of $1,000,000 or a specified percentage of exempt purpose expenditures. Prohibits any charitable contribution tax deduction for out-of-pocket expenditures made by any person on behalf of a tax-exempt organization if the expenditure is made for the purpose of influencing legislation.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1976
Federal Assistance for Community Services Act - Amends Title XX (Grants to States for Services) of the Social Security Act to increase the Federal share of expenditures for such services to include the entire cost of such services. Increases from 50 percent to 75 percent the portion of the expenditures made to a State for social services which must be spent for families or individuals with incomes below the poverty line as determined for the State or for families or individuals who receive benefits under the programs of aid to families with dependent children supplemental security income, or medicaid. Eliminates requirements for Federal standards for State-operated child day care centers. Requires the States to establish and enforce Statewide standards for day care facilities. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to submit to Congress a model law set of standards recommended for adoption by the States to govern the provision of day care services. Repeals the prohibition against payments to States to cover the cost of educational services provided by the State without regard to cost or to the income of the beneficiaries of such services. Authorizes payments to States for services to individuals in hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, intermediate care facilities, or foster homes. Continues the prohibition against payments to States for services to individuals in prison. Repeals the prohibition against payments to States for services to individuals who are eligible to receive payments under the medicare program. Repeals the requirement for approval of all State plans for social services by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare. Requires States to conduct an annual audit of any plan of services under this Act. Requires an annual assessment of the implementation of such plan by each State. Directs the annual publication of the reports of such audits and assessments. Extends the prohibition against discrimination based on race, color, or national origin under any program receiving Federal financial assistance to include a prohibition on discrimination based on sex.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1976
Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act - Requires the Chief Justice of the United States to designate seven district court judges, each of whom shall have jurisdiction to hear applications for and grant orders approving electronic surveillance anywhere within the United States. Requires the Chief Justice to designate three Federal judges to comprise a special court of appeals which shall have jurisdiction to hear an appeal by the United States from the denial of any application. Grants the United States a further right to appeal an affirmance of denial to the Supreme Court. Requires each application for any order approving electronic surveillance for foreign intelligence purposes to be approved by the Attorney General and to include: (1) the identity of the officer making the application; (2) the authority conferred on the applicant by the President and the approval of the Attorney General to make the application; (3) the identity of the subject of the surveillance; (4) the fact and circumstances justifying belief that the target of surveillance is a foreign power or an agent of a foreign power; (5) a description of the type of information sought and a certification by one of specified Federal officers that such information is foreign intelligence information that cannot feasibly be obtained by normal investigative techniques; and (6) a statement of the period of time for which the surveillance is required. Directs the judge to enter an ex parte order as requested or as modified approving the electronic surveillance if he finds that the criteria specified have been met. Allows issuance of orders to approve surveillance for 90 days or the period necessary to achieve its purposes, whichever is less. Permits extensions of orders upon application for an extension made in the same manner as required for an original application. Authorizes the Attorney General, upon a reasonable determination that an emergency situation exists, to authorize the emergency employment of electronic surveillance if an appropriate judge is informed by the Attorney General of such authorization at the time it is made and if an application is made as soon as practicable but not more than 24 hours after authorization. Requires, in the absence of a judicial order, that surveillance terminate when the information sought is obtained, when the application for an order is denied, or 24 hours after authorization, whichever is earliest. Allows information acquired from electronic surveillance conducted pursuant to this Act to be used and disclosed only for designated purposes or for the enforcement of the criminal law. Requires when an order to approve the emergency employment of electronic surveillance is not obtained, that the judge serve notice on the individual subject to surveillance of the fact of the application, the period of surveillance, and the fact that information was or was not obtained. Permits the judge to delay or forego this action on a showing of good cause. Requires the Attorney General to submit an annual report to the Administrative Office of the United States Courts and to Congress including: (1) the number of applications made for orders and extensions of orders approving electronic surveillance and the number of such orders and extensions granted, modified, and denied; (2) the periods of time for which orders authorized surveillances and their actual duration; (3) the number of surveillances in place at any time during the preceding year; and (4) the number of surveillances terminated during the preceding year. Declares that nothing contained in this Act shall limit the Constitutional power of the President to order electronic surveillances for specified national security reasons if the facts and circumstances giving rise to such order are beyond the scope of this Act. (Amends 18 U.S.C. 2521-2528)
