United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Government Economy and Spending Reform Act - Title I: Authorization of New Budget Authority - Terminates all budget authority for Federal programs on specified dates according to the functional or subfunctional category of each program as set forth in the fiscal year 1977 budget. Requires the Comptroller General to report to Congress by April 1, 1977, on specified programs with respect to the laws under which such program is carried on, the amount of new budget authority received by such program during the four fiscal years ending before April 1, 1977, and to identify programs for which no outlays have been made during the last two fiscal years ending before April 1, 1977. Prohibits providing new budget authority after the applicable review date set forth in this Act unless the provision of such budget authority is specifically authorized by law or the standing rules of either House of Congress. Title II: Zero-Base Program Review - Sets forth a timetable for Congressional zero-base review of new budget authority. Defines "zero-base review" as an evaluation of a given program to determine the merits of its continuation at a level less than, equal to, or more than its existing level. Requires each congressional committee conducting a zero-based program review to adopt tentative and final review plans, receive reports from the Comptroller General and Federal agencies on the program being reviewed, and report to their respective House the results of such zero-base review of the program. Sets forth minimum objectives of inquiry for such reviews. Requires that any committee reporting pursuant to this Act recommend the extent to which any program reviewed should be continued or eliminated. Title III: Continuing Review - Amends the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1970 to require, whenever the Comptroller General issues a report which discloses any substantial deficiency in the achievement of the objectives of any Federal program, the agency conducting such program to report to specified congressional committees 60 days after such report and every six months thereafter to delineate the actions taken with respect to such deficiency. Requires that such agency continue to issue such reports until such time as the Comptroller General determines that no purpose is served by their submission. Amends the Budget and Accounting Act of 1921, to require the inclusion in the Budget of a statement of the specific objectives of each Government program, and a comparison, in each subsequent Budget, of the achievement of such objectives for the last completed fiscal year with the planned objectives of such year. Title IV: Miscellaneous - Requires the Director of Management and Budget to study the feasibility of zero-base budgeting for Federal agencies. Requires the Director of the Congressional Budget Office to study the feasibility of personnel ceilings on employees of the United States and their relationships to alternative methods of carrying out the activities of such employees. Requires that such reports be submitted to Congress. Requires Federal agency heads to report requests for new budget authority to Congress. Requires specified committees to study the effectiveness of the zero-base review procedures required by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Amends the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 to make the provisions, formerly applicable to persons between 40 and 65 years of age, applicable to anyone 40 years of age or older.
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Creates a Select House Committee on Population to conduct an investigation and study of: (1) the major adverse effects of current population growth throughout the world; (2) approaches which have been shown to be effective in coping with excessive population growth; and (3) means to encourage countries with excessive population growth rates to adopt methods proven to be successful in reducing population growth rates.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1976
Requests the President of the United States to establish by Executive Order a Strike Force for Medicare and Medicaid Review which utilizes the resources of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, the Department of Justice, the Internal Revenue Service, the Office of Management and Budget, and other agencies to review, investigate, and audit operations of the medicare and medicaid programs. Requests the Strike Force to report its findings and recommendations to each House of Congress and the President.
United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1976
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that there exists a sufficient indication of a relationship between the level of violence depicted on television and a distorted view of social reality held by heavy viewers of television to warrant consideration of such relationship by those persons responsible for television programming and broadcasting. Urges further investigation of the correlation between the level of violence depicted on television and aggressive, including violent behavior in children and adults.
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1976
Prohibits the use of Federal funds by any corporation wholly owned by the Federal Government for the purpose of influencing any legislative issue before Congress, any State legislature, or on the ballot of any State.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 1976
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act - Title I: General Provisions - Expresses the intent and findings of Congress that alternative energy sources for public and private consumption are necessary to reduce dependence on petroleum, natural gas, and nuclear and hydroelectric generations as a power source. Establishes the objective of establishing a cooperative effort to recover potential energy sources and other valuable materials from discarded material. Title II: Office of Discarded Materials; Authorities of the Administrator - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to establish within the Agency an Office of Discarded Materials to carry out administrative functions under this Act and the Solid Waste Disposal Act. Stipulates that the Administrator shall have exclusive supervisory authority over litigation commenced under this Act. Requires that the concurrence of the Administrator be obtained with respect to any aspect of proceedings before the Supreme Court where the Attorney General acts as the Administrator's representative. Directs the Administrator to collect information on discarded materials for dissemination to the public. Requires the establishment of resource recovery panels to assist State and local programs. Directs the Administrator to undertake studies and reports on discarded mining wastes and sludge material. Authorizes Federal grants to public and private applicants to assist in the purchase of discarded tire shredders. