United States · United States Congress · 15 June 1976
Title I: Citizens' Oversight Panel - Establishes the Citizens' Oversight Panel to accept written, sworn complaints against any Member, officer, or employee of the House of Representatives alleging the violation by such person of the Code of Official Conduct of the House of Representatives or any other standard of conduct applicable to such person. Empowers the Panel to direct the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct of the House of Representatives to undertake a study of such allegations. States that the Panel shall be composed of six members who are not Members of Congress or employees or officers of any government. Provides that the terms of such members will be six years with the terms of two members expiring every two years and with no person being appointable for more than one term. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this title. Title II: Amendment to the Rules of the House of Representatives - Makes technical and conforming amendments to the rules of the House of Representatives. Title III: Effective Date - Declares this Act effective on January 1, 1977.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1976
Requires that an election commissioner be appointed in American Samoa. States that the duty of the Commissioner will be to conduct a plebiscite on the issue of whether there should be a popular election for Governor and Lieutenant Governor of that country. Provides that a gubernatorial election be held within one year of such plebiscite if there is a majority of affirmative responses. Directs the legislature of American Samoa to establish rules and procedures regarding nomination, length of terms, and removal from the offices of Governor and Lieutenant Governor.
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 1976
Provides that funds shall not be expended from the contingent fund of the House of Representatives for allowances to Members, officers, or standing committees of the House except through the adoption of a resolution by the House of Representatives.
United States · United States Congress · 2 June 1976
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
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 · 20 May 1976
Authorizes the American Legion to place in the District of Columbia on land of the national park system the bell which is known as the American Legion's Freedom Bell. Provides that all costs which are necessary for the placement of the Freedom Bell shall be borne by the American Legion. Provides that the Bell shall be maintained by the Secretary of the Interior.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 1976
Joint Committee on Intelligence Operations Act - Establishes a Congressional Joint Committee on Intelligence Operations to conduct continuing oversight of, and to exercise exclusive legislative jurisdiction over, the foreign intelligence activities of: (1) the Central Intelligence Agency; (2) the Defense Intelligence Agency; (3) the National Security Agency; (4) the Bureau of Intelligence and Research; (5) Army, Navy, and Air Force Intelligence; and (6) other agencies to the extent that such agencies engage in foreign intelligence activities. Requires that the Director of Central Intelligence must keep the joint committee fully informed with respect to all foreign intelligence activities of the United States. Sets forth the administrative powers of the joint committee. Charges the joint committee with the establishment of guidelines for the classification of information originating with the joint committee. Prescribes penalties for the public release of classified materials by any congressional officer, employee of the joint committee, or former congressional officer or employee of the joint committee. Requires that no nonintelligence gathering operation, under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, may be conducted until 30 days after the President reports such operation to the joint committee, unless it is essential to national security that such operation begin immediately. Ceases all such operations which at any time are disapproved by the joint committee.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1976
Title I: Acquisition Ceiling Increases - Increases the limitations on appropriations for the acquisition of lands and interests therein within the following units of the National Park System: (1) Arches National Park, Utah; (2) Assateague Island National Seashore, Maryland and Virginia; (3) Buffalo National River, Arkansas; (4) Capitol Reef National Park, Utah; (5) Fire Island National Seashore, New York; (6) Gulf Islands National Seashore, Florida and Mississippi; (7) Lincoln Home National Historic Site, Illinois; (8) Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado; (9) North Cascades National Park and Lake Chelan National Recreation Area, Washington; (10) Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site, New Hampshire; and (11) Scotts Bluff National Monument, Nebraska. Title II: Development Ceiling Increases - Increases the limitations on appropriations for development of the following units of the National Park System: (1) Andrew Johnson National Historic Site, Tennessee; (2) Arkansas Post National Memorial, Arkansas; (3) Chamizal National Memorial, Texas; (4) Fort Larned National Historic Site, Kansas; (5) Golden Spike National Historic Site, Utah; (6) Jefferson National Expansion Memorial National Historic Site, Missouri; (7) Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site, New Hampshire; and (8) Vicksburg National Military Park, Mississippi. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Repeals provisions relating to beach erosion control, hurrican protection, and purchase of public utility facilities within Assateague Island National Seashore, Maryland and Virginia. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to develop a comprehensive plan for the protection, management, and use of such seashore. Authorizes the Secretary to designate specified areas for addition to the Colorado National Monument, Colorado. Increases the maximum amount authorized to be appropriated for acquisition, development, and rehabilitation of sites of specified events which occurred in Kansas during the decade prior to and during the Civil War. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to transfer specified lands to the jurisdiction of the Director of the National Park Service in Montgomery County, Maryland. Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to transfer specified lands in such county to the jurisdiction of the Secretary of the Interior. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to acquire up to 64 acres of land for addition to the Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site, New Hampshire.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1976
