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 · 23 June 1976
Establishes in the House of Representatives a select committee to be known as the Select Committee on Narcotics Abuse and Control. Provides that the select committee shall conduct a continuing comprehensive study and review of the problems of narcotics abuse and control and shall review any recommendations made by the President, or by any department or agency of the executive branch of the Federal Government, relating to programs or policies affecting narcotics abuse or control. Authorizes the select committee to conduct field investigations or inspections. Requires the select committee to submit an annual report to the House which shall include a summary of the activities of the select committee during the calendar year to which such report applies.
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 · 15 June 1976
Lake Ontario Protection Act - Directs the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to develop a plan for shoreline protection and beach erosion control along Lake Ontario.
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 1976
Solar Energy Incentive Act - Allows an individual to take a tax credit, under the Internal Revenue Code, in an amount equal to 25 percent of the qualified solar heating and cooling equipment expenditures incurred by the taxpayer with respect to his principal residence to the extent such expenditures do not exceed $8,000, plus that portion of the qualified State or local real property taxes paid or accrued for the taxable year or accrued for the taxable year attributable to such solar heating and cooling expenditures. Authorizes an individual to take a tax deduction for a part of the acquisition costs of any qualified solar heating and cooling equipment for any residence. Limits such deduction to the lesser of ten percent of the acquisition costs or $800 or $400 for the third year of such acquisition.
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 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 · 14 June 1976
National Neighborhood Policy Act - Establishes a National Commission on Neighborhoods which will include four members from the House and the Senate and 16 public members appointed by the President. Sets forth 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 · 4 June 1976
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the United States reaffirms a sympathetic interest in Italian democracy and democratic institutions. States that the United States is willing to participate in efforts to provide financial assistance to Italy with the assistance of other friends and allies of Italy.
United States · United States Congress · 2 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 · 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 · 2 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 · 2 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 · 1 June 1976
Estate and Gift Tax Reform Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide a single unified rate schedule for estate and gift taxes. Establishes progressive rates based on cumulative lifetime transfers and transfers at death. Determines the amount of estate tax by applying the unified rates to such cumulative transfers and then subtracting the taxes payable on lifetime transfers. Provides that for purposes of determining the amount of the gross estate, the amount of gift tax paid with respect to transfers made within three years of death shall be included in the decedent's gross estate. Provides, as a transitional rule, that the lifetime transfers taken into account in determining cumulative transfers at death, for purposes of imposing the estate tax under the unified schedule, shall only include taxable gifts made after December 31, 1976. Repeals the estate and gift tax exemptions. Substitutes for such exemptions a credit against estate and gift taxes in the amount of $29,800. Provides for an additional credit against the estate tax for specified farms and closely held businesses passing to a qualified heir. Defines "qualified heir" as a member of the decedent's family, including his spouse, lineal decendents, parents, and aunts and uncles of the decedent and their decendants. Makes such credit available where the value of a farm or closely held business included in a decedent's gross estate equals or exceeds 65 percent of the value of the gross estate. Stipulates that such credit shall be available only if the farm or closely held business has been owned by the decedent or his family for at least five out of the preceding eight years. Provides that the amount of such credit shall be $25,000 multiplied by a percentage representing the portion of the decedent's estate consisting of the farm or other closely held business. Phases out such credit after the value of the gross estate exceeds $1,000,000. Provides for the recapture of the estate tax benefit of such credit where there is a disposition of the business by the qualified heir to