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1976
Amends Rule X of the House of Representatives to transfer jurisdiction over Federal impact aid programs from the Committee on Education and Labor to the Committee on Ways and Means.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 1976
Legal Fees Reimbursement Act - Provides that in any legal action initiated by the Government, or in any action instituted by a taxpayer contesting the accuracy of a deficiency or claiming a refund of taxes paid where the taxpayer prevails or substantially prevails, the Government shall be liable for the reimbursement in full of all reasonable litigation expenses incurred by the taxpayer as a consequence of legal defense, under the Internal Revenue Code.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 1976
Amends the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to include in the Renewable Resource Program, national program recommendations which take into account specified policy objectives. Requires the Secretary to provide for public participation in the formulation and review of proposed land management plans for units of the National Forest System. Directs the Secretary to promulgate regulations that set out the process for the development and revision of such land management plans. Requires that such regulations specify procedures to insure that plans are prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act and guidelines set out in this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to appraise and sell so much of the trees and other forest products found upon National Park System lands as may further the policies set forth in the Multiple Use and Sustained Yield Act, and the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974. Repeals the requirement that such forest products be sold for use only in the United States or territory in which the timber reservation from which such products were taken is located. Increases to $10,000 in appraised value the maximum value of timber and cord wood which the Secretary may sell without advertisement.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1976
Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require the Commissioner of Education to make Federal interest subsidy and administrative cost allowance payments to holders of loans under such Act on behalf of the borrower within 30 days of receipt by the Commissioner of an itemized voucher in such form as the Commissioner shall by regulation prescribe.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1976
Authorizes under the Federal Civil Defense Act of 1950 the use of Federal civil defense funds by local civil defense agencies for natural disaster relief. Increases the Federal contribution for travel expenses and per diem allowances for students in civil defense training programs and increases the Federal financial contribution to States for civil defense personnel and administrative expenses. Increases the authorization for appropriations under such Act for travel expenses, for personal equipment for State and local workers,and for personnel and administrative expenses.
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1976
Consumer Communications Reform Act - States that Congress finds that the revenues from integrated interstate and foreign common carrier telecommunications services helped maintain a level of charges for telephone exchange service which is lower than otherwise would be required. Expresses the sense of Congress that the authorization of lines, facilities, or services of specialized carriers which duplicate the lines, facilities, or services of other telecommunications common carriers is contrary to the public interest. Reaffirms the intent of Congress that the complete authority to regulate terminal and station equipment used for telephone exchange service shall rest with the States even though such terminal and station equipment also may be used in connection with interstate services. Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to provide that no compensatory charges for or in connection with such communication service may be found to be unjust or unreasonable on the ground that it is too low. Prohibits the Federal Communications Commission from holding the charge of a carrier up to a particular level to protect the traffic or revenues from a communication service offered or provided by another carrier if such charge proposed by the carrier is compensatory. Provides that the Commission shall not grant or authorize any construction permit, station, license, or certificate for the construction, acquisition, or operation of any communication or transmission line or facility, or extension thereof, or any modification or renewal thereof, unless the Commission shall find, after full opportunity for evidentiary hearing on the record, that such permit, license, or certificate, will not result in increased charges or unnecessary duplication of communication lines.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1976
Extends for one year (until September 30, 1977) the period for making loans to the unemployment fund of the Virgin Islands. Increases the authorized funds by $10,000,000.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1976
