United States · United States Congress · 18 February 1976
Government Economy and Spending Reform Act - Title I: Authorizations of New Budget Authority - Terminates on specified dates budget authority for all Government programs except health care services, general retirement and disability insurance, and Federal employee retirement and disability programs which are funded by trust funds. Declares out of order in either the Senate or the House of Representatives any legislation which authorizes new budget authority not in compliance with this Act. Requires the Committees on Appropriations and the Committees on the Budget of both Houses of Congress to identify each program's functional and subfunctional category (as so characterized in the Budget of the United States, Fiscal Year 1977, transmitted to Congress by the President on January 21, 1976), the committees having legislative jurisdiction over such program, and whether such program operates under permanent authorizations and budget authority. Makes the budget termination provisions of this Act effective on the first day of the Ninety-fifth Congress. Title II: Early Elimination of Inactive and Duplicate Programs - Requires the Comptroller General of the United States to identify for Congress any programs which have duplicate objectives or for which no outlays have been made for the last two fiscal years. Directs the standing committees of both Houses to consider such programs and report recommendations on such programs before March 15, 1978, if possible. Title III: Quadrennial Program Review and Evaluation - Sets forth a timetable for reviewing the budget of a Government program. Requires review by standing committees of the Congress every four years of each program's cost, effectiveness, and the extent to which such program duplicates or is similar to any other program. States that such review shall include a comprehensive evaluation of the merits of such program to determine if it warrants continuation. Requires justification of any recommendation to fund any program which has objectives similar to or the same as another program's objectives. Directs the Comptroller General and the Congressional Budget Office to provide Congress with information and analysis of programs being reviewed under this Act. Requires the President to similarly review the merits of continuing programs contained in the annual Budget and to report the finding of such review prior to transmitting the Budget to Congress. Title IV: Continuing Review and Evaluation - Directs the Comptroller General to report to Congress the result of any audit which shows a substantial deficiency in achievement of the objectives of any Government program. Requires subsequent audits, a report of which must be submitted to Congress, to determine if such deficiency has been eliminated. Title V: Miscellaneous - States that those provisions of this Act which direct the operation of either House are enacted as an exercise of the rulemaking power of such House and recognizes the right of either House to change such rules.
United States · United States Congress · 17 February 1976
Allows an eligible veteran who is pursuing a program of education at the close of the ten-year delimiting period to continue to receive educational assistance until he completes such program, or until he ceases to pursue such program, whichever first occurs. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 1662(a))
United States · United States Congress · 27 January 1976
Exempts tax-supported public educational institutions which offer vocational courses from the requirement that placement records be submitted as a prerequisite to approval by the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs for educational benefits payments for veterans, war orphans, or widows. (Amends 38 U.S.C. 1673(a)(2), 1723 (a)(2))
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 · 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 · 19 December 1975
Government in the Sunshine Act - States that this Act applies, according to the provisions thereof, to the Federal Election Commission and to any agency where the collegial body comprising the agency consists of two or more individual members, at least a majority of whom are appointed to such position by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. Provides that all meetings of such collegial body, or of a subdivision thereof authorized to take action on behalf of the agency, shall be open to the public. Requires, public announcement, at least one week before the meeting, of the date, place, and subject matter of the meeting, whether open or closed to the public, and the name and phone number of the official designated by the agency to respond to requests for information about the meeting. Exempts meetings when publicity would result in disclosure of matters: (1) necessary to keep secret in the interests of national defense or foreign policy; (2) not warranting an invasion of personal privacy; (3) constituting trade secrets; and (4) other matters the Disclosure of which would not be in the public interest. States that the district courts of the United States shall have jurisdiction to enforce the requirements of this Act by declaratary judgment, injunctive relief, or other relief as may be appropriate. Prohibits the making of an ex parte communication relevant to the merits of the proceeding by an interested person outside the agency to anyone involved in the decisional process of the proceeding.