nonfamily members prior to the qualified heir's death or within 25 years of the death of the decedent. Provides for a lien on the qualified interest in a farm or closely held business with respect to which an election of such credit has been made. Increases the estate tax marital deduction to $250,000 or one-half of the decedent's gross estate, whichever is greater. Increases the gift tax marital deduction in the case of lifetime gifts to a spouse. Allows an unlimited marital deduction for the first $100,000 of lifetime gifts made to a spouse and, thereafter, a deduction for one-half of the aggregate lifetime gifts made to a spouse in excess of $200,000. Imposes a tax on the unrealized appreciation of property transferred by a decedent. Provides that the basis of such property shall be its fair market value on December 31, 1976. Allows an election to carry over the decedent's basis in any property instead of having the appreciation taxed. Exempts the first $50,000 of appreciation from taxation. Excludes the appreciation of assets valued at less than $10,000 and which are not held for use in a trade or business or for the production of income from such tax. Allows the deduction of the appreciation tax in computing the value of the taxable estate for estate tax purposes. Exempts from the appreciation tax any property transferred from the decedent if the income tax carries over to the recipient (income in respect of a decedent and survivor annuities). Provides that if an election to carry over the decedent's basis in lieu of paying the appreciation tax is made, the basis of the property is to be increased by the Federal and State estate taxes attributable to the net appreciation in value for the property. Allows the executor of an estate which includes real farm property to value the property as a farm, rather than its fair market value determined on the basis of its highest and best use. Imposes special qualifying conditions for such valuation, including: (1) the farm assets in the decedent's estate including both farm real property and personal property must be at least 50 percent of the decedent's gross estate (reduced by debts and expenses); (2) at least 25 percent of the adjusted value of the gross estate must be qualified farm real property; (3) the real property must pass to a qualified heir; (4) the real property must have been used or held for use as a farm for five of the last eight years prior to the decedent's death; and (5) there must have been material participation in the operation of the farm by the decedent or a member of his family in five years out of the eight years immediately preceding the decedent's death. Provides for recapture of any tax benefits obtained by use of the reduced valuation if, prior to the death of the qualified heir or within 25 years of the death of the decedent, the property is disposed of to nonfamily members or ceases to be used for farming purposes. Provides for a lien on all such real property with respect to which the farm valuation is elected. Provides for a 15-year period for the payment of the estate tax attributable to the decedent's interest in a farm or closely held business, with a deferral of the tax for five years and installment payments over the next ten years. Requires, as a qualification for such deferral and installment treatment, the value of the closely held business or farm in the decedent's estate to be at least 65 percent of the gross estate. Allows discretionary extensions of up to ten years to pay the estate tax for reasonable cause (rather than for "undue hardship" as under present law). Provides for a lien for payment of the deferred taxes attributable to a closely held business or farm. Imposes a tax, in the case of generation skipping transfers under a trust, upon a distribution of the trust assets to a generation skipping heir, or upon the termination of an intervening interest in the trust. Determines the tax by adding the value of the distributed property, or terminated interest, to the heir's taxable transfers and applying the heir's marginal transfer tax rate to the value of such interest. Extends from nine months to 12 months the period after the decedent's death in which an estate tax return must be filed. Requires gift tax returns to be filed for any quarter only when the total cumulative gifts made during the taxable year exceed $25,000, or during the last quarter if the total does not reach $25,000. Provides that if the Internal Revenue Service proposes a deficiency in the estate tax because of a higher valuation of the assets included in the decedent's gross estate, it must disclose to the executor during the settlement process the basis on which the higher valuation was determined.
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 1976
Amends the Home Owners' Loan Act to permit federally chartered savings and loan associations located in New York to offer checking accounts to the extent that similar State-chartered institutions in New York are permitted to do so.
