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![Official portrait of Rep. Harris, Herbert E., II [D-VA-8]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/h000241_200.jpg)
United States · Official source
706 records where Rep. Harris, Herbert E., II [D-VA-8] is listed as a sponsor, author, or other actor. Search with topics and years
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1976
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a deduction to individuals who rent their principal residences for a portion of the real property taxes paid or accrued by their landlord.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1976
Sugar Disclosure Labeling Act - Requires, under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, that if the amount of sugar present in a package provides ten percent or more of the total calories in the food, the label must bear a declaration of the portion of the weight of food which is sugar.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1976
Amends the method by which the Federal contribution for Federal employee and annuitants health coverage is determined by basing such contribution on the rates of the two health benefit plans having the highest subscription charges.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1976
Instructs the Secretary of the Interior to designate a specified segment of the New River, North Carolina, as a component of the Wild and Scenic Rivers System upon application of the Governor of North Carolina. Prohibits the Federal Power Commission from issuing any license for any undertaking which would adversely affect such segment.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1976
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a deduction to individuals who rent their principal residences for a portion of the real property taxes paid or accrued by their landlord.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1976
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a deduction to individuals who rent their principal residences for a portion of the real property taxes paid or accrued by their landlord.
United States · United States Congress · 13 April 1976
United States Park Police Act - Title I: United States Park Police - Declares that the United States Park Police is continued as an entity under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of the Interior. Stipulates that the members of the Park Police shall have and perform the same powers and duties as the District of Columbia Metropolitan Police. Places the Park Police under the exclusive charge and control of the Director of the National Park Service. Specifies the authorized strength and organization of the Park Police. Requires the Director to furnish members of the Park Police with uniforms, means of transportation, and such other equipment as may be necessary for the proper performance of their duties, including badges, revolvers, and ammunition. Authorizes the Director to appoint special policemen, without compensation, for duty in connection with the policing of the public parks and other reservations within the District of Columbia. Authorizes the Park Police, on and within roads, parks, parkways, and other Federal reservations in the environs of the District of Columbia, to make arrests without warrant for any felony or misdemeanor committed in the presence or view of such members in violation of Federal law or regulation, or for any felony that in fact has been or is being committed in violation of any such law or regulation. Authorizes the Park Police to execute any warrant or other process issued by a court or officer of competent jurisdiction for the enforcement of the provisions of any Federal law or regulation. Excludes military personnel from Park Police jurisdiction for offenses committed on military reservations. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to make all necessary rules and regulations for the regulation of traffic, for the protection of persons, property, health, and morals, to prevent breaches of the peace, to suppress affrays and unlawful assemblies, and to aid in the enforcement of any of the rules and regulations so promulgated. Authorizes assignment of members of the Park Police, at the request of the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, to patrol Washington National Airport and Dulles International Airport. Sets forth the basic salary schedule and rates of compensation for members of the Park Police. Establishes a system of Park Police retirement and disability benefits, including survivor benefits and annunities. Sets forth the rates for such benefits. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish a United States Park Police Retirement and Relief Board to administer the Park Police retirement and disability benefits programs established by this Act. Entitles each widow or child who receives, or is authorized to receive, any relief or annuity by reason of service in a District of Columbia police or fire department of a deceased former member who died in the service of any such department prior to October 1, 1956, or who retired prior to such date, to benefits computed in accordance with the provisions of this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to reimburse the Secretary of the Interior, on a monthly basis, for benefit payments made to or for members of the Park Police or their survivors. Title II: Conforming and Technical Amendments and Effective Dates - Amends the District of Columbia Police and Fireman's Salary Act of 1958 and other relevant provisions of law, consistent with the provisions of this Act. Sets forth the effective dates for various provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1976
Authorizes the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to assist any veteran, who has a permanent and total service-connected disability due to the loss, or loss of use, of one arm and one leg, including but not limited to cases of hemiparaplegia, such as to preclude locomotion without the aid of braces, crutches, canes, or a wheelchair, in acquiring a suitable housing unit with special fixtures or moveable facilities made necessary by the nature of the veteran's disability, and necessary land therefor. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 801)
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 1976
Emergency Compensation Extension Act - Extends the emergency unemployment compensation program authorized under the Emergency Unemployment Compensation Act of 1974 until September 30,1977. Revises the trigger provisions for initiating Federal assistance under such Act. Sets forth a formula for determining the amount of compensation available to individual accounts. Provides additional assistance for periods during which the unemployment rate exceeds six percent.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1976
Establishes the Commission on the Adequacy of the Annual Federal Payment to the District of Columbia to study and analyze the costs and benefits to the District of Columbia which results from its status as the Nation's capital, with particular consideration given to determining what factors should be included in the computation of the annual Federal payment and how much significance should be given to each such factor.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1976
Designates April 13, 1976 as "Thomas Jefferson Day."