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1978 and 1979 for such programs and studies. Requires annual reports to Congress by the Administrator on activities of the Office of Discarded Materials. Title III: Hazardous Waste Management - Directs the Administrator to establish criteria for identifying hazardous waste materials. Establishes procedures for the development of standards to seasonably protect human health from hazardous waste. Directs the Administrator to establish a permit program to regulate the treatment, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste. Establishes requirements for application for such permits. Directs the Administrator to establish standards for State hazardous waste programs. Establishes procedures for authorization and withdrawal of authorization by the Administrator for the operation of State programs. Requires the operators of facilities regulated by this Act to allow authorized officials duly designated by the Administrator access to records relating to hazardous waste, and to enter and inspect facilities at any reasonable time upon the furnishing of a written statement as to the reason for the inspection by the authorized official. Establishes procedures for Federal enforcement of hazardous waste regulations. Title IV: State or Regional Discarded Materials Plans - Directs the Administrator to establish guidelines for State or regional discarded materials management plans. Lists factors to be considered by the Administrator in developing such guidelines. Establishes minimum requirements for approval of plans by the Administrator. Authorizes technical assistance to States and localities for the development and implementation of such plans. Directs the Administrator to establish criteria for classification of facilities as sanitary landfills. Stipulates that each State or regional plan shall require disposal of all discarded material in a sanitary landfill. Authorizes the appropriation of $30,000,000 for fiscal year 1978, $40,000,000 for fiscal year 1979, and $50,000,000 for fiscal year 1980 for grants to States for the development and implementation of State plans. Authorizes Federal loan guarantees from the United States Resource Recovery Corporation to local governments and other persons only with respect to facilities located in States or regions having an approved plan. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants and provide technical assistance to States and localities for the removal of sludge and other solid wastes from shorelines. Requires the establishment of a Task Force in the Environmental Protection Agency to perform surveillance activities and to provide technical assistance. Authorizes the appropriation of $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1978, $12,000,000 for fiscal year 1979, and $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1980 for grants under such program. Title V: Duties of the Secretary of Commerce in Resource Conservation and Recovery - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish accurate specifications for recovered materials, to promote development of resource recovery technology, and to stimulate the development of markets for recovered materials. Title VI: United States Resource Recovery Corporation - Creates a nonprofit United States Resource Recovery Corporation to stimulate the construction of new resource recovery facilities by reducing a portion of the operating risk inherent in traditional methods of capital formation for such facilities. Authorizes the Corporation to provide financial assistance to eligible facilities for up to 50 percent of the initial project cost. Limits the amount of financial assistance, which may be outstanding at any time to a total of $2,500,000,000. Authorizes the appropriation of $3,000,000 for fiscal year 1978 and $5,000,000 for fiscal year 1979, for administrative expenses incurred by the Corporation. Title VII: Federal Responsibilities - Requires Federal procurement agencies to maximize use of resource recovery and energy efficient methods in Federal procurement practices. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to establish guidelines for procurement agencies with recommended practices designed to encourage energy conservation and resource recovery. Title VIII: Miscellaneous Provisions - Prohibits employers from discriminating against employees who seek to enforce legally protected rights under this Act. Authorizes citizen suits in Federal district courts for alleged violations of provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 1976
Small Business Growth and Job Creation Act - Title I: Small Business Independence and Continuation - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish graduated corporate income tax rates. Changes the holding period for capital assets from six months to one year. Establishes a new alternative tax on capital gains. Increases the estate tax exemption from $60,000 to $180,000. Establishes a new rate schedule for the estate tax. Increases the gift tax exclusion from $3,000 to $9,000, and the gift tax exemption from $30,000 to $90,000. Replaces the present gift tax schedule with a flat rate of 75 percent of whatever the estate tax on such a sum would be. Provides that a distribution of property by a corporation in redemption of stock to pay death taxes shall be treated as a distribution in full payment in exchange for the stock if all of the stock of such corporation which is included in determining the value of the decedent's gross estate is either, (1) more than 20 percent (generally, 35 percent), of the value of the gross estate of such decedent, or (2) more than 40 percent (generally, 50 percent) of the taxable estate of such decedent. Provides that if stock in a corporation is sold by a shareholder owning stock representing more than 30 percent of the fair market value of all outstanding stock of the corporation whose stock is being sold, the gain from such sale shall be recognized only to the extent that the taxpayer's sale price exceeds the cost of replacement property purchased by the taxpayer within two years. Defines "replacement property" as property which is held for the production of income or which is held for investment. Allows the executor of an estate involving an interest in a closely held business to elect to include in the value of the gross estate the decedent's basis in such business rather than the fair market value of such interest. States that the basis of property acquired from a decedent as to which such an election was made shall be the decedent's basis in such property rather than the fair market value of such interest. Allows the marital deduction of the estate tax to exceed 50 percent of the value of the adjusted gross estate when an interest in a specially defined small business is included in the estate. Title II: Small Business Growth Incentives - Allows a taxpayer to choose the cash method of accounting in any case where inventory is an income determining factor and the ending inventory for the taxable year does not exceed $200,000. Provides a deferred tax credit against taxable income for unincorporated businesses. Establishes a graduated investment tax credit. Amends the definition of a small business corporation to allow domestic corporations with up to 20 shareholders (presently, ten) to qualify for subchapter S treatment. Allows a small business to make a subchapter S election at any time during the taxable year. Allows to a business a credit equal to 50 percent of the wages paid during the taxable year to new employees, up to two employees and $20,000 for the taxable year. Allows a similar credit for new disadvantaged employees up to a maximum of $60,000 per taxable year. Allows the practical cost recovery method to be used in computing depreciation. Title III: Small Business Tax Simplification - Allows a corporation to file an application for refund of overpayment of estimated income tax at any time during the taxable year. Provides a special rule for treatment of net operating loss adjustments in the case of new corporations. Increases the minimum credit on accumulated earnings from $150,000 to $500,000. Redefines "section 1244 stock" to mean common stock in a corporation if: (1) such corporation during its preceding taxable year derived more than 50 percent of its aggregate gross receipts from sources other than royalties, rents, dividends, interest, annuities, and sales or exchanges of stock or securities; and (2) the equity capital of such corporation does not exceed $1,000,000. Increases the losses on section 1244 stock which may be treated as ordinary losses (rather than capital losses) from $25,000 to $50,000.
