United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1976
Amends rule X of the Rules of the House of Representatives to permit a majority of the House to direct the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct to investigate complaints or resolutions involving alleged misconduct if the committee fails to undertake an investigation within 15 legislative days after the receipt of such complaint or referral of such resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 1976
Directs the Administrator of General Services to grant priority to occupants in the purchase of surplus Government housing being disposed of under the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949.
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 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 · 16 June 1976
Eliminates the requirement, under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, that new drugs be regulated according to their effectiveness. States that such drugs be regulated solely to assure their safety.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1976
Makes it unlawful for any individual or entity to solicit or enroll any member of the armed forces in any labor organization, or for any member of the armed forces to join, or encourage other members to join, any labor union. Prescribes a penalty of not more than five years imprisonment for any individual violating this Act, and a fine of not less than $25,000 or more than $50,000 for any labor organization in violation of this Act. (Adds 10 U.S.C. 975)
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1976
Requires that an election commissioner be appointed in American Samoa. States that the duty of the Commissioner will be to conduct a plebiscite on the issue of whether there should be a popular election for Governor and Lieutenant Governor of that country. Provides that a gubernatorial election be held within one year of such plebiscite if there is a majority of affirmative responses. Directs the legislature of American Samoa to establish rules and procedures regarding nomination, length of terms, and removal from the offices of Governor and Lieutenant Governor.
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 1976
Provides that funds shall not be expended from the contingent fund of the House of Representatives for allowances to Members, officers, or standing committees of the House except through the adoption of a resolution by the House of Representatives.
United States · United States Congress · 2 June 1976
Provides for the incorporation of the Gold Star Wives of America. Sets forth the objectives, purposes and powers of such corporation. Stipulates the nonpolitical nature the corporation is to be maintained.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1976
Recommends that the Board on Geographic Names approve a proposal to name two mountains in Alaska after the later Congressmen Hale Boggs and Nick Begich.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 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 · 24 May 1976
Narcotic Sentencing and Seizure Act - Title I: Mandatory Minimum Sentences - Amends the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970 to impose specified minimum penalties on individuals convicted of enumerated offenses related to the distribution, transportation, and manufacture of opiates. Permits the court to sentence the defendant to a shorter term of parole ineligibility or imprisonment if, at the time of the offense, the offender was: (1) less than 18 years old; (2) mentally impaired; (3) under unusual and substantial duress; or (4) an accomplice whose participation in the offense was minor. Amends the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure to require a hearing to determine whether a term of imprisonment and parole ineligibility is mandatory in the case of an individual convicted of an opiate-related offense under this Act. Title II: Conditions of Release - Requires judicial officers setting conditions of release for any person charged with an opiate-related offense under this Act to consider which conditions will assure the safety of the community and of witnesses to the offense and which conditions will reasonably assure the avoidance of future similar offenses by the person charged. Permits judicial officers to deny the release of any such person if that person: (1) has previously been convicted of an offense related to an opiate; (2) at the time of the offense was on parole, probation, or other conditional release; (3) is a nonresident alien; (4) was arrested while in possession of a passport or other documentation necessary for international travel incorrectly identifying such person or belonging to someone else; or (5) has been convicted of having been a fugitive from justice, an escapee, or for willfully failing to appear before a court or judicial officer under Federal or State law. Stipulates that no individual shall be denied release unless the judicial officer holds a hearing and finds that there are no satisfactory conditions of release and that there is a substantial probability that the person committed the charged offense. Title III: Forfeiture of Proceeds of Illegal Drug Transactions - Makes all proceeds of an offense described in this Act subject to forfeiture to the United States. Title IV: Illegal Export of Cash - Requires that anyone who intends to transport, or have transported, monetary instruments in an amount exceeding $5,000 from any place within the U.S. to or through any place outside the U.S., or from any place outside the U.S. to or through any place within the U.S. file a report containing specified information. Requires that such reports also be filed by anyone who receives monetary instruments in an amount exceeding $5,000 at the termination of their transportation by common carrier to the United States from or through any place outside the U.S. Permits any Customs officer to search individuals and objects without a warrant where probable cause exists to believe that the report requirement for transport and receipt of monetary instruments has been violated and where exigent circumstances prevent obtaining a warrant. Title V: Prompt Reporting of Vessels - Requires the master of any vessel from a foreign port or of a foreign vessel from a domestic port, or of a vessel of the U.S. carrying bonded merchandise, or foreign merchandise for which entry has not been made, arriving at any place within the U.S., to immediately report the arrival of the vessel at the nearest custom-house.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1976