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1976
Designates a specified segment of the New River in North Carolina as a component of the national wild and scenic rivers system.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1976
Establishes a National Commission on Food Production, Processing, Marketing, and Pricing, to be composed of nine members. Directs the Commission to study and appraise the economic and industrial structure of all segments of the food industry, including: (1) economic forecasts; (2) desirable structural changes in the various segments of the food industry; and (3) the effect of food imports and exports on producers, processors, and consumers in the United States. Requires the Commission to make such interim reports as it deems advisable, and to make a final report of its findings, recommendations, and conclusions to the President and to the Congress by July 1, 1978. Sets forth the powers of the Commission. Requires that, within six months following the filing of the final report, the Federal Trade Commission, the Department of Justice, and the Department of Agriculture shall each publish separate reports on the policy planning, budget allotments, investigations, complaints, indictments, litigation, and other actions of each agency with respect to the enforcement of the antitrust laws on the various sectors of the food industry. Directs the FTC and the Department of Justice to submit to the Congress and to publish in the Federal Register annual indices of the structure and the state of competition in the food industry. Authorizes appropriations to the Commission of up to $3,750,000 to carry out the purposes of this Act. Authorizes appropriations of up to $1,000,000 to the Federal Trade Commission to carry out the purposes of this Act.
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
Title I: Amends the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 to increase the amount of appropriations authorized under such Act to $300,000,000 for fiscal year 1977, $450,000,000 for fiscal year 1978, $625,000,000 for fiscal year 1979, and $800,000,000 for each fiscal year thereafter through fiscal year 1989. Revises procedures for the apportionment of land and water conservation fund moneys to States by the Secretary of the Interior. Imposes public participation requirements with respect to the preparation of comprehensive statewide outdoor recreation plans. Authorizes Federal financial assistance for the planning and development of sheltered facilities for swimming pools and ice skating rinks, provided specified conditions are met. Title II: Amends the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 to establish a historic preservation fund in the United States Treasury. Stipulates that $24,400,000 for fiscal year 1977, $75,000,000 annually for fiscal years 1978 and 1979 and $100,000,000 annually for each fiscal year thereafter until fiscal year 1989 be covered into the fund from revenues due and payable to the United States under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act and other Federal Mining laws. Stipulates that such moneys shall remain available until appropriated to carry out the purposes of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. Authorizes the appropriation of $175,000 per year for fiscal years 1977,1978, and 1979 for the International Center for the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1976
Amends the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 to deny Members of Congress any increase in their rate of pay under any law passed, or plan or recommendation received, during a Congress unless such increase is to take effect not earlier than the first day of the next Congress. Makes such prohibition retroactive to those laws passed after June 30, 1975, and to plans and recommendations regarding pay transmitted by the President after such date.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1976
Lifeline Rate Act - Stipulates that no rate schedule of an electric utility shall result in a greater per kilowatt-hour charge to residential electric consumers for a subsistence quantity of electric energy than the lowest charge to any other electric consumer. Sets forth procedures for civil suits and judicial review where violations by utilities as regulatory authorities are alleged under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1976
Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to prohibit the Secretary of Transportation and the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration from authorizing, except for emergency purposes, the entrance into or operation within the United States of any civil supersonic aircraft engaged in commercial service which generates noise in excess of the level prescribed for new subsonic aircraft.