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 · 27 May 1976
Makes individuals meeting specified criteria eligible for the award of reasonable attorney fees, expert witness expenses, and other costs reasonably incurred in connection with participation in any rulemaking, licensing, adjudicatory, or other proceeding conducted by a Federal agency. Directs individuals entitled to such an award to file an itemized bill with the clerk of the United States district court for the district where the proceeding was held within 30 days after final disposition of the matter involved in the proceeding. Directs the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to make payment of fees, expenses, and other costs under such awards, seeking reimbursement from the appropriate Federal agency. Makes prevailing plaintiffs in proceedings to review Federal agency actions eligible for the award by the court of reasonable attorney fees, expert witness expenses, and other costs reasonably incurred in such proceedings. Permits the court to reduce or deny an award on account of any direct monetary benefit secured by or the resources available to the person seeking review. Requires the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to submit to Congress an annual report on awards made under this Act. (Adds 5 U.S.C. 559, 707)
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1976
Amends the Home Owners' Loan Act to authorize the Federal Home Loan Bank Board to provide for the organization, operation, and regulation of associations which may be known as Federal Savings and Loan Associations of Federal Savings Banks. Allows for the chartering of such associations and permits them to offer checking accounts. Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to provide that whenever a State-chartered mutual savings bank which is insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation is converted into a Federal savings bank, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation shall calculate the amount in its capital account attributable to such mutual savings bank and shall transfer to such Federal Savings Bank the amount calculated in accordance with this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1976
Amends the Home Owners' Loan Act to authorize the Federal Home Loan Bank Board to provide for the organization, operation, and regulation of associations which may be known as Federal Savings Banks. Allows for the chartering of such associations. Permits mutual savings banks located in New York to offer checking accounts to the extent that similar State-chartered institutions in New York are permitted to do so. Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to provide that whenever a State-chartered mutual savings bank which is insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation is converted into a Federal savings bank, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation shall calculate the amount in its capital account attributable to such mutual savings bank and shall transfer to such Federal Savings Bank the amount calculated in accordance with this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1976
Housing Incentive Investment Act - Amends the National Housing Act to authorize the Government National Mortgage Association (GNMA) to make monthly housing investment interest differential payments to lenders. Prohibits GNMA from approving a mortgage for assistance unless: (1) the mortgage covers a one-to-four family dwelling; (2) the home mortgage is not in excess of $35,000; (3) the purchaser's interest payments are at least two but not more than six percent below the market rate of interest for home mortgages; (4) the lender's interest rate will be adjusted every six months by GNMA to reflect the yield on VA-FHA mortgages; and (5) the purchaser agrees to repay the aggregate amount of differential payments with interest. Requires that upon sale or other disposition of the dwelling or upon termination of the use of the dwelling by the purchaser as his principal residence prior to retirement of the first mortgage, the cost of the extra assistance by GNMA be repaid by the borrower from the appreciation on his home. Authorizes GNMA to establish a lender's interest rate which may not exceed the average yield on VA-FHA mortgages during the six calendar months preceding the date of execution of the mortgage. Allows GNMA to adjust the lender's interest rate upward or downward every six months except that no single adjustment may exceed one quarter of one percent nor may an aggregate upward adjustment exceed two and one-half percent. Provides that if the lender's rate falls below the borrower's rate that the borrower shall be credited with the difference. Establishes in the Treasury a Housing Incentive Investment Fund to carry out the provisions of this Act. Authorizes GNMA to issue to the Secretary of the Treasury notes or other obligations in an aggregate amount not to exceed $1,000,000,000. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to purchase and sell such notes and obligations. Sets the termination of this program for five years after the date of enactment.