Extends for one year (until September 30, 1977) the period for making loans to the unemployment fund of the Virgin Islands. Increases the funds to be authorized by $10,000,000. Makes available funds for advances to the Unemployment Trust Fund.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1976
Financial Assistance for Elementary and Secondary Education Act - Title I: General Provisions - Authorizes appropriations for purposes of titles II and III of this Act. States that an amount not to exceed three percent of such appropriations be used to meet the education needs existing in American territories and for Indian children at schools operated by the Department of Interior. Allots to each State from such appropriations $5,000,000 annually or the amount allotted to that State in the preceding fiscal year under this Act or programs consolidated under this Act whichever is less and 85 percent of the amount in excess of $5,000,000 allotted to that State under such programs. Directs that the remaining appropriations be allocated to each State based on a ratio of the number of children from low-income areas in such State. Requires that any State desiring grants under this Act: (1) designate the agency which will administer such assistance; (2) develop a plan meeting specified requirements for the use of such funds; (3) certify to the Commissioner of Education that it has such a plan; (4) certify annually that it has complied with such plan; (5) develop procedures for the periodic determination of the State's compliance with its plan; (6) submit such procedures to the Commissioner for approval; and (7) provide for an annual audit of expenditures from such grants and report the results of such audit to the Commissioner. Requires that any State procedures for developing such plan provide for public notification and a means for obtaining the views of specified parties regarding such plan. States that a State comprehensive plan shall: (1) set forth the objectives to be achieved under the plan; (2) provide for the allocation of funds in accordance with the requirements of this Act; and (3) set forth procedures to insure that distribution to local educational agencies take into account the number and concentration of children from low-income families and educationally deprived and handicapped children. Requires that at least 75 percent of the funds provided under this Act be distributed to local educational agencies to meet the special educational needs of educationally deprived and handicapped children. Directs that not more than five percent of the amount made available under this Act, or the percentage available under programs consolidated under this Act for administrative costs, whichever is greater, be used for the administration of the State plan. Authorizes the State agency designated to carry out the purposes of this Act to delegate administrative functions to other agencies, transfer funds to such agency, and enter into contracts to carry out activities authorized under this Act. Prohibits the payment of funds to any State which has failed to certify its plan and compliance with such plan to the Commissioner. Authorizes the Commissioner to suspend or reduce payments to States which failed substantially to comply with the provisions of such plan or specified provisions of this Act. Allows such State to file a petition of review with the United States court of appeals for the circuit in which the State is located. States that any findings of the Commissioner, if supported by substantial evidence, shall be conclusive in such action. Requires that any audit of funds provided under this Act be limited to such funds. Subjects funds available under this Act to title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and provisions forbidding the discrimination against qualified handicapped individuals under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Directs State educational agencies to insure that children enrolled in private nonprofit elementary and secondary schools and children in Indian tribal elementary or secondary schools are given an opportunity to participate in activities assisted under this Act. Authorizes the Commissioner to arrange for such children to receive similar services to those provided under this Act if the State is prohibited by law from providing for such participation or has failed to do so. Defines terms for purposes of this Act. Repeals specified Acts and provisions of Federal Acts. Title II: Elementary and Secondary Handicapped and Adult Education Programs - Directs that State comprehensive plans under this Act include programs for educationally deprived and handicapped children in the State and adult education. Specifies allowable further uses of such funds. Sets forth the allocation of funds available under this Act to local educational agencies to meet the special educational needs of educationally deprived and handicapped children. Title III: Vocational Education - States that a specified portion of funds available under this Act be used for vocational education purposes. Sets forth requirements for a State's vocational education programs. Specifies programs and activities for which available funds may be used. Title IV: National Impact Projects - Declares it the purpose of this title to provide support for special activities, and for innovation and development in vocational education and the education of the handicapped through projects which can be more effectively carried out on a national or regional basis. Authorizes the Commissioner to carry out specified activities relating to such purpose. Authorizes appropriations of $69,000,000 annually through fiscal year 1980 to carry out the purposes of this title.