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 · 26 February 1976
Includes children of parents employed on Federal property, who attend school in a State contiguous to the State in which such property is located, in the determination of Federal aid entitlement of the local educational agency having jurisdiction over such school.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1976
Congressional General Election Campaign Financing Reform Act - Adds a new chapter 97 to the Internal Revenue Code entitled "Congressional General Election Campaign Fund Act". Establishes, within the Internal Revenue Code, procedures by which candidates for nomination for election, or for election to either House of Congress may receive payments of public funds in amounts matching contributions made to the candidates' nomination or election campaign funds. Defines terms used in the Act. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to maintain in the Presidential Election Campaign Fund a separate amount to be known as the Congressional General Election Payment Account. Directs the Secretary to deposit into the Congressional General Election Payment Account that portion of the annual amounts designated by taxpayers on their income tax returns that equals the excess above 30 percent of the total amount made available in the last Presidential election. Limits to $100 the amount of a contribution which an individual may make to one candidate's primary election campaign or to that candidate's general election campaign. Authorizes the Federal Election Commission to examine and audit the qualified campaign expenses of every candidate and to require the candidate to repay to the Secretary the amount of any excess payments made by the Secretary. Requires the Commission to report to Congress at the end of each Federal general election year on the qualified campaign expenses of each candidate, the amount paid to each candidate, and the amount of repayments required from candidates. Authorizes the Commission to bring action in any United States district court to recover any amounts deemed payable to the Secretary as the result of an audit. Establishes a criminal penalty consisting of a fine of up to $25,000, or one year in prison or both for violation of the limitations on expenditures. Increases fines for violations of the limitations set for contributions and expenditures in Presidential and Congressional campaigns.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1976
Amends the Interstate Commerce Act to prohibit a pipeline company engaged in the transportation of oil from transporting any oil through its pipelines if that company has an interest in such oil.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1976
Prohibits the landing or taking off, except in emergencies, of any supersonic aircraft which generates a noise level in excess of the level prescribed for new subsonic aircraft from Dulles International Airport or Washington National Airport.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1976
Regional Presidential Primaries Act - Declares the finding of the Congress that it is necessary to regulate the process for selecting candidates to the office of President. Prohibits any State from conducting a Presidential primary election except in accordance with the provisions of this Act. Establishes six regional primaries to be held in each Presidential election year. Sets the dates for such primaries. Sets requirements for voter eligibility in the primaries conducted under this Act. Authorizes the Attorney General to bring a civil suit in United States district courts in those instances where he has reason to believe that a State is holding a primary in violation of this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of necessary funds to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 18 February 1976
Sets, without reference to the Executive Schedule, specific maximum salaries for General Schedule Federal employees for calendar years through 1980. Eliminates any limit on such salaries beginning in 1981. Repeals provisions making percentage pay adjustments based upon General Schedule pay adjustments in the salaries of: (1) Executive Schedule officials; (2) the Vice President; (3) Members of Congress; (4) Supreme Court justices; (5) circuit court and district court judges; (6) Court of Claims, Court of Customs and Patent Appeals, and Customs Court judges; (7) Court of Claims commissioners; and (8) bankruptcy referees. Revises the periods for which members of the Commission on Executive, Legislative, and Judicial Salaries are to be appointed and during which such commission is to perform its functions.
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 1976
Prohibits commercial flights by supersonic aircraft into or over the United States until: (1) the Congress approves findings by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency that the operation of such aircraft will not have detrimental physiological or psychological effect on the environment; (2) the Secretary of Transportation has made affirmative findings and submitted a written report to Congress that such aircraft meet all noise, environmental, and safety standards prescribed under the Federal Aviation Act of 1958; and (3) the Congress is satisfied that the Federal Aviation Administration has adopted noise standards for such aircraft equal to the standards for subsonic aircraft.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1976
Establishes the Potomac National River in Maryland, Viginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to acquire specified lands and interests in lands within the boundaries of such national river. Directs the Secretary to encourage and assist the jurisdictions in which the national river is located to plan, acquire, develop, and manage lands within and adjacent to the national river for recreation, fish and wildlife conservation, historic preservation, or similar purposes. Authorizes the Secretary to make supplemental grants to such jurisdictions for acquisition of lands and interests in lands within 2,000 feet of the banks of the Potomac River. Permits hunting on lands within the national river which are under the jurisdiction of the Secretary. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into agreements with non-Federal public bodies for the operation and management by the Secretary or such public bodies of lands within the national river in accordance with a mutually acceptable management plan. Directs the Secretary to formulate and transmit to appropriate Congressional committees within three years from the date of the enactment of this Act a plan for the development and use of lands within the national river. Includes the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park and the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park as identifiable units of the national river and stipulates that such historical parks shall continue to be administered separately in accordance with their respective enabling acts. Establishes a Potomac National River Advisory Commission to advise and consult with other Federal agencies, State agencies, local governments, and persons on matters relating to recreation, historic preservation, scenic protection, and resource conservation within and in the vicinity of the national river. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress within two years after the date of enactment of this Act recommendations as to extension of the national river from the area established by this Act to the Potomac River's source at Fairfax Stone, West Virginia, and to its mouth at the Chesapeake Bay. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to effectuate the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1976
Removes the time limitations within which educational assistance furnished by the Veterans' Administration must be used. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 1662)
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1976
Expresses the solidarity of the American people in efforts to enlarge human freedom by the participants in the second Brussels conference, February 17 to 19, 1976.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1976
Prohibits collective bargining agreements between the United States Postal Service and labor organizations recognized as exclusive bargaining representatives for their respective postal employee units from containing procedures which would preclude employees from being represented in grievance and adverse actions arising under such agreements by representatives of their own choosing.