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 1976
Establishes the Santa Monica Urban Park in California. Directs the Secretary to establish the Urban Park Planning Commission to develop the park plan. Authorizes the appropriation of $650,000 for expenses of the Commission. Makes available to the Commission an additional $250,000 upon authorization of the Secretary. Authorizes the appropriation of $50,000,000 for grants to State and local units for land acquisition.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 1976
Provides that the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs may provide special pay not exceeding $2.50 an hour to full time nursing assistants. Prohibits such special pay to those employed in categories of nursing assistant positions in the Department of Medicine and Surgery as to which there is no significant retention problem. Authorizes the Administrator to prescribe regulations governing agreements for special pay which would specify at least a one year term of employment thereunder. (Adds 38 U.S.C. 4119)
United States · United States Congress · 8 September 1976
Amends Rule XI of the Rules of the House of Representatives to provide that committee funds shall not be used for travel unless its official nature is established by resolution approved by majority vote of the committee involved. Requires that the official travel resolution set forth specific items including the purpose of each destination, the names of all persons who propose to take the trip, the anticipated benefit to the taxpayers, and the estimated total expense.
United States · United States Congress · 2 September 1976
Designates as wilderness specified lands within the following components of the National Wildlife Refuge System and the National Forest System: (1) Simeonof National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska; (2) Big Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Arkansas; (3) Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge, Florida; (4) J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge, Florida; (5) Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge, Florida; (6) Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge, Illinois; (7) Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge, Louisiana; (8) Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge, Minnesota; (9) Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge, Minnesota; (10) Mingo National Wildlife Refuge, Missouri; (11) Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, Montana; (12) Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge, Nebraska; (13) Swanquarter National Wildlife Refuge, North Carolina; (14) Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge, Oregon; (15) San Juan Islands National Wildlife Refuge, Washington; (16) Shoshone National Forest, Wyoming; (17) Sierra National Forest, California; (18) Mark Twain National Forest, Missouri; and (19) Cibola National Forest, New Mexico. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to review the suitability of, and the President to submit recommendations relative to, preserving as wilderness specified lands within the following national forests: (1) Angeles National Forest, California; (2) San Bernadino National Forest, California; (3) Mendocino National Forest, California; (4) Mark Twain National Forest, Missouri; (5) Flathead National Forest, Montana; and (6) Lewis and Clark National Forest, Montana.
United States · United States Congress · 1 September 1976
National Neighborhood Policy Act - Establishes a National Commission on Neighborhoods which will include two members each from the House and the Senate and 16 public members appointed by the President. States the duties of the Commission which include studying the factors necessary to neighborhood survival and revitalization and making recommendations for modification of existing laws and policies. Makes provisions for the administration of this Commission. Authorizes to be appropriated funds necessary to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 31 August 1976
Authorizes the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs, in providing therapeutic and rehabilitation activities, to provide for the participation of patients and members in Veterans' Administration health facilities in the assemblage of poppies or other similar projects carried out at such facilities, which are sponsored by a national veterans service organization or its auxiliary. Directs that patients and members be compensated by the sponsoring organization for their participation in such programs.
United States · United States Congress · 30 August 1976
Establishes the National Commission on Housing for the Elderly which shall have responsibility for investigating: (1) present Federal programs to provide low- and middle-income housing for senior citizens; (2) the need for additional housing; (3) the feasibility of rehabilitating existing central city housing; and (4) the need for activities and a living environment which provides adequate security. Requires the Commission to submit to the President and the Congress a report on the investigation together with its recommendations, not later than 18 months after the date on which a majority of the membership is appointed.
United States · United States Congress · 24 August 1976
Directs the House Committee on Armed Services to make a study of the murder by members of the North Korean Armed Forces serving as guards at Panmunjom of two American Army officers attached to the United Nations Command, and other recent North Korean violations of the armistice agreement. Requires the committee to transmit a report to the House containing a statement of the findings of the committee no later than January 3, 1977.
United States · United States Congress · 24 August 1976
Condemns North Korea for its continued acts of treachery culminating in the axe murders of two American officers and the wounding of five others. Directs the Speaker of the House to make known the regrets of the House to the wives and children and other survivors of Major Bonifas and Lieutenant Barrett.
United States · United States Congress · 24 August 1976
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should take such steps as may be necessary to place the threat to the peace created by the murder of two American Army officers attached to the United Nations Command by members of the North Korean Armed Forces serving as guards at Panmunjom, and other recent North Korean violations of the armistice agreement, on the agenda of the United Nations.