United States · United States Congress · 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 · 11 March 1976
Amends the Act of March 3, 1899 to provide that the prohibition against the creation of any obstruction to the navigable waters of the United States shall not apply to any waters of the United States which the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, determines are not being used for commerce at the time of such determination and are not likely to be used for such purpose in the foreseeable future.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1976
Revises the Internal Revenue Code to provide that the allowable dollar amount of the tax deduction taken for a charitable contribution which is of a musical, artistic, or similar nature shall be the fair market value of such property at the time of contribution.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1976
Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to delegate authority to States with respect to planning and location of structures, excavation, dredging or filling of the waters of the United States. Limits such delegation to only those bodies of water where there is no substantial waterborne interstate transportation of commercial goods. Requires that States, as a condition of such delegation, (1) enact legislation to adequately protect Federal interests in such waters and (2) establish a permit program at least as effective as Federal procedures.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1976
Provides that the tax deduction, under the Internal Revenue Code, for charitable contributions of ordinary income property that is used by the donee solely for the care of the ill, the needy, or infants, which use is related to the donee's basis for tax exempt status, shall be reduced by only one-half of the amount of gain which would have been realized if the property contributed had been sold at its fair market value.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1976
National Forest Timber Management Reform Act - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish standards for future timber sales from national forests consistent with the criteria set forth in this Act. Requires that timber sales be made only from stable lands which are capable of regenerating a commercial stand of timber. Requires that minimum reforestation requirements be included in such standards. Imposes quantity sales limitations on timber sales in order to prevent the quantity and quality of timber from declining. Directs the Secretary to establish standards for maximum utilization of all trees sold from the national forests. Requires a complete interdisciplinary review from an environmental, biological, engineering, and economic standpoint of all proposed timber sales of $5,000 or more in national forests. Directs the Secretary to make public at least 60 days prior to each sale a brief statement as to the consistency of such proposed cut with principles of multiple use. Requires that the Secretary impose limitations on clearcutting practices in national forests. Prohibits the Secretary from allowing the cutting of immature trees except where the cutting of such trees: (1) conforms to specified forest management purposes; (2) achieves an even age distribution in southern pine forests; and (3) in connection with clearcuts where the stand of trees is predominantly of mature trees. Prohibits the cutting and removal of any tree from national forests unless such tree has been properly marked. Authorizes clearcuts without marking of individual trees in accordance with standards to be promulgated by the Secretary. Requires that the Secretary evaluate and limit the effects of proposed conversions of plant communities within natural forests. Prohibits contracts for the cutting of timber in national forests for more than a three-year period. Prohibits the use of DDT and other chlorinated hydrocarbons by the Secretary in the national forests for pest control purposes. Requires that the Secretary and the Forest Service take steps to preserve the natural ecosystems, soil resources, and fish and wildlife resources in national forests. Requires the preparation of a multiple use-sustained yield management plan for each national forest. Requires the establishment of a cost accounting system for future timber sales, to include indirect and direct administrative costs with respect to growth and reforestation of timber as well as sales. Allows States and localities to elect to receive payments from the Secretary of Agriculture based on the amount of specified public lands within the boundaries of such governmental units in lieu of the sum of amounts made available to States and localities under other provisions of Federal law.
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
Directs the Secretary of the Treasury and other Federal officials to initiate negotiations within the framework of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development and the International Monetary Fund with the intent of developing an appropriate code of conduct and specific trading obligations among governments, together with suitable procedures for the settlement of disputes.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1976
Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to give the President the power to appoint six members of the eight-member Federal Election Commission by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Appoints the Secretary of the Senate and the Clerk of the House of Representatives as ex officio members of the Commission without the right to vote. Terminates the terms of the present members once the new members are appointed and confirmed pursuant to this Act. Declares the sense of the Congress that appointments authorized by this Act should be made as soon as possible.
United States · United States Congress · 24 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 · 18 February 1976
Authorizes regulated investment companies, under the Internal Revenue Code, to pay exempt-interest dividends in an amount up to 90 percent of the excess of its tax-exempt interest without affecting its tax-exempt status. Allows shareholders to treat such exempt-interest dividends as excludable from gross income. Disallows that portion of the deduction for expenses and interest relating to tax-exempt income which the amount of such company's exempt-income bears to its gross income.