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1976
Prohibits commercial flights by supersonic aircraft into or over the United States until: (1) the Congress approves findings by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency that the operation of such aircraft will not have detrimental physiological or psychological effect on the environment; (2) the Secretary of Transportation has made affirmative findings and submitted a written report to Congress that such aircraft meet all noise, environmental, and safety standards prescribed under the Federal Aviation Act of 1958; and (3) the Congress is satisfied that the Federal Aviation Administration has adopted noise standards for such aircraft equal to the standards for subsonic aircraft.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1976
Prohibits commercial flights by supersonic aircraft into or over the United States until: (1) the Congress approves findings by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency that the operation of such aircraft will not have detrimental physiological or psychological effect on the environment; (2) the Secretary of Transportation has made affirmative findings and submitted a written report to Congress that such aircraft meet all noise, environmental, and safety standards prescribed under the Federal Aviation Act of 1958; and (3) the Congress is satisfied that the Federal Aviation Administration has adopted noise standards for such aircraft equal to the standards for subsonic aircraft.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1976
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the people of Angola should be allowed to determine their own political future without foreign interference. Expresses support for efforts by the Organization of African Unity to achieve a settlement of the conflict in Angola. Calls upon all countries to terminate military assistance to any group in Angola. States that the President should do his utmost to seek an agreement among the various parties involved in hostilities or in the support of such hostilities in Angola to terminate such hostilities. Directs the President to refrain from providing assistance of any kind, for military activities in Angola, until specifically approved by Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1976
Expands the boundaries of the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. Repeals provisions suspending the Secretary of the Interior's authority to acquire property within the National Lakeshore by condemnation when appropriate zoning agencies have in effect approved valid zoning ordinances applicable to such property. Revises provisions regarding retention of the right of use and occupancy by owners of improved property after such property has been acquired by the Secretary. Increases the membership of the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore Advisory Commission. Authorizes the appropriation of sums for acquisition of lands and interests in land and for development. Requires the Secretary to complete by the end of 1977 a final master plan detailing the development of the lakeshore. Details guidelines regarding rights-of-way and easements added by this Act to the lakeshore and regarding the acquisition, improvement, and use of specified lands and easements not within the expanded boundaries.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1976
Restores civil service survivors annuities to (1) surviving spouses of employees whose annuities were terminated because of remarriage before July 18, 1966, and (2) surviving spouses of Members of Congress who died before January 8, 1977 whose annuities were terminated because of remarriage. Conditions the reinstatement of such survivor annuities upon the return of any lump sum paid upon termination of the annuity, the election to receive the annuity to the exclusion of any other government employee survivor benefit, and, if the surviving spouse remarried before age 60, the termination of such remarriage.
United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1976
Designates April 13, 1976 as "Thomas Jefferson Day."
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1976
Permits a surviving spouse whose civil service annuity was terminated due to remarriage to enroll in a civil service health benefits plan upon restoration of such spouse's annuity if the spouse was covered by a health benefits plan at the time the annuity was terminated.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1976
Grants Federal and Congressional employees leave without reduction in pay or leave to which they are otherwise entitled for absences due to service as a witness in any judicial proceeding to which the United States, the District of Columbia, or a State or local government is a party. Allows amounts appropriated for government contributions to Federal employee and retired Federal employees health plans to remain available until expended.