Eliminates the requirement, under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, that new drugs be regulated according to their effectiveness. States that such drugs be regulated solely to assure their safety.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1976
Broadened Stock Ownership Act - Provides that for purposes of the Internal Revenue Code the term "broadened stock ownership plan" means a trust created or organized in the United States for the exclusive benefit of an individual or his beneficiaries which meets specified requirements, including: (1) contributions will not be accepted for the taxable year in excess of $1,500 on behalf of any individual; (2) the trust is designed to invest solely in common stock of domestic corporations; (3) contributions received by the trustee during a particular taxable year will be allocated to a separate class year account; and (4) the interest of an individual in each class year account may not be paid or distributed before the end of the seventh taxable year following that year in which such class year account was established, except in the case of death or disability. States that the term "broadened stock ownership annuity" means a contract for a variable annuity, issued by an insurance company which meets specified requirements similar to those of the stock ownership trust above. Provides that a trust created or organized in the United States by an employer for the exclusive benefit of his employees or their beneficiaries, or by an association of employees for the exclusive benefit of its members or their beneficiaries, shall be treated as a broadened stock ownership, but only if the trust meets the requirements of such a plan as stated above and also provides a separate accounting for the interest of each employee or member. Exempts broadened stock ownership plans from taxation. Provides that any amount paid by an employer to a broadened stock, ownership plan or annuity shall be included in an individuals gross income. Allows an individual to deduct from his gross income amounts paid in cash during the taxable year by or on behalf of such individual to a broadened stock ownership plan or annuity. Stipulates that no deduction shall be allowed for the two taxable years succeeding the taxable year in which a payment or distribution from such a plan or annuity which is taxable to the individual under this Act is made. Stipulates that the deduction allowable to an individual under this Act may not exceed an amount equal to 15 percent of the compensation included in his gross income for such taxable year, or $1,500, whichever is less, multiplied by a fraction, the denominator of which is $20,000 and the numerator of which is $20,000 minus the excess of such compensation over $20,000. Provides that any amount received from a class year account established more than seven years before the taxable year in which the amount is received, and any amount paid or distributed on account of the death of the individual for whose benefit the broadened stock ownership plan or annuity was created, shall be included in gross income in the year received and treated as a long term capital gain. Makes technical and conforming amendments to the Internal Revenue Code.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1976
Directs the Administrator of General Services to grant priority to occupants in the purchase of surplus Government housing being disposed of under the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1976
Denies tax exempt status to an organization if a substantial part of the activities of such organization consist of carrying on propaganda, or otherwise attempting to infuluence legislation. Limits the applicability of this section to organizations that normally make expenditures for the purpose of influencing legislation in excess of the lobbying ceiling amount or in excess of the ceiling amount for such organization as determined under the Internal Revenue Code. Imposes a tax of 25 percent of the amount of any excess lobbying expenditures. Defines the lobbying nontaxable amount as the lesser of $1,000,000 or a specified percentage of exempt purpose expenditures. Prohibits any charitable contribution tax deduction for out-of-pocket expenditures made by any person on behalf of a tax-exempt organization if the expenditure is made for the purpose of influencing legislation.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1976
Directs the Administrator of General Services to grant priority to occupants in the purchase of surplus Government housing being disposed of under the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1976
Voting Rights Act Repealer Amendments Act - Amends the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to repeal the prohibitions against voting qualifications, prerequisites, tests, or devices which abridge the right of a citizen to vote who is a member of a language minority. Repeals the requirement that States and other political subdivisions make available registration and voting materials, and voting assistance in languages other than English in areas where (1) more than five percent of the citizens belong to a single language minority, and (2) the illiteracy rate of such minority exceeds the national rate.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1976
Authorizes every individual whose income tax liability, under the Internal Revenue Code, is $1 or more to designate that $1 shall be used to reduce the public debt of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1976
Amends the Social Security Act to authorize payment under the medicare program for specified services performed by chiropractors, including x-rays and physical examinations, and related routine laboratory tests.