United States · United States Congress · 10 August 1976
Amends Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to authorize payment under the supplementary medical insurance program for services furnished by physician extenders. Defines the term "physician extenders" to mean an individual who holds a valid certificate as a physician assistant issued by the National Commission on Certification of Physician's Assistants, or any successor to the Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1976
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals a tax credit equal to one half the amount paid for health insurance premiums up to a maximum credit of $250.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1976
Title I: Increases in Rates of Allowances for Vocational Rehabilitation, Educational Assistance, and Special Training - Increases by specified amounts the rates payable to eligible veterans for vocational rehabilitation, educational assistance, and apprentice programs. Title II: Extension of Period of Eligibility of Seriously Disabled Veterans for, and Other Improvements Relating to Vocational Rehabilitation - Extends the period during which qualified disabled veterans may be afforded vocational rehabilitation from June, 1975, to such time as is determined by the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to be necessary for each such veteran based upon the veterans's disability and need for vocational rehabilitation. Allows any facilities of any agency of the United States to be used to provide unpaid training or work experience as part or all of a veteran's program of vocational rehabilitation. Title III: Improvements Relating to Education Assistance for Veterans and War Orphans and Widows - Prohibits the Administrator from approving the enrollment of a veteran or other eligible person in any independent study program unless such program leads to a standard college degree. Specifies the method of computing the educational assistance allowance of an eligible veteran or other eligible person pursuing such an independent study program. Title IV: Improvements in the Administration of Educational Benefits and Conforming Amendments - Prohibits the payment of educational assistance to any eligible veteran or person for the purposes of auditing a course, or for a course for which the grade assigned is not used in computing the requirements for graduation, including a course from which the student withdraws, unless there are mitigating circumstances beyond his control. Prohibits payments for pursuit of the correspondence portion of a combination correspondence-residence course leading to a vocational objective. Title V: Effective Date of Amendments - Makes the amendments made by this Act effective October 1, 1976.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1976
Requires the appointment of an optometrist to the National Professional Standards Review Council and the participation by optometrists in the activities of local professional standards review organizations pursuant to the requirements of Title XI of the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1976
Expresses the sense of the Congress that article I, section 6 of the Constitution of the United States does not grant any immunity from arrest or prosecution on a charge of violation of any criminal statute of any jurisdiction to a Member of either House of the Congress. Directs that all law enforcement agencies operating within the District of Columbia be made aware of this fact.
United States · United States Congress · 4 August 1976
Stipulates that payments of tuition, fees, or other training costs to or for a mentally retarded adult attending a school for the retarded shall be excluded from the income of such individual in determining eligibility for benefits under Title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) of the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1976
Constitutional Amendment - Provides that no law varying the compensation for the services of Senators and Representatives shall take effect until an election of Representatives shall have intervened.
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1976
Amends rule XXXII of the Rules of the House of Representatives to allow specified present and former employees and Members of the House to enter the Hall of the House and rooms leading thereto. Provides that such persons shall not be admitted if they have any direct personal or pecuniary interest in any legislative measure coming up for consideration in the House.
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 1976
Small Business Growth and Job Creation Act - Title I: Small Business Independence and Continuation - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish graduated corporate income tax rates. Changes the holding period for capital assets from six months to one year. Establishes a new alternative tax on capital gains. Increases the estate tax exemption from $60,000 to $180,000. Establishes a new rate schedule for the estate tax. Increases the gift tax exclusion from $3,000 to $9,000, and the gift tax exemption from $30,000 to $90,000. Replaces the present gift tax schedule with a flat rate of 75 percent of whatever the estate tax on such a sum would be. Provides that a distribution of property by a corporation in redemption of stock to pay death taxes shall be treated as a distribution in full payment in exchange for the stock if all of the stock of such corporation which is included in determining the value of the decedent's gross estate is either, (1) more than 20 percent (generally, 35 percent), of the value of the gross estate of such decedent, or (2) more than 40 percent (generally, 50 percent) of the taxable estate of such decedent. Provides that if stock in a corporation is sold by a shareholder owning stock representing more than 30 percent of the fair market value of all outstanding stock of the corporation whose stock is being sold, the gain from such sale shall be recognized only to the extent that the taxpayer's sale price exceeds the cost of replacement property purchased by the taxpayer within two years. Defines "replacement property" as property which is held for the production of income or which is held for investment. Allows the executor of an estate involving an interest in a closely held business to elect to include in the value of the gross estate the decedent's basis in such business rather than the fair market value of such interest. States that the basis of property acquired from a decedent as to which such an election was made shall be the decedent's basis in such property rather than the fair market value of such interest. Allows the marital deduction of the estate tax to exceed 50 percent of the value of the adjusted gross estate when an interest in a specially defined small business is included in the estate. Title II: Small Business Growth Incentives - Allows a taxpayer to choose the cash method of accounting in any case where inventory is an income determining factor and the ending inventory for the taxable year does not exceed $200,000. Provides a deferred tax credit against taxable income for unincorporated businesses. Establishes a graduated investment tax credit. Amends the definition of a small business corporation to allow domestic corporations with up to 20 shareholders (presently, ten) to qualify for subchapter S treatment. Allows a small business to make a subchapter S election at any time during the taxable year. Allows to a business a credit equal to 50 percent of the wages paid during the taxable year to new employees, up to two employees and $20,000 for the taxable year. Allows a similar credit for new disadvantaged employees up to a maximum of $60,000 per taxable year. Allows the practical cost recovery method to be used in computing depreciation. Title III: Small Business Tax Simplification - Allows a corporation to file an application for refund of overpayment of estimated income tax at any time during the taxable year. Provides a special rule for treatment of net operating loss adjustments in the case of new corporations. Increases the minimum credit on accumulated earnings from $150,000 to $500,000. Redefines "section 1244 stock" to mean common stock in a corporation if: (1) such corporation during its preceding taxable year derived more than 50 percent of its aggregate gross receipts from sources other than royalties, rents, dividends, interest, annuities, and sales or exchanges of stock or securities; and (2) the equity capital of such corporation does not exceed $1,000,000. Increases the losses on section 1244 stock which may be treated as ordinary losses (rather than capital losses) from $25,000 to $50,000.