Authorizes a taxpayer, under the Internal Revenue Code, to elect to treat qualified architectural and transportational barrier removal expenses which are paid or incurred during the taxable year as expenses which are not chargeable to capital account. Deems such expenses so treated as allowable tax deductible expenditures.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1976
Consumer Communications Reform Act - States that Congress finds that the revenues from integrated interstate and foreign common carrier telecommunications services helped maintain a level of charges for telephone exchange service which is lower than otherwise would be required. Expresses the sense of Congress that the authorization of lines, facilities, or services of specialized carriers which duplicate the lines, facilities, or services of other telecommunications common carriers is contrary to the public interest. Reaffirms the intent of Congress that the complete authority to regulate terminal and station equipment used for telephone exchange service shall rest with the States even though such terminal and station equipment also may be used in connection with interstate services. Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to provide that no compensatory charges for or in connection with such communication service may be found to be unjust or unreasonable on the ground that it is too low. Prohibits the Federal Communications Commission from holding the charge of a carrier up to a particular level to protect the traffic or revenues from a communication service offered or provided by another carrier if such charge proposed by the carrier is compensatory. Provides that the Commission shall not grant or authorize any construction permit, station, license, or certificate for the construction, acquisition, or operation of any communication or transmission line or facility, or extension thereof, or any modification or renewal thereof, unless the Commission shall find, after full opportunity for evidentiary hearing on the record, that such permit, license, or certificate, will not result in increased charges or unnecessary duplication of communication lines.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1976
Amends the Tariff Schedules of the United States to reduce the customs duty for fish netting or fish nets of fabric other than cotton or negitable fibers.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1976
Amends the Internal Revenue Code and the Social Security Act to exclude service performed by an individual on a vessel used in catching fish or other marine animal life wherein such individual receives as compensation a portion of such vessel's catch, from the definitions of "employment" and "self-employment" for the purposes of deductions, contributions, and benefits under such Acts. Requires the operator of a vessel employing such individuals to report to the Secretary of the Treasury with respect to the identity of such individuals and their share of the catch.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1976
American Samoan Reorganization Act - Requires that an election commisioner be appointed in American Samoa. States that the duties of such Commissioner will be to conduct a plebiscite on the issue of whether there should be a popular election for Governor and Lieutenant Governor of that country. Provides that a gubernatorial election be held within six months of such plebiscite if there are a majority of affirmative responses. Makes provisions for removal from office by referendum and for replacement in the event of permanent vacancy. Enumerates the duties and powers of the Governor, including his role in the legislative process. Establishes the Office of Lieutenant Governor of American Samoa. Provides that the Governor shall have general supervision over all instrumentalities of the executive branch of government of American Samoa including the appointment and promotion of heads of such departments and agencies. States that the President or his delegates shall conduct an audit directed towards the improvement of the efficiency of the governmental programs of American Samoa so as to insure that the Federal revenues are properly collected and expended. Authorizes the Legislature of American Samoa to call a constitutional convention five years after the enactment of this Act. Makes provisions for the approval of a constitution. Authorizes to be appropriated such annual grants-in-aid as are necessary for the benefit of the government of American Samoa until a constitution is adopted.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1976
Voting Rights Act Repealer Amendments Act - Amends the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to repeal the prohibitions against voting qualifications, prerequisites, tests, or devices which abridge the right of a citizen to vote who is a member of a language minority. Repeals the requirement that States and other political subdivisions make available registration and voting materials, and voting assistance in languages other than English in areas where (1) more than five percent of the citizens belong to a single language minority, and (2) the illiteracy rate of such minority exceeds the national rate.
United States · United States Congress · 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 · 28 April 1976
Authorizes the government of the Virgin Islands to levy a surtax on future income taxes payable to itself, which will not exceed ten percent. Authorizes $15,000,000 in loan funds to be appropriated for the government of the Virgin Islands' operating expenses. Authorizes $61,000,000 to be appropriated for loans for the capital improvement program of the Virgin Islands. States the conditions for extension and repayment of such loans. Empowers the Secretary of the Interior to place stipulations on such loans as he deems necessary. Provides an approval procedure for the Legislature of the Virgin Islands with regard to any loan request made by the Governor.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1976
Provides for the incorporation of the Gold Star Wives of America. Sets forth the objectives, purposes and powers of such corporation. Stipulates the nonpolitical nature the corporation is to be maintained.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1976
Authorizes the government of the Virgin Islands to levy a surtax on future income taxes payable to itself which will not exceed ten percent. Authorizes $15,000,000 in loan funds to be appropriated for the government of the Virgin Islands' operating expenses. Authorizes $61,000,000 to be appropriated for loans for the capital improvement program of the Virgin Islands. States the conditions for extension and repayment of such loans. Empowers the Secretary of the Interior to place stipulations on such loans as he deems necessary.