United States · United States Congress · 21 January 1976
Department of Education Act - Establishes an executive department to be known as the Department of Education, to be headed by a Secretary of Education appointed by the President. States that it shall be the principal function of the Department to improve the quality of education throughout the United States. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) advise the President with respect to the progress of education; (2) develop and recommend to the President appropriate policies and programs to foster the orderly growth and development of the Nation's educational facilities and resources especially in the light of long-range requirements; (3) exercise leadership at the direction of the President in coordinating Federal activities affecting education; (4) conduct continuing comprehensive surveys and collect, analyze, and disseminate relevant information concerning education in the United States; (5) provide information and such other assistance as may be authorized by the Congress to aid in the maintenance of efficient school, college, and university systems; and (6) encourage comprehensive long-range planning by State and local governments, especially with respect to coordinating Federal, State, and community educational activities at the local level. Transfers the education functions of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare to the Department of Education. Transfers various education functions of other executive departments to the Department of Education. Establishes a Federal Interagency Committee on Education to study and recommend such actions as may be necessary to assure effective coordination of Federal programs affecting education. Establishes a National Advisory Commission on Education of specified membership and qualification to review and make recommendations with respect to the administration, regulation, and operation of Federal education programs. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as are necessary to enable the Department to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 17 December 1975
Emergency Tenants' Loan Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to make repayable emergency rent payments on behalf of tenants who are, or will be, subject to eviction proceedings as a result of being unable to make their rental payments by reason of their unemployment or underemployment. States that such payments may not be approved unless: (1) the tenant will be unable to make his rental payments; (2) the tenant has incurred a substantial reduction in income due to adverse economic conditions; (3) there is a reasonable prospect that the tenant will be able to repay the loan made by the Secretary; and (4) the rental property is the tenant's principal place of residence. Allows rental assistance for part or all of the tenant's rent up to $250 per month for a maximum of two years. Provides for interest to be charged according to the tenant's ability to pay but not more than eight percent per annum. Requires that the payments be deferred until the tenant is able to repay the loan. Permits the Secretary to require security for the repayment of the loan, but provides that the Secretary may not refuse a loan for lack of security. Authorizes to be appropriated not more than $500,000,000 to carry out the purposes of this Act. Provides that no payments may be authorized after September 30, 1977. Provides for penalties for any person obtaining any benefits under this Act through the giving of false information. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress every 60 days concerning delinquent repayments and actions taken to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 December 1975
Department of Education Act - Establishes an executive department to be known as the Department of Education to be headed by a Secretary of Education appointed by the President. States that it shall be the principal function of the Department to improve the quality of education throughout the United States. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) advise the President with respect to the progress of education; (2) develop and recommend to the President appropriate policies and programs to foster the orderly growth and development of the Nation's educational facilities and resources especially in the light of long-range requirements; (3) exercise leadership at the direction of the President in coordinating Federal activities affecting education; (4) conduct continuing comprehensive surveys, collect, analyze, and disseminate relevant information concerning education in the United States; (5) provide information and such other assistance as may be authorized by the Congress to aid in the maintenance of efficient school, college, and university systems; and (6) encourage comprehensive long-range planning by State and local governments, especially with respect to coordinating Federal, State, and community educational activities at the local level. Transfers the education functions of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare to the Department of Education. Transfers various specified education functions of other executive departments to the Department of Education. Establishes a Federal Interagency Committee on Education to study and recommend such actions as may be necessary to assure effective coordination of Federal programs affecting education. Establishes a National Advisory Commission on Education of specified membership and qualification to review and make recommendations with respect to the administration, regulation, and operation of Federal education programs. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to enable the Department to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 December 1975
Directs the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to establish a national cemetery at the Marine Corps Base, Quantico, Virginia. Authorizes appropriations of $2,150,000 to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 December 1975
Authorizes $30,000,000 in additional funds for the Library of Congress James Madison Memorial Building.
United States · United States Congress · 11 December 1975
Requires the payment of 12 percent interest by Federal agencies on overdue contract payments payable to any small business concern.
United States · United States Congress · 9 December 1975
Authorizes the restoration of eligibility for health benefits coverage to annuitants whose survivor annuities are restored following the termination of the remmariage which occasioned the suspension of benefits. (Amends 5 U.S.C. 8908)
United States · United States Congress · 9 December 1975
Allows a tax deduction under the Internal Revenue Code to individuals who rent their principal residences for the portion of the real property taxes paid or accrued by their landlords that may be allocated to such residence.