United States · United States Congress · 22 July 1976
National Consumer Cooperative Bank Act - Title I: National Consumer Cooperative Bank - Sets forth the findings of Congress that there is a need for the establishment of a National Consumer Cooperative Bank and a Cooperative Bank and Assistance Administration which will make available necessary financial and technical assistance to cooperative self-help endeavors as a means of strengthening the Nation's economy. Establishes the National Consumer Cooperative Bank. States that the Bank shall: (1) encourage the development of new and existing cooperatives eligible for its assistance by providing specialized credit and technical assistance; (2) maintain broad-based control of the Bank by its voting stockholders; (3) encourage broad-based ownership, control and active participation by members in eligible cooperatives; (4) assure that the net savings from its operations and the operations of borrowers from the Bank, are made available or accounted for to the stockholders or members of the cooperative organization; and (5) assist in improving the quality and availability of goods and services to consumers. Authorizes the creation of no less than four nor more than twelve corporate regional banks. States that the Bank shall have the power to make and service loans, commitments for credit, guarantees, furnish financially related services, technical assistance, and issue obligations. Enumerates additional powers necessary to carry out its powers and duties under this Act. Authorizes appropriations of $250,000,000 per year for the United States to purchase class A preferred stock of the Bank. Requires the Bank to hold an annual meeting of stockholders. Permits the Bank to obtain funds through the public or private sale of its bonds, debentures, notes, and other evidences of indebtedness. Authorizes the Bank to make loans to eligible organizations which shall be repayable in not more than forty years. States that the objective of the Bank shall be to provide the type of credit needed by eligible borrowers, at the lowest reasonable cost on a sound business basis, taking into account the cost of money to the Bank. Defines "eligible cooperatives" for purposes of assistance under this title as an organization chartered or operated on a cooperative, not for profit basis for producing or furnishing goods, services, facilities, or financing, primarily for the benefit of its members or voting stockholders who are ultimate consumers, if it meets specified criteria, or any other institution chartered or operated in such a way as to enhance competitive market forces or to reduce the price spread between producers and the ultimate consumers of products or services. Title II: Self-Help Development Fund - Establishes in the Treasury a Consumer Cooperative Self-Help Development Fund. Authorizes appropriations of $250,000,000 to be deposited in the Fund. Permits the Cooperative Bank and Assistance Administration to make a capital investment advance out of the Fund to any eligible cooperative if the Administration determines that the applicant's initial or supplemental capital requirements exceed its ability to obtain a Title I loan from the Bank or other sources, and the membership of the applicant consists substantially of low-income persons. Title III: Cooperative Technical Assistance - Directs the Cooperative Bank and Assistance Administration to make available information and services concerning the organization or reorganization of cooperatives to best achieve the objectives of this Act and to best provide the means through which various types of goods, services, and facilities can be made available to members and patrons. States that such assistance may include investigations, surveys, and director and management training and assistance. Authorizes appropriations to the Administration of sums necessary for the administration of this title. Title IV: The Cooperative Bank and Assistance Administration and General Provisions - Establishes the Cooperative Bank and Assistance Administration. Directs the Administration to assure that the objectives of this Act are carried out. States that until the stock of the Bank held by the United States has been fully retired the Bank shall be exempt from any form of taxation. Requires the Administration and the Board to report annually to the appropriate committee of Congress on the activities of the Administration and on the Bank's capital, operations, financial condition, the self-help development fund, and to make recommendations for legistation to improve its services. Authorizes appropriations of sums necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act, in addition to appropriations specifically authorized.