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1976
Amends Rule X of the House of Representatives to transfer jurisdiction over Federal impact aid programs from the Committee on Education and Labor to the Committee on Ways and Means.
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1976
Voting Rights Act Repealer Amendments Act - Amends the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to repeal the prohibitions against voting qualifications, prerequisites, tests, or devices which abridge the right of a citizen to vote who is a member of a language minority. Repeals the requirement that States and other political subdivisions make available registration and voting materials, and voting assistance in languages other than English in areas where (1) more than five percent of the citizens belong to a single language minority, and (2) the illiteracy rate of such minority exceeds the national rate.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1976
Consumer Communications Reform Act - States that Congress finds that the revenues from integrated interstate and foreign common carrier telecommunications services helped maintain a level of charges for telephone exchange service which is lower than otherwise would be required. Expresses the sense of Congress that the authorization of lines, facilities, or services of specialized carriers which duplicate the lines, facilities, or services of other telecommunications common carriers is contrary to the public interest. Reaffirms the intent of Congress that the complete authority to regulate terminal and station equipment used for telephone exchange service shall rest with the States even though such terminal and station equipment also may be used in connection with interstate services. Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to provide that no compensatory charges for or in connection with such communication service may be found to be unjust or unreasonable on the ground that it is to low. Prohibits the Federal Communications Commission from holding the charge of a carrier up to a particular level to protect the traffic or revenues from a communication service offered or provided by another carrier if such charge proposed by the carrier is compensatory. Grants the Commission jurisdiction to approve the acquisition of control by a domestic common carrier of any other domestic common carrier or to approve the acquisition by a person which is not a common carrier of control of any domestic common carrier or the acquisition of the whole or any part of the property of a domestic common carrier after determining that the acquisition is in the public interest. Provides that the Commission shall not grant or authorize any construction permit, station license, or certificate, for the construction, acquisition, or operation of any communication or transmission line or facility, or extension thereof, or any modification or renewal thereof, unless the Commission shall find, after full opportunity for evidentiary hearing on the record, that such permit, license, or certificate will not result in increased charges or unnecessary duplication of communication lines.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1976
Amends the Tariff Schedules of the United States to require proof of automobile property and personal liability insurance on automobiles imported for the personal use of nonresidents and foreign government personnel, in an amount equal to the minimum insurance requirements in those States in which the vehicle will be operated. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to forward identifying information on such vehicles to the Secretary of Transportation who shall forward such information to the appropriate State agency responsible for motor vehicle registration. Excludes from such requirements automobiles which will be in the United States for not more than 30 days. Requires importers of automobiles so excluded to forward the required information to the nearest customs officer in the event the vehicle remains in the country for 40 days. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to impose a fine of $5,000 upon violators of this Act who had no notice of such requirements. Sets forth penalties of $5,000 or imprisonment for not more than one year, or both, for knowingly failing to furnish information required under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 1976
Amends Rule X of the House of Representatives to transfer jurisdiction over Federal impact aid programs from the Committee on Education and Labor to the Committee on Ways and Means.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1976
Directs that venue for Federal administrative hearings concerning a single local governmental unit, geographic area, or State shall be such unit, area, or State. (Adds 5 U.S.C. 504)
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1976
Amends the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 to deny Members of Congress any increase in their rate of pay under any law passed, or plan or recommendation received, during a Congress unless such increase is to take effect not earlier than the first day of the next Congress. Makes such prohibition retroactive to those laws passed after June 30, 1975, and to plans and recommendations regarding pay transmitted by the President after such date.