United States · United States Congress · 18 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 the Federal Election Commission whose members are 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. Stipulates that no more than three members appointed by the President may be affiliated with the same party. Sets members' terms at six years with one members' term expiring every year. States that members will be chosen from among individuals who are not currently elected or appointed as an officer or employee of any branch of the Government of the United States, except current members of the Federal Election Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1976
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 · 11 February 1976
Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1974 to establish as an independent establishment of the Executive Branch the Federal Election Commission, consisting of the Secretary of the Senate (ex officio), the Clerk of the House (ex officio), and six members appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. States that more than three members appointed by the President may be affiliated with the same party. Sets members' terms at six years with one members' term expiring every year. States that members will be chosen from among individuals who are not currently elected or appointed as an officer or employee of any branch of the Government of the United States, except current members of the Federal Election Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1976
Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1974 to establish as an independent establishment of the Executive Branch the Federal Election Commission, consisting of the Secretary of the Senate (ex officio), the Clerk of the House (ex officio), and six members appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. States that more than three members appointed by the President may be affiliated with the same party. Sets members' terms at six years with one members' term expiring every year. States that members will be chosen from among individuals who are not currently elected or appointed as an officer or employee of any branch of the Government of the United States, except current members of the Federal Election Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1976
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
Jobs Creation Incentive Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a taxpayer to elect to take a deduction with respect to the amortization of a qualifying facility, which is located in a high unemployment area, based on a period to one-half of the useful life of the facility. Authorizes a taxpayer to elect to take a deduction with respect to the amortization of qualifying equipment placed in a qualifying facility based on a period of 60 months. Defines the term "high unemployment area" to include an area with an average unemployment rate of seven percent or more of the labor force as determined by the Secretary of Labor.
United States · United States Congress · 10 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 no 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 United States Government except current members of the Federal Election Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1976
Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to provide that members of the Federal Election Commission shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1976
Administrative Rulemaking Control Act - Expresses the findings of Congress that executive agencies have promulgated rules containing criminal sanctions which have often exceeded the intent of Congress. States that it is the purpose of this Act to establish a procedure whereby Congress may review specified rulemaking activities of executive agencies, thereby exercising greater control and oversight over the operations of such agencies. Requires public notice of proposed rulemaking, allowance of public participation in such rulemaking, and a public statement of the basis and purpose of any adopted rule. Provides that an administrative rule, the violation of which subjects an individual to a criminal penalty, shall take effect only: (1) if published in the Federal Register; (2) after the expiration of 30 days of continuous session of Congress after the date on which the rule was published; and (3) if neither House of Congress passes a resolution disfavoring such a rule. Sets forth procedures governing the consideration of such resolution by the Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1976
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a deduction for donations of blood to charitable organizations in an amount equal to $25 for each pint donated. Limits the aggregate amount of donations which shall be deductible to $125 in any taxable year.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1976
Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to provide that members of the Federal Election Commission shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1976
Voter Registration and Election Administration Assistance Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to make grants to the States to carry out programs to encourage voter registration, education, and participation. Provides that each State may, in its discretion, allocate all or part of any grant made under this Act to political subdivisions of such State. Provides that each grant made under this Act shall be used for programs related to voter registration and election administration, including but not limited to: (1) programs to increase opportunities for voter registration, such as mail registration, expanded registration hours and locations, mobile registration facilities, election day registration, re-registration programs, door-to-door canvassing procedures, and other methods which the State may deem appropriate; (2) programs to improve election administration procedures such as the purchase of additional voter machinery, organization and planning of election administration procedures, improvements in ballot preparation and absentee ballot procedures, coordination