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 · 6 May 1976
Amends Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to entitle widows and widowers who are under a disability to receive unreduced widow's and widower's benefits without regard to age.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1976
Title I: Authorizations and Limitations - Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to increase the appropriation for surety bond guarantees from $35,000,000 to $71,000,000. Increases from $6,000,000,000 to $8,000,000,000 the amount appropriated for the business loan and investment fund of the Small Business Administration. Increases from $450,000,000 to $525,000,000 the amount appropriated for economic opportunity loans. Increases the funds for Small Business Investment Companies from $725,000,000 to $1,100,000,000. Authorizes appropriations and sets program levels for various programs under the Small Business Act for fiscal years 1978 and 1979. Title II: Micellaneous Conforming and Technical Amendments - Requires that reports to the President and Congress concerning minority small businesses include: the proportion of loans and other assistance under this Act; the goals of the Administration for the next fiscal year with respect to such concerns; and recommendations for improving assistance. Title III: Amendments to Small Business Administration Loan Authority - Amends the Small Business Act to allow loans to be used for the financing of residential or commercial construction or rehabilitation for sale. States that no payments will be required of the small business while payments are being made by the Small Business Administration pursuant to the assumption of such business's obligation or while the Administration has suspended payment on its own loan. Limits the period of such assumption or suspension to five years. Sets the prerequisites for receiving the loan and the conditions for repayment of such loan. Provides for assistance to small business concerns which are engaged in the production of food or fiber, ranching, and raising of livestock, acquaculture and all other farming and agricultural related industries. Increases from $350,000 to $500,000 the limit on loans for regular businesses. Increases from $50,000 to $100,000 the limit for economic opportunity loans. Increases the limit for development company loans. Amends the Small Business Investment Act and the Small Business Act to state that no loans for plant acquisitions shall exceed specified time periods. Title IV: Amendments to Small Business Administration Disaster Loan Authority - Expands the coverage of disaster loans to situations which the Small Business Administration determines to be disasters and where no disaster has been declared upon the certification by the Governor of a State to the Small Business Administration that small business concerns have suffered economic injury as a result of such disaster and that financial assistance is not available on reasonable terms in the disaster-stricken area. Requires the President to undertake a comprehensive review of all Federal disaster loan authorities and to report to the Congress concerning the most effective and efficient delivery of disaster relief. States that the interest rate on the Administration's share of any loan made under this subsection shall not exceed three percent and in specified cases shall not be higher than two and three quarters percent. Title V: Certificate of Competency - Amends the elements to be considered in certification of any small business for the receipt or performance of a specific Government contract. Requires that final disposition of contract awards be made by the Administration. Describes the role of Government procurement officers and officers engaged in the sale and disposal of Federal property. Title VI: Financing of Pollution Control Facilities - Authorizes the Small Business Administration, whenever it determinizes that small business concerns are, or are likely to be, at an operational or financial disadvantage with other business concerns with respect to the planning, design or installation of pollution control facilities, or the obtaining the financing therefor, to guarantee the payment of rentals or other amounts due under qualified contracts. Provides that any such guarantee may be made or effected either directly or in cooperation with any qualified surety company or other qualified company through a participation agreement with such a company. Permits the Administration to fix a uniform annual fee for any guarantee issued under this title and to require that measures be followed in connection with the guarantee of rentals in order to minimize financial risk assumed by the guarantee. Creates a separate fund for guarantees within the Treasury for guarantees which shall be available to the Administrator without fiscal limitations as a revolving fund. Authorizes to be appropriated amounts sufficient to provide the Capital for such fund. Title VII: Chief Counsel for Advocacy - Creates within the Small Business Administration an Office of Advocacy. States the functions of such Office which include receipt of complaints, criticism, and suggestions concerning the policies and activities of the Administration and the resolution of problems concerning the relationship of the small business to the Federal Government. Requires the Office of Advocacy to report to the Congress and the President not later than six months after enactment of this title. Authorizes $1,000,000 to be appropriated to carry out the provisions of this title.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1976
Requires Federal contracting authorities to give preference to contractors located in areas of high unemployment in awarding any contract for the acquisition of goods or services for public use where price is a parameter of competition among contract bidders. Requires the use of a combined price-employment preference in making such awards.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1976