United States · United States Congress · 15 December 1975
Requires the President to transmit to Congress copies of each Presidential proclamation and Executive order no later than two days after the issuance of such proclamation or order.
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 · 8 December 1975
Provides a credit to local governments for compulsory contributions exacted by such governments or by special districts for governmental operations pursuant to the State and Local Fiscal Assistance Act.
United States · United States Congress · 8 December 1975
Provides a credit to local governments for taxes collected by special districts for governmental operations pursuant to the State and Local Fiscal Assistance Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 December 1975
Sets forth the finding of the Congress that specified American communities are experiencing unemployment rates which are far above the national average. Makes it the purpose of this Act to establish a Federal policy with respect to the procurement of goods and services in order to provide an incentive to bidders for such procurement contracts which are located in areas of relatively higher levels of unemployment. Sets standards for the awarding of contracts in order to achieve the purposes of this Act. Defines terms used in this Act. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget and the Comptroller General to each prepare an annual report on the extent of compliance with the provisions of this Act for submission to the President and to the Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1975
Food Stamp Reform Act - Eliminates the requirement, under the Food Stamp Act, that individuals receiving supplemental security income benefits under title XVI (grantss to States for the Aged, Blind or Disabled) of the Social Security Act shall not be considered eligible for food stamps if the supplemental income payments include the bonus value of food stamps. States that households in which a member is eligible to participate in the nutrition program for the elderly under the Older Americans Act, or is authorized to use coupons for meals on wheels, shall not be required to have cooking facilities. Modifies the eligibility standards for students. Lowers the work registration age limit for eligibility purposes from 65 to 60. States that the actual value of employer-provided housing (up to $25 per month) shall be taken into account for eligibility purposes. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, in computing eligibility, to allow a standard deduction of $125 plus $25 for each elderly person, after deductions for disaster or casualty losses, taxes, and other mandatory deductions. Eliminates the purchase price requirement and establishes an income formula for determining eligibility. Requires the Secretary to carry out a nutrition education program for recipients, including distribution of printed materials designed to teach recipients how to buy and prepare nutritious and economical meals. States that wrongfully denied food coupons shall be restored through a lump sum cash payment. Requires bilingual assistance to be made available in areas where numerous potentially eligible persons speak a language other than English. Directs the Secretary to conduct a survey and report to Congress on the average and distribution of assets held by participants in the food stamp program. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out pilot experiments for purposes of increasing the program's efficiency and improving the delivery of benefits to eligible households.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 1975
Designates the week beginning April 4, 1976, as "National Rural Health Week." Urges that efforts in disseminating health information be intensified. Calls for improved health services for rural America.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 1975
Equal Opportunity for Displaced Homemakers Act - Requires the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish a multipurpose service program for displaced homemakers, including: (1) job counseling and training services; (2) health education and counseling services; (3) financial management services; (4) educational services; and (5) outreach and information services with respect to Federal employment, education, health, and unemployment assistance programs. Defines a "displaced homemaker" as an individual who: (1) has worked in the home, providing unpaid household services for family members; (2) is not gainfully employed; (3) has had, or would have, difficulty in securing employment; and (4) has been dependent on the income of another family member but is no longer supported by such income, or has been dependent on Federal assistance but is no longer eligible for such assistance. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study to determine the feasibility of and appropriate procedures for allowing displaced homemakers to participate in specified Federal programs. Requires the Secretary to submit a final report to each House of the Congress not later than one year after the date of enactment of this Act. Authorizes appropriations of sums necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 November 1975
Roberto Clemente Sports City Act - Authorizes the appropriation of $2,500,000 to the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico for the construction of a sports facility to be known as the Roberto Clemente Sports City Recreation Center. Authorizes the Administrator of General Services to donate surplus property and material for such purpose.