of election activities, and other methods designed to facilitate the smooth functioning of the election administration process; (3) planning, evaluating, and designing the use of electronic data processing or other appropriate procedures to streamline and modernize voter registration and election administration, with special emphasis on techniques which would allow voter registration closer to election day; (4) programs for the prevention and control of fraud; (5) education and training programs for State and local election officials; and (6) establishing nonpartisan programs for the purpose of voter and citizen education. Requires the Comptroller General to audit and review annually the programs of at least five States receiving grants under this Act. Provides that the Comptroller General shall disseminate to all the Chief Elections Officers of the States a summary of the types of programs he found to be most effective and those he found to be least effective. Authorizes to be appropriated the sum of $35,000,000 for fiscal year 1976 to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1976
Regulatory Reform Act - States Congress' finding that Government economic regulation has become a burden to American business, consumers, and the economy. Requires the President to submit at least once a year for five years a plan to eliminate regulation which has led to inflationary consumer prices or a reduction of competition. Directs that each plan establish more efficient organizational and administrative forms for the regulation of commerce and include provisions necessary to modify or abolish existing agencies and functions so as to eliminate overlapping regulatory jurisdictions and anti-competitive regulations. Requires that such reformation plan be directed toward regulation in the areas of: (1) banking and finance; (2) energy and environment; (3) commerce, and transportation; (4) food, health, safety, and trade practices; and (5) labor, housing, and small business. Defines terms used in this Act. Provides for Congressional review of such plan. Provides that if Congress fails to pass any regulatory reform legislation by a specified date after the President submits his plan to the Congress, such plan shall become effective as of a specified date and all rules of any agency described in such plan shall be of no force or effect.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1976
Amends the Education Amendments of 1972 to exempt Boys State, Boys Nation, Girls State, and Girls Nation conferences, from the sex discrimination provisions of such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1976
Departments of Labor and Health, Education, and Welfare Appropriation Act - Title I: Department of Labor - Department of Labor Appropriation Act - Appropriates to the Department of Labor specified funds for programs administered by: (1) the Manpower Administration; (2) the Labor-Management Services Administration; (3) the Employment Standards Administration; (4) the Occupational Safety and Health Administration; (5) the Bureau of Labor Statistics and; (6) for miscellaneous departmental management expenses. Provides that no funds approriated by this Act may be used to make unemployment compensation payments to any individual who performs services in an instructional, research or principal administrative capacity for an educational institution with respect to any week commencing during the period between two successive academic years. Title II: Department of Health, Education, and Welfare - Appropriates to the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare specified funds for programs administered by: (1) the Health Services Administration; (2) the Center for Disease Control; (3) the National Institutes of Health; (4) the Alcohol, Drug Abuse, and Mental Health Administration; (5) the Health Resources Administration; (6) the Social Security Administration; (7) the Assistant Secretary for Human Development; and (8) for miscellaneous departmental management expenses. Prescribes provisions concerning the expenditure of funds appropriated by this Act. Prohibits the use of funds appropriated by this Act for the purpose of busing students or teachers to overcome racial imbalance in any school or school system. Title III: Related Agencies - Appropriates funds for: (1) Action; (2) the Community Services Administration; (3) the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service; (4) the National Commission on Libraries and Information Science; (5) the National Labor Relations Board; (6) the National Mediation Board; (7) the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission; (8) the Railroad Retirement Board; and (9) the Soldiers' and Airmen's Home. Title IV: General Provisions - Sets guidelines for spending sums appropriated by this Act including prohibitions against using such sums: (1) to finance any Civil Service Interagency Board of Examiners; (2) to provide loans or to pay the salary of any person working at an institution of higher education who has engaged in conduct involving the use of force or threat of force to require or prevent the availability of specified curriculum or to prevent the faculty, administrative officials, or students in an institution of higher learning from engaging in their duties or pursuing their studies at such institution; and (3) to pay for any research program involving human participants which present a danger to such participants without their informed, written consent.
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1976
Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to give the President the power to appoint six members of the eight-member Federal Election Commission by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Appoints the Secretary of the Senate and the Clerk of the House of Representatives as ex officio members of the Commission without the right to vote. Terminates the terms of the present members once the new members are appointed and confirmed pursuant to this Act. Declares the sense of the Congress that appointments authorized by this Act should be made as soon as possible.