United States · United States Congress · 28 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 · 27 April 1976
Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to emphasize crime prevention as a major purpose of Title I of such Act. Requires that States applying for Federal crime prevention, law enforcement, and criminal justice grants under such Act include in their required comprehensive plans a program for the prevention of crime against the elderly.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1976
Replaces Federal criminal statutory provisions penalizing "rape" and "carnal knowledge of females under 16" with provisions penalizing "sexual assault." Designates guilty of sexual assault any person who knowingly engages in sexual contact or penetration of another person without such person's consent. Imposes penalties for sexual contact or penetration of any person who has not attained the age of 18, notwithstanding such person's consent. Sets forth penalties for such assault according to specified criteria, including the consideration of aggravating factors. Specifies procedures for medical examination of alleged victims of offenses under this Act. Prohibits the introduction of evidence of the victim's prior sexual activity unless the court determines after an in camera hearing that the evidence is relevant and material and does not constitute an unnecessary invasion of privacy. (Amends 18 U.S.C. 2031-35)
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 1976
Authorizes every individual whose income tax liability, under the Internal Revenue Code, is $1 or more to designate that $1 shall be used to reduce the public debt of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1976
Designates specified areas within the following national parks and national monuments as wilderness: (1) Bandelier National Monument, New Mexico; (2) Gunnison National Monument, Colorado; (3) Chiricahua National Monument, Arizona; (4) Great Sand Dunes National Monument Colorado; (5) Haleakala National Park, Hawaii; (6) Isle Royale National Park Michigan; (7) Joshua Tree National Monument, California; (8) Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado; (9) Pinnacles National Monument, California; and (10) Saguaro National Monument, Arizona. Revises the boundaries of Isle Royale National Park, Michigan, and Pinnacles National Monument, California. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to review the suitability of specified lands in Coronado National Forest, Arizona, for designation as wilderness.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1976
Establishes a Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe. Authorizes and directs the Commission to monitor the acts of the signatories to the Final Act of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (Helsinki Agreement) with respect to their compliance with the articles of such Act, particularly with regard to the provisions relating to cooperation in humanitarian fields. Stipulates that the Commission shall be composed of four Members of the House of Representatives, four Senators, and one member each of the Departments of State, Defense, and Commerce, as appointed by the President.
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1976
Voting Rights Act Repealer Amendments Act - Amends the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to repeal the prohibitions against voting qualifications, prerequisites, tests, or devices which abridge the right of a citizen to vote who is a member of a language minority. Repeals the requirement that States and other political subdivisions make available registration and voting materials, and voting assistance in languages other than English in areas where (1) more than five percent of the citizens belong to a single language minority, and (2) the illiteracy rate of such minority exceeds the national rate.
United States · United States Congress · 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 · 5 April 1976
Amends Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to prohibit the payment of child's insurance benefits to an insured individual's stepchild, after such child's natural parent and the insured individual are divorced, for any period during which such child is receiving support from any source other than such parent and insured individual.
United States · United States Congress · 30 March 1976
Requires that whoever uses or carries a firearm during the commission of a felony that may be prosecuted in a Federal court and that whoever is convicted by a State court of using or carrying a firearm transported in, or affecting, interstate or foreign commerce during the commission of a felony be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of not less than five nor more than ten years. Requires in the case of a subsequent such conviction that the felon be sentenced to a term of imprisonment for any term of years, but not less than ten years, or to life imprisonment. (Amends 18 U.S.C. 924(c))
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1976
Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to reimburse State and local governments for expenditures made at the request of the United States Secret Service for the protection of any person the Service is authorized to protect.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1976
Authorizes the President to issue a proclamation designating the week beginning April 4, 1976, as "National Rural Health Week." Urges improved health services and intensified dissemination of health information for rural America.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1976
Amends the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 to deny Members of Congress any increase in their rate of pay under any law passed, or plan or recommendation received, during a Congress unless such increase is to take effect not earlier than the first day of the next Congress. Makes such prohibition retroactive to those laws passed after June 30, 1975, and to plans and recommendations regarding pay transmitted by the President after such date.