United States · United States Congress · 1 July 1976
Human Resources Demonstration Act - Directs the President, through the Secretary of Labor, to carry out a program of demonstration projects designed to: (1) increase productivity and authorize the better use of human and natural resources in employment; (2) prevent layoffs of employees; and (3) expand employment opportunities by stimulating new investment techniques. Establishes an Advisory Committee on Human Resources and Employment Opportunities to furnish advice and assistance in the administration of the demonstration projects program. Requires the President to submit to the Congress a semi-annual report describing the demonstration projects program and the specific contracts entered into pursuant to such projects. Authorizes appropriations of sums necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 1 July 1976
Amends rule XXII of the Rules of the House of Representatives to remove the limitation on the number of Members who may introduce jointly any bill, memorial, or resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 1 July 1976
Provides that no Member of the House of Representatives shall expend or draw funds against the stationery allowance except by presentation of a receipt of purchase of stationery or office supplies. Requires that any amount of the stationery allowance of a Member of the House of Representatives which is unexpended shall be paid from the revolving fund for stationery allowances into the contingent fund of the House. Provides that stationery funds allocated to a Member of the House who ceases to serve as a Member shall be paid from the stationery fund into the contingent fund of the House.
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1976
Veterans and Dependents Psychological Readjustment Assistance Act - States that for purposes of this Act the term "veteran" means any person who served in the active military service since August 10, 1964, who was discharged under conditions other than dishonorable, and who is in need of the services provided under this Act because of performance of such service, because of a service- connected disability, or because of problems attributable to or caused by readjustment from such service. Directs the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to carry out a program for the treatment, readjustment, and rehabilitation of veterans and their dependents who are experiencing psychosocial readjustment problems as a result of military service, or as a result of problems evolving from readjustment from such service. States that such program shall include such psychiatric, psychological, and counseling services as may be necessary to provide for the successful treatment of the veteran or dependent. Allows such services to be provided outside Veterans' Administration facilities under certain circumstances. Directs the Administrator to conduct or contract for comprehensive studies of the psychological and sociological effects of the Vietnam war upon veterans and their dependents. Stipulates that participation in the program established by this Act shall be completely voluntary and shall not be a prerequisite to receipt of any other veterans' services. (Adds 38 U.S.C. 620A)
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 1976
Expresses the sense of the Congress that no individual whose social security benefits are increased should suffer, by reason of such increase, a loss of or reduction in any benefits which he or she is otherwise entitled to receive under any Federal or federally assisted program.
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1976
National Meals-on-Wheels Act - Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to allow States to distribute Federal funds for the establishment of: (1) projects to provide home-delivered meals to qualified homebound elderly persons; (2) an information and referral system for homebound individuals receiving such meals; and (3) an operation to seek volunteer personnel for the delivery of such meals and to compensate such personnel for related transportation expenses. Authorizes the appropriation of specified sums in fiscal years 1977 and 1978 for the purpose of providing home-delivered meals under this Act. Directs the Commissioner of the Administration on Aging to conduct a demonstration project involving at least three States to determine the feasibility of using the meals system designed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration for the elderly as a component of, or substitute for, regular nutrition projects assisted under the Older Americans Act of 1965. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary in fiscal year 1977 to carry out this project.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1976
National Consumer Cooperative Bank Act - Title I: National Consumer Cooperative Bank - Sets forth the findings of Congress that there is a need for the establishment of a National Consumer Cooperative Bank and a Cooperative Bank and Assistance Administration which will make available necessary financial and technical assistance to cooperative self-help endeavors as a means of strengthening the Nation's economy. Establishes the National Consumer Cooperative Bank. States that the Bank shall: (1) encourage the development of new and existing cooperatives eligible for its assistance by providing specialized credit and technical assistance; (2) maintain broad-based control of the Bank by its voting stockholders; (3) encourage broad-based ownership, control and active participation by members in eligible cooperatives; (4) assure that the net savings from its operations and the operations of borrowers from the Bank, are made available or accounted for to the stockholders or members of the cooperative organization; and (5) assist in improving the quality and availability of goods and services to consumers. Authorizes the creation of no less than four nor more than twelve corporate regional banks. States that the Bank shall have the power to make and service loans, commitments for credit, guarantees, furnish financially related services, technical assistance, and issue obligations. Enumerates additional powers necessary to carry out its powers and duties under this Act. Authorizes appropriations of $250,000,000 per year for the United States to purchase class A preferred stock of the Bank. Requires the Bank to hold an annual meeting of stockholders. Permits the Bank to obtain funds through the public or private sale of its bonds, debentures, notes, and other evidences of indebtedness. Authorizes the Bank to make loans to eligible organizations which shall be repayable in not more than forty years. States that the objective of the Bank shall be to provide the type of credit needed by eligible borrowers, at the lowest reasonable cost on a sound business basis, taking into account the cost of money to the Bank. Defines "eligible cooperatives" for purposes of assistance under this title as an organization chartered or operated on a cooperative, not for profit basis for producing or furnishing goods, services, facilities, or financing, primarily for the benefit of its members or voting stockholders who are ultimate consumers, if it meets specified criteria, or any other institution chartered or operated in such a way as to enhance competitive market forces or to reduce the price spread between producers and the ultimate consumers of products or services. Title II: Self-Help Development Fund - Establishes in the Treasury a Consumer Cooperative Self-Help Development Fund. Authorizes appropriations of $250,000,000 to be deposited in the Fund. Permits the Cooperative Bank and Assistance Administration to make a capital investment advance out of the Fund to any eligible cooperative if the Administration determines that the applicant's initial or supplemental capital requirements exceed its ability to obtain a Title I loan from the Bank or other sources, and the membership of the applicant consists substantially of low-income persons. Title III: Cooperative Technical Assistance - Directs the Cooperative Bank and Assistance Administration to make available information and services concerning the organization or reorganization of cooperatives to best achieve the objectives of this Act and to best provide the means through which various types of goods, services, and facilities can be made available to members and patrons. States that such assistance may include investigations, surveys, and director and management training and assistance. Authorizes appropriations to the Administration of sums necessary for the administration of this title. Title IV: The Cooperative Bank and Assistance Administration and General Provisions - Establishes the Cooperative Bank and Assistance Administration. Directs the Administration to assure that the objectives of this Act are carried out. States that until the stock of the Bank held by the United States has been fully retired the Bank shall be exempt from any form of taxation. Requires the Administration and the Board to report annually to the appropriate committee of Congress on the activities of the Administration and on the Bank's capital, operations, financial condition, the self-help development fund, and to make recommendations for legistation to improve its services. Authorizes appropriations of sums necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act, in addition to appropriations specifically authorized.