Olympic Winter Games Authorization Act - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to provide grants to the Lake Placid 1980 Olympic Games, Incorporated, at such times, and under such conditions as he considers necessary and appropriate, for assisting in the planning, design, and construction of the necessary winter sports and supporting facilities in connection with the XIII international Olympic winter games. Requires the Secretary to take necessary action to assure that the facilities constructed with Federal assistance will be designed to provide maximum continued public use and benefit following the completion of the 1980 Olympic winter games. Requires the Secretary to submit interim reports to the Congress on the progress of the design and construction of facilities pursuant to this Act, together with any recommendations for further Federal Government involvement to assure a successful staging of such games. Specifies that a final report shall be submitted following completion of the 1980 games. Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary of $49,040,000 for grants and $250,000 for the administration of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1976
Amends the Medicare program of the Social Security Act to authorize payment under the supplementary medical insurance program for specified diagnostic tests and physical examinations given for the detection of breast cancer.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1976
Expresses the support of the House of Representatives for "Solidarity Sunday" which includes efforts to remove all obstacles to the free emigration of Jews from the Soviet Union.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1976
National Commitment to Energy Independence using Solar and Geothermal Energy Act - Title I: Findings, Policy, Purpose, and Definitions - Declares it the policy of the United States and the purpose of this Act to eliminate reliance on imports of crude oil as an energy source through the implementation of energy conservation programs coupled with construction of solar and geothermal energy generation facilities. Title II: Assistant Administrator for Solar and Geothermal Energy and Conservation - Creates, within the Energy Research and Development Administration, the position of Assistant Administrator for Solar and Geothermal Energy and Conservation. Directs the Assistant Administrator to oversee projects and programs under the Solar Heating and Cooling Demonstration Act of 1974 and the Solar Energy Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1974. Authorizes the Administrator to undertake energy conservation duties in the areas involving reduction of heat use, heat loss, electric energy use, and the reuse of solid wastes. Title III: Test and Evaluation Facilities - Directs the Assistant Administrator to implement various current systems concepts related to solar and geothermal energy. Lists specific number of test facilities as a required part of such program. Directs the Assistant Administrator to establish programs to standardize photovoltaic component costs below specified levels within five years. Requires the establishment of a residential and commercial solar heating and cooling program to expand the use of such technologies within the next five years. Requires that a major portion of the research and development costs for such programs be borne by private industry. Limits the Federal funds expended for such purposes to $100,000,000 or 25 percent of the total funds appropriated under the authority of this Act, whichever is less. Title IV: Commercial Implementation - Establishes the following goals for which additional Federal assistance to private industry shall be available: (1) the production of ten percent of all the energy consumed within the United States through the use of solar and geothermal energy within ten years of the enactment of this Act; and (2) an increase in the percentage of such consumption from solar and geothermal sources to 20 percent by the year 2000. Title V: Report - Directs the Assistant Administrator to submit a detailed plan of implementation within 90 days of the enactment of this Act. Requires annual progress reports listing the amount of Federal funds expended on each program. Directs the Congressional Budget Office to report on direct and indirect costs associated with Federal nuclear and fossil fuels subsidization programs. Directs the Budget Office to submit similar reports on cost incentive programs recommended by the Assistant Administrator to encourage the development of solar and geothermal structures for businesses and residencies. Title VI: Conservation - Directs the Assistant Administrator to implement various energy conservation programs designed to offer tax incentives for energy conservation and to assist in the development of improved energy-saving technologies. Establishes as the ultimate objective of such program a ten percent reduction in national energy consumption by 1985. Title VII: Regulation-Information to Congress - Authorizes the Assistant Administrator to prescribe appropriate rules and regulations to carry out the purposes of this Act. Requires that appropriate committees of Congress be fully and currently informed with respect to activities under this Act. Title VIII: Authorization of Appropriations - Authorizes appropriations through fiscal year 1985 for: (1) solar-thermal and ocean-thermal electric generation facilities; (2) wind-electric generation facilities; (3) biconversion-methane gas generation facilities; (4) geothermal-electric generation facilities; (5) photovoltaic-electric generation facilities and related activities; (6) the residential and commercial structure solar heating and cooling program and related activities; and (7) the energy conservation program outlined in this Act.
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 · 8 April 1976
Authorizes, under the Internal Revenue Code, any individual who has attained the age of 65 to take a nonrefundable tax credit for a percentage of the amount of real property taxes or the amount of rent constituting real property taxes paid or accrued by the taxpayer during the taxable year. Defines the applicable percentage as 50 percent reduced by two percent for each $1,000 amount by which the adjusted gross income of such taxpayer exceeds $5,000.
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1976
Authorizes the President to issue annually a proclamation designating the seven-day period commencing on April 30 of each year as "National Beta Sigma Phi Week," to recognize the National Beta Sigma Phi Sorority and its social, cultural, and service programs.