United States · United States Congress · 4 December 1975
Provides for an independent audit of the financial condition of the District of Columbia by an auditor selected by the chairmen of the committees on the District of Columbia of the House and Senate, the chairmen of the appropriations committees of the House and Senate, and the chairman of the Council of the District of Columbia. Requires that the Council of the District of Columbia allocate funds for such audits to be conducted every three years after completion of the audit provided for by this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated $1,500,000 to carry out the first audit as provided for by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 December 1975
Federal Taxpayers' Rights Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to prepare pamphlets which set forth in nontechnical terms (1) the rights and obligations of a taxpayer and the Internal Revenue Service during an audit; (2) the procedures by which a taxpayer may appeal any adverse decision of the Service (including administrative and judicial appeals); (3) the procedures for prosecuting refund claims and filing of taxpayer complaints; and (4) the procedures which the Service may use in enforcing the internal revenue laws (including assessment, jeopardy assessment, levy and distraint, and enforcement of liens). Establishes within the Internal Revenue Service an office to be known as the Office of Taxpayer Services to be under the supervision and direction of an Assistant Commissioner of Internal Revenue who shall assist taxpayers in obtaining easily understandable tax information and answering questions on tax liability, among other functions. States that, upon application filed by a taxpayer, the Assistant Commissioner for Taxpayer Services may issue a Taxpayer Assistance Order if, in the determination of the Assistant Commissioner, the taxpayer is suffering from an unusual, unnecessary, or irreparable loss as a result of the manner in which the internal revenue laws are being administered by the Secretary or his delegate. Authorizes the President of the Legal Services Corporation to establish Taxpayer Representation Offices in four cities (selected by the President) for purposes of providing legal assistance to individuals in connection with: (1) any audit by the Service of any return made by or on behalf of the individual with respect to any tax imposed by chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, or (2) an assessment or collection from any such individual of any tax imposed by such chapter. Provides for show cause hearings with respect to jeopardy assessments and termination of taxable years. Increases the monetary value of specified items to be exempt from levy. Provides criminal penalties (a fine of up to $10,000, imprisonment for up to 2 years, or both) for investigation into or surveillance over the beliefs, associations, or activities of any individual or organization which are not directly related to such revenue laws. Prohibits a civil cause of action for damages or an injunction, or both, for such violations. Prohibits inspection of tax returns pursuant to a criminal investigation unless a search warrant has been issued upon probable cause to believe that no alternative source of necessary information is available. Provides rules for civil investigation related to: (1) payment of Social Security and Railroad Retirement Taxes; (2) pension administration; (3) census information; (4) enforcement of taxpayer's rights under this Act; (5) inspection by States; (6) inspection by a Committee of Congress; and (7) disclosure to persons having a substantial interest (agents of partnerships and corporations, and shareholders of corporations). Provides a civil action for damages for unauthorized disclosure of tax information.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1975
Electric Utility Regulatory Reform Act - Title I: General Provisions - States that the purpose of this Act is to reform specified aspects of electric utility regulation. Defines terms as used in this Act. Title II: Utility Rate Reform - Requires all electric utilities to implement peak-load pricing. Prohibits unjustified differences in rates to different classes of consumers. Specifies that costs such as advertising and fines shall not be treated as operating costs by the utilities. Title III: Utility Planning and Siting Reform - Requires electric utilities to prepare long-range plans for power supply facilities which include site selection. Provides that the plan shall be submitted to the appropriate regulatory authorities and shall be made available to the public. Directs the Federal Energy Commission to establish annual target rates for electric energy growth. Calls for sharing of facilities by utilities. Titles IV: Reliability and Financial Aid to Utilities - Requires the Commission to establish reliability standards for the utilities. Provides for loan guarantees to utilities of no more than $200,000,000 with an overall limit of $2,000,000,000 in outstanding guarantees. Title V: Financial Assistance to State Regulatory Authorities - Authorizes the appropriation of $48,000,000 a year for grants to State regulatory authorities for specified purposes. Title VI: Federal Energy Commission - Establishes the Federal Electric Power Regulatory Commission to carry out the Federal functions under this Act and all functions of the Federal Power Commission. Terminates the Federal Power Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1975
Franchising Practices Reform Act - Requires a franchisor to notify a franchisee at least ninety days in advance of the franchisor's intention to terminate the franchise, and the franchisor's reasons for terminating. Prohibits a franchisor from cancelling a franchise unless the franchisor has acted in bad faith, or has violated a material requirement of the franchise, or the franchisor is effecting a market area withdrawal. Prohibits a franchisor from failing to renew a franchise except for the reasons stated above, or the franchisor has a legitmate business reason for failing to renew. Makes any franchisor that has violated the requirements of this Act civilly liable to the aggrieved franchisee.