United States · United States Congress · 18 June 1976
Older Americans Home Services and Catastrophic Insurance Act - Title I: Home Care for the Elderly and the Disabled - Establishes a voluntary home care benefits program for aged and disabled individuals who are eligible for medicare benefits, such program to be financed with contributions from funds appropriated by the Federal Government and contributions by the States. Includes within such coverage home health services, homemaker services, nutrition services, long- term institutional care services, day care and foster home services, and community mental health center outpatient services. Stipulates that such benefits shall not go into effect in a State until the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare has determined that such State has an agency able to perform the requisite functions under this title and such agency submits to the Secretary a satisfactory plan for operation of a home care benefits program. Creates within the United States Treasury the Federal Home Care Trust Fund, supervised by a Board of Trustees who shall report annually to Congress on the operation and status of the Fund. Authorizes the appropriation to the Trust Fund of such sums as are necessary to carry out this title. Requires participating community home care centers to: (1) furnish services as directed by this title; (2) evaluate and certify the home care needs of eligible individuals; (3) maintain a continuous relationship with each individual receiving items and services; (4) allow full opportunity for individuals and their families to participate in the determinations and functions under this program; (5) make known its existence and location to all eligible individuals in its service area; and (6) submit to the State home care agency an annual report on its activities. Directs the Secretary to pay to each State which has a State home care agency an amount equal to 75 percent of the total amount expended during each quarter as payment to community home care centers. Directs the Secretary to determine whether an individual is entitled to benefits under this title. Entitles any individual dissatisfied with such determination to a hearing and judicial review of the Secretary's final decision. Title II: Catastrophic Health Insurance Coverage for the Elderly and the Disabled - Amends the Social Security Act to extend Medicare coverage of hospital care for the aged to remove time limitations on the coverage of inpatient hospital services and posthospital extended care services. Restructures the limitations on coinsurance under the hospital insurance plan and under the supplementary medical insurance program. Authorizes the appropriation, from time to time, to the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund, of such sums as the Secretary deems necessary to compensate for the increased benefit costs of catastrophic coverage.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1976
National Commission on Regulatory Reform Act - Establishes the National Commission on Regulatory Reform. Directs the Commission to make a full and complete study of such regulatory activities of the independent regulatory agencies of the Federal Government as the Commission determines to be primarily economic in nature and to have a significant effect on the segments of the economy involving transportation, communication, the development and distribution of energy resources, or financial institutions. States that such study shall be undertaken to determine: (1) whether such regulatory activities have limited competition within such segments of the economy, and if they have, what the economic consequences have been; (2) whether such regulatory activities have, in other way, contributed to current economic difficulties, in particular inflation; and (3) whether changes need to be made with regard to such independent Federal establishments and their regulatory activities. Requires that such study shall include, with regard to each independent Federal establishment whose regulatory activities are included in such study: (1) an analysis of the purposes for which it was created, its structure and jurisdiction, the statutory framework governing its operation and activities, and the procedures and policies it has adopted; (2) an assessment of its effectiveness in carrying out its purposes; (3) an analysis of the costs and benefits of its various programs and policies, with particular reference to any adverse economic impact; and (4) an examination of the relationship between its regulatory activities and those of State and local regulatory agencies. Sets forth the membership, powers, and authority of the Commission. Directs the Commission to submit to the President and Congress within one year a report containing: (1) a statement of the status of the study being conducted pursuant to this Act; (2) a detailed statement of any findings made or conclusions reached by the Commission; and (3) any recommendations for legislation or administrative action, or both, deemed appropriate by the Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1976
Grants judicial officers the power to deny pretrial release to persons charged with the commission of violent crimes if there is reason to believe that such persons would flee or pose a danger to others or the community. (Adds 18 U.S.C. 3146A; Amends 18 U.S.C. 3156a)
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1976
Directs the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to construct the flood control project on the Santa Ana River in California, at an estimated Federal cost of $655,540,000.