United States · United States Congress · 11 November 1975
Provides, under the Bankruptcy Act, that political subdivisions which are creditors of railroads with respect to overdue taxes on which a lien has attached may seize property owned by the railroad and within the taxing jurisdiction of the subdivision if such property is not in current use or has not been conveyed to the Consolidated Rail Corporation.
United States · United States Congress · 11 November 1975
Increases from $10,000 to $100,000 the maximum fine for conspiracy to commit any offense against the United States. Makes $1,000,000 the maximum fine for such offense by a corporation. (Amends 18 U.S.C. 371)
United States · United States Congress · 11 November 1975
Congressional Election Financing Act - Adds to the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 a Title V: Public Financing of Congressional Elections. Sets forth the definitions of terms to be used in this Act. States that to be eligible to receive payments under this title, a candidate for election to Federal office shall agree: (1) to obtain and to furnish to the Commission any evidence it may request about his campaign expenditures and contributions; (2) to keep and to furnish to the Commission information it may request; (3) to permit an audit and examination by the Commission and to pay any amounts required; and (4) to furnish statements of campaign expenditures and proposed campaign expenditures. Enumerates the eligibility certification requirements to be met by every candidate prior to receiving payments under this Act. Provides that every eligible candidate is entitled to payments in connection with his primary election campaign in an amount which is equal to the amount of contributions he accepts for that campaign. Describes the amounts which major party and minor party candidates are entitled to receive. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to maintain in the Presidential Election Campaign Fund a separate account to be known as the Congressional Election Account. Directs the Secretary to deposit in the Account the amount available after payments for Presidential elections and nominating conventions have been set aside plus such additional amounts as may be authorized to be appropriated to carry out this title. Directs the Secretary to pay to candidates from this Account the amounts certified by the Federal Elections Commission. Requires that, after each congressional election, the Commission shall conduct a thorough examination and audit of the campaign expenditures of all candidates who received payments under this title. Provides for repayment of funds to the Account in the case of excess payments, the failure to make expenditures of any portion of the payments received, or the expenditure of such payments for purposes other than campaign expenses. Directs every candidate to furnish a detailed statement of expenditures and proposed expenditures whenever the Commission so requires, and directs the Commission to make available for public inspection summaries of all such statements. Requires the Commission to submit an annual report to Congress setting forth the expenditures of each candidate who received payments, and the amounts certified for payment to each and any amount required to be returned by a candidate. States that each such report submitted shall be printed as a Senate document. Imposes for violation of this title a fine of not more than $50,000, or not more than five years imprisonment, or both.
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 1975
Empowers the Small Business Administration, under the provisions of the Small Business Act, to make loans to enable small business concerns to finance residential housing construction or rehabilitation for sale or rental. Requires the Administration to determine the reasonableness of repayment of its loans on a case-by-case basis. Stipulates that the Administration may engage in activities which involve borrowers who may, from time to time, take advantage of other Federal programs in carrying out their business, notwithstanding the restriction which prohibits the Administration from duplicating the work or activities of any other department or agency of the Federal Government.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 1975
Local Tax Relief Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to pay overdue State and local real estate and personal property taxes by any railroad in reorganization. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act. Provides that this Act shall expire on December 31, 1978, without prejudice to the rights of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 1975
Denies electric and gas public utilities a deduction under the Internal Revenue Code for amounts paid or incurred by such utilities to advertise or promote the sale or use of electricity or gas.