United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1976
Directs the President to express the request of the United States Government that the Government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics provide Valentyn Moroz with the opportunity to accept the invitation of Harvard University to join the Harvard Ukrainian Research Institute for the 1976-77 academic year.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1976
Expresses the sense of Congress that the U.S. Postal Service should not close or otherwise suspend the operation of any post office during the six-month period beginning on the date of adoption of this resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1976
Indian Health Care Improvement Act - Declares it the national policy to provide the highest possible health status to Indians and to provide existing Indian health services with all the necessary resources to effect such policy. Title I: Indian Health Manpower - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to make grants to public or nonprofit private health or educational entities, Indian tribes, or tribal organizations for the purpose of: (1) identifying and assisting Indians with a potential for health education or training; and (2) publicizing existing sources of financial aid. Directs the Secretary to make preparatory scholarship grants to Indians who have successfully completed their high school education and have demonstrated the capability to successfully complete courses of study in health related professions. Directs the Secretary to make scholarship grants to individuals currently enrolled in some form of health school who agree to provide their professional services to Indians after completion of their training. Establishes means of recovering such grants if the scholarship recipient fails to comply with such agreement. Entitles scholarship recipients to employment in the Indian Health Service Extern Programs during any nonacademic period of the year. Permits the Secretary to provide continuing education allowances to health professionals in the Service to permit them to take leave of their duty stations for professional consultation and refresher training courses. Title II: Health Services - Authorizes the Secretary to expend specified sums for purposes of eliminating backlogged and unmet Indian health needs in the areas of patient care, field health, dental care, mental health, treatment and control of alcoholism, and maintenance and repair. Title III: Health Facilities - Authorizes the Secretary to expend specified sums to eliminate inadequate, outdated, and otherwise unsatisfactory service hospitals, health centers, health stations, and other facilities. Authorizes the Secretary to expend specified sums to supply unmet needs for safe water and sanitary waste disposal facilities in existing and new Indian homes and communities, giving preference to Indian enterprises in awarding contracts for such construction and renovation. Title IV: Access to Health Services - Allows the Secretary to enter into agreements with the appropriate State agency for the purpose of reimbursing such agency for health care provided in Service facilities to Indians who are beneficiaries of the Medicaid provisions of the Social Security Act. Title V: Health Services for Urban Indians - Directs the Secretary to enter into contracts with urban Indian organizations to assist such organizations in the establishment and administration of programs designed to make health services more accessible to the urban Indian population. Title VI: American Indian School of Medicine - Directs the Secretary to provide for the establishment, operation, and funding of an American Indian School of Medicine. Title VII: Miscellaneous - Requires the Secretary to make annual reports to the President and Congress on progress made in effecting the purposes of this Act. Authorizes the Secretary, in carrying out these provisions, to enter into leases with Indian tribes for periods not in excess of 20 years.
United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1976
Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to appoint to the Federal service specified State, territory, and local meat and poultry inspection personnel to enforce and perform Federal inspection requirements with respect to slaughterhouses and processing establishments whose products are distributed solely intrastate where such regulation is required because the State or territory in which such slaughterhouses or processing establishments are located has failed to develop or enforce sufficient inspection standards. Details provisons relating to: (1) compensation of; (2) credit for prior State, territory, or local service by; (3) retention of accumulated leave by; and (4) eligibility for civil service retirement annuities of such personnel.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1976
Title I: Amends the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 to increase the amount of appropriations authorized under such Act to $300,000,000 for fiscal year 1977, $450,000,000 for fiscal year 1978, $625,000,000 for fiscal year 1979, and $800,000,000 for each fiscal year thereafter through fiscal year 1989. Revises procedures for the apportionment of land and water conservation fund moneys to States by the Secretary of the Interior. Imposes public participation requirements with respect to the preparation of comprehensive statewide outdoor recreation plans. Authorizes Federal financial assistance for the planning and development of sheltered facilities for swimming pools and ice skating rinks, provided specified conditions are met. Title II: Amends the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 to establish a historic preservation fund in the United States Treasury. Stipulates that $24,400,000 for fiscal year 1977, $75,000,000 annually for fiscal years 1978 and 1979 and $100,000,000 annually for each fiscal year thereafter until fiscal year 1989 be covered into the fund from revenues due and payable to the United States under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act and other Federal Mining laws. Stipulates that such moneys shall remain available until appropriated to carry out the purposes of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. Authorizes the appropriation of $175,000 per year for fiscal years 1977,1978, and 1979 for the International Center for the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property.