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 1976
Directs the House Select Committee on Aging and the Senate Special Committee on Aging to jointly sponsor, plan, and conduct a Congressional Conference on Aging in 1977. States that the conference shall review the reports of the 1971 White House Conference on Aging, and develop legislative recommendations for developing a national policy toward the improvement of the conditions of older persons in the United States. Authorizes $750,000 from the General Treasury of the United States to carry out the provisions of this joint resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1976
New Natural Gas Deregulation Amendments - Amends the Natural Gas Act to terminate Federal Power Commission authority to directly regulate sales prices of new natural gas except for new natural gas produced from offshore Federal lands. Stipulates that prices for onshore sales of new natural gas shall not exceed the lesser of: (1) the ceiling price for sales of new natural gas produced from offshore Federal lands; or (2) a ceiling rate established by any State for intrastate sale and consumption. Stipulates that prices paid for natural gas in transactions between a natural gas company and its affiliates shall not exceed prices paid in comparable sales by persons not affiliated with any natural gas company. Directs the Federal Power Commission to conduct studies and make an annual independent estimate of proved and potential natural gas reserves. Requires that the Commission keep current information available relating to the natural gas industry. Establishes procedures for the establishment of ceiling prices for new natural gas produced from offshore Federal lands. Authorizes the Commission to grant exemptions to price ceilings within certain high-cost production areas. Establishes procedures for adjustments to price ceilings established pursuant to this Act. Directs the Commission to prohibit the curtailment of adequate supplies of natural gas for essential agricultural purposes. Stipulates that the provisions of the Natural Gas Act shall extend to synthetic natural gas. Directs the Commission to prohibit the use of natural gas as boiler fuel where adequate alternatives are available. Authorizes exemptions from such prohibition where necessary to comply with pollution control or environmental protection and safety standards. Directs the Commission to impose a user charge on sales of natural gas for use as boiler fuel. Establishes procedures for the establishment and periodic revision of national ceiling prices for the sale of old natural gas in interstate commerce.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1976
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States Postal Service shall not close or suspend the operation of any post offices, unless there is a clear and compelling need to do so. Encourages the service to continue cost-cutting programs which do not affect levels of service.
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 1976
Amends the Budget and Accounting Act of 1921 to require that all departmental budget requests made to the Office of Management and Budget with respect to any fiscal year along with any figures developed by subordinate officers of such departments be submitted to the Congress along with the President's budget for such year. Requires that officials of the Office of Management and Budget, when requested to do so by the appropriate committees of the Congress, testify before such committees on the President's budget and on such departmental budget requests.
United States · United States Congress · 2 June 1976
Extends the delimiting period in the case of any eligible veteran who is pursuing, during his or her tenth year of eligibility, a program of education. Terminates such extension on whichever of the following dates first occurs: (1) the date on which the veteran completes, or ceases to pursue, the program he was pursuing in his tenth year of eligibility; or (2) the last day of the 11-year period beginning on the date of his discharge from active duty. (Adds 38 U.S.C. 1662(e))
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 1976
Constituent Postal Card Act - Sets the postage rate for a postal card mailed to the official address of a Member of Congress by a Constituent of such Member at an amount equal to the cost of the manufacture, printing, and delivery of such card.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1976
Amends the Bretton Woods Agreement Act to authorize the United States Governor of the International Monetary Fund to accept spicified amendments to the Articles of Agreement of the Fund and to consent to an increase in the United States quota in the Fund. Redefines certain actions by the President or other person or agency with respect to the International Monetary Fund and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development which require Congressional approval. Amends the Special Drawing Rights Act to conform to the amendments to the Articles of Agreement of the Fund. Amends the Par Value Modification Act to repeal the authority of the Secretary of the Treasury to establish a new par value of the dollar. Amends the Gold Reserve Act of 1934 to set the legal standard for the value of gold held against gold certificates.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 1976
International Banking Act - Allows a foreign bank to establish and operate a Federal branch or agency in any State in which it is not prohibited for a foreign bank to establish a branch, upon receipt or certification of authority from the Comptroller of the Currency. Allows the Comptroller to waive the requirement of citizenship in the case of not more than a minority of the total number of directors of a national bank. Requires the Comptroller, in issuing certificates of authority, to consider the effect of the branch on the domestic or foreign commerce, future prospects of the bank, and the needs of the community. Allows a foreign bank to convert any branch operated pursuant to State law into a federally-certified branch to be operated under this Act, with the approval of the Comptroller. Terminates the authority to operate a Federal branch when: (1) the parent bank voluntarily relinquished it; (2) the parent bank is dissolved; or (3) the Comptroller has reasonable cause to believe that a foreign bank has not complied with the provisions of this Act and revokes the authority to operate a Federal branch. Sets forth the assets which foreign banks are required to keep on deposit before the Federal branch may accept deposits of United States residents or businesses. Prohibits foreign banks from retaining interests in non-banking companies or from participating in non-banking activities with specified exceptions. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to issue guidelines with respect to the banking operations of foreign banking organizations in banking in the United States. Requires each foreign bank that maintains an office other than a branch or agency in a State to register with the Secretary of the Treasury.
![Official portrait of Rep. Hannaford, Mark W. [D-CA-34]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/h000166_200.jpg)