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
Solid Waste Energy and Resource Recovery Act - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency: (1) to assist with research projects for the development of pilot plant facilities for the purpose of investigating new fuels, recovery methods, or technology; (2) to conduct demonstrations of new methods and technology; and (3) to test and evaluate such pilot plants and demonstration projects. Directs the Administrator to establish a program for the collection and dissemination of information to assist Federal, State, interstate, regional, and local agencies in planning and building solid waste collection, recycling and recovery facilities. Sets forth specific areas to be covered by such program. Directs the Administrator to make grants to State, interstate, municipal and intermunicipal agencies for: (1) the implementation of solid waste management plans and planning programs; (2) the development and revision of solid waste disposal plans as part of regional environmental protection systems; (3) the development of interlocal regions and establishment of regional agencies; (4) the development of proposals for various projects; and (5) the planning of programs for the removal and processing of abandoned motor vehicle hulks. Authorizes the Administrator to impose conditions consistent with the purposes of this Act upon such grants. Limits the amount of available Federal assistance to 85 percent of the total cost. Authorizes the Administrator to guarantee loans incurred by State, regional, or local government agencies to finance the construction of large-scale fuel, energy, or resource recovery facilities. Limits the total outstanding indebtedness allowed under this Act to $75,000,000. Sets forth procedures for applying for loan guarantees under this Act. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants to a State, regional authority or local government agency for the construction, operation, or maintenance of fuel, energy, and resource recovery facilities when such facilities cannot be financed by any other means. Limits the amount of each grant to 25 percent of the total cost of the project. Authorizes the appropriation of the following amounts for solid waste research and development and for grants for energy and resource recovery programs: $65,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1977; $17,000,000 for the transitional period ending September 30, 1977; and $70,000,000 for fiscal year 1978. Authorizes the appropriation of the following sums for grants for State, interstate, and local planning: $35,000,000 for fiscal year 1977; $9,000,000 for the transitional period; and $45,000,000 for fiscal year 1978. Authorizes the appropriation of the following sums for grants for construction of facilities: $40,000,000 for fiscal year 1977; 12,000,000 for the transitional period; and $60,000,000 for fiscal year 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1976
Housing Authorization Act - Increases the authorization of funds for the following programs administered by the Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD): (1) housing assistance; (2) comprehensive planning; (3) research; and (4) flood insurance. Authorizes an increase in appropriations for HUD's administrative expenses for fiscal year 1977. Increases mortgage limitations under the National Housing Act homeownership assistance programs. Extends assistance under the Emergency Homeowners' Relief Act and the Emergency Home Purchase Assistance Act through fiscal year 1977. Reallocates community development block grant funds under the Housing and Community Development Act. Amends the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 to exempt from provisions of the Act requiring flood insurance, any loan to finance a residence acquired prior to March 1, 1976, or one year following identification of the area where such building is located as a flood hazard area, whichever is later. Sets limitations on the funds available for the Rehabilitation Loan Program of the Housing Act of 1964 for fiscal year 1977. Authorizes appropriations of $500,000,000 to cover losses sustained by the General Insurance Fund under the National Housing Act. Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to increase construction and rehabilitation of units in connection with the Housing Assistance Payments Program. Extends the period of assistance payments for low-income housing where the dwelling unit is unoccupied, so long as a good faith effort is made to fill the unit and the unit provides decent, safe, and sanitary housing. Amends the Community Development Act of 1974 to allow the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to extend discretionary grant funds to specified new community projects. Increases from $800,000,000 to $1,475,000,000 the amount authorized to be appropriated for long-term direct loans to nonprofit sponsors for construction of housing for the elderly and the handicapped. Amends the Housing Act of 1949 to provide that the interest rates for loans for the construction of rural housing shall be determined by the Secretary of the Treasury upon request of the Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Amends the National Housing Act to allow the Federal Housing Administration to insure supplemental loans for hospitals. Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to make grants to any State, metropolitan city, or urban county which meets the requirements of a community development program as specified in the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974. Authorizes appropriations of such sums as are necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act. Sets forth allocation requirements with respect to such grants. States that in any calendar quarter, 75 percent shall be allocated to metropolitan cities and urban counties, except that the Secretary may establish such percentage as he deems appropriate in view of unemployment and related factors. Requires that employment data, determined by the Secretary of Labor, shall be utilized to establish the supplementary grant amounts which will be distributed in any calendar quarter. Stipulates that any metropolitan city or urban county which has been allocated supplementary grant assistance shall submit an application which outlines the proposed job intensive use and demonstrates that the use is consistent with the recipient's community development program.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 1976
Authorizes payment under the supplementary medical insurance program of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act for optometric and medical vision care.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1976