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1976
Expresses the sense of Congress that the U.S. Postal Service should not close or otherwise suspend the operation of any post office during the six-month period beginning on the date of adoption of this resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1976
Extends from April 1 to October 1, 1976, the maximum period during which recipients of services on September 30, 1975, under title IV (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) and title VI (Grants to States for Services to the Aged, Blind, and Disabled) of the Social Security Act may continue to receive services under title XX (Grants to States for Services) of that Act without individual determinations of eligibility.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1976
Alaskan Natural Gas Pipeline Authorization Act - Expresses the intent of Congress that the Alaskan natural gas pipeline be constructed promptly, without further administrative or judicial delay or impediment. Declares that the most efficient and economical method available for the transportation of Alaskan natural gas is a pipeline system from northern Alaska, across Canada, to the lower forty-eight States. Directs the Federal Power Commission to issue all necessary permits and authorizations in order to expedite the construction and operation of such pipeline within 60 days of the date of enactment of this Act. Grants the holders of such permits the powers of eminent domain under the Natural Gas Act. Directs the Secretary of the Interior and other appropriate Federal officials to issue all necessary permits and take appropriate action within 60 days to expedite the enforcement of all rights-of-way related to the construction and operation of such pipeline. Authorizes the Secretary to modify the pipeline route through the States to provide greater environmental protection during the construction period. Requires compliance with requirements of the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920 relating to the rights-of-way for pipelines through Federal lands. Exempts such pipeline from requirements regarding (1) environmental protection, (2) technical and financial capacity of applicants, (3) public hearings, (4) licensing requirements for crude oil under the Export Administration Act of 1969, and (5) furnishing of specified information and reports. Authorizes the Secretary and the Commission to waive procedural requirements of Federal law where desirable to accomplish the purposes of this Act. Declares that (1) the actions of Federal officers and agencies under this Act and (2) the legal or factual sufficiency of any environmental statement relative to such pipeline under provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 shall not be subject to judicial review of the courts. Allows the claims that (1) this Act is unconstitutional, (2) actions under this Act will deny Constitutional rights, and (3) actions taken are beyond the scope of authority conferred by this Act, provided that such claims are filed within 60 days following the date of the challenged action. Declares that exclusive jurisdiction shall be vested in the United States District Courts, and that review of any final order shall be had only upon direct appeal to the United States Supreme Court. Declares that the power to issue injunctive relief against the issuance of any certificate, except in cases where a final judgment is entered. Declares that authorizations issued pursuant to this Act shall grant no immunity from Federal antitrust laws.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1976
Provides that the tax deduction, under the Internal Revenue Code, for charitable contributions of ordinary income property that is used by the donee solely for the care of the ill, the needy, or infants, which use is related to the donee's basis for tax exempt status, shall be reduced by only one-half of the amount of gain which would have been realized if the property contributed had been sold at its fair market value.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1976
Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to appoint to the Federal service specified State, territory, and local meat and poultry inspection personnel to enforce and perform Federal inspection requirements with respect to slaughterhouses and processing establishments whose products are distributed solely intrastate where such regulation is required because the State or territory in which such slaughterhouses or processing establishments are located has failed to develop or enforce sufficient inspection standards. Details provisons relating to: (1) compensation of; (2) credit for prior State, territory, or local service by; (3) retention of accumulated leave by; and (4) eligibility for civil service retirement annuities of such personnel.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1976
Designates February 22, May 30, and October 12 as Washington's Birthday, Memorial Day, and Columbus Day, respectively. Makes such days legal public holidays.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1976
Authorizes additional appropriations for the continuance of the civil government for the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands. Authorizes the appropriation of up to $8,000,000 for the construction of buildings for a four-year college to serve the Micronesian community. Authorizes additional appropriations for the purpose of making full payments of awards under the Micronesia Claims Act. Provides that the President may extend to Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the Mariana Islands Districts, and the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands all Federal programs which assist the States through grants, loans, and loan guarantees unless he determines that such extension is inconsistent with the purposes of statutes providing such aid. Grants Congress power to disapprove such extension.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1976