United States · United States Congress · 2 March 1976
Guatemala Disaster Relief Act - Authorizes the President to make available assistance for relief and rehabilitation of the victims of the recent earthquake in the Republic of Guatemala. Authorizes the appropriation of $25,000,000 to carry out the purposes of this Act, under the general policies for furnishing international disaster assistance of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961.
United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1976
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow taxpayers of any age to exclude from gross income gain from the sale or exchange of property if during the eight year period preceding the sale or exchange, such property has been owned and used as the taxpayer's principal residence for periods aggregating five years or more. Allows a surviving spouse to tack on the holding and use periods of the decedent spouse without regard to whether such decedent spouse had made an election to exclude gain from a prior sale or exchange.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1976
Replaces Federal criminal statutory provisions penalizing "rape" and "carnal knowledge of females under 16" with provisions penalizing "sexual assault." Designates guilty of sexual assault any person who knowingly engages in sexual contact or penetration of another person without such person's consent. Imposes penalties for sexual contact or penetration of any person who has not attained the age of 18, notwithstanding such person's consent. Sets forth penalties for such assault according to specified criteria, including the consideration of aggravating factors. Specifies procedures for medical examination of alleged victims of offenses under this Act. Prohibits the introduction of evidence of the victim's prior sexual activity unless the court determines after an in camera hearing that the evidence is relevant and material and does not constitute an unnecessary invasion of privacy. (Amends 18 U.S.C. 2031-35)
United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1976
Small Business Estate and Gift Tax Reform Act - Revises, under the Internal Revenue Code, the rate of tax imposed on transfers of taxable estates. Increases the present $60,000 exemption from such tax to $80,000 in 1976, $100,000 in 1978, and $120,000 in 1980. Alters possible gift tax exemptions of a decedent's estate in 1980. Provides that in the computation of the value of a taxable estate, where a bequest is made to the surviving spouse, the limitation on the aggregate of deductions is revised from 50 percent to $240,000 plus 50 percent of the excess of the adjusted gross estate. Incorporates in the determination of the value of a decedent's property held as farming property or scenic open property, the consideration of any effective restrictions on its use for other purposes. Increases the gift tax exemption from $30,000 to $60,000. Allows a taxpayer to claim, under conditions prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury or his delegate, an additional exemption which would otherwise be allowed his estate upon his death. Revises the gift tax exemption permitted for gifts to spouses from one half of the transferred property's value to so much of its value as does not exceed $240,000, plus one half of the excess. Extends from 10 to 15 the number of equal installments in which estate taxes on an estate consisting largely of an interest in closely held business may be paid. Permits the Secretary or his delegate, with the taxpayer's consent, to impose a lien on the closely held business assets which constitute the basis for the extension. Allows such lien in lieu of requiring a bond, but treats it as a bond for purposes of the discharge of fiduciary liability. Requires the Secretary or his delegate to study: (1) hardship extensions of the time for payment of estate tax and installments thereof; and (2) extensions of time for payment of estate tax where the estate consists largely of an interest in a closely held business as such extensions affect decisions to continue or dispose of a small or closely held business. Orders a report of such study to be submitted to Congress within 12 months of enactment of these provisions, such report to include findings, conclusions, and recommendations for legislation.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 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 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
Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to appoint to the Federal service specified State, territory, and local meat and poultry inspection personnel to enforce and perform Federal inspection requirements with respect to slaughterhouses and processing establishments whose products are distributed solely intrastate where such regulation is required because the State or territory in which such slaughterhouses or processing establishments are located has failed to develop or enforce sufficient inspection standards. Details provisons relating to: (1) compensation of; (2) credit for prior State, territory, or local service by; (3) retention of accumulated leave by; and (4) eligibility for civil service retirement annuities of such personnel.
United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1976
Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1974 to establish as an independent establishment of the Executive Branch the Federal Election Commission, consisting of the Secretary of the Senate (ex officio), the Clerk of the House (ex officio), and six members appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. States that more than three members appointed by the President may be affiliated with the same party. Sets members' terms at six years with one members' term expiring every year. States that members will be chosen from among individuals who are not currently elected or appointed as an officer or employee of any branch of the Government of the United States, except current members of the Federal Election Commission.
United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1976
Expresses the solidarity of the American people in efforts to enlarge human freedom by the participants in the second Brussels conference, February 17 to 19, 1976.
![Official portrait of Rep. Lagomarsino, Robert J. [R-CA-19]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/l000020_200.jpg)