Supplemental Community Development Employment Assistance Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to make grants to any State, metropolitan city, or urban county which meets the requirements of a community development program as specified in the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974. Authorizes appropriations of $780,000,000 to carry out the provisions of this Act. Sets forth allocation requirements with respect to the grants. States that in any calendar quarter, 75 percent shall be allocated to metropolitan cities and urban counties, except that the Secretary may establish such percentage as he deems appropriate in view of unemployment and related factors. Requires that unemployment data, determined by the Secretary of Labor, shall be utilized to establish the supplementary grant amounts which will be distributed in any calendar quarter. Stipulates that any metropolitan city or urban county which has been allocated supplementary grant assistance shall submit an application which outlines the proposed job intensive use and demonstrates that the use is consistent with the recipient's community development program.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1976
Countercyclical Community Development Employment Assistance Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to make grants to any State, metropolitan city, or urban county which meets the requirements of a community development program as specified in the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974. Authorizes appropriations fo $1,300,000,000 to carry out the provisions of this Act. Sets forth allocation requirements with respect to the grants. States that in any calendar quarter, 75 percent shall be allocated to metropolitan cities and urban counties, except that the Secretary may establish such percentage as he deems appropriate in view of unemployment and related factors. Requires that unemployment data, determined by the Secretary of Labor, shall be utilized to establish the supplementary grant amounts which will be distributed in any calendar quarter. Stipulates that any metropolitan city or urban county which has been allocated supplementary grant assistance shall submit an application which outlines the proposed job intensive use and demonstrates that the use is consistent with the recipient's community development program.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1976
Designates April 8, 1976, as "National Food Day". Authorizes and requests the President to issue a proclamation to promote public involvement in order to develop a national food policy guided by the needs of people, both in the United States and abroad.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 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 · 4 March 1976
Expresses the sense of Congress that the negotiations between Southern Railway and Chessie System on one hand and railway labor organizations on the other should be resumed, with the assistance of the Secretaries of Labor and Transportation.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1976
National Climate Program Act - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to coordinate the establishment and operation of a Federal climate program for the collection, analysis, and dissemination of data concerning climatic States and the influence of man's activities on climatic dynamics. Empowers the Secretary to establish advisory committees to be composed of experts in climatology and related fields and of representatives of interested Federal departments to more effectively carry out the purposes of this Act. Directs the Secretary to coordinate the activities of the climate program with related Federal programs and with climate research programs of international organizations. Authorizes the Secretary to transfer funds and make grants to governmental bodies and educational and nonprofit institutions to carry out the purposes of this Act. Requires the Secretary to prepare and submit each year to the Office of Management and Budget an annual plan and request for appropriations for the climate program. Directs the Bureau of the Budget to provide Congress, in connection with its annual budget presentation, a horizontal budget showing; (1) the totality of the activities under the climate program, (2) the specific aspects of such program and funding assigned to each agency, and (3) the estimated goals and financial requirement of the program. Directs the Secretary to annually prepare and submit to the President for transmittal to the Congress a report on the administration of this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of funds to carry out this Act for the transitional quarter and fiscal years 1977-79.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1976
Extends the period provided for acceptance of offers for sale made pursuant to the final system plan under the Regional Rail Reorganization Act. Extends the time provided for the delivery and filing of a certified copy of the final system plan to the special court established under such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1976
Amends the National Security Act of 1947 to make the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency responsible for protecting intelligence sources and methods from unauthorized disclosure. Imposes penalties for such disclosure. Bars prosecution for such offense where the information disclosed was not lawfully classified and where there was no process by which the defendant could obtain review of the continuing necessity for the classification. Permits the Attorney General to apply to the appropriate court for an order enjoining commission of an offense under this Act whenever the Director judges that such an offense is about to be committed.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1976
Extends the period provided for acceptance of offers for sale made pursuant to the final system plan under the Regional Rail Reorganization Act. Extends the period provided for the delivery and filing of a certified copy of the final system plan to the special court established under such Act. Decreases the period of time which such court has to order the conveyance of rail properties to the Consolidated Rail Corporation after the delivery of such final system plan.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1976
Amends the Small Business Act to revise the eligibility requirements for small business home-building firms for assistance under the Act. Stipulates that determinations by the Small Business Administration of the reasonable assurance of repayment of prospective loans shall be made on a case- by-case basis.