Federal Assistance for Community Services Act - Amends Title XX (Grants to States for Services) of the Social Security Act to increase the Federal share of expenditures for such services to include the entire cost of such services. Increases from 50 percent to 75 percent the portion of the expenditures made to a State for social services which must be spent for families or individuals with incomes below the poverty line as determined for the State or for families or individuals who receive benefits under the programs of aid to families with dependent children supplemental security income, or medicaid. Eliminates requirements for Federal standards for State-operated child day care centers. Requires the States to establish and enforce Statewide standards for day care facilities. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to submit to Congress a model law set of standards recommended for adoption by the States to govern the provision of day care services. Repeals the prohibition against payments to States to cover the cost of educational services provided by the State without regard to cost or to the income of the beneficiaries of such services. Authorizes payments to States for services to individuals in hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, intermediate care facilities, or foster homes. Continues the prohibition against payments to States for services to individuals in prison. Repeals the prohibition against payments to States for services to individuals who are eligible to receive payments under the medicare program. Repeals the requirement for approval of all State plans for social services by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare. Requires States to conduct an annual audit of any plan of services under this Act. Requires an annual assessment of the implementation of such plan by each State. Directs the annual publication of the reports of such audits and assessments. Extends the prohibition against discrimination based on race, color, or national origin under any program receiving Federal financial assistance to include a prohibition on discrimination based on sex.
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1976
Designates February 22, May 30, and October 12 as Washington's Birthday, Memorial Day, and Columbus Day, respectively. Makes such days legal public holidays.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1976
Authorizes and requests the President to issue a proclamation designating the week beginning on the first Saturday after the first Tuesday in January of every year as "National Ski Week."
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 1976
Requires, under the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, that employers be given notice of complaints alleging violations of that Act, the identity of the complainant, and the basis for the complaint.
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 1976
Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to appoint to the Federal service specified State, territory, and local meat and poultry inspection personnel to enforce and perform Federal inspection requirements with respect to slaughterhouses and processing establishments whose products are distributed solely intrastate where such regulation is required because the State or territory in which such slaughterhouses or processing establishments are located has failed to develop or enforce sufficient inspection standards. Details provisons relating to: (1) compensation of; (2) credit for prior State, territory, or local service by; (3) retention of accumulated leave by; and (4) eligibility for civil service retirement annuities of such personnel.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1976
Institutes the death penalty for specified destructive acts to airports, airplanes, and related things and places where death of any person results. Prescribes a fine of not more than $100,000, or imprisonment for any term of years, or both, where no death results. (Amends 18 U.S.C. 32)
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1976
Amends the Education Amendments of 1972 to exempt Boys State, Boys Nation, Girls State, and Girls Nation conferences, from the sex discrimination provisions of such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1976
Extends from February 1, 1976, to October 1, 1976, the period during which payment may be made for child day care services under titles IV, (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) and XX (Grants to States for Services) of the Social Security Act without regard to new staffing standards imposed by or under title XX.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1976
Amends the Social Security Act to maintain the inpatient hospital deductible under the medicare program at the level which was applicable during calendar year 1975.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1976
Requires, under the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, that employers be given notice of complaints alleging violations of that Act, the identity of the complainant, and the basis for the complaint.
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1976
Voting Rights Act Repealer Amendments Act - Amends the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to repeal the prohibitions against voting qualifications, prerequisites, tests, or devices which abridge the right of a citizen to vote who is a member of a language minority. Repeals the requirement that States and other political subdivisions make available registration and voting materials, and voting assistance in languages other than English in areas where (1) more than five percent of the citizens belong to a single language minority, and (2) the illiteracy rate of such minority exceeds the national rate.
![Official portrait of Rep. Ketchum, William M. [R-CA-18]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/k000153_200.jpg)