United States · United States Congress · 4 November 1975
Increases the monetary penalties for persons convicted of conspiring to commit any offense against the United States or to defraud the United States. Establishes a monetary penalty of $1,000,000 in the case of a corporation, and $100,000 in the case of an individual. Eliminates the penalty of imprisonment for conspiracy to commit any offense or to defraud the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 4 November 1975
Stipulates that whenever the United States Government, including any department or agency thereof, has legal title to any improved real property which is leased, loaned, or otherwise made available to and used by any private individual, association, or corporation in connection with a business conducted for profit, the Government shall pay to the appropriate local taxing authorities, on the date on which real property taxes become due, an amount equal to the amount of the real property tax which would be payable to each such State or local taxing authority if legal title to such real property were held by a private individual, association, or corporation. Provides that no such payment shall be made with respect to any real property of any of the following categories: (1) real property taxable by any State or local taxing authority under any provision of law, or with respect to which any payment in lieu of taxes is payable under any other provision of law; (2) real property owned by any private individual, association, or corporation would be exempt from real property tax under the constitution or laws of the State in which the property is situated; and (3) real property used or held primarily for the rendition of service to or on behalf of the local public, including (but not limited to) the following categories of real property, courthouses, post offices, and other property used for purposes incidental to postal operations, and federally owned airports maintained and operated by the Civil Aeronautics Administration.
United States · United States Congress · 3 November 1975
Prohibits, under the Federal Hazardous Substances Act, the introduction or delivery for introduction into commerce of the chemical compounds known as polychlorinated biphenyls.
United States · United States Congress · 28 October 1975
Neighborhood Preservation and Rehabilitation Amendments - Declares it to be the finding of Congress that neighborhoods in United States cities have deteriorated due to lack of public facilities and a lack of capital resources to rehabilitate and maintain such neighborhoods States that private financing is increasingly unavailable in such neighborhoods and declares it to be the purpose of this Act to establish a neighborhood preservation and rehabilitation program. Authorizes to be appropriated specified amounts for fiscal years 1976, 1977, and 1978, for grants under the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974. States that such grants shall be for units of general local government to assist them in carrying out programs to improve basic community facilities and services in designated neighborhood preservation areas. States that an area proposed by a unit of general local government as a neighborhood preservation area must be found by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to have a reasonable prospect of being restored or maintained. Requires, as a second condition for receiving a grant under this Act, that an application by a unit of general local government include a three-year rehabilitation plan, and that the Secretary find this plan to be workable. Declares that, in fiscal year 1976, grants will be made to between ten and 20 cities, including at least two with populations of less than 100,000, and in fiscal years 1977 and 1978, grants will be made to between five and ten cities, of which at least one each year must be a city with a population of less than 100,000. Directs the Secretary to prepare guidelines and regulations setting forth the details of the program's administration. Authorizes the Secretary, under the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1970, to make mortgage insurance available to facilitate the refinancing of mortgages covering housing located in neighborhood preservation areas.
United States · United States Congress · 23 October 1975
Condemns the resolution adopted by the Third Committee of the United Nations General Assembly which equates Zionism with racism, and urges the U.N. General Assembly to disapprove such resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 22 October 1975
Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act Amendments. Repeals, under the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, the requirements for advance disclosure of specific settlement costs and the disclusure of the house's previous selling price. Alters, under such Act, the definition of "federally related mortgage loan" to exclude construction loans and second trusts. Excludes any agency or instrumentality of a State from the definition of "creditor. Provides the Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development with authority to modify the uniform settlement statement required under the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act to adopt such statment to area differences in local laws and customs. Modifies the information booklet designed by HUD to include general estimates of the settlement costs likely to be borne by the borrower. Requires lenders to give out the booklet and estimates only upon a written application for a mortgage loan.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 1975
Exempts from the estate tax imposed under the Internal Revenue Code the lesser of: (1) $200,000 and (2) the value of the decedent's interest in a family farming operation operated continually by the decedent for at least five years prior to his death and which passes to a relative on his death. Provides for revocation of such exemption in the event that the successor transfers his interest or stops residing on the farm within five years of the death of his transferor. Provides, under the Internal Revenue Code, that farmland, woodland, or open land which comprises part of an estate may be valued, for estate tax purposes, as such rather than at its fair market value. Provides that real property which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places may be valued, for estate tax purposes, at its value for its existing use. Provides for the revocation of such lower evaluation and recapture of unpaid taxes with interest upon the conversion, rezoning, or removal of such land from the National Register of Historic Places.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 1975