United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1976
National Diabetes Advisory Board Act - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish a National Diabetes Advisory Board to insure the implementation of the long-range plan formulated by the National Commission on Diabetes to combat diabetes. Specifies seven Federal health officers as members of the Board, in addition to seven health professionals and five members of the general public to be appointed by the Secretary. Makes provision for staffing and compensation. Authorizes the Board to enter into contracts or other arrangements, or to take such other action as may be necessary to carry out its functions. Authorizes the Board to engage in and sponsor activities, collect data, and provide technical assistance as it deems necessary and advisable in the performance of its functions. Requires the Board to submit simultaneously to the President and Congress an Annual Diabetes Report describing Board activities in the prior year and progress made in diabetes research, treatment, and education with specific reference to the long-range plan to combat diabetes mellitus and suggesting recommended future expenditures and legislation. Authorizes the appropriation of $500,000 for fiscal year 1976 and such sums as are necessary for each of the four fiscal years thereafter. Authorizes the Secretary to make distinguished scientist awards to individual scientists who have shown continuous and outstanding productivity in diabetes research for the purpose of continuing such research. Limits the amount of each grant to no more than $35,000 per year. Authorizes the appropriation of specified amounts for the purpose of making such grants in fiscal years 1976-1980. Authorizes, under the Public Health Service Act, the appropriation of specified sums in fiscal years 1977-1981 for the purpose of making grants to centers for research and training in diabetes mellitus and related endocrine and metabolic disorders.
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 · 19 February 1976
Adoption Opportunities Act - Title I: National Registry of Adoptable Children - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish and maintain a National Registry of Adoptable Children. Requires that the Registry contain statistics on the numbers of adoptable children in the United States. Directs the Secretary to conduct a continuing national survey to develop and keep current such statistics, and to publish the Registry or make it as widely available as possible. Title II: National Data Bank of Adoption Information and Resources - Provides that the Secretary shall establish and maintain a National Data Bank of Adoption Information and Resources to assist individuals desiring to adopt children. States that the Bank will provide prospective parents with current information on pre-adoption, adoption, and post-adoption costs, and with information on adoption agencies and their services. Requires the Secretary to conduct a continuing national survey to keep the Bank's information current. Title III: Requirements Applicable to Certain Child Related Programs - Subjects specified Social Security programs or projects to whatever requirements the State, in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary, establishes for the purpose of: (1) insuring that adoption agencies which indirectly or directly federally funded are associated with an adoption service, are conducting an annual review of the status of each child under its care, and are having their expenditures periodically evaluated; (2) licensing all foster care homes in which agencies place children; and (3) promoting and administering State and local programs designed to make children under agency care legally free for adoption by qualified parents. Directs the Secretary to provide for periodic evaluation of State and local programs to insure compliance with this Act.
![Official portrait of Rep. LaFalce, John J. [D-NY-29]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/l000556_200.jpg)