Recognizes the right to a nutritionally adequate diet as a cornerstone of United States policy in areas such as trade, assistance, monetary reform and military spending. Seeks to improve food assistance programs in the United States. Calls for an increase in this nation's assistance for self-help development among the worlds' poorest people. Sets a target of one percent of our total national production to be spent for such assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 9 October 1975
Authorizes, under the Privacy Act of 1974, the disclosure to individual Members of Congress or their designates of information regarding individuals. (Amends 5 U.S.C. 552a)
United States · United States Congress · 8 October 1975
Food Industry Antitrust Reports Act - Directs the Federal Trade Commission, the Department of Justice, and the Department of Agriculture to submit to the appropriate House and Senate committees a report on actions with respect to the enforcement of the antitrust laws in the various sectors of the food industry. Requires that such report be made not later than six months after the date of enactment of this Act, and yearly thereafter. Provides that no later than five years after the enactment of this Act, the Commission shall submit to the Congress a comprehensive report on the market structure and state of competition in the food industries. Requires the Commission and the Department of Justice to provide to the Congress an analysis of the adequacy of available data on which any study is based. Authorizes the appropriation to the Commission of $1,000,000 for each of the next five fiscal years.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 1975
Defense Production Act Amendments - Provides that, upon finding that conditions exist which may pose a direct threat to the national defense or its preparedness programs, the President may consult with representatives of industry, business, financing, agriculture, labor, and other interests in order to provide for the making by such persons, with the approval of the President, of voluntary agreements to help provide for the defense of the United States through the development of preparedness programs and the expansion of productive capacity and supply beyond levels needed to meet essential civilian demand in the United States. Provides for the notice of and the right of interested persons to petition for repeal with respect to the promulgation of rules to implement such voluntary agreement. States that a voluntary agreement may not become effective unless and until: (1) the individual who is to administer the agreement approves it and certifies, in writing, that the agreement is necessary to carry out the purposes for which it was authorized and (2) the Attorney General (after consultation with the Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission) finds, in writing, that such purpose may not reasonably be achieved through a voluntary agreement having less anticompetitive effects or without any voluntary agreement. Directs the Attorney General and the Federal Trade Commission to each make surveys for the purpose of determining any factors which may tend to eliminate competition, create or strengthen monopolies, injure small business, or otherwise promote undue concentration of economic power in the course of the administration of this Act. Requires specific rules for incorporating standards and procedures by which international voluntary agreements may be developed. Extends and makes appropriations for specified provisions of the Defense Production Act of 1950.
United States · United States Congress · 6 October 1975
Solid Waste Energy and Resource Recovery Act - Sets forth the findings of Congress that there is a demand for new fuel sources in the United States; that fuels can be produced from solid waste, but that research into such fuel production is not coordinated at this time and that local municipal governments now bear the largest portion of the cost of such research; and that, therefore, there is a need for a federally coordinated program to provide State, regional, and local communities with assistance in developing solid waste energy and resource recovery systems and technology. Defines terms added by this Act to the Solid Waste Disposal Act. Directs 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. Requires 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 specified projects; and (5) the planning of programs for the removal and processing of abandoned motor vehicle bulks. Authorizes the Administrator to guarantee loans incurred by States, 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 or resource recovery facilities when such facilities cannot be financed by any other means. Limits the amount of each such grant to 25 percent of the total cost of the project. Authorizes appropriations for the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 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 · 19 September 1975
Empowers the Small Business Administration, under the provisions of the Small Business Act, to make loans to enable small business concerns to finance residential housing construction or rehabilitation for sale or rental. Requires the Administration to determine the reasonableness of repayment of its loans on a case-by-case basis. Stipulates that the Administration may engage in activities which involve borrowers who may, from time to time, take advantage of other Federal programs in carrying out their business, notwithstanding the restriction which prohibits the Administration from duplicating the work or activities of any other department or agency of the Federal Government.
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 1975
Provides, under title XX (Grants to States for Services) of the Social Security Act, that the regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to impose staffing standards for day care centers shall require staff-to-child ratios of one adult for each child under six weeks old and (subject to State action in specified cases) one adult for each eight children between six weeks and three years old.
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 1975
Revises the Emergency School Aid Act to provide that educational agencies which are not implementing a court-ordered desegregation plan or which are implementing such a plan which contains no provision as to assignment of faculty; and which have a disproportionate assignment of minority group full-time classroom teachers at any school, shall not become ineligible for assistance under such Act on the basis of discrimination unless such disproportionate assignment cannot reasonably be the result of any factor other than discrimination.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1975
Uniform Federal Welfare and Medicaid Assistance Act - Increases to 75 percent the Federal matching rate for purposes of reimbursement to States under the programs of aid to needy families with children and medical assistance provided by the Social Security Act. Makes such change effective January 1, 1976.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1975
Aerosol Ingredient Disclosure Act - Requires, under the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act, that specified information with respect to the propellants contained in aerosol commodities be disclosed on the label of such commodities.
United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1975
Exempts, under the Internal Revenue Code, nonprofit volunteer firefighting or rescue organizations from the Federal excise taxes on gasoline, diesel fuel, and special fuels. Exempts such organization from the tax on communication services.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 1975
Provides that no State shall be required to administer individual means tests for the provision of education, nutrition, transportation, recreation, socialization, or associated services provided under the Social Security Act to groups of low-income individuals aged sixty or older. Limits to 6 months the frequency of recertifications of eligibility for services under such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 1975
Social Security Rights Act - Requires that procedures be established for the expedited replacement of undelivered benefit checks. Requires that decisions (and reconsiderations) on initial benefit claims be made within 90 days. Requires that payment of benefits on approved claims begin no later than the day regularly fixed for delivery of benefits checks in the second month following the month in which the claim was approved.
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 1975
Natural Gas Production and Conservation Act - Defines terms used in this Act, including: (1) "affiliate" to mean any person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by, or under common control or ownership with any other person; (2) "old natural gas" to mean natural gas dedicated to interstate commerce prior to January 1, 1975 with the determination or dedication to be the findings the Commission made at the time deliveries of such natural gas were first made; (3) "producer" to mean a person who produces and sells more than 10 million mcf of natural gas per year and who is not or does not qualify as a small producer; and (4) "user" to mean a person or governmental entity using natural gas after it is delivered in interstate or intrastate commerce. Provides that new natural gas may be sold or transferred in interstate or intrastate commerce by a producer or small producer at a price that does not exceed: (1) the national base price established by the Federal Power Commission or any relevant high-cost production base price established by the Commission plus; (2) an adjustment to the national base price or any high-cost production base price for inflation or deflation for new natural gas first delivered during the year for which such adjustment is applicable; (3) an additional annual price increase equal to 2 percent per year of the adjusted base price of such gas at the time of initial dedication or such higher annual adjustment as may be approved by the Commission to be necessary to cover increased costs of production and provide for a reasonable rate of return on investment to such producer; and (4) adjustments to increase or decrease the base prices at the wellhead for gathering services, removing impurities, quality adjustments, expenses incurred such as State or Federal production or severance taxes, and the uncompensated value of advanced payments made to the producer. Permits a producer of new natural gas that is liquified, regasified or synthetic natural gas, to charge a special price that is just and reasonable based on his costs of production. States that those producers who discovered natural gas on the Federal domain more than two years before the enactment of this Act and still have not comitted such natural gas reserves to a pipeline are not able to take advantage of the incentive new gas or exempt gas pricing provisions. Directs the Commission to establish the initial national base price at a level of not less than 40 cents per mcf nor more than 75 cents per mcf. Directs the Commission to review and reestablish the national base price and any high-cost production base price at five-year intervals after the date of their initial establishment. Sets forth the criteria to be used in establishing the initial national base price, any initial high-cost production base prices, and subsequent national and subsequent high-cost production price bases. Requires the Commission to establish any base price for new natural gas pursuant to the rulemaking provisions of the Administrative Procedures Act. Permits the pass-through on a dollar-for-dollar basis of the cost of all new natural gas and exempt natural gas incurred by any pipeline unless such costs exceed the applicable price permitted under this Act. States that after the date of enactment of this Act, all sales of natural gas in interstate commerce that are not sales of old natural gas must comply with the provisions of this Act concerning new natural gas, unless such gas is exempt gas sold by a producer or small producer who qualifies as an independent. Allows a small producer to sell new natural gas in interstate or intrastate commerce at a price that exceeds the price authorized to be charged by a producer so long as such price does not exceed the applicable national or high-cost reproduction price by more than 50 percent. Provides that a producer or small producer which qualifies as an independent may charge any price for exempt natural gas on or after the date of enactment of this Act if such price does not exceed the average price of new domestic crude oil on the date such exempt natural gas is first dedicated. Requires all purchasers to file with the Commission all new natural gas and exempt natural gas sales contracts, transfer agreements, or any other transfer arrangements. States that with respect to old natural gas, the Commission is directed not to authorize any increase in the price charged by a producer or small producer except under enumerated circumstances. Requires all pipelines to give first priority for sales or transfers under the applicable tariff for old natural gas to local distribution companies to meet the requirements of each such local distribution company's residential users and small users to the extent old natural gas is available. Provides that sales of new natural gas or exempt natural gas by producers or small producers may be made without any application for a certificate of public convenience and necessity under the Natural Gas Act. Provides that, after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commission shall require all new natural gas pipeline transportation facilities on Federal lands to be common carriers available for use by any pipeline to transport natural gas upon payment of a reasonable transportation fee. Requires that natural gas producers on Federal lands undertake and complete exploratory and developmental programs to obtain maximum efficient levels of production at the earliest feasible date following the leasing of these lands. Requires that, after the date of enactment of this Act, all production of new natural gas or exempt natural gas from Federal lands shall be sold or transferred to a pipeline. Directs the Commission to conduct studies of production, gathering, storage, transportation, distribution and sale of natural, artificial, or synthetic gas. Directs the Commission to promulgate by rule a national plan to prohibit as soon as practicable the boiler fuel use of natural gas not initially contracted for prior to January 1, 1975 by users other than residential or small users. Prohibits any interruption or curtailment of natural gas service and requires necessary steps to assure as soon as practicable the availability in interstate commerce of sufficient quantities of natural gas for certain priority agricultural uses. Authorizes the Commission to declare a natural gas supply emergency within the service area of a pipeline which is unable or may be unable to supply its residential users, small users, hospitals, services and products vital to the public health and safety. Includes synthetic natural gas within the jurisdication of the Federal Power Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 9 September 1975
Authorizes the people of the Virgin Islands to organize a government pursuant to a constitution of their own adoption under the provisions of this Act. Authorizes the Legislature of the Virgin Islands to call a constitutional convention to draft a constitution for the people of the Virgin Islands. Requires that such constitution shall include a bill of rights. Provides for eligibility for membership at the convention. Establishes voting procedures for the approval or disapproval of such constitution as may be drafted by the convention. Provides that upon taking effect, a constitution drafted and approved under this Act shall supersede such provisions of the Organic Act of the Virgin Islands as may be inconsistent with such constitution.
United States · United States Congress · 8 September 1975
Prohibits discrimination based on sex or marital status with respect to the sale or rental of housing under the Civil Rights Act and the National Housing Act.
![Official portrait of Rep. LaFalce, John J. [D-NY-29]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/l000